California King Tides Project

How to Participate | King Tides Photo Gallery | About King Tides | Educator Resources

This winter the California King Tides are
December 23-24, 2022 and January 21-22, 2023.

Join #KingTides:

The California King Tides Project helps us visualize future sea level by observing the highest tides of today. You can help by taking and sharing photos of the shoreline during King Tides to create a record of changes to our coast and estuaries.

Explore a map of photos from recent King Tides.

Find out what time and how high the King Tides will be near you. Learn how to participate by uploading your photos via a web browser or with a free app. Your photos will be added to a map of this season's King Tides photos. As always, please be cautious and respect the power of the ocean, and don't disturb shorebirds that may be much farther upland than usual.

Join a King Tides event:

Observe and document King Tides on your own or join a group event. Events will be posted throughout the season, so check back for more. Each respective hosting organization is responsible for the following events. Please contact them for further details.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

King Tide & Sea Level Rise Webinar
Online
Dec. 13, 6pm
Presented by Sierra Club San Francisco Bay
Join an educational webinar on King Tides and sea level rise. The presenters will be Annie Kohut Frankel from the California Coastal Commission who will speak on King Tides and the California King Tides Project, and Ellen Plane from the San Francisco Estuary Institute who will discuss sea level rise basics, sea level rise vulnerability concerns, and nature based solutions. More info and register.

Friday, December 23, 2022

King Tides Nature Walk
Noyo Headlands Park, Mendocino County
Glass Beach, W Elm Street
Dec. 23, 10:30am–12:30pm
Presented by Latino Outdoors North Coast
Join an easy 2 mile nature walk along the Noyo Headlands trails and go see the King Tides. Learn about the tides, climate change, and the ways we can keep track of the sea level rise through photography. We will provide a hot beverage (hot chocolate and coffee) to keep us warm through the cold and a light lunch will be provided. All ages are welcome! Bring comfortable closed toed shoes and warm clothing or layers, your own mug, water bottle, and snacks. If you have any questions, please reach out to Esme Plascencia at e.plascencia@latinooutdoors.org or (707) 813-1284. Registration Required. Please be sure to look out for a confirmation email after you register and fill out the required participation waiver.

Explore and Observe Tidepools During the King Tides
Shell Beach, Sonoma County
Dec. 23, 3pm-5pm
Presented by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
If you've been wondering what sea levels will look like as the climate changes, head to the Sonoma Coast during a king tide. After the king tide (the highest tide of the year), you will see a corresponding low tide. You will have a great time exploring the tide pools and observing tide pool creatures. Experienced tidepool docents will guide you on tidepooling, and discuss the impacts of the King Tides and how we can get involved. More info and register.

Explore and Observe Tidepools During the King Tides
Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, San Mateo County
Ravenswood Parking Lot, East Palo Alto Dec. 23, 10am-1pm
Presented by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
Join docent naturalists at high tide along the boardwalk and overlook platforms during a king tides event. These tides, expected to get up to 9 feet, often force rare birds out of hiding. Two of your docents are expert birders and will assist with observations in the marshlands. You'll also learn about the phenomenon of king tides and tidal systems. Details and directions

King Tide Tour of Elkhorn Slough
Elkhorn Slough Reserve, Monterey County
1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville
Dec. 23, 9am-11am
Presented by California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Join a short, 1 mile walk to see the highest tide of the year sweep into the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Naturalists will share background on the king tide phenomenon, and how scientists and community planners are using them as a way to plan for future sea level rise impacts. Learn about tides, climate change, and the ways our local communities are coming together to build a better future! All ages are welcome, but registration is required to join. To register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar. NOTE: Registration for this event opens one month beforehand. If the event is full, you can reach out to Community outreach Coordinator, Ariel Hunter, to be added to the waitlist: ariel.hunter@wildlife.ca.gov

King Tide at Black's Beach
Black's Beach, San Diego County
Black's Beach Trailhead, La Jolla
Dec. 23, 7:30am-9am
Presented by Scripps Coastal Reserve
Join University of California Scripps Coastal Reserve Manager Isabelle Kay for a walk to the Black's Beach overlook to observe the high tide and talk about anticipated effects of sea level rise on the famous surf break and the 400-foot high bluffs. Bring phone/camera to document and share your observations. Meet at the top of Black's Canyon (Intersection of La Jolla Farms Road and Black Gold Road). Two-hour parking is available along the nearby streets. No registration necessary, but a waiver signature is required. For more information, email nrs@ucsd.edu or text Isabelle at (858) 229-4677.

Low Tide Observations at Dike Rock
Dike Rock intertidal area, San Diego County
Scripps Pier, La Jolla
Dec. 23, 3pm-4:30pm
Presented by Scripps Coastal Reserve
Join University of California Scripps Coastal Reserve Manager Isabelle Kay for a half-mile walk north of the SIO pier along the beach to the famous Dike Rock intertidal area. Learn about the research being carried out in the rocky intertidal habitat to detect long-term trends in biodiversity and biochemistry, anticipated effects of global climate change and sea level rise, and how to visit the area with care to reduce your impacts. Bring binoculars if you have any, and a camera if you like. (The Scripps Coastal Reserve is a State Marine Conservation Area, so no collecting or fishing is allowed along the shore.) Meet at the west end (foot) of the SIO pier. Paid parking is available in the SIO parking lot to the south, off El Paseo Grande. One-hour parking is available along the west side of La Jolla Shores Drive and unlimited time parking on the east side. To register (15 people max.) or more information, email nrs@ucsd.edu. For day of communication text Isabelle at (858) 229-4677.

Saturday, December 24, 2022

King Tides walk on Berkeley Waterfront
Berkeley, Alameda County
Sea Breeze Deli, 598 University Avenue
Dec. 24, 10:30am-12:30pm
Presented by Friends of Five Creeks
Take a break from holiday hectics to enjoy nature and consider the long term during one of the year's highest daytime tides. Friends of Five Creeks President Susan Schwartz will lead a group along the Berkeley waterfront, starting at Sea Breeze Deli (warm drinks available). Talk about the shoreline's history and future, current changes, and what we can do as the earth warms and seas rise. This level walk goes rain or shine. You can just stroll and chat, or bring binoculars to enjoy wintering waterbirds or a camera to help create a record for the California King Tides Project. No dogs. Maximum 15 people. Sign up on Eventbrite here. Email f5creeks@gmail.com with any questions.

Friday, January 20, 2023

King Tides: What are they and why do they matter?
Online for Classrooms and Students
Jan. 20, 8:30am-9:30am
Presented by California State Parks
Get ready to float along the California coast and visit several State Beaches in southern, central, and northern California during this special earth and climate science interactive webcast for classrooms and students. Teachers: You are welcome to share this webinar-styled program in your classroom. If your students are watching on individual devices, please send the registration link to your students. If each student is registered, it ensures that they will be able to access this program. If students are not able to register, then you can simply share the link you receive after registering. More details and registration.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

King Tides Nature Walk
Noyo Headlands Park, Mendocino County
Glass Beach, W Elm Street
Jan. 21, 9:30am–12:30pm
Presented by Latino Outdoors North Coast and Mendocino Land Trust
Join an easy 2 mile nature walk along the Noyo Headlands trails and go see the King Tides. Learn about the tides, climate change, and the ways we can keep track of the sea level rise through photography. We will provide a hot beverage (hot chocolate and coffee) to keep us warm through the cold and a light lunch will be provided. All ages are welcome! Bring comfortable closed toed shoes and warm clothing or layers, your own mug, water bottle, and snacks. If you have any questions, please reach out to Esme Plascencia at e.plascencia@latinooutdoors.org or (707) 813-1284. Registration Required. Please be sure to look out for a confirmation email after you register and fill out the required participation waiver.

Explore and Observe Tidepools During the King Tides
Shell Beach, Sonoma County
Jan. 21, 3pm-5pm
Presented by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
If you've been wondering what sea levels will look like as the climate changes, head to the Sonoma Coast during a king tide. After the king tide (the highest tide of the year), you will see a corresponding low tide. You will have a great time exploring the tide pools and observing tide pool creatures. Experienced tidepool docents will guide you on tidepooling, and discuss the impacts of the King Tides and how we can get involved. More info and register.

King Tide Wetlands Edge Social Hike
Wetlands Edge Trail, Napa County
2 Eucalyptus Drive, American Canyon
Jan. 21, 9:30-11:30am
Presented by American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation
See American Canyon's wetlands transformed during the annual king tides. Bring you camera and capture the shoreline changes as part of the California King Tides Project. The 1.5 mile loop trail is a flat, loose gravel trail appropriate for most walkers.

King Tide Photography Hike
China Camp State Park, Marin County
Turtle Back Trailhead, San Rafael
Jan. 21, 10:30am-noon
Presented by Friends of China Camp
A naturalist will offer a short talk on tides, king tides and sea level rise. Participants will walk the 0.7 mile loop to photograph the king tides on the marsh and see shorebirds and birds of prey foraging on marsh critters as they move inland to escape the rising tide. Registration required.

A Royal Walk with the King Tides in San Francisco
The Embarcadero, San Francisco
Jan. 21, 10am-11am
Presented by Exploratorium and the Port of San Francisco
Join the Exploratorium and Port of San Francisco staff for a short stroll along the San Francisco waterfront to observe, photograph, and discuss the King Tides. We'll gather between Pier 3 and Pier 5 on the Bay side of San Francisco's Embarcadero. Come find out what causes the tides and why we have King Tides at this time of year, and learn about the Port's Waterfront Resilience Program and related sea level rise and resilience projects. We'll meet rain or shine. Come see the future! This event is free. Museum entrance is not included. For more information, contact Lori Lambertson: llambertson@exploratorium.edu

King Tides at Coyote Hills
~~Fremont, Alameda County~~ THIS IS NOW ONLINE DUE TO ROAD FLOODING, see below
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Jan. 21, 11am-11:30pm
Presented by Coyote Hills Regional Park
Join Coyote Hills naturalists to virtually experience the highest tides of the year, that give us a sneak preview of our future with predicted sea level rise in the Bay Area. Find out what causes them, how they impact plants, animals and humans, and what we can do to reduce those impacts. Watch this Facebook Live program.

King Tides Walk at the Baylands
Palo Alto, Santa Clara County
EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Road
Jan. 21, 10:30am-12:30pm
Presented by Environmental Volunteers
Join a fun, interactive learning experience which will teach you about what King Tides are and why they are exciting! All ages are welcome – activities will be accessible and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Learn more.

King Tides Baylands Art Installation and Performance
Palo Alto, Santa Clara County
Baylands Nature Preserve, 2560 Embarcadero Road
Jan. 21, 10:30am-11:30am
Presented by artist Jeffrey Downing and Palo Alto Art Center
Bay Area artist Jeffrey Downing will create a temporary, site-specific performance near the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Environmental Volunteers Eco Center to engage the community around the topic of sea-level rise. Downing will install his black-and-white ceramic columns, enhanced with nautical symbols at the top, in the Baylands, to coincide with the King Tides. The columns will be placed in the bay mud at the edge of the levee in front of the Nature Center. Over the course of the rising tides, the works will seemingly submerge further into the water, only to be removed when low tide returns. During the installation, the artist will be available to talk to viewers about his work and process. The site of the installation has been identified to minimize any impact to plants or wildlife habitat at the Baylands. Special care will be taken to minimize the artist's movement in areas outside pedestrian pathways to reduce any lasting impact to the environment. Downing's sculpture Terrametric Markers, 2020, will be on view at the Palo Alto Art Center in the Under Water exhibition from January 21 to April 8, 2023. For more information about this project, contact Karen Kienzle, Art Center Director at (650) 617-3535 or karen.kienzle@cityofpaloalto.org.

King Tide Tour of Elkhorn Slough
Elkhorn Slough Reserve, Monterey County
1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville
Jan. 21, 9am-11am
Presented by California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Join a short, 1 mile walk to see the highest tide of the year sweep into the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Naturalists will share background on the king tide phenomenon, and how scientists and community planners are using them as a way to plan for future sea level rise impacts. Learn about tides, climate change, and the ways our local communities are coming together to build a better future! All ages are welcome, but registration is required to join. To register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar. NOTE: Registration for this event opens one month beforehand. If the event is full, you can reach out to Community outreach Coordinator, Ariel Hunter, to be added to the waitlist: ariel.hunter@wildlife.ca.gov

Tide Pool Walk at Point Lobos - NEW LOCATION
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Monterey County
Whaler's Cabin, Carmel
Jan. 21, 2:30pm
Presented by California State Parks
Join State Park Interpreter Alec Knapp for a King Tides exploration of Moss Cove at 2:30pm. Hike is 1.5 miles round trip over uneven, slippery terrain. Please bring grippy shoes, layers for inclement weather and plenty of water to stay hydrated. All of the Point Lobos shoreline is in a State Marine Reserve, so no collecting or fishing is allowed at any time. Meet at Whaler's Cabin at 2:30pm. Parking is $10. We look forward to seeing you there! (Note: location was moved due to closure at Weston Beach). No registration required. Contact alec.knapp@parks.ca.gov with any questions.

King Tides Explained at Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History, San Luis Obispo County
20 State Park Road, Morro Bay
Jan. 21, 9am-10am
Presented by Central Coast State Parks Association
Join State Park Volunteer Faylla to learn all about King Tides. Come observe a very high tide from the Museum of Natural History, hear the history of the term King Tides, learn how to read a tide calendar and find out what climate change will mean with these tides. Meet at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay and walk down to Windy Cove to observe the tide. Dress in layers for the coast. More details on facebook.

King Tides Walk
Promenade Park, Ventura County
Shoreline Drive near Surfers Point, Ventura
Jan. 21, 8:30am
Presented by City of Ventura
Join the City of Ventura and local environmental partners for a walk along the Beach Promenade to learn about King Tides and how sea level rise could impact our local coastline. The ten minute, one-way walk is a half-mile. More details.

King Tide at at the Mission Bay Marsh
Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve, San Diego County
2055 Pacific Beach Drive (at Crown Point Drive), San Diego
Jan. 21, 7:30am-10am
Presented by UCSD Natural Reserve System and San Diego Audubon
Meet at the Kendall-Frost Reserve headquarters at 7:15am for an overview on sea level rise, the birds that rely on disappearing marsh habitat, and strategies for documenting and reporting today's event. Then spread out around the wetlands with cameras and binoculars to record your observations. (If running late, just go to your favorite marsh observation location and return to headquarters at 9am to compare notes and learn how to upload your favorite photos.) For more information, email nrs@ucsd.edu or text Isabelle at (858) 229-4677.

King Tides at the Tijuana Estuary
Imperial Beach, San Diego County
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Way
Jan. 21, 9am-11am
Presented by Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and California State Parks
Join California State Parks Interpreter Empress Holliday during one of the mornings of the January King Tides, the highest tides of the winter. Meet at our Visitor Center for an approximately 2 mile round trip where we will explore how the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve continuously measures water depth and is a sentinel station keeping track of trends with a changing climate. In addition, participants will learn about the award winning planning to adapt to the impacts from riverine flooding and sea level rise. This hike is geared for ages 12 and up with adult supervision. For any questions you may contact Empress Holliday at empress.holliday@parks.ca.gov.

Sunday, January 22, 2023

King Tides Nature Walk
Noyo Headlands Park, Mendocino County
Glass Beach, W Elm Street
~~Jan. 22~~, 9:30am–12:30pm - NEW DATE JAN.21
Presented by Latino Outdoors North Coast and Mendocino Land Trust
Join an easy 2 mile nature walk along the Noyo Headlands trails and go see the King Tides. Learn about the tides, climate change, and the ways we can keep track of the sea level rise through photography. We will provide a hot beverage (hot chocolate and coffee) to keep us warm through the cold and a light lunch will be provided. All ages are welcome! Bring comfortable closed toed shoes and warm clothing or layers, your own mug, water bottle, and snacks. If you have any questions, please reach out to Esme Plascencia at e.plascencia@latinooutdoors.org or (707) 813-1284. Registration Required. Please be sure to look out for a confirmation email after you register and fill out the required participation waiver.

King Tides at Radke Martinez Shoreline
Radke Martinez Shoreline, Contra Costa County
Parking lot off N. Court Street, Martinez
Jan. 22, Noon-2pm
Presented by East Bay Regional Park District
Experience the highest tides of the year and a glimpse into the future. Discover what causes king tides and explore the tidal zone on this walk and talk. The terrain is flat, but not paved. Please dress for the weather, wear boots, and expect to get little wet. Bringing water and snacks is recommended. Drop-in program, all ages. For questions contact jkauzer@ebparks.org.

King Tide Hike in the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
China Camp State Park, Marin County
Turtle Back Trailhead, San Rafael
Jan. 22, Noon-1:30pm
Presented by Friends of China Camp and San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Join Dr. Mike Vasey, former director of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, for a walk near the edge of China Camp's tidal salt marsh during a king tide. Learn what king tides can teach us about sea level rise, and how climate change will impact our region's wetlands and the marsh species that reside there. Find more info and register.

A Royal Walk with the King Tides in San Francisco
The Embarcadero, San Francisco
Jan. 22, 11am
Presented by Exploratorium and the Port of San Francisco
Join Exploratorium educators and Port of San Francisco staff for a short stroll along the San Francisco waterfront to observe, photograph, and discuss the King Tides. We'll gather between Pier 3 and Pier 5 on the Bay side of San Francisco's Embarcadero. Come find out what causes the tides and why we have King Tides at this time of year, and learn about the Port's Waterfront Resilience Program and related sea level rise and resilience projects. We'll meet rain or shine. Come see the future! This event is free. Museum entrance is not included. For more information, contact Lori Lambertson: llambertson@exploratorium.edu

King Tides Walk on the Berkeley Waterfront
Berkeley, Alameda County
Sea Breeze Deli, 598 University Avenue
Jan. 22, 10:30am-12:30pm
Presented by Friends of Five Creeks
Enjoy nature and consider the long term during one of winter's highest daytime tides. Friends of Five Creeks President Susan Schwartz will lead a group along the Berkeley waterfront, starting at Sea Breeze Deli (warm drinks available). Talk about the shoreline's history and future, how it is changing, local challenges, and what we can do as the earth warms and seas rise. This level walk goes rain or shine. You can just stroll and chat, bring binoculars to enjoy wintering waterbirds, and/or a camera to take pictures for the California King Tides Project. No dogs. Maximum 15 people. Sign up on Eventbrite here. If it fills up, please add your name to the waitlist. Cancellations are likely. Email f5creeks@gmail.com with any questions.

King Tides at the Oakland Estuary
Oakland, Alameda County
Fruitvale Bridge Park, Fruitvale Avenue at Alameda Avenue
Jan. 22, 10am-Noon
Presented by Friends of Sausal Creek
Start the new year off with a walking tour of the history and science of the Oakland Estuary. Local historian Dennis Evanosky and hydrology engineer Dr. Dane Behrens will talk about the historical significance of this waterway as well as the king tide phenomenon, sea level rise, and climate resilient strategies for our future. Start at Fruitvale Bridge Park, where the Sausal Creek outlet meets the estuary and take a half mile stroll to the High Street Bridge. Bring your cameras and binoculars, and contribute to the California King Tides Project by sharing your photos. Register online. Questions: (510)501-3672 or fosceducation@gmail.com

A Royal Walk with the King Tides in South Bay
East Palo Alto, San Mateo County
Cooley Landing, 2100 Bay Road
Jan. 22, 11am
Presented by Exploratorium, Climate Resilient Communities, and Grassroots Ecology
Join a stroll along the bay to observe, photograph, and discuss the King Tides. Free to all, with prior registration required. Meets rain or shine. Offered in both English and Spanish. Get more details and register.

King Tide Bike Ride
Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County
Baylands Park, 999 East Caribbean Drive
Jan. 22, 10am-3pm
Presented by Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
View the King Tide by bike: take a casual, relaxed group bike ride with SVBC from Baylands Park in Sunnyvale to Alviso Marina County Park. Learn about the King Tide, wetlands restoration, and South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Protection project under construction. More info and register.

King Tides Science and Celebration
Santa Monica, Los Angeles County
1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica
Jan. 22, 8:15am-10:30am
Presented by Climate Action Santa Monica
Gather at 8:15am by Heal the Bay's aquarium to prepare to fan out across the beach. The main focus will be to capture great photos of the ocean's tide at its peak. This will help scientific research on sea-level rise and its effect on our local beaches and infrastructure. The group will then head over to Heal the Bay's aquarium for educational demonstrations to learn about the planetary forces that cause the King Tides to occur, and to have a community-based discussion about the effects of climate on our oceans. Light snacks and coffee will be provided. More info and register.

King Tides at South Ponto Beach
Carlsbad, San Diego County
South Ponto Beach
Jan. 22, 8:30am
Presented by Preserve Calavera & Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
If you've been wondering what sea levels will look like as the climate changes, head to South Ponto Beach. This event will have experts, coffee, and donuts right next to the parking lot starting at 8:30am. Join to participate in this citizen science project. After the king tide (the highest tide of the year), you will see a corresponding low tide later in the day. You will have a great time exploring the tide pools and observing tide pool creatures, please no touching or disturbing, use your eyes only. For questions, email debm@batiquitoslagoon.org.

King Tides at Rose Creek Salt Marsh
Bayview Terrace Elementary parking lot, San Diego County
2445 Fogg St, San Diego
Jan. 22, 8:30am-9:45am
Presented by Friends of Rose Creek
Document the king tides at Rose Creek Marsh and Estuary. Details and meeting location

Contact the California King Tides Project at kingtides@coastal.ca.gov.