Statewide:
November 24-26, 2026 December 23-25, 2026 January 21-22, 2027
Northern California locations may also include Dec. 22, Jan. 20, and/or Jan. 23.
Check the tide map for your local dates and times.
King Tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. Your photos help us understand the
impact of these tides and how sea level rise is changing our shoreline. What will our coast
look like when the King Tides of today become our everyday high tides?
Our King Tides Project Dates are selected based on the highest predicted astronomical tides
for the state of California, to create a shapshot of the impact of high
water level on our coast. The tide predictions are based on the relative position of the
Earth, moon, and sun, and do not include any storm surges or El Niño impacts.
Find out what time
the King Tides will be at your chosen location. Learn how to participate
and add your King Tides photos to our interactive photo map. As always, please be cautious and respect the power of the ocean,
and don't disturb shorebirds and other animals that may be much farther upland than usual. Download a
How to Participate flyer to share the
project with others.
This fall and winter, scientists anticipate that California will experience a historically strong or "super"
El Niño, along with Kelvin waves which cause a temporary increase in sea level. Coastal communities
may experience more frequent and intense storms, rainfall, and high waves. These conditions can result
in actual water heights exceeding tide predictions as well as
significant dangers, including landslides, flooding, and unsafe ocean waters. With this winter's conditions in mind, it is
especially important to always check and follow local and statewide safety guidelines during and after storm and
high surf events and heed any emergency closures and warnings. Please do not seek King Tide photos in your area
unless you can do so safely. Read more about El Niño.
Join a King Tides event
Events will be posted throughout the season, so check back for more.
Please prioritize safety, whether participating as an individual or part of an event.
If you would like to organize an event, please email us at
kingtides@coastal.ca.gov.
Each respective hosting organization is responsible for the following events. Please contact
them for further details.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Rising Tides: Explore and Learn About Sea Levels, High Tides, and El Niño, A Community Education Event
Ferry Plaza, San Francisco
Nov. 14, 1pm-4pm
Presented by Exploratorium and
Port of San Francisco.
What can we expect during this season’s high tides? What is the effect of El Niño on our sea
levels? Come learn more about the science of what’s going on, from tides to El Niño to sea
level rise, and about the Port of San Francisco’s Waterfront Resilience Program and its
adaptation plans. This free, family-friendly drop-in educational event will include science
activities and short talks. Get more info and reserve your spot.
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
King Tides Walk
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Ravenswood Unit
1600 Marsh Road, Menlo Park, San Mateo County
Nov. 24, 10:30am-11:30am
Presented by San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society.
Join a guided walk along Bedwell Bayfront Park and Refuge trails, to observe plant adaptations
and discuss the impacts of rising oceans. You’ll also learn how to contribute to the King Tides
Project by uploading photos through the Survey123 app. Meet in the Bedwell Bayfront Park parking
lot, adjacent to the bathrooms, before walking to an overlook at Bedwell Bayfront Park, and
then continue to the Refuge's Flyway Trail. The trail is compacted dirt and gravel with some
elevation gain. Walk will be at a slow pace for approximately 2 miles.
Get more info and reserve your spot.King Tides at Famosa Slough
Famosa Slough
4285 W. Pt. Loma Blvd, San Diego
Nov. 24, 8:30am-10:30am
Presented by San Diego Bird Alliance and
Friends of Famosa Slough.
Join San Diego Bird Alliance and Friends of Famosa Slough for a morning of birdwatching while
documenting the highest tides of the year!
Get more info and reserve your spot.
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
2nd Binational Wandering the King Tides USA/MX
Kendall-Frost Marsh
2055 Pacific Beach Drive (at Crown Point Drive), San Diego
Nov. 25, 7:30am-9:30am
Presented by San Diego Bird Alliance,
Reserva Privada Antonio Perisky, Pro Esteros, and ACPB.
2 locations, 1 event: Happening simultaneously at UC San Diego Kendall-Frost Marsh (USA)
and Estero de Punta Banda (Mexico)! More information coming soon. For questions email
kOrnelas@sandiegobirdalliance.org.
Get more info and reserve your spot.
Saturday, January 23, 2027
King Tides at the Baylands
EcoCenter in the Palo Alto Baylands
2560 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County
Jan. 23, 11:30am-1:30pm
Presented by Environmental Volunteers.
Join a fun, free, interactive learning experience which will teach you about what King Tides
are and why they are exciting! The event will include a brief hands-on science talk about the tides,
and then a gentle walk through the Baylands. You can also take photos to contribute to the King
Tides Project! Highest tide of the day takes place at 12:25pm. Walks go RAIN or shine (unless otherwise
noted)! Be prepared for some wet trails and maybe some puddle-jumping. Participation is free, but
space is limited. Check back soon for a link to register.
King Tides Outreach at Lovers Point
Lovers Point Beach
Ocean View Blvd. at 17th Street, Pacific Grove, Monterey County
Jan. 23, 10am-11am
Presented by Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
The Museum will staff an outreach table at Lovers Point Beach to
educate about king tides and how to participate in the project. Come say hi!
