Outdoors
Tide Pools in San Diego: Where, When and How to Visit
Where to find tide pools in San Diego, from Cabrillo National Monument to La Jolla, how to time a low tide, what the protected-area rules say and how to stay safe.
Beaches & Outdoors
Beaches, tide pools, hikes and whale season in San Diego County, with access, timing, rules and safety notes from official sources.
Guides in this section
Outdoors
Whale Watching in San Diego: Seasons, Species and Spots
Whale watching in San Diego: gray whale season from December into spring, blue whales in summer, the best land spots and NOAA's 100-yard distance rule.
Outdoors
Potato Chip Rock: The Mt. Woodson Hike Explained
How to hike to Potato Chip Rock on Mt. Woodson: Lake Poway vs. Highway 67 routes, parking, heat closures, water, and how the photo line works.
Outdoors
Cowles Mountain: Trailheads, Parking and What to Expect
Hiking Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails: the Golfcrest, Barker Way and Santee trailheads compared, parking, dog rules, heat and the best time to go.
Outdoors
Sunset Cliffs: Where to Go and How to Stay Safe on the Bluffs
Sunset Cliffs in San Diego: the park's two sections, where to watch the sunset, parking and closures, tides, and how to stay safe on unstable bluffs.
Outdoors
La Jolla Cove: Sea Lions, Snorkeling and Visiting Responsibly
Plan a La Jolla Cove visit: where the sea lions are, which areas are closed, how snorkeling works in the marine reserve and how far to stay from wildlife.
Outdoors
Torrey Pines Hike: Trails, Rules and Timing
Plan a Torrey Pines hike: trail lengths from the official map, reserve rules on food and dogs, the 2026-27 construction closure and the best times to go.
Outdoors
San Diego Beaches: How to Pick the Right One for Your Day
How to choose among San Diego beaches by what you want to do, with city beach rules, water-quality checks, lifeguard coverage and rip current basics.