Today’s adventure took us to one of my favorite places in Dana Point—the tidepools just beyond the Ocean Institute. It was my first official Coastal Explorer USA tidepool outing of the year, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group: two moms and three curious kids, all between 10 and 11 years old, and all living less than ten miles from the beach. I love when locals come out to explore; it’s a reminder that even when the ocean is in your backyard, there’s always something new to discover.
The weather couldn’t have been better—low 70s, sunny, and that perfect coastal breeze that makes you want to stay outside all day. We met around 2 p.m. at the small pier next to Baby Beach, which has quickly become one of my favorite meetup spots. It’s calm, easy to find, and always buzzing with a little bit of harbor life.
Spotting Garibaldi and Harbor Life
We kicked things off with a quick introduction to one of Southern California’s most iconic fish—the bright orange Garibaldi. I love starting with this species because kids immediately tune in. As we walked, I asked them to keep an eye out for that unmistakable flash of orange beneath the water. It’s always fun to see who spots one first.
As we made our way toward the headlands, we passed a couple of spearfishermen talking about their catch of the day. They had landed a sheephead, a cabezon, a sand bass, and even a giant opaleye. Moments like that are great teaching opportunities—real, living examples of the biodiversity right here in our local waters.
Rocks, Erosion, and the Slow Walk of Discovery
One of the best parts of tidepool exploration is that it naturally slows everyone down. Kids especially love rocks—point out one interesting formation, and suddenly they’re noticing everything. We talked about rock layers, erosion, and even the hillside homes that appear to be slowly sliding toward the sea. Nature is always at work here, and it’s powerful to see it up close.
Along the way, we found piddock clam holes carved into the sandstone, examined California mussels washed ashore, and talked about driftwood, tides, and how the landscape changes every single day. I always remind guests that the rocks can shift underfoot and that the tides reshape the coastline constantly. No two visits are ever the same.
As we got closer to the tidepools, we paused to listen to the deep, resonant sound of the harbor buoy. It’s a small moment, but it’s one of my favorites—an invitation to slow down, breathe, and tune into the rhythm of the coast.
Into the Tidepools
Once we passed the last of the houses, the real exploration began. The tidepools were alive with movement—snails, anemones, hermit crabs, and all the tiny details that make this ecosystem so magical. The kids were fully engaged, asking questions, pointing things out, and discovering the hidden world between the rocks.
After exploring for a while, we began our walk back, taking time to talk about the history of the area. The hillside above us is the same place where Richard Henry Dana once collected cowhides from Mission San Juan Capistrano in the 1840s—a story that still shapes the identity of this city today.
Grateful for Another Great Day on the Coast
By the time we wrapped up—about an hour and fifteen minutes later—everyone was smiling, sandy, and full of new discoveries. Days like this remind me why I started Coastal Explorer USA. Sharing my passion for coastal ecology, local history, and the natural beauty of Dana Point never gets old, especially with guests who live so close yet still find something new to love.
I’m already looking forward to the next group and the next adventure. The tidepools are always changing, and there’s always more to explore.
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