Experience some of the highest and lowest tides of the year along the Santa Cruz County coastline. King tides can create dramatic high-water conditions and reveal tide pools and stretches of beach rarely exposed at extreme low tide. Families exploring the coast should check tide timing and conditions, stay well back from waves and unstable cliffs, and practice responsible tide pooling.
For the December King Tides, the official dates are December 23–25, 2026. Visit Santa Cruz County lists low tide at 4:08 p.m. Dec. 23, 4:55 p.m. Dec. 24, and 5:42 p.m. Dec. 25.