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. The official 2026 King Tide dates are November 24–26, December 23–25, and January 21–22, 2027.
