California King Tides Project. Snap the Shore, See the Future. A family watches the king tides at San Francisco's Pier 14

California King Tides Project

How to Participate  |   King Tides Photo Gallery  |   About King Tides  |   Educator Resources


The next California King Tide Project dates are
November 15-17 and December 13-15, 2024.

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The California King Tides Project helps us visualize future sea level by observing the highest tides of today. You can help by taking and sharing photos of the shoreline during King Tides to create a record of changes to our coast and estuaries.

Explore a map of photos from recent King Tides.

Find out what time and how high the King Tides will be near you. Learn how to participate by uploading your photos via a web browser or with a free app. Your photos will be added to a map of this season's King Tides photos. As always, please be cautious and respect the power of the ocean, and don't disturb shorebirds that may be much farther upland than usual. Download a How to Participate flyer.



Join a King Tides event:

Observe and document King Tides on your own or join a group event. Events will be posted throughout the season, so check back for more. 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.

Friday, November 15, 2024

  • King Tides High Tide Hike
    Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
    1700 Elkhorn Road, Monterey County

    Nov. 15, 9am
    Presented by Elkhorn Slough Reserve.
    Join an Elkhorn Slough Reserve naturalist to see a high king tide for yourself! Together we'll learn what causes high tides, talk about why king tides are so interesting, and take a hike to the Reserve's boardwalk to witness the event for ourselves. For more info, go to elkhornslough/org/calendar

Saturday, November 16, 2024

  • King Tide Tour
    Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
    Arcata, Humboldt County

    Nov. 16, 10-11:30am
    Presented by Friends of the Arcata Marsh.
    Join leaders Elliott Dabill and Barbara Reisman for a hike during one of the November King Tides, the highest tides of the winter. Meet at the first parking lot on I Street in from Samoa Boulevard (Rte. 255), across from the "Green Wall." No RVSP is required for this free, all ages interpretive tour along flat, gravel/paved paths, which occurs rain or shine. This popular annual event attracts over 50 attendees! For questions, email info@arcatamarshfriends.org.
  • King Tide Open House at Navarro-by-the-Sea
    Captain Fletcher's Inn
    Navarro Beach Road, Mendocino County

    Nov. 16, 9am-noon
    Presented by Navarro-by-the-Sea Center, MendoParks, California State Parks.
    The historic Captain Fletcher's Inn will be open for tours all morning while visitors take a look at the king tide on nearby Navarro Beach. The fireplace will be going so visitors can warm up, along with hot tea and light refreshments. Free admission. For more Info, contact (707) 937-4700 or director@mendoparks.org.
  • Napa River King Tide Paddle
    5684 Lakeville Highway
    Lakeville Landing, Petaluma, Sonoma County

    Nov. 16, 1:45pm
    Presented by Napa Valley Paddle.
    Ride the biggest tide of the year from Petaluma to San Pablo Bay! Shuttle service will be coordinated. Rent gear or bring your own. Register.
  • King Tide Ride to Ravenswood Preserve
    Meet at Redwood City Public Library
    1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, San Mateo County

    Nov. 16, 11am-3pm
    Presented by Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.
    Join a beginner- and family-friendly group bike ride to Ravenswood Preserve to witness the highest tides of the year! Register for the ride.
  • King Tides High Tide Hike
    Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
    1700 Elkhorn Road, Monterey County

    Nov. 16, 9:30am
    Presented by Elkhorn Slough Reserve.
    Join an Elkhorn Slough Reserve naturalist to see a high king tide for yourself! Together we'll learn what causes high tides, talk about why king tides are so interesting, and take a hike to the Reserve's boardwalk to witness the event for ourselves. For more info, go to elkhornslough/org/calendar
  • King Tide at Morro Bay
    Morro Bay Museum of Natural History (car park), off Morro Bay State Park Road
    Morro Bay State Park, San Luis Obispo County

    Nov. 16, 9:20-10:30am
    Presented by Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo College of Civil and Environmental Engineering and School of Marine Sciences and California State Parks.
    Morro Bay is a unique estuary with a variety of environments, including pocket beaches, rocky bluffs, sand dunes, salt marsh, freshwater creeks, and abundant wildlife. By taking part in the California King Tide Project, your photos will help document high water levels and improve understanding of how our coastal environments may change in this beautiful location. During this event we invite everyone to take a snapshot of King Tide water levels in Windy Cove and around the Morro Bay State Park Boardwalk, so we can gain a fuller picture of how marine waters encroach upon different environments. In Morro Bay, the peak of the King tide is predicted to occur between 9:45 and 10:05am. We hope to see you there.
  • King Tide at Avila Beach
    Avila Beach Park, corner of San Juan and Front Streets
    Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County

    Nov. 16, 8:30-9:30am
    Presented by Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo College of Civil and Environmental Engineering and School of Marine Sciences and the Central Coast Aquarium.
    Come to Avila Beach to document the highest tide by taking a snapshot of King Tide water levels. Avila Beach has a varied environment which includes sandy beach areas, an estuary, and bluffs. Join us to capture what King Tides look like in these different areas and help build a library of images to paint a clearer picture or what higher sea levels might mean for our local communities and environment.
  • King Tide Hike
    Tijuana Estuary
    Imperial Beach, San Diego County

    Nov. 16, 9-11am
    Presented by Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and California State Parks, with support from the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Bird Alliance.
    Join a morning hike during one of the November King Tides, the highest tides of the winter. We are expecting an approximate 7 ft. high tide! You'll find out about how the Research Reserve continuously measures water depth and is a sentinel site keeping track of trends with a changing climate. You'll also learn about the award winning planning to adapt to the impacts from riverine flooding and sea level rise. Please RSVP and see more details on the Facebook page event.

Sunday, November 17, 2024

  • King Tides High Tide Hike
    Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
    1700 Elkhorn Road, Monterey County

    Nov. 17, 10am
    Presented by Elkhorn Slough Reserve.
    Join an Elkhorn Slough Reserve naturalist to see a high king tide for yourself! Together we'll learn what causes high tides, talk about why king tides are so interesting, and take a hike to the Reserve's boardwalk to witness the event for ourselves. For more info, go to elkhornslough/org/calendar
  • King Tides at South Ponto
    South Ponto State Park Beach, Encinitas, San Diego County

    Nov. 17, 8:45am
    Presented by Preserve Calavera and Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
    Observe and document the king tides at South Ponto Beach.

Saturday, December 14, 2024

  • King Tide Day in San Rafael
    711 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, Marin County

    Dec. 14, 9am-noon
    Presented by Canal Alliance, Multicultural Center of Marin, UC Berkeley, City of San Rafael, and Canal Arts.
    Join your neighbors and local scientists to document the highest tides of the year! Teams will use community science kits to explore how low-lying spots along the waterfront are affected by king tides. Measure flooding and take pictures alongside local experts. San Rafael is one of the Bay Area's most vulnerable cities to sea level rise, and the information you collect will help our community prepare. Please register in advance for this free event. Waterproof boots recommended!
  • King Tides Walk
    EV EcoCenter at the Palo Alto Baylands
    2560 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County

    Dec. 14, 9:30-11:30am
    Presented by Environmental Volunteers.
    Join Environmental Volunteers in a fun, 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. Highest of the high tides is at 10:30am. Walks go RAIN or shine! Be prepared for some wet trails and maybe some puddle-jumping. Learn more here. Participation is free, but space is limited; please register through EventBrite (and sign up on the waitlist if tickets are full! More will open up soon).

Contact the California King Tides Project at kingtides@coastal.ca.gov.