Before coming to the coast for this event, please note that storms, tides and ocean conditions can erode the beach and beach access. Visitors to the beach will need to descend and ascend ladder-like cable stairs that are mucky, wet and slippery. These conditions may not be suitable for very young children or persons with mobility or agility concerns. As always, beach and tide pool exploration may include slippery, rocky, wet conditions. Please wear appropriate sturdy footwear that can get wet. All visitors are responsible for their own safety.

The low tides in December are an opportunity to learn about the rocky intertidal zone. Join us at Shell Beach  where knowledgeable docents will help you to learn about this amazing ecosystem. And the sea star search is an opportunity to contribute observations of sea stars to the Winter Solstice Sea Star Search 2025 project on iNaturalist, if you want to. Some species of sea stars are endangered or struggling, and this event and others statewide throughout the month December help gather data. You can learn more about this project here: https://www.calacademy.org/community-science/solstice-sea-star-search

Meet at the Shell Beach parking lot by 2:50pm for a short safety talk and a walk down a steep rocky path and ladder-like cable stairs that are mucky, wet and slippery to the tide pools. Beach and tide pool exploration may include slippery, rocky, wet conditions. Please wear appropriate sturdy footwear that can get wet, and other weather appropriate clothing including warm layers. Bring water and a snack.

This is a FREE event and pre-registration is required.