Explore the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Added by Gordon Li
A spectacular oasis of tidal life tucked away next in a quiet residential neighborhood less than 30 minutes away from San Francisco.
Located beside a residential neighborhood, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a rare glimpse of life in the northern California intertidal zones. There are parking spaces and restrooms available, as well as ranger-led guided tours.
Be sure to check the tide charts and go during low tide (preferably 1 foot or less). During elephant seal mating season, much of the beach is blocked off to protect the marine mammals. Plan ahead to ensure the best experience!
Advanced reservations are required for all groups of 10 persons or more to visit the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Doing so limits the number of persons on the reef at any one time, reduces impact on marine life, and helps us protect and preserve the marine resources for future generations. Head to the park's website or call 1-650-363-4021 for more information.
Go Pro.
We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more!
Join the communityReviews
Rate this AdventureFive (Sea) Stars - awesome!
Go at super low tide and find: sea stars, abalone, chitons, hermit crabs, maybe an octopus. The beach is also a protected area for harbor seals.
5.0
Great place to explore/hang for several hours
Really enjoyed exploring the tidal pools. Look carefully and you’ll see thousands of crabs of all shapes and sizes, heron and other birds hunting for fish, and who knows what else. I’d recommend going down the staircase nearest the Cypress Ave entrance, and going left towards those tidal pools, which are far leas crowded and just as interesting as the ones pinpointed on the map here. I was glad I brought my hammock (above the beach amongst the cypress trees) and a pair of binoculars, and that I was wearing a pair of old sneakers when walking on the rocks.
5.0
This was a lot of fun. There were tons of seals and the JDs really enjoyed exploring the tide pools. Be sure to wear proper foot wear as the rocks are quite slippery.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Stay Nearby
San Francisco, California
Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime Nhp
From $10/night
Sausalito, California
Bicentennial Campground
From $20/night
Stinson Beach, California
3 Cottage Beach Retreat W/ Hot Tub
From $854/night
Stinson Beach, California
Beachside Getaway With Hot Tub & Outdoor Shower
From $160/night
Nearby Adventures
Explore the Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach
Hike Pillar Point Bluff
Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach
Hike McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes
© 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy