Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, just north of Half Moon Bay, is a popular low-tide destination. The receding sea reveals rocky reefs the length of a football field, offering a beachside glimpse into an underwater world. Residents include a rich variety of marine life such as sea stars, crabs, sponges, sea anemones, and mollusks. Kids abound, too, getting up close and (sometimes a little too) personal with sea creatures; touching is encouraged, but don't let the crabs pinch! Spring is one of the best times to visit: the resident harbor seals, of which there are more than 100, are pupping. Approaching these newborns is prohibited, but it's amusing to watch them from a distance. Even Gatsby would be rapt…TIP: Keep an eye out for informative volunteers wearing green shirts; they're part of the Friends of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and have been active in maintaining and educating people about this strip of coast for over 20 years.
For information on more upcoming low tides, click here. For more information on Fitzgerald, click here. Dogs and groups of 10 or more are not allowed.