Home » Event Series

“King Tides” of 7+ Feet Coming to San Francisco Bay (Dec. 23-24)

EVENT UPDATE: There are no upcoming events known for this event series - please check the organizer website for any updates.

The next “King Tides” are coming to the Bay Area on December 23-24, 2022 with tides expected as high as 7.12 feet.

According to tide-forecast.com the peak tides should occur around 10:30 am on December 23rd and again around 11:19 am on Christmas Eve

What are King Tides?
According to the NOAA, “A King Tide is a non-scientific term people often use to describe exceptionally high tides. Tides are long-period waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is “pulled” back and forth by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun as these bodies interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits. Higher than normal tides typically occur during a new or full moon and when the Moon is at its perigee, or during specific seasons around the country.” Learn more.

Take and share photos of the King Tide. Learn more at coastal.ca.gov/kingtides

Some of the most susceptible areas along the bay include San Francisco’s Embarcadero which has seen past tides lap up onto the walking path, the Manzanita Park & Ride Lot in southern Marin County as well as Pacifica.

Upcoming California King Tides Schedule

  • December 23-24, 2022
  • January 21-22, 2023

Join a Bay Area King Tides Event:

Friday, December 23, 2022

    • King Tides Nature Walk
      Noyo Headlands Park, Mendocino County
      Glass Beach, W Elm Street
      Dec. 23, 10:30am–12:30pm
      Presented by Latino Outdoors North Coast
      Join an easy 2 mile nature walk along the Noyo Headlands trails and go see the King Tides. Learn about the tides, climate change, and the ways we can keep track of the sea level rise through photography. We will provide a hot beverage (hot chocolate and coffee) to keep us warm through the cold and a light lunch will be provided. All ages are welcome! Bring comfortable closed toed shoes and warm clothing or layers, your own mug, water bottle, and snacks. If you have any questions, please reach out to Esme Plascencia at e.plascencia@latinooutdoors.org or (707) 813-1284. Registration Required. Please be sure to look out for a confirmation email after you register and fill out the required participation waiver.

    • Explore and Observe Tidepools During the King Tides
      Shell Beach, Sonoma County
      Dec. 23, 3pm-5pm
      Presented by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
      If you’ve been wondering what sea levels will look like as the climate changes, head to the Sonoma Coast during a king tide. After the king tide (the highest tide of the year), you will see a corresponding low tide. You will have a great time exploring the tide pools and observing tide pool creatures. Experienced tidepool docents will guide you on tidepooling, and discuss the impacts of the King Tides and how we can get involved. More info and register.

    • Explore and Observe Tidepools During the King Tides
      Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, San Mateo County
      Ravenswood Parking Lot, East Palo Alto Dec. 23, 10am-1pm
      Presented by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
      Join docent naturalists at high tide along the boardwalk and overlook platforms during a king tides event. These tides, expected to get up to 9 feet, often force rare birds out of hiding. Two of your docents are expert birders and will assist with observations in the marshlands. You’ll also learn about the phenomenon of king tides and tidal systems. Details and directions

    • King Tide Tour of Elkhorn Slough
      Elkhorn Slough Reserve, Monterey County
      1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville
      Dec. 23, 9am-11am
      Presented by California Department of Fish & Wildlife
      Join a short, 1 mile walk to see the highest tide of the year sweep into the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Naturalists will share background on the king tide phenomenon, and how scientists and community planners are using them as a way to plan for future sea level rise impacts. Learn about tides, climate change, and the ways our local communities are coming together to build a better future! All ages are welcome, but registration is required to join. To register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar. NOTE: Registration for this event opens one month beforehand. If the event is full, you can reach out to Community outreach Coordinator, Ariel Hunter, to be added to the waitlist: ariel.hunter@wildlife.ca.gov

    • King Tide at Black’s Beach
      Black’s Beach, San Diego County
      Black’s Beach Trailhead, La Jolla
      Dec. 23, 7:30am-9am
      Presented by Scripps Coastal Reserve
      Join University of California Scripps Coastal Reserve Manager Isabelle Kay for a walk to the Black’s Beach overlook to observe the high tide and talk about anticipated effects of sea level rise on the famous surf break and the 400-foot high bluffs. Bring phone/camera to document and share your observations. Meet at the top of Black’s Canyon (Intersection of La Jolla Farms Road and Black Gold Road). Two-hour parking is available along the nearby streets. No registration necessary, but a waiver signature is required. For more information, email nrs@ucsd.edu or text Isabelle at (858) 229-4677.

  • Low Tide Observations at Dike Rock
    Dike Rock intertidal area, San Diego County
    Scripps Pier, La Jolla
    Dec. 23, 3pm-4:30pm
    Presented by Scripps Coastal Reserve
    Join University of California Scripps Coastal Reserve Manager Isabelle Kay for a half-mile walk north of the SIO pier along the beach to the famous Dike Rock intertidal area. Learn about the research being carried out in the rocky intertidal habitat to detect long-term trends in biodiversity and biochemistry, anticipated effects of global climate change and sea level rise, and how to visit the area with care to reduce your impacts. Bring binoculars if you have any, and a camera if you like. (The Scripps Coastal Reserve is a State Marine Conservation Area, so no collecting or fishing is allowed along the shore.) Meet at the west end (foot) of the SIO pier. Paid parking is available in the SIO parking lot to the south, off El Paseo Grande. One-hour parking is available along the west side of La Jolla Shores Drive and unlimited time parking on the east side. To register (15 people max.) or more information, email nrs@ucsd.edu. For day of communication text Isabelle at (858) 229-4677.

Saturday, December 24, 2022

  • King Tides walk on Berkeley Waterfront
    Berkeley, Alameda County
    Sea Breeze Deli, 598 University Avenue
    Dec. 24, 10:30am-12:30pm
    Presented by Friends of Five Creeks
    Take a break from holiday hectics to enjoy nature and consider the long term during one of the year’s highest daytime tides. Friends of Five Creeks President Susan Schwartz will lead a group along the Berkeley waterfront, starting at Sea Breeze Deli (warm drinks available). Talk about the shoreline’s history and future, current changes, and what we can do as the earth warms and seas rise. This level walk goes rain or shine. You can just stroll and chat, or bring binoculars to enjoy wintering waterbirds or a camera to help create a record for the California King Tides Project. No dogs. Maximum 15 people. Sign up on Eventbrite here. Email f5creeks@gmail.com with any questions.


Learn More