44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove

A Living Flower
Originally uploaded by ladyinpink_1

The lowest tide of the year is expected on Thursday, Dec 31st, at 2 PM. For this special event, you can go on a FREE guided tide pool walk to Little Treasure Cove, the north-most part of Crystal Cove (meet your guide at Pelican Point). What makes this State Park unique and interesting is the free offering of various docent-led tours every month (check the schedule online for updates). You may visit the tidepools on your own at anytime, but why not learn some new things about sea life for free? If the timing doesn't work, don't worry, most of the tours are normally on the weekends.

The activities at this 3-mile "underwater park" in... Laguna/Newport Beach are non-stop: surfing, scuba diving, skin diving, horseback riding (BYOH, bring your own horse), hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping (not beach camping though and not free). If camping is not your cup of tea, there are some beach-front cottages at various rates. Check the website for more information and online reservations (but it's better to call since these are usually booked way in advance). Enjoy!

UPDATE 12/21: If you love tidepools or the OC is too much of a trek, check out Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes (see Cheap Date Idea #57).
UPDATE 01/02/10: Here are some new FREE events for January 2010. Check back for updates on the calendar online.

• Jan 10th 9 AM Winter at Crystal Cove
• Jan 16th 9 AM Grey Whale Twalk
• Jan 17th 3 PM Sunset Photo Walk
• Jan 24th 3 PM Tidepool Walk to Little Treasure Cove

UPDATE 03/16/10: FREE Events for March: Sunday 3/21 Hike at 9 AM and Sunset Photography Walk at 5 PM; Saturday 3/27 Spring Wild Flower Hike at 9 AM; Sunday 3/28 Tide Pool Walk at 2 PM.

UPDATE 04/16/10: The FREE tide pool walks in April are set for 1 PM on both Saturday 4/24 and Sunday 4/25. Click HERE for the full April calendar of free events.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $15 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map