fitzgerald marine reserve

ddstb

This place was fantastic!!! Kids thought the tidal pools were very cool! It is a short walk down to the beach with some rock/sand stairs. You are walking mostly on rocks to see the tidal pools so good shoes that can get wet would be best. Bathrooms are right by the parking lot. We spent a couple of hours but could have stayed much longer. It is best to go at low tide. There were a lot of harbor seals to watch as well. This stop was one of the best parts of our trip!

Marfak

The reserve has a reef that is exposed at minus tides. Looking for marine life in the intertidal zone is a wonderful experience because the reef is teeming with it: sea stars, nudibranchs, crabs, chitons, etc. The gulls and other marine birds such as the black oystercatchers are also in the area. And, of course, there are the California harbor seals snoozing on the reef. The reserve usually has docents and rangers available to answer questions. There is a small ranger station that plays a video about the park in a continuous loop. The only better spot to tidepool on the Coastside is at Pillar Point.

LoveToTravel0430

Best part of out trip to this area. On a Wednesday late afternoon we nearly had the place the to our selves.

SalliSassy

Fun to walk on this beach and explore the tide pools and other wonders . Just after the parking lot is some picnic tables for a nice lunch or snack.

DAuntDeb

I visited in September on an overcast day. I think overcast is normal, but that doesn't diminish the experience. It was a great little area to go explore. A neighborhood park. You can get your feet wet and tromp through the tidal pools, and stop and observe. If you bring your pointy stick, you can point only, no sticking! Harbor seals were hanging out. Then you go up on the bluff and wander through the woods along the coast. A unique experience. They have an interesting video at the Shack.

Tony3429

This is a great place to visit. There are so many little creatures of the sea you could find in the reserve. Starfish, sea anemones, crabs, hermit crabs, tiny shrimps, tiny fish, etc. There is just plenty to see and observe. Bring a child and he or she will be in awe. There are friendly marine biologists who frequent this reserve and it is a great learning experience talking to them. All in all, this is a great place to visit year round and we intend to be here more than once a year.

Izzy3000

This is an absolutely beautiful place to explore and to spend a few hours. We saw lots of interesting marine life. There were a bunch of harbor seals on the beach at not too far of a distance. The trails are very interesting and the views are amazing. This is a place that I will come back to again and again!

Mayburrito

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a county park with dramatic cypress trees, beaches, cliffs, and tidepools. Locals love it and try to keep it a secret because of all the visitor traffic and parking overflow, but newcomers and tourists keep discovering it.

PlanetR

Wasn't there at the right time to catch the tide pools. Enjoyed the walking trails regardless. It's has beautiful scenery and would probably be even more fun to be there during low tide. Local people were very friendly and helpful.

deepsee1

This is a great little place to spend a sunny day looking into the tidal pools and spotting harbor seals playing in the surf. When you finish checking out the tidal pools, hike up to the bluff above the beach to walk through the cypress grove. It is worth it and it is definitely worth taking some time to explore this trail. Trails are well maintained and are easy walking.

Jfeil

Wonderful spot to see tidal pools, less than 30 miles from San Francisco. Trails are easy to manage, just check tide tables to optimize your visit. Plenty of spots in the area for a nice lunch and sunset is incredible.

365DeanS

The trails in the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve are well maintained and mostly very easy walking. The cypress trees at the top of the cliff create kind of a cool atmosphere. The best part, though, is watching the seals on the beach. I really enjoyed this place, and will definitely go back.

gelateria

Great place for a short walk! We were there during high tide so we couldn't enjoy the tide pools. However, visit for the views, seals and pelicans. We walked to the Moss Beach Distillery for lunch and back. Ample parking on weekdays and bathroom facilities are clean. Note: even if it is warm on the Peninsula, it can be 10-25 degrees cooler here. Bring your camera and dress accordingly.

mini

I enjoyed going to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and is a good place to go tide pooling along the coast. The easy walk from the parking lot area is nice for all members of the family. The day I was there it was sunny and warm (how delightful as sometimes it can be cool and overcast here).

leftcoastluv

I couldn't read the tide chart so I called before planning a trip. Both my toddler and elementary aged children loved the experience. Made an early morning trip from the east Bay Area. Worth it!