Fitzgerald Marine Reserves451

Fitzgerald Marine Reserves, located on the San Mateo County coast in Moss Beach, an hour south of San Francisco, features a shallow marine shelf that is exposed during low tides for delightful tidepooling adventures. During low tides, many marine animals are exposed and visible in the tidepools. The array of colors and textures makes for an interesting outing for watching, photographing, and drawing. Each pool holds a variety of colorful and unusual plants and animals. Before visiting the Reserve, check the newspaper, an online tide guide, or a tide book and take into account that the tides at Moss Beach occur about one hour earlier than listed for the Golden Gate. Tidepooling is best done just before and just after low tide. Be sure to bring a windbreaker, a sweater and a pair of dry shoes. For more information, visit the park's website at www.co.sanmateo.ca.us.