Tide pooling is an incredible way to explore the Oregon Coast, offering an up-close view of marine creatures in their natural habitat. Best of all, it’s a free activity (except for the occasional parking fee) that people of all ages can enjoy!

 

Whether you're a curious child, a nature-loving traveler, or simply someone looking for a peaceful coastal experience, Florence, Oregon’s tide pools provide the perfect outdoor escape. To keep tide pooling enjoyable for everyone, pack out what you packed in, and leave nature where you find it. After your adventure, stay another day! Check our hiking, dune, sandboarding, golfing, restaurant, and shopping pages for more fun here in Oregon’s Coastal Playground!

 

When to Go Tide Pooling

Tide pooling is all about timing! The best time to visit is during low tide, when the ocean recedes to reveal a mesmerizing collection of marine life. Check tide tables before you go to ensure you’re visiting at the safest and most rewarding times. You can find free tide tables online at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website or pick up printed copies at our visitor center and art gallery (290 Highway 101) or ranger stations or outdoor retailers in Florence.

 

Where to Find the Best Tide Pools Near Florence, Oregon

Heceta Head Beach – Beneath the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, you'll discover hidden tide pools teeming with life. A quick 10-mile drive north of Florence. Be sure to trek up to the lighthouse keeper’s house (now a bed and breakfast and open for historic tours) and the lighthouse itself.

 

Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint – A quiet, scenic location with diverse sea creatures and fewer crowds. This is your next stop on your northbound adventure. Neptune also has endless fun with a nice long beach and a freshwater stream that empties into the ocean.

 

Strawberry Hill Wayside – Located a gorgeous 20-mile drive north of Florence, this spot is a tide-pooling treasure trove with starfish, anemones, and colorful sea slugs. Here, you can meet curious sea lions (well, not to touch them; you wouldn’t dare try because they can be aggressively dangerous). OK, so you can only see them fairly close by on neighboring rocks and in the channels between. Strawberry Hill offers two distinct beaches on either side of the tide pools—rocky to the south and sandy to the north.

 

Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve – Just a short drive further north, this protected area boasts some of the richest tide pools on the Oregon Coast. Be sure to visit the Visitor’s Center to learn more about this special area, see the whale bones and other natural exhibits, hike out to the giant Sitka spruce, and drive to the top of the highest accessible point on the Oregon Coast for a spectacular view. Cape Perpetua is also a prime whale-watching location.

 

What You Might See: Tide Pool Tracker Checklist

Bring a notebook and challenge yourself to spot these common tide pool residents:

✅ Orange, red, purple, or brown sea stars

✅ Green and purple sea anemones

✅ Hermit, Dungeness, or green crabs

✅ Mussels and barnacles

✅ Tidepool sculpin (a small fish adapted to the changing tide)

✅ Chitons (armor-plated mollusks)

✅ Giant green anemones

✅ Purple or red sea urchins

✅ Nudibranchs (colorful sea slugs)

✅ Gooseneck barnacles

✅Kelp and seaweed

 

Tide Pooling Safety Tips

Exploring tide pools near Florence, Oregon, is a magical experience, but staying safe is key:

  • Watch for sneaker waves. Never turn your back on the ocean, as unexpected waves can surge onto the rocks.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. Rocks can be sharp, slick, and uneven, so non-slip footwear is a must.
  • Be mindful of the tide. Rising tides can trap visitors in dangerous spots. Check tide charts before heading out.
  • Step carefully. Avoid crushing fragile marine life and stick to bare rock surfaces.
  • Stay on stable ground. Climbing on wet, sloped rocks increases the risk of falls.

 

Love learning about sea life?

Be sure to check out the Sea Lion Caves! Only about 10 miles north of Florence, about a mile south of the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

 

A Free and Fun Way to Connect with Nature

If you’re looking for an unforgettable, family-friendly outdoor adventure, tide pooling on the Oregon Coast is a must! Just minutes from Florence, Oregon, some of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast await, offering a fascinating glimpse into a vibrant underwater world—no snorkel required! When you’re done, head back to Florence for a hearty meal and a comfortable place to stay the night to recharge for your next day’s adventure. Check our hiking, dune, sandboarding, golfing, and shopping pages.

 

Plan Your Tide Pooling Adventure Today!

Next time you're searching for "tide pools near me," set your sights on the stunning Oregon Coast tide pools near Florence. Download a local tide chart, put on your adventure shoes, and immerse yourself in one of nature’s most fascinating playgrounds.