San Luis Obispo Tide Times & Tide Chart

High and low tide predictions for San Luis Obispo, California (NOAA station 9412110). Heights are in feet relative to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) — negative values are minus tides, the best for tidepooling.

Plan a visit — find your tide window →

Upcoming tides

Sunday, September 27

4:34 AMLow tide1.14 ft
10:44 AMHigh tide5.61 ft
5:18 PMLow tide0.47 ft
11:27 PMHigh tide4.60 ft

Monday, September 28

5:02 AMLow tide1.58 ft
11:14 AMHigh tide5.84 ft
6:07 PMLow tide0.22 ft

Tuesday, September 29

12:23 AMHigh tide4.22 ft
5:32 AMLow tide2.05 ft
11:47 AMHigh tide5.97 ft
7:00 PMLow tide0.08 ft

Wednesday, September 30

1:28 AMHigh tide3.83 ft
6:04 AMLow tide2.51 ft
12:27 PMHigh tide5.97 ft
8:02 PMLow tide0.06 ft

Thursday, October 1

2:52 AMHigh tide3.53 ft
6:42 AMLow tide2.92 ft
1:16 PMHigh tide5.83 ft
9:15 PMLow tide0.09 ft

Astronomical predictions from NOAA CO-OPS; actual levels vary with weather and swell.

Tidepooling near San Luis Obispo

  • Montaña de Oro State Park — Corallina Cove's pools along the Bluff Trail are the Central Coast's standout.
  • Margo Dodd Park, Shell Beach — Stairways drop to ledges and pools right below the Pismo-area bluffs.
  • Moonstone Beach, Cambria — Boulder pools at the north end, plus agates and moonstones for beachcombers.

What to look for

ochre and bat sea stars, giant green anemones, sea hares, black turban snails, hermit crabs, octopus (rarely, under ledges).

Best time of year

The lowest daytime tides cluster around new and full moons — early mornings in late spring and summer (May–July), and mid-to-late afternoon during the late-fall and winter king-tide cycles (November–January).

Conditions and access change — check the park's official page and local hazard advisories before you go, and confirm the tide on the day. New to tidepools? Read how to go tidepooling safely.

Planning around the tide

More California stations