Crystal Cove‘s tide pools fill with surprises twice daily as the sea retreats. As the water wanes, citizens of the sea become tenants of the Cove. Some race for crevices, others adhere to rock faces, sidling low to access what moisture remains.
Crabs posture and take positions. A rock louse does a creepy crawl.
The mossy chiton, however, is more measured in its movement. It does not scurry. Lacking eyes and tentacles, its reaction time is slow, sensed through light sensitive organs in its shell. It scrapes algae from rocks with a rasping strap of a tongue and relocates in the dark at high tide.
More on Crystal Cove State Park (California)
Crystal Cove State Park Map and Visitor Information
Crystal Cove State Park; Irvine, California3 miles of Pacific coastline with underwater park plus 2300 acres of bluffs and wooded canyons!Hiking, biking (single track mountain & dirt road), fishing, kayaking, surfing, and “tidepooling”!Directions: Just off of the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy1) between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. Easy access via I-5, 405 & 73.Admission: Daily State Park Fee (good at multiple state parks on same day): $10 / Annual Pass: $125Weather Conditions: 949-494-3539Historic District Cottage RentalsPark WebsiteView Crystal Cove in a larger map
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