California State Parks Will Livestream the King Tides Across the State this Week

California State Parks is inviting the public to witness the dramatic King Tides from the comfort of home with a live stream this Friday, December 13, at 8:30 a.m.

The event, hosted by the PORTS Distance Learning Program, will feature high tides from six state parks: Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach, Carpinteria State Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and MacKerricher and Tolowa Dunes state parks.

The live stream will showcase the power of King Tides while discussing their implications for California’s coastal ecosystems, including how rising sea levels may affect these areas in the future. You can watch the live stream here.

King Tides are extreme high tides that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align, amplifying the gravitational pull on the oceans. These events often give a preview of what regular tides might look like as sea levels continue to rise due to climate change.

In Northern California, King Tides transform the coastline, flooding low-lying areas, reshaping beaches, and creating temporary lagoons. Popular viewing spots include MacKerricher State Park near Fort Bragg, where waves crash dramatically against the rocky shore, and Point Lobos, where marine ecosystems face the brunt of tidal changes.