Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, just north of Half Moon Bay, is a popular low-tide destination. The receding sea reveals rocky reefs the length of a football field, offering a beachside glimpse into an underwater world. Residents include a rich variety of marine life such as sea stars, crabs, sponges, sea anemones, and mollusks. Kids abound, too, getting up close and (sometimes a little too) personal with sea creatures; touching is encouraged, but don't let the crabs pinch! Spring is one of the best times to visit: the resident harbor seals, of which there are more than 100, are pupping. Approaching these newborns is prohibited, but it's amusing to watch them from a distance. Even Gatsby would be rapt…

TIP: Keep an eye out for informative volunteers wearing green shirts; they're part of the Friends of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and have been active in maintaining and educating people about this strip of coast for over 20 years.

Low tides: March 15, 12:53 p.m. (-.2), March 16, 1:58 p.m. (-.3). For information on more upcoming low tides, click here. For more information on Fitzgerald, click here. Dogs and groups of 10 or more are not allowed.