Rialto Beach
7 / 10
We got an early start for Rialto Beach so we could catch the 8:30 a.m. low tide and make our way to Hole-in-the-Wall. Under clear skies, we hiked 1.5 miles up the beach toward the sea-carved formations, which are only accessible when the tide cooperates. The coastline felt wild and untamed, with jagged sea stacks rising out of the sand and surf. Along the way, we spotted a bald eagle perched on the rocks, calmly keeping watch over the ocean.
As we approached Hole-in-the-Wall, the rock formations grew more dramatic, with massive sea stacks and narrow openings carved by years of pounding waves. Hole-in-the-Wall itself is a large rock wall with a natural opening cut through it, big enough to walk through at low tide. You can pass through it or walk around it to continue along the beach beyond.
At low tide, the area around Hole-in-the-Wall is filled with tidepools. We wandered from pool to pool, finding bright green anemones, clusters of mussels, and sea stars in vivid shades of orange and purple. A few hermit crabs made appearances too, shy little tenants tucked inside borrowed shells. On the other side, we found a large driftwood log to sit on and took a break for lunch, watching people filter through Hole-in-the-Wall and stopping for photos.
But the best moment came on the hike back. A family of four otters suddenly scampered across the beach, weaving through the scene between the flow of people before disappearing inland almost as quickly as they had appeared. It was one of those quick, unexpected wildlife moments that made the whole morning even better.
At low tide, the area around Hole-in-the-Wall is filled with tidepools. We wandered from pool to pool, finding bright green anemones, clusters of mussels, and sea stars in vivid shades of orange and purple. A few hermit crabs made appearances too, shy little tenants tucked inside borrowed shells. On the other side, we found a large driftwood log to sit on and took a break for lunch, watching people filter through Hole-in-the-Wall and stopping for photos.
But the best moment came on the hike back. A family of four otters suddenly scampered across the beach, weaving through the scene between the flow of people before disappearing inland almost as quickly as they had appeared. It was one of those quick, unexpected wildlife moments that made the whole morning even better.