A few times a year, the ocean around Mission Beach climbs higher than usual. Those are king tides, and if you live here or you’re visiting, it helps to know what they are, where the water goes, and how to get around safely when they hit.
First, a quick update from the shop. As of this post, Mission Beach Tattoo is not flooding, Mission Boulevard is not flooding, and the area is open and easy to get to. Around us, the only water we’re seeing is a little on some sections of the boardwalk. We’re open, and walk-ins are welcome. Conditions can change quickly during king tide events, so check the tide and conditions before you head out.
What Is a King Tide?
“King tide” isn’t a scientific term. It’s the everyday name for the highest predicted tides of the year. NOAA explains that these extra-high tides usually happen around a new or full moon, when the sun, moon and Earth line up, and the moon is also near perigee, its closest point to Earth. Together, those give the tide an extra pull.
A king tide is not a storm. It’s predictable, so the dates are known well ahead of time. According to NOAA Tides & Currents, these perigean spring tides happen about six to eight times a year. On the West Coast, they tend to be biggest near the summer and winter solstices. In San Diego, the ones people notice most usually show up in late fall and winter, with the highest water in the morning.
The California King Tides Project, run by the California Coastal Commission, lists its statewide king tide dates for this season as November 24-26, 2026, December 23-25, 2026, and January 21-22, 2027. Exact times vary by location, so check the tide tables for the day you’re heading out.
Why Mission Beach Gets Wet
Mission Beach is a narrow, sandy strip of land with the Pacific on one side and Mission Bay on the other. A lot of it sits close to sea level, so it doesn’t take much extra water to reach the lowest spots.
When flooding does happen, it usually shows up in a few places:
- Low spots on the bay side. Mission Bay rises with the tide too, and water can push onto the lowest walkways and edges along the bay.
- Storm drains. During a very high tide, bay water can back up through drains and pool in low areas, even on a sunny day.
- The ocean side and boardwalk. Waves run farther up the sand at high tide, and some sections of the boardwalk can get a little water.
The tide tables only show the astronomical tide. The Coastal Commission notes that its predictions don’t include storm surge or El Niño effects. Big surf, onshore wind, rain or a passing low-pressure system can add to the tide, so the real water level can come in higher than the table says. That’s why it pays to check the weather forecast along with the tide.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Don’t walk through standing water. You can’t tell how deep it is or what’s underneath it. The National Weather Service warns that just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet.
- Stay off seawalls and jetties. Waves can run farther up than you expect at high tide. Stay well back from the water and don’t turn your back on the ocean.
- Watch your footing. Wet sand, seaweed and debris on the boardwalk and sidewalks can be slick after the water goes back down.
- Keep kids and pets close. Shallow-looking water near the bay or the surf line can move faster than it looks.
- Stay off the sand berms. If the city builds berms along the bay, don’t climb on them or drag boards and boats across them. That can weaken them.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Turn around, don’t drown. Never drive through a flooded street or around a barricade. The National Weather Service says 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.
- Remember it’s saltwater. Even a shallow puddle from the bay is salty, and salt is hard on brakes, wiring and the underside of your car.
- Park on higher ground. If you’re parking overnight before a big morning tide, skip the lowest spots near the bay.
- Plan around the peak. The highest water comes around the time of high tide and drops as the tide goes out. If you can, time your trip for after the peak.
Local Resources
- NOAA tide predictions for La Jolla and NOAA tide predictions for San Diego Bay show the times and heights of upcoming highs.
- National Weather Service San Diego posts coastal flood advisories and warnings, along with surf and weather forecasts.
- AlertSanDiego is the County’s emergency alert system. You can sign up for text, call and email alerts for your address.
- San Diego Lifeguards at Mission Beach has beach info for the area, and lifeguards on the sand are a good source for current conditions.
- California King Tides Project lists king tide dates and invites people to safely photograph the high water to help track how the coast is changing.
Visiting Mission Beach During King Tide Season
King tides don’t have to ruin a beach day. In San Diego the highest water usually comes in the morning and drops as the tide goes out, which leaves plenty of time for the boardwalk, a ride on the Giant Dipper, or a look at the history of Belmont Park across the street from us.
To say it again plainly: as of this post, our shop isn’t flooding, Mission Boulevard isn’t flooding, and the neighborhood is accessible. The water we’ve seen is limited to some sections of the boardwalk. We’re on Mission Blvd across from Belmont Park, and walk-ins are welcome. Conditions can change quickly during king tide events, so check the tide and conditions before you head down, and if you’ve got questions or want to line up time with an artist, get in touch.
