This unique phenomenon only happens along the coast of Southern California and Baja, Mexico. In Spring and Summer for a few nights during the full and new moons, hundreds of shimmering fish come ashore to spawn. To be clear, they don’t actually run - more like slither, but it is thrilling all the same. We’re at the whim of the grunion, so we’ll gather around 10:30 but they may not appear until later, so the end time is uncertain. Part of the discovery!

Our local beach has an abundant grunion population. Venice Oceanarium hosts a fun, interpretive party during grunion season, drawing thousands of curious late-night beach goers. Our founder, Tim Rudnick, is a self-described grunion geek. Check out a video he made during COVID-19, keeping our Grunion Party tradition going.

NOTE: Grunion are protected and require a fishing license to catch. There are also NO HUNTING seasons.

Enjoy an exploration of the Venice Beach Tide Pools. You’ll be enlightened about sea stars, sea anemone, hermit crabs, birds, birds and anything else you “sea” out there!

Meet at the Venice breakwater rocks, straight down the beach from Windward. The tide pools are only visible at low tide.

Bring safe shoes, water, layers of clothing and your curiosity! Children must be supervised by an adult. The rocks are very slippery and the waves are unpredictable. The is a free event. Donations are alway appreciated.

Venice Beach Tide Pools at the end of Windward

Explore the space where land meets sea, and to learn from resident experts about the wondrous world below. Free and family friendly.