Ecosystem Explorer

Discover the diverse habitats along Southern California's coast — from kelp forests to tide pools to coastal wetlands.

Estuarine

Lagoons, salt marshes, and river mouths along the Southern California coast

Snowy PloverGreat Blue HeronPacific Chorus FrogPickleweed+1

Marine

Coastal waters of Southern California, from Palos Verdes to the Mexican border

Giant KelpGaribaldiSea UrchinSea Otter+2

Coastal

Sandy shorelines from Los Angeles County to the U.S.-Mexico border

California GrunionSand CrabSnowy PloverKelp Wrack Invertebrates+1

Coastal

Rocky intertidal zones along the Southern California coastline

Sea AnemoneHermit CrabSea StarMussel+2