Meet the Beach
So many amazing creatures live in South Sound and can be found on our local beaches...
The Estuarium’s Meet the Beach program sends our trained Beach Naturalist volunteers out during summer low-tides to help our community discover intertidal life! Find our dedicated team of Beach Naturalists sporting green vests and hats as they wade through the low-tide to explore estuary plants and animals. Our Beach Naturalists will help you dig in the mud and turn over rocks to find estuary creatures and answer all of your questions about Puget Sound’s intertidal marine life.
VIEW UPCOMING MEET THE BEACH EVENTS BELOW
Meet the Beach is a free public event!
2024 Meet the Beach Schedule
MAY
Sat 5/25 – Tolmie State Park*, 12 – 3pm
Sun 5/26 – Burfoot Park, 12 – 3pm
JUNE
Fri 6/7 – Burfoot Park, 11am – 2pm
Sat 6/8 – Tolmie State Park*, 10am – 1pm
Sat 6/8 – Woodard Bay*, 10am – 1pm
Sun 6/9 – Luhr Beach*, 12 – 3pm
Fri 6/21 – Tolmie State Park*, 10am – 1pm
Sat 6/22 – Squaxin Park, 11am – 2pm
Sat 6/22 – Luhr Beach*, 11am – 2pm
Sun 6/23 – Burfoot Park, 11am – 2pm
JULY
Fri 7/5 – Tolmie State Park*, 10am – 1pm
Sat 7/6 – Burfoot Park, 11am – 2pm
Sat 7/6 – Woodard Bay*, 11am – 2pm
Sun 7/7 – Squaxin Park, 11am – 2pm
JULY
Fri 7/19 – Squaxin Park, 10am – 1pm
Sat 7/20 – Burfoot Park, 10am – 1pm
Sat 7/20 – Luhr Beach*, 10am – 1pm
Sun 7/21 – Tolmie State Park*, 10am – 1pm
AUGUST
Fri 8/2 – Burfoot Park, 10am – 1pm
Sat 8/3 – Tolmie State Park,* 10am – 1pm
Sat 8/3 – Squaxin Park, 10am – 1pm
Sun 8/4 – Woodard Bay*, 11am – 2pm
Sat 8/17 – Burfoot Park, 10am – 1pm
Sat 8/17 – Luhr Beach,* 10am – 1pm
Sun 8/18 – Tolmie State Park,* 10am – 1pm
*Requires a Discover Pass
We are now offering a free Vanpool to some of our Meet the Beach Programs!
Please register for a spot in our vans this summer in advance.
What to Expect
If you’ve ever explored the beach and found something weird and squishy, only to search for it online and find no answers, then join us at Meet the Beach! You’ll have the opportunity to explore the beach during the lowest daily tide and engage with our trained Beach Naturalists. Ask them questions or learn about the remarkable animals and algae they have discovered. This is your chance to delve into our local estuary environment at low tide, with the guidance of passionate individuals dedicated to its well-being.
Where to Meet
Our Beach Naturalists will be stationed on the beach, and you are welcome to visit at any time during the scheduled hours. Just head to the designated beach for that day, and you’ll easily spot our Beach Naturalists in bright green vests. Near the top of the beach, you’ll find a station with a blue tarp and white buckets. Here, you can begin your exploration, browse through ID guides, observe collected items, and receive tips and tricks. Afterwards, feel free to continue along the beach to discover more Beach Naturalists, ask them questions, observe their findings, or join them to explore something new. Once you’re finished exploring for the day, please return to the station at the top of the beach to receive your Meet the Beach bookmark, access links to a short survey, and sign up for our monthly newsletter featuring upcoming events.
What to Bring
Many of our local beaches can become muddy during low tide, so it is advisable to bring boots or waterproof shoes. Carrying a spare pair of socks and shoes in your car, along with towels, will make your trip back home more comfortable. Additionally, remember to bring sun protection and stay well-hydrated. Please note that while some beaches are free for the public to access, others may require a Discovery Pass for parking.
Scroll through our events calendar to find a Meet the Beach event near you!
Click on an event to see details and learn how to register.
Discovery Speaker Series: Meg Chadsey on The Allure of Seaweed Farming!!
Olympia Timberland Library
313 8th Avenue SE Olympia, WA 98501
Request your own private Meet the Beach event!
Would you like to arrange for a private visit to a local beach with intertidal life exploration facilitated by our trained staff & volunteers? The Estuarium offers private group requests for our Meet the Beach & Pier Peer programs, as well as private tours of the Estuarium facility. Request a private event for your group today by visiting our Private Tours page and filling out a Group Inquiry Form! * Fees apply.
Contact our Program & Volunteer Coordinator for questions about private programs.