Saturday, May 22, 2027 at 10:00 am Pacific

Opening Day is May 22

One long day at the water's edge, from the first tide walk to the first sunset of the season.

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Get the location first

A shoreline that waits all winter for this day

Coastal Pine Crest sits where the pine ridge runs out and the shoreline begins. For most of the year it is quiet: wind in the needles, tide on the rocks, a long view out to open water. Opening Day is the one day we welcome everyone in at once.

There is nothing to buy and nothing to prepare. We open the gates at ten, walk the first tide line together, share lunch on the lawn and stay until the sun goes down behind the point.

Think of it as the first page of the season: a slow, friendly day outdoors with the people you would choose to spend it with. Come for an hour or stay for all of it.

Six reasons to come down to the water

Each one stands on its own, so you can build your day around what you like best.

10:00 am

Opening words by the water

A short welcome at the tide line. We say a few words, look back along the shore and declare the season open. Nothing runs longer than the tide takes to shift.

11:30 am

Guided tide walk

A relaxed loop along the shore at low tide. Our guides point out what the water leaves behind: shells, kelp, tiny crabs and the pools that hold them. It moves at the pace of the slowest walker.

All day

The tide pool corner

A shallow, supervised spot where younger visitors can look closely at pool life. The rule is simple: look with your eyes, not your hands, so everything stays where it lives.

1:00 pm

Lunch on the lawn

Spread a blanket anywhere on the grass and settle in. Bring your own lunch, pass around what you have, and take as long as you like. The lawn is ours until mid-afternoon.

3:30 pm

Pine ridge lookout walk

A gentle climb on a natural path to the lookout, where the pines open up and the whole coast spreads out below. It is optional, and the lawn stays open for anyone who would rather stay put.

Sunset

First sunset of the season

We finish together on the point as the light goes. It is a quiet end to a long day, and the best view of the water you will get all year.

From first tide to first sunset

Come for an hour or stay for the whole day. Here is how Opening Day will unfold.

  1. Opening words by the water

    We cut the ribbon on the season at the edge of the tide line.

  2. Guided tide walk

    An easy loop along the shore at low tide, at a walking pace for everyone.

  3. Lunch on the lawn

    Bring a blanket and something to eat. The lawn is ours until mid-afternoon.

  4. Pine ridge lookout walk

    A gentle climb through the pines to the view back over the coast.

  5. First sunset of the season

    We finish together on the point as the light goes.

Follow the light through the day

The coast changes every few hours. Here is what each part of Opening Day tends to feel like.

Morning, soft and cool

Mist often rests on the water until mid-morning. The pines look nearly black against the pale sky and the shore is at its quietest. It is the best time for the tide walk.

Midday, bright and open

Full sun on the lawn and a steady breeze off the water. Good for lunch, games and the tide pool corner. Bring a hat and keep water close.

Afternoon, gold and long

The light lowers and the whole coast turns warm. The ridge lookout is at its best now, with long shadows stretching through the trees.

Sunset, red and still

The wind usually drops as the sun nears the horizon. Wrap up, find a spot on the point and watch the sea go from gold to slate.

Good to know before you come

Dress for the coast

Mornings are cool and the wind picks up near the water. Layers and sturdy shoes are the right call.

Bring everyone

The walks are short and slow-paced, and there is room on the lawn for strollers and folding chairs.

Details by email first

The exact location, arrival tips and any last-minute changes go to the list before they go anywhere else.

Plan your visit

A little preparation makes the day easier. Everything here is repeated in the details email, along with the exact address.

Getting there

The address and driving directions go to the list a few days before Opening Day. We will also include walking and cycling routes for anyone who would rather leave the car at home.

Parking

Parking is limited, so we recommend arriving before 10:00 am or sharing a ride. Overflow options and arrival tips come by email.

Getting around

The lawn and the main shore path are level and suit strollers and most wheelchairs. The ridge lookout is a natural path with a gentle climb, so it is optional.

Weather

The coast can swing from fog to full sun in an hour. Check the forecast the night before, and watch your inbox: we email an update if anything changes.

What to bring

  • Warm layers you can take off and put on
  • Sturdy shoes with grip
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • A refillable water bottle
  • A blanket or folding chair
  • Lunch and snacks for the day
  • A small backpack
  • Binoculars, if you own a pair
  • A camera for the sunset
  • A rain jacket, just in case

Between now and Opening Day

Here is when each piece of information reaches the list, so nothing arrives at the last minute.

  1. The location is revealed

    The list hears the exact place first, with a short preview of the grounds.

  2. The day plan is final

    Every walk, start time and meeting point, confirmed.

  3. Arrival and parking details

    Maps, routes and tips for avoiding the morning rush.

  4. Two weeks to go

    The first weather outlook and a packing reminder.

  5. The night before

    One last update with the forecast and anything that has changed.

Questions people ask

Do I need to register?

No. You can simply turn up on the day. Joining the list gets you the location, the day plan and any updates before everyone else.

What does it cost to come?

There is nothing to buy at Opening Day. It is an open day to welcome the season in.

Can I bring children?

Yes, please. The walks are short and slow, the lawn has plenty of room for strollers, and the tide pool corner is made for curious younger visitors. Children should stay with an adult near the water at all times.

Are dogs welcome?

Leashed dogs are welcome on the lawn and the shore path. We ask that they stay out of the tide pool corner so the pool life stays undisturbed. The details email will confirm the arrangements for the day.

What if the weather turns?

We go ahead in light rain and wind, so dress for it. If conditions are unsafe, such as lightning or heavy surf, we will change the plan and email everyone on the list as early as we can.

Can I come for only part of the day?

Of course. Every part of the schedule stands alone, so you can arrive for the tide walk, drop in for lunch or come only for the sunset.

Is there food on site?

Plan to bring your own lunch and water. The details email lists what is available nearby for anyone who prefers not to pack.

How long is the ridge lookout walk?

About 45 minutes round trip at an easy pace, with a few places to stop and look back. The path is natural, so closed shoes with grip are best.

How do I get updates?

Add your email in the form below. We only use it to tell you about Opening Day.

Save the date

Saturday, May 22, 2027, from 10:00 am Pacific until sunset. Put it in your calendar now, and send the page to whoever you would like to bring.

Get the location and day plan first

Leave your email and we'll send everything you need ahead of May 22.

We only use your email to tell you about Opening Day.