“King Tides” are high tides that occur when the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon are in alignment. When these tides happen at the same time as stormy weather, water levels can rise even higher. California King Tides are coming to Santa Cruz County! King Tides mean the highest tides of the year, but also the lowest, most dramatic negative tides. These extreme low tides pose prime conditions for tide pooling, miles of beach walking, and extended beach exploration.