King Tide Challenge

A walk with friends to benefit Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.
Next walk will be January 3, 2026.

Together, we donated a record amount to Moore’s Cancer Center!

We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you who contributed to the King Tide Challenge. Your generosity has made an extraordinary impact. Thanks to your support, we were able to donate an incredible $46,773 to UCSD Moores Cancer Center. This contribution will help fund critical research and provide essential resources to those battling cancer. Your compassion and commitment to this cause are truly inspiring, and we could not have reached this milestone without your kindness.

On behalf of everyone involved in the King Tide Challenge, thank you for being a part of this life-changing effort. Together, we are making a real difference in the fight against cancer, and we are immensely thankful for your support in making this donation possible.

What is the King Tide Challenge?

The King Tide Challenge is an annual 11-mile beach walk that is hosted by the King Tide Challenge Foundation, a nonprofit corporation with a singular mission to raise money for skin cancer research at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.

How much does it cost?

The walk is free, but we do ask for a donation from each walker – in any amount – which will be given entirely to Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.. Visit our Skin Cancer tab above to learn more about our passion and the research lab run by Dr. Daniels.

Is there an after-walk celebration?

The After Party begins at the end of your walk at the Cardiff Beach Bar At Tower 13 . We’ll have food & cold drinks to purchase, a silent auction, and live music by the Sloppy Sixths (a 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s cover band made up of cancer doctors and researchers). Due to limited seating, only participants who have donated to the The King Tide Challenge Foundation (in support of Moores Cancer Center) will be invited to the after-party. If you would like to donate, or add to your original donation, please visit our Register / Donate page.

Buy your shirts and hats here

Are you up for the 2026 Challenge?

Enjoy walking 11 miles of pristine California coastline, most of it wild and protected by difficult access, all of it filled with beauty and awe… be prepared to help with beach cleanup by picking up trash along the way!

What: A beach walk to benefit Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.

Date: January 3, 2026

Time: TBD

Start: La Jolla Shores parking lot

Finish: Cardiff Beach Bar @ Tower 13

COMING SOON: Updated Essentials List

The Route

The walk begins in the parking lot at La Jolla Shores (north end), and then continues northward to Black’s Beach, Torrey Pines State Beach, Del Mar, and Solana Beach. The finish is in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, at Tower 13 Beach Bar, a good place to rest and refresh (bring cash or a credit card).

What is a King Tide?

King tides are the highest and lowest tides of the year. During a low king tide, the beach opens up allowing walkers to get around areas that are normally submerged. When the King Tide happens at night, or in the middle of the week, we schedule our event during a mid day super low tide, which is what the 2024 hike will be. You will see and experience our local beaches like you never have!

How to Participate

Register here.
Start walking – a lot! – to prepare for 4-6 hours on hard wet sand and exposed jagged reef;
Walk necessities:
– day pack
– food & water
– cell phone (with map downloaded to show restroom locations)
– hat + sunscreen (the sun will be on your back – beware neck and legs!)
– sturdy sneakers with support
– flashlight or headlamp (in case you finish after dark)
– large ziploc bag for trash pickup
– money (for your celebratory refreshments at Tower 13 and other event swag).