Is the tide on the ocean always going in or out, or is there a stagnant period, and can you tell what the tide is doing by watching the water?

The ocean is never stagnant. If you don't have access to a tide table, then simply sit by the beach right at the edge of the watermark for 1/2 hour to an hour and don't move. During that time you'll notice whether you are getting more wet or less wet. Then you know whether the tide's coming in or going out.