Tidal range means the difference between low tide and high tide. This can be two similar things:
1 the ‘difference’ changes with spring and neap tides
2 the ‘difference’ is a constant (avaerage) measurement asigned to a specific coatal location, other locations will have their own values.
What I want to find out is regarding number 2 above… How is it that different coastal locations which are quite close to each other can have very different tidal range values?
It depends on many factors. The shape of the coastline makes a difference as does the difference in the sloping of the ground underneath the water beyond the beach. As to how these make a difference, you’ll need to speak to an oceanographer. I only do lunar and solar tides. 
This is what I was told - As the moon goes round the earth it pulls water. That water is sometimes funneled into a narrower area so the water builds up and gives a higher high tide.
The greatest tidal dif. (IIRC) is in Nova Scotia. I don’t know if the above ‘funneling effect’ is the reason for this here.
I pressed ‘submit’ twice by accident and got 2 threads.
Sorry. Please refer to the other one for more replies.
Duplicate thread : please respond here : http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=79985