The Beautiful Beaches of Laguna
The coves and beaches strung along the shores of Laguna Beach are the most beautiful along the southern California coast. Below the cliffs, accessible in neighborhoods via staircases, lie picturesque beaches away from the hubbub of town. Coves, rocks and tide pools beckon exploration, swaths of sand are perfect for beach combing strolls. Or you can simply find a spot to enjoy the painted sky at sunset, breathe in the salty air and wind down with the rhythm of the tides. We’ve listed our favorite beaches below.
Crescent Bay
Gorgeous Crescent Bay lies below a small, beautiful park, perfect for a picnic prior to a walk down to the beach. The views from the park down to the beach and along the southern coast are magnificent! There are tide pools to explore and snorkeling as well (but be mindful the surf here is quite strong). Beach access: Cliff Drive
Woods Cove
This pretty cove with a rocky beach is tucked below a cliff. The pretty English Tudor house on Ocean Way (at the top of the staircase) once belonged to Bette Davis and is a registered historic structure. When I was there recently, the home was for sale for a cool $20 million. You can access Pearl Street Beach at low tide via a rock arch at the north end of the cove. Beach access: Diamond Street
Moss Cove
Small, sweet Moss Cove is known for its excellent tide pools and snorkeling. Laguna’s protected wildlife habitats make snorkeling a treat. This beach is beloved by couples wanting a quiet beach to watch the sunset. Beach access: Moss Street
Victoria Beach
Did you know there is a fairytale castle of sorts in Laguna Beach? La Tour was built in 1926 as a castle-inspired tower, housing a private staircase that leads from the house at the top of the cliff to Victoria Beach below. It was built for California State Senator William Edward Brown and his family. Victoria Beach is a picturesque swath of sand with rocky outcrops and tide pools to explore. You will note a concrete circular pool that fills with water at high tide. This really is a gorgeous, picturesque beach. Beach access: Victoria Drive (stairs next to house # 2713)
Thousand Steps Beach
Fortunately, there are only 223 steps to get down to the beach, not 1,000! It is quite a large beach with tide pools, caves and volleyball courts. Beach access: 9th Street & Coast Highway (look for a legal parking spot).
Three Arch Bay
The exclusive enclave of Three Arch Bay is private but, if you’re lucky to know a resident who can grant you access, it is a picturesque beach to visit and enjoy the tide pools and three arches on the north end of the beach.
Read the full issue of the magazine issue #5 Coastal Gems of Orange County
