Best Beaches in Laguna Beach

Situated just west of the intersection at Mountain Road and South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, Mountain Road Beach is a small section of beach right in front of the Capri Laguna hotel. The beach is best known for its beautiful historical memorial, the Garden of Peace and Love, located directly at the top of the entrance. 

Located right in front of the Montage Resort, Treasure Island Beach is a popular destination that is listed by Coastal Living as one of the Top 20 Beaches in California. The spot is protected by large bluffs on both sides, making the water relatively calm; the beach is also maintained by resort workers, ensuring its pristine beauty year-round. There are public restrooms and showers as well as lifeguards that are stationed during the day. 

As one of Laguna Beach’s most underrated beaches, Totuava Beach’s claim to fame is unusual — it’s known for being the most difficult to access beach in Laguna. It has no direct public access, so it’s certainly not for everyone. To get to Totuava, park along Pacific Coast Highway and walk around Thousand Steps Beach’s dramatic rock cliffs. If you make the trek, you’ll be rewarded with a day at Laguna Beach’s most peaceful beach.

Located near the intersection of Highway 1 and Bluebird Canyon Drive in Laguna Beach, Bluebird Beach is a popular beach for taking long strolls along the coast. The beach is often crowded with locals and tourists, as it is situated right in front of the Surf and Sand Resort. There is easy foot access on the southside of the Laguna Sands building and street parking is available all along Bluebird Canyon Drive.

Located on the northern side of Laguna Beach, Irvine Cove is a private beach in the guard-gated community of 100 homes where many high-profile figures such as Breandan Iribe live. It is managed by the Irvine Cove Homeowners Association and is not accessible to the public unless you are invited by a resident. As a result, this beach is very secluded and rarely crowded. If you’re fortunate enough to visit this exclusive spot, you’ll find a volleyball court, picnic tables, and restrooms situated near the beach for your convenience.

Located just north of Moro Beach in Crystal Cove State Park is Reef Point Beach, which spans 3.5 miles and is surrounded by trails that allow visitors to witness various types of Californian flora and fauna. 

Located along the Orange County coast in Laguna Beach, Aliso Beach is a popular family-friendly beach because of its many amenities including public restrooms, showers, concession stands, and a large parking lot. 

Located between Oak Street Beach and Thalia Street Beach, Anita Street Beach is the perfect place for a relaxing beach day. Unlike more popular seaside spots in Orange County, Anita Street Beach is uncrowded, peaceful, and stress-free.

Situated five blocks south of bustling Main Beach, Sleepy Hollow Beach is perhaps Laguna Beach’s most underrated beach destination. It offers Main Beach’s central location without the crowds, creating a peaceful atmosphere for beachgoers that are looking to get away from the big city. To get to Sleepy Hollow, park along Pacific Coast Highway at one of its many nearby parking spaces.

Located just south of Fisherman’s Cove in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Diver’s Cove has a small, protected beach that is a perfect escape for those looking to relax and unwind. Unlike more popular seaside spots in Laguna Beach, Diver’s Cove isn’t crowded, allowing beachgoers to have a serene beach experience. 

Located in northern Laguna Beach, Crescent Bay Beach is a large cove that’s popular with families, locals, and tourists because of its many amenities including lifeguards, public restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. Crescent Bay Beach is also known as the locals’ favorite spot for watching amazing sunsets.

Located just steps from South Coast Highway, Pearl Street Beach is a tucked-away and quaint beach that’s home to some of Laguna Beach’s most incredible scenery. With an Instagram- friendly sandstone arch, Orange County’s only blowhole, smooth sand, vibrant blue waters, and scenic beachside walkways, Pearl Street Beach is loved by locals and travelers alike for its beauty.

Located just south of Brooks Street Beach at the end of a long strip of connecting beaches, Cress Street Beach is an ideal destination to relax and de-stress. Unlike more popular seaside spots in Orange County, Cress Street Beach is isolated and peaceful. To find the beach, you can drive to the intersection of Cress Street and Pacific Coast Highway, where you will see the historic Cress Street clock at the top of the beach access stairs. Due to its seclusion from other beaches, parking is more feasible, as there is available metered parking along Pacific Coast Highway.

Located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach between Cleo Street Beach and Thalia Street Beach, St. Ann’s Street Beach is the perfect place to visit when looking for a less crowded beach. The beach is also all-inclusive, having one section reserved for surfers in the Thalia surf zone and another reserved for swimmers. There is a lifeguard on duty to ensure these two zones do not collide. Access to the beach can be found at the end of St. Ann’s Drive, near the intersection of St. Ann’s Drive and Sleepy Hollow Lane. Due to its close proximity to downtown, there is limited metered parking available on St. Ann’s Street and South Coast Highway so be sure to plan ahead.

Managed by Laguna Beach’s legendary Montage Resort, Goff Cove Beach is a pristine beach that somehow manages to be both easily accessible and peaceful. With a parking garage on Wesley Drive, street parking along Pacific Coast Highway, and ramps leading to the beach, getting to Goff Cove is a breeze. And once you’re there, you’re sure to have a ball.

Situated at the end of Brooks Street in South Laguna Beach, Brooks Street Beach is a peaceful beach known for its stunning natural beauty and world-class surfing. With convenient metered parking on Cliff Drive, Brooks Street Beach is easily accessible, making it the perfect place to escape the stresses of urban life.

Located just blocks from Downtown Laguna Beach, Thalia Street Beach is stunning. With its glistening turquoise waters, pristine beige sand, and picturesque beachside bluffs, Thalia Beach is the epitome of California beach paradise. To get to here, park at the metered spots on Thalia Street and Glenneyre Street and walk down a flight of concrete stairs.

What makes Thalia special is that it’s perfect for the adventurer. Skim boarders and paddlers flock to Thalia for its temperate waves, which are safe and enjoyable. And above all else, Thalia is a destination for surfers of all experience levels. Beginners love Thalia for its gentle waves at the shore, while experienced surfers venture out deep into the water for Thalia’s exhilarating and intense peeling-right.

Located near the downtown area of Laguna Beach, Moss Point Beach - also officially known as Moss Street Beach and also known as Moss Cove Beach and Moss - is a small and narrow beach with many rocky portions and light brown sand.  This beach is located below rocky oceanfront bluffs within a cove named Moss Point.  Although Moss Point Beach has lifeguards, it does not have any other amenities, so please plan accordingly.  Please note that dogs on leash are allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm between June 15th and September 10th.  Between September 11th and June 14th dogs on leash are allowed at all times on Moss Point Beach.  Please note that dogs need to be on a leash that is six feet or shorter in length. 

Located in North Laguna Beach between Shaw’s Cove and Diver’s Cove, Boat Canyon Beach, otherwise referred to as Fisherman’s Cove, is a small south-facing beach that is perfect for a relaxing beach day. Unlike more popular seaside spots in Laguna, Boat Canyon Beach is private, peaceful, and stress-free.

Located between Goff Cove Beach and Treasure Island, Middle Man Cove features one of the most iconic rock formations in Laguna Beach. There is no direct access to this beach, but you can climb over the rocks at Goff Cove or Treasure Island to get here. As a result, this beach is relatively secluded from crowds, perfect for those who want a more peaceful and private scene. When you are here, make sure that you check out the natural rock arch- it is a popular backdrop among photographers and has been used in countless wedding shots.

Situated just south of Downtown Laguna Beach, Oak Street Beach is an under-the-radar destination that offers beachgoers a quiet day in paradise. Removed from the hustle and bustle of Main Beach and Victoria Beach, Oak Street Beach feels remote while just steps from the action. At Oak Street, beachgoers can destress and adventurers can roam the outdoors. As one of Laguna Beach’s most under-appreciated and serene beaches, Oak Street is easy to access.

Located on the northernmost side of Laguna Beach, Christmas Cove Beach runs right below the luxurious Montage Resort. During the wintertime, weather and ocean conditions at this beach occasionally create a temporary surf break and sandbar, which is why locals call it Christmas Cove. It is a popular destination for those who want to avoid the crowds at surrounding beaches such as Treasure Island and Goff Cove and enjoy a relatively secluded and serene beachfront. To get to this spot, drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and find parking at the Montage Resort. This treasured beach is open to the public all year, allowing visitors to enjoy Christmas whether it’s December or July.

Located in the center of Laguna Beach, Table Rock Beach is a small and secluded cove that’s surrounded by beautiful beachfront homes. The only access point is located in a residential neighborhood and is a steep staircase of 145 steps. There is limited street parking that can fill up quickly on crowded summer days so be sure to plan ahead.

Located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach between St. Ann’s Beach and Sleepy Hollow Beach, Cleo Street Beach is locally beloved as a place to unwind and relax. Although it is adjacent to the well-visited Main Beach, Cleo Street Beach is uncrowded, allowing beachgoers to have a serene beach experience. 

Located only a 10-minute drive south of downtown Laguna Beach, Victoria Beach is one of the city’s most famous beaches because of its Victorian-style Pirate Tower. This medieval-looking tower is a short but rocky hike from the beach access point. 

Located just south of Irvine Cove in Laguna Beach, Emerald Bay is a private beach community with arguably the most breathtaking bay and private beach in all of Southern California. The beach is a half-mile long and is supervised by lifeguards throughout the summer. 

Located on the southern end of Crystal Cove State Park, Moro Beach is a popular site that runs alongside the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. 

Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, Main Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Orange County and is extremely popular with families, visitors, and locals. Its historic white lifeguard tower is a city landmark and often appears in television shows and movies. Additionally, Laguna Beach was named the 33rd Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”

Nestled on the southern side of Laguna Beach, Three Arch Bay is a hidden treasure within a privately gated community, home to celebrities like Lauren Conrad. Named for the three natural rock arches at its northern end, this exclusive bay is accessible only to community residents and their guests. As part of Mussel Cove, it is surrounded by towering bluffs, making it one of the most private and secluded beaches in Orange County. This makes it a coveted spot in South Laguna's real estate market, ideal for those seeking luxury and privacy.