Laguna's Beaches

Laguna’s Beaches

Laguna’s coastline is beautiful, wild, alive, and deeply loved by all who know it. Explore it, enjoy it and leave it better than you found it.

Learn to
Laguna Like
a Local

Learn the principles of Laguna Stewardship.

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Beauty Beyond the Beach

Laguna's Beaches

Laguna Beach is home to seven miles of coastline all of it part of California’s Marine Protected Areas. This stretch of shoreline is among the most ecologically rich and most fragile in the state. It needs our protection.

We invite you to explore with care. Please follow posted guidance, practice our six Leave No Trace principles, and help protect what makes Laguna’s coast unforgettable.

To Explore and Protect

Laguna’s coastline is fragile and protected—and open to all who care for it. We approach our beaches differently here. Some are difficult to find. Some are too fragile for large crowds. And some don’t have restrooms, trash bins, or safe access. For most visitors, Main Beach, Aliso Beach and Crystal Cove provide the best experiences. We encourage you to find the right beach for your visit;

  • Find well-marked access points.
  • Visit beaches with lifeguards and facilities.
  • Follow posted signs, rules and local etiquette.
  • Visit areas that can handle more visitors without harm to our protected coves, tidepools and sea life.
  • Understand and join of the local rhythm.
  • Pack out what you pack in—and even more if you see trash left behind.
  • Follow our Steward’s Guide to Laguna Beach.

And remember: If it looks pristine, that’s because a lot of volunteers and locals work hard to keep it that way. We encourage you to help by doing your part.

Know Before You Go

Hours, locations and answers to frequently asked questions when planning a visit to Laguna Beach.

Beach hours

Beaches north of Aliso Creek close between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Beaches south of Aliso Creek close between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., with the exception of Thousand Steps Beach, which closes between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES

  • June 15 – September 10, dogs are allowed BEFORE 9:00am and AFTER 6:00pm.
  • September 11 – June 14, dogs are allowed during regular beach hours.
  • Dogs must be on a leash that’s 6’ or shorter, at all times. 

BEACH PARKING

Most of our beaches have easy metered, lot or free parking. Detailed beach parking can be found on our parking page, as well as information on metered street parking. Additionally, you’ll find information on the free trolley that runs on weekends, September through late June, and daily, late June through August. 

TIDE SCHEDULE

If you have questions about tides, or surf conditions, please contact the Department of Marine Safety. Beach-friendly wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Lifeguard Headquarters.