The famous tourist location Laguna Beach can be a tough place to navigate. Especially when you’re a local and you’re trying to escape the tourist traffic on streets and sidewalks. Don’t even attempt to go to Main Beach for the day. To find parking is one thing, but to find relaxing spot on the beach is another. This area is one of the most popular locations in all of Laguna, for good reason of course. Main Street Beach is right across from popular shops, restaurants, gelato places, art galleries, etc. The beach also has basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a cute mini boardwalk…tourist heaven! I suggest heading to some of the other beaches in Laguna to get in a relaxing beach day, (mostly) tourist free.
- Oak Street Beach
This beach is easy to access and you don’t have to walk down tons of stairs or a steep hill! It’s right off PCH next to where Banzai Bowls and Active Culture are located. This beach is small, but I’ve never had an issue getting a good spot.
- Victoria Beach
Off of Nyes Place you’ll find Victoria Beach. Yes, you have to park on a hill, but it isn’t too steep and it’s FREE! You’ll usually never see little kids at this Laguna spot either, which is a plus if you’re trying to relax without kiddy screams! This spot also has a blowhole that you can jump in if tides are high enough.
- West Street Beach
You can park along PCH near the West Street intersection and head down to this beach. West is a wide, sandy cove that has volleyball courts perfect to practice your beach volleyball skills! Near the north end, you’ll find unique rock formations when the tide is low.
- Table Rock Beach
This hidden beach can be tough to get to, since it’s tucked away and hard to find from the highway. Your best bet is to get there early to park along PCH and walk down to the entrance. Table Rock has secret pools that you might’ve seen before. When the tide is working in your favor, you can swim around in these hidden pools. An experience unique to SoCal’s Laguna Beach!
- Thousand Steps Beach
This beach is a tad more popular than the ones I’ve talked about so far. Famously recognized for its name, Thousand Steps Beach includes a killer workout for the walk back up. 1,000 steps down is easy, but the climb back up will leave your legs sore for days. It’s worth it though for the beautiful, wide beach in Laguna. You’re surrounded by beautiful mansions too which are fun to fantasize about.
- Thalia Street Beach
The beach on Thalia Street is right next to Oak Street, so you can access either beach from either entrance. I love the waves at this Laguna spot (usually they are bigger than some other beach spots). There’s also a unique wall at Thalia Beach giving its own cool feature. This is the perfect beach to lounge out and watch the surfers and skimboarders do their thing!
- Treasure Island
For easiest access to this beach, head over to the Montage Resort and walk down the stairs or ramp. This beach has it all. A park, tide pools, and a cool rock arch. If you park on Wesley Drive off of PCH, you can get free parking too. A great bonus!
- Wood’s Cove
If you’re looking to get a nice tan or explore some tide pools, then head to Wood’s Cove. This is a small little cove in Laguna Beach that makes for a great, private spot. There are lots of rocks here though, so if you’re looking to go swimming, you may want to head to a larger beach.
