Main Beach sits at the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, serving as the community’s central gathering place where the town meets the sea. The beach features a distinctive white lifeguard tower, basketball and volleyball courts, a children’s playground, and a scenic boardwalk perfect for strolling. Its central location provides easy access to Laguna’s art galleries, […]
Beaches for Swimming
Huntington Dog Beach
Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of coastline where dogs can run unleashed along the shore, splash in the waves, and socialize with other canines. This non-profit, volunteer-maintained beach section between Seapoint Street and 21st Street has become a beloved institution for dog owners throughout Southern California. The wide, flat beach provides ample space […]
Morro Strand State Beach
Morro Strand State Beach extends over three miles along California’s central coast, offering spectacular views of Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug that is the most distinctive landmark in the area. This long, straight beach features fine sand and gentle sloping terrain, making it ideal for extended beach walks and jogging. The protected waters of […]
Thousand Steps Beach
Thousand Steps Beach is named for the long, steep staircase (actually 218 steps) that leads from street level down to this secluded Laguna Beach cove. The effort required to access this beach means it’s often less crowded than other area beaches, especially on weekdays. At the southern end, visitors can explore sea caves during low […]
Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad State Beach, also known as Tamarack Beach, stretches along a scenic 4-mile coastline in North San Diego County. This narrow, bluff-backed beach offers good swimming conditions with seasonal lifeguard service and excellent surf breaks for all skill levels. The Carlsbad Seawall, a paved walkway running alongside the beach, provides a popular route for walkers, […]
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach combines a wide sandy shoreline with an active harbor and pier area, creating a diverse coastal experience. The beach itself offers swimming areas protected by breakwaters and a jetty, with separate zones for surfing. The landmark Redondo Beach Pier has a distinctive horseshoe shape housing restaurants, shops, and an interactive marine education center. […]
La Piedra State Beach
La Piedra State Beach is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, comprising three “pocket beaches” along the Malibu coast. Accessed via a steep trail from the Pacific Coast Highway, this secluded beach rewards visitors with dramatic scenery featuring massive rock formations and clear waters. The beach’s relative isolation means it’s typically less crowded […]
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach sits beneath scenic bluffs in the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” offering a mile of sandy shoreline away from urban development. A campground atop the bluff provides overnight accommodations with ocean views, connected to the beach by a pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks. The beach is popular for swimming and […]
La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is a mile-long crescent of fine sand with gentle waves, making it one of San Diego’s most family-friendly beaches. It borders the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a marine sanctuary with abundant sea life that creates exceptional snorkeling, diving, and kayaking opportunities. The beach features separate swimming and surfing zones, with […]
Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a sheltered cove protected by the surrounding hills and Point San Luis, creating warmer water temperatures and calmer conditions than many Central Coast beaches. The south-facing beach spans about a half-mile along a rebuilt, pedestrian-friendly downtown with restaurants and shops fronting the sand. Avila’s 1,685-foot pier offers fishing without a license and […]