2 minute read
INSPIRED BY NATURE
BEACH WALKS OF LAGUNA
The beaches in Laguna are the most beautiful along the southern California coast… at least I think so. Below the cliffs, accessible in neighborhoods via staircases, lie picturesque beaches away from the hubbub of town. Coves, rocks and tidepools beckon to explore, swaths of sand are perfect for beachcombing 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.
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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).
Moss Cove is a small, sweet cove, 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 Woods Cove is a pretty cove with lots of rocks. 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.
Victoria Beach
The unique aspect of Victoria Beach is La Tour, built in 1926 as a castleinspired 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.
Thousand Steps Beach is located at the southern end of Laguna beach, there are actually only 223 steps to get down to the beach. It is quite a large beach with tide pools, caves and volleyball courts. Beach access: 9th Street & Coast Hwy (look for a legal parking spot)
Three Arch Bay is a private beach but, if you’re lucky to know a resident who can grant you access, it is a gorgeous beach to visit and enjoy the tide pools and three arches on the north end of the beach.
