Remote Surveillance Trailer in Laguna Beach, CA

You're never far from paradise in Southern California. The region's coastal destinations welcome you to find your bliss, and there's one seaside town in Orange County that shines above the rest: Laguna Beach. Removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is whimsical and artsy, yet upscale. Filled with palm trees and staggeringly beautiful bluffs, it will leave you awestruck. Plus, there are more than 30 beaches to explore.

Laguna's sandy shores and dreamy coastline await, but if you don't know where to start, let Islands and SoCal locals, like me, show you the way to the city's premier beaches. I've lived in SoCal all 29 years of my life. Despite residing in a beach town in Los Angeles, I typically plan a day trip to Laguna each summer to experience its pristine splendor (although it's only about a 1-hour drive from LA, it always feels like I'm taking a mini vacation).

In addition to my firsthand knowledge, Islands has turned to blog posts written by locals to highlight Laguna's 5 coolest beaches where you can chill, soak up some rays, and enjoy the immaculate oceanfront scenery. As one individual who identified themselves as a SoCal local on Reddit put it, "It is absolutely a destination that you do not want to miss." As a reminder, be sure to pack out everything you pack in. Thinking about planning an overnight getaway to Laguna? Read about Surf & Sand, Laguna's most luxurious and newly renovated resort.

Treasure Island Beach

Whenever I'm in town, I head straight to Treasure Island Beach. This is my absolute favorite in Laguna, largely because it's easy to find: The Montage Laguna Beach resort is perched on the bluffs directly above it. To reach the shore, you'll walk through Treasure Island Park, a scenic paved pathway off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), with breathtaking views and manicured gardens. The meandering path will lead you from the top of the cliffs that the Montage sits on, and down to the sandy beach.

Admittedly, it can be tricky to find a place to spread out on the sand, especially in the summer. Treasure Island Beach is an incredibly popular destination and swimming spot. Ranked as one of the top five things to do in Laguna on Tripadvisor, you can expect to encounter large crowds during the warmer months. Nevertheless, once you've settled in, you'll feel like you've been transported to a serene oasis, with the palm trees and bluffs taking center stage. There's even an arch in the sandstone cliff to explore in low tide.

"It might just be one of the most Instagrammable places in Laguna Beach. The landscaping, the color of the water, the sand, and the views...are all amazing," writes one local on That OC Girl in a blog post about the best beaches in Laguna. Bathrooms are available at Treasure Island Park and there's a paid parking lot too. I've also had luck finding street parking in the neighborhood surrounding the Aliso Creek Plaza across PCH. If you get hungry, Mosaic Bar and Grill at the Montage has upscale dining with epic vistas of Treasure Island Beach.

Shaws Cove

Just a few minutes away from Heisler Park, known for its gardens and scenic vistas, is Shaws Cove. Surrounded by expansive coastal homes, the beach is off-the-beaten-path and promises an authentic Laguna experience. Come and savor the feeling of the sand between your toes and if you're up for it, take a dip. "I might get in trouble for mentioning this one but this is where locals tend to hang. You feel safe swimming here because it's enclosed and not wide open," writes Laguna local Kristin By the Ocean, who calls Shaws Cove one of the top five swimming spots in the area.

Likewise, Shaws Cove is a popular diving site. Beneath the sea are vibrant reefs brimming with marine life (Laguna is a California Marine Protected Area). Not certified? No problem; consider bringing snorkeling gear instead. "Visibility was pretty solid, and we spotted several fish cruising around. The waves were calm and totally manageable, which made it relaxing instead of stressful," reads a review from a SoCal local on Yelp who enjoyed this activity. Note that Shaws Cove has a 4.7 rating on this platform, as well as on Tripadvisor and Google.

If you prefer to stay on land, you can always go tidepooling; it's not uncommon to find crabs, sea anemone, and other critters lurking at low tide. Be sure to not disturb their habitats and if interested, websites like Tide Forecast can approximate when the next low tide will be. Shaws Cove, which does not have any restroom facilities, is accessible via a staircase at the intersection of Cliff Drive and Fairview Street, in a residential neighborhood. With no public parking lot, street parking is your only option here.

Crescent Bay Beach

There's another reason why you may want to include Shaws Cove on your Laguna itinerary: It's within walking distance to Crescent Bay Beach. This spectacular stretch of sand is perfect for a leisurely stroll and sunbathing. "It has a very private feeling since it juts out of a residential beachy neighborhood," penned a SoCal local on Yelp. What's more, Crescent Bay features crystal clear waters and an eye-catching formation known as Seal Rock, a prime diving destination. As its name implies, visitors will often find these aquatic mammals and birds lounging here, a memorable sight as they bask in the stunning scenery at Crescent Bay.

"I call this the wildlife cove. I always see seals, stingrays, fish, crabs, anemones, dolphins etc when I'm here," explained another SoCal local on Yelp. How cool is that? And if you're wondering, there are tide pools here too. After spending time on the shore and viewing marine animals in their natural habitat (from a distance of course), consider heading to the adjacent Crescent Bay Point Park. Known among residents for its unrivaled sunset views, this could be a fantastic way to wrap up your Laguna beach day.

Unlike Shaws Cove, there are bathrooms at Crescent Bay Beach. Interested in visiting? Follow the lush path located at the intersection of Cliff Drive and Barranca Street (it's right off Pacific Coast Highway). Keep in mind that Yelp users and Redditors say that finding street parking here can unfortunately be difficult and they suggest arriving early to secure a spot. Although Crescent Bay is often dotted with swimmers, make sure to watch for rip currents.

Victoria Beach

Much to the enchantment of visitors, Laguna Beach is home to places that can only be described as magical. This includes Peppertree Lane, a historic alley full of shops, charm, and treats, as well as Victoria Beach, featuring the iconic Pirate Tower. If adventure is what you seek, Victoria Beach, named a hidden gem by La Vida Laguna, a local tour operator, offers this and more. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the 60-foot Pirate Tower, a landmark staircase that was built on the side of a cliff in 1926 to connect a private home to the beach. Although you cannot enter the slender structure, it's a gorgeous sight and an excellent location for photos (social media is flooded with ethereal images of this spot for a reason).

But as a SoCal blogger warned on his website Travel Caffeine, "Beach erosion and high tides can make the tower section of Victoria Beach difficult to access. If you do make it out here, you'll be rewarded with a picturesque scene and relatively low crowds, save for locals in the know." Asides from the Pirate Tower, Victoria Beach's tide pools surrounding its rocky shores draw in visitors. Uniquely, the site also features a concrete pool and under the right conditions, you can sit back and relax or if you prefer, wade around in the water.

Victoria Beach is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. There's a staircase on Victoria Drive and Sunset Terrace, off of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) that will allow you to reach the shore. A post by a local writer on Laguna Beach Living praises Victoria Beach as one of the best in the city — and suggests parking on PCH. Take note that there's no bathroom on site.

Aliso Beach

For an effortless coastal adventure, choose Aliso Beach. Although it's not particularly ideal for swimming, it's world-renowned for skimboarding. Even if this sport isn't for you, you may find that it's worth the visit. Located just south of Treasure Island Beach, it offers an assortment of amenities appreciated by locals and tourists alike. For your convenience, there's a paid parking lot with over 200 spots, public restrooms, and a playground where the little ones can have even more fun in the sun. But that's not all: Aliso Beach features an eatery on the sand, Lost Pier Café.

Operated by The Ranch at Laguna Beach, a luxury resort tucked into a canyon directly above (and accessible from) Aliso Beach, Lost Pier Café is overseen by the resort's executive chef Kyle St. John, and highly rated on both Google and Yelp. The casual eatery has outdoor tables where diners can take in the ocean views while enjoying refined beach shack cuisine. Of course, the scenery at Aliso Beach, which is ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in Laguna on Tripadvisor, isn't shabby either. Think Laguna's signature cliffside landscapes lined with gorgeous homes and creek side vistas.

That said, your time at Aliso Beach doesn't have to end after the sun goes down. There are a couple of bonfire pits (in August 2025, Voice of OC reported that there are two). If you can't make it on time to score one, you can always rent one from Lost Pier Café. All in all, you can plan to have the ultimate beach experience here, wrapping up your day with a perfect SoCal sunset, roasting marshmallows by a bonfire.

Methodology

Whether you're visiting Laguna for a day, a weekend, or a week, your time for exploring this destination's seven mile coastline is limited. That's why we've created this short guide to direct you to five of the coolest beaches in Laguna from the people who know the area the best: Southern California locals. My (and my editor's) personal experience as a SoCal resident was relevant to this piece. However, Islands researched blog posts created or written by individuals/groups that identified as locals to determine some of the beaches included in this article.

Sources include Laguna Beach Living, That OC Girl, Travel Caffeine , Alcove Collective, and more. Tripadvisor rankings and Yelp reviews from SoCal locals (the user's location is typically displayed under their name) were used in this selection process as well. The objective in this research was to identify beaches that are cherished by locals for their distinct offerings. Treasure Island Beach, Shaws Cove, Crescent Bay Beach, Victoria Beach, and Aliso Beach are all a testament to Laguna's beauty, but as SoCal locals pointed out, they all vary greatly in amenities and accessibility.

Some beaches are better for swimming, while others are ideal for tide-pooling and other activities. Whatever you're looking for as a beachgoer, be it seclusion or a lively ambiance, Laguna has it all. To discover more of Laguna's coastline, read about Table Rock Beach, a cliffy paradise with tide pools, and 1000 Steps Beach, whose salt pools are top-secret and beyond breathtaking.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which rescues sea creatures that are sick or in trouble along the Orange County coastline, is hoping to make a temporary field hospital using a portion of the Laguna Beach Dog Park a permanent facility.

The center has been leasing about 15,000 square feet of the dog park’s 2.64 acres for the last three years to house sea lions and seals while renovations are made to its main facility, the red barn just up Laguna Canyon Road that has been its home since the 1970s.

While the work on the barn and surrounding structures is expected to be completed in April, center officials are asking city leaders to consider allowing the field hospital, which cost $1.5 million to build with pools and a filtration system, to remain in place, using about 12,000 square feet in the future.

That would return the dog park to more than 90% of its original size.

The proposal has drawn criticism from Friends of the Dog Park, as well as from the nearby Laguna Food Pantry.

Several representatives of the dog park argued during a recent City Council study session that they felt they were being “hoodwinked” by the marine mammal hospital, and several folks speaking for the pantry suggested the area would better serve the broader community if it were annexed by the pantry as demand for its services increases.

City Manager Dave Kiff suggested a compromise might be found, while keeping in mind that the land must remain open space due to $260,000 in state grant funding that helped with its purchase. Any buyout would require legal analysis, he said.

The City Council agreed to form an ad hoc committee with Mayor Mark Orgill and Councilmember Sue Kempf to work with PMMC to determine what’s realistic, while taking input from the other groups.

Orgill said Monday that the ad hoc committee — it’s expected to be made official at the council’s Jan. 27 meeting — will look at the whole area from PMMC’s red barn to the dog park. He said he didn’t think it is out of the question for PMMC to keep its field hospital at the park, but added “there may be more efficient ways of using the whole area.”

CEO Glenn Gray said PMMC isn’t going back on its word, but rather is making the ask because patient needs have changed significantly since the agreement was made in 2023. The center’s temporary permit expires in June.

Last year’s unexpected extended period of toxic algae blooms, which left hundreds of sea lions sick or dying along the Southern California coastline, had PMMC treating or responding to an all-time high of 500-plus patients.

“The summers have not been the same,” Gray said. “There used to be a seasonality that was somewhat predictable in terms of patient counts and patient issues. Typically, we’re dealing with pups that are dealing with malnutrition and dehydration.”

Now, he said, while pups remain a mainstay of rescue — several are already in house — the center for the past three years has been swamped with sea lions that have consumed the poisonous algae that contains a neurotoxin called domoic acid.

These blooms used to happen every once in a while, the center’s veterinarian Dr. Alissa Deming said, most often during a transition between an El Niño year and a La Niña climate pattern.

“That pattern has gone away,” Gray said, adding that the past four years have been straight toxic algae blooms. “Our patient count is higher, so we need more capacity.”

Ideally, Deming said, the field hospital would remain in place and serve as a “pop-up facility” open for two to three months to triage and treat sick animals when capacity is reached in the main hospital. The goal is to accommodate 200 animals in-house once the barn renovation is done, and have enough space for 200 more in the field hospital.

At its busiest last year, Deming said the center was rescuing seven to nine animals a day in addition to dolphins that were stranding on beaches. Two whales also washed up on local beaches, sickened by the toxin, a first in Southern California.

While volunteers representing Friends of the Laguna Beach Dog Park said they empathize with PMMC’s mission, they do not support a permanent facility.

Volunteer David Finch said the group supported PMMC’s use of the area “in good faith, with assurances of full restoration.” The group now “strongly opposes” any continued use of “the dog land” beyond the end of the temporary permit, he said.

“Transfer of any part of our dog park would be a fundamental betrayal of the land’s public use,” he said. “The park was gifted to the community.”

Chris Quilter, a local resident and volunteer, and Anne Bellier, the executive director of the food pantry, both “strongly opposed” allowing PMMC the space permanently and instead advocated annexing a portion of the 15,000 square feet for the pantry’s use. The pantry is located next to the field hospital.

“Giving PMMC permanent use would limit the city in seeing how the property could be best used by the entire community,” Bellier said, adding that the pantry, which serves 300 families a day, is seeing an increasing demand for its services and is already hampered by traffic congestion and lack of parking.

“Especially concerning is that it would be used for a few months a year,” she said. “Once public parkland is lost, it’s never returned.”

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The City of Laguna Beach is expected to be impacted by a storm Thursday, Jan. 1, which will bring intermittent periods of heavy rain and potential localized flooding.

The most significant part of the storm is predicted late Thursday evening. A flash flood watch is in effect from Wednesday to Thursday evening.

Downtown and Canyon residents and business owners are encouraged to put flood gates into place during the evening hours while your business is closed as a precautionary measure to protect property and inventory.

Laguna Beach residents can pick up empty sandbags at all four Laguna Beach fire stations, or 10 pre-filled sandbags at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road and 31132 S. Coast Highway.

The storm is forecasted to bring 1 to 5 inches of rain to various parts of the Los Angeles area, setting the stage for a wet Rose Parade and prompting evacuation warnings for residents near recent burn zones.

The storm system was moving into the area from the south Wednesday with periods of rain through next week, heaviest Wednesday night into New Year's Day, virtually guaranteeing a soggy Rose Parade and New Year's Day celebrations.

"The peak of the rainfall in the short term will be Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon with a lingering shower threat Thursday night and Friday," according to the National Weather Service.

"Rainfall rates are expected to be in the 0.25 to 0.50 inch per hour range. However, there will be locally higher rates of around 0.50-1.00 inch per hour Wednesday night and Thursday associated with heavier pockets of rain and potential thunderstorms."

Forecasters warned that the storm will likely bring enhanced risks of widespread flooding, in addition to mudslide and rockslide activity.

The NWS said there is "a near 100% chance" of rain falling on the Rose Parade -- and on people camping out for the parade on Wednesday night. Rain has not fallen on the Rose Parade 2006. The floral procession has traditionally managed to avoid precipitation, with rain dampening the event less than a dozen times in its previous 136 years.

City News Service contributed to this report.

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Rain is returning to Laguna Beach, just in time for New Year's Eve.

In Orange County, rainy conditions are expected to start Tuesday night and continue into Wednesday.

"A return to wet weather is expected Wednesday as moisture from off the coast of Mexico gets pulled up into southern California," said the NWS. "Onset time is still in question, but no later than Wednesday evening. Some light rain is possible as early as Wednesday morning, especially far western areas as the hi res models show the initial trajectory farther to the west over the Channel Islands and Central Coast, but then shifting east during the afternoon and evening."

Forecasters said "periods of light to moderate rain" are anticipated through Saturday, with the heaviest rain expected Wednesday night into New Year's Day on Thursday.

Forecasters said roughly 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible by week's end in coastal and valley areas, with 2 to 5 inches possible in the mountains.

"Precipitable waters rise quickly Wednesday night, rising to between 1.25 and 1.5 inches through New Years Day," according to the NWS. "This will be the period of heaviest rainfall with this storm, but likely still at least 50% lighter than the last event."

Given last week's storms that saturated the ground in many areas, authorities again warned of possible mud and debris flows from the upcoming rain.

The forecast prompted the cancelation of Wednesday's New Year's Eve celebration in the Orange County city of Fullerton.

The First Night celebration won't take place because of high winds and rain forecast for Wednesday, according to city officials who say the "conditions raise public safety and operational concerns for attractions, entertainment, and fireworks."

"We know this is disappointing and appreciate the community's understanding as we prioritize safety, according to a statement released by the city. "We look forward to celebrating with you at future city events under safer conditions."

City News Service contributed to this report.

The holiday season is reaching its peak, and the New Year is around the corner. Whether you are looking to dance the night away, enjoy a quiet multi-course dinner with friends or find a family-friendly countdown, there are no shortage of events in Laguna Beach. Find five local events below.

Laguna Playhouse’s ‘Yearly Departed’

“Say goodbye to the year with laughter, sparkle and Rita’s signature sass.”

That’s how Laguna Playhouse describes its upcoming Dec. 31 performance, “Yearly Departed,” featuring comedian Rita Rudner. The evening begins with a performance by the Molly Bergman band, followed by Rudner’s stand-up performance. Tickets include a champagne toast, passed desserts and a festive countdown as attendees watch the East Coast ball drop at 9 p.m. Tickets are $101, and running out.

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Learn more at lagunaplayhouse.com.

Lobby Lounge Countdown

Montage Laguna Beach is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Lobby Lounge, featuring live music, festive decorations, drinks and an official countdown into 2026. The event is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and guests must reserve a table or bottle service package. Prices are as follows:

Lobby Lounge Packages

• $1,800 | Up to eight guests, includes three bottles of champagne or wine and sweet and savory bites

• $1,400 | Up to six guests, includes two bottles of champagne or wine and sweet and savory bites

• $800 | Up to four guests, includes one bottle of champagne or wine and sweet and savory bites

• $450 | Up to two guests, includes one bottle of champagne or wine and sweet and savory bites

Upper Gallery Packages

• $350 | Up to two guests, includes one bottle of champagne or wine

• Montage Laguna Beach is located at 30801 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Learn more at montage.com.

New Year’s Eve at the Mediterranean

Studio Mediterranean is inviting people to welcome 2026 in style. It is hosting a dining experience that starts at 5 p.m., allowing guests to see the sun set one last time while savoring at four or six-course coastal Mediterranean tasting menu by Executive Chef Dennis Efthymiou. The menu includes Maine crab, lobster ravioli and Snake River Farm Wagyu. Prices are as follows:

• Six-Course Tasting | 7:30pm – 10:00pm | $375 per Adult

• Four-Course Tasting | 5:00pm – 7:00pm | $275 per Adult

Pricing is exclusive of tax and service charge. A 48-hour cancellation policy applies.

Studio Mediterranean is located at 30801 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Learn more at montage.com

Live Music at The Drake

The Drake is welcoming the community to an intimate gathering in celebration of the New Year. The Drake will offer a curated coursed menu, champagne toasts and live music on New Year’s Eve from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., with a special performance by Adryon de León.

Born and raised in Ojai, de León is a featured principal vocalist and performer for the Disneyland Resort. She has performed background vocals for Macy Gray, Patti Austin, The Growlers and George Clinton. In 2013, she joined the LA-based band Orgone, and its most recent release, “Reasons,” features tracks spotlighting de León. Reservations are required.

The Drake is located at 2894 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Learn more at thedrakelaguna.com.

NYE at Mozambique

Mozambique is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring prix fixe dining and live entertainment. The restaurant offers two seatings, both featuring a multi-course menu including an Amuse Bouche (Ahi Poke), choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. Main entrees include steak and lobster, Chilean sea bass and prime rib eye, while desserts include a choice of chocolate-dipped strawberries, Portuguese hot butter pudding or flourless chocolate ganache.

Early Seating, from 4-6 p.m., is $79 per person, and the table must be returned by 8 p.m. Evening seating is from 7 p.m. onward and is $99 per person. Second Seating may keep their table all evening.

At Ivan’z House, the venue and event space within Mozambique, there is live entertainment by Common Sense & DJ Lil’ Ken from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Reserved seating in Ivan’z House is limited and will require a reserved seating ticket. Entertainment is not included in the price of dinner; tickets must be purchased separately and are $68.

Mozambique is located at 1740 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Learn more at mozambiqueoc.com.