The 7 Prettiest Beaches in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, a charming coastal city in Southern California, abounds with exceptional sandy stretches of land. The area simply has no room for mediocre coastline. Yet some beaches in Laguna Beach are prettier than the others. 

^{Last updated: September 9, 2024}

Sandy Paradise of Laguna Beach

Spread over seven miles of coastline, Laguna Beach is a blissful paradise in Southern California. The city is famous for its unprecedented beauty and culture that have stolen the hearts of millions. Its year-round pleasant weather inspires hordes of visitors. But the biggest attractions of Laguna Beach are its pristine beaches. Dozens of sandy stretches of land and picturesque coves have enticed artists, beachgoers, and water sport lovers for as long as the city remembers. 

Aiming to accommodate all of its devotees, Laguna Beach has the beaches for all tastes and preferences. From the best spots to soak up the sun to the favorite beaches to discover California marine life, both in small tide pools and on whale watching excursions, the place is unmatched.

But while every expanse of the coastline has its own characters, some beaches in Laguna Beach dazzle with their exceptional natural beauty. They charm and inspire you, offering the best spots in town for oceanfront vacation and nature photography. Without further ado, here are seven of the prettiest beaches in Laguna Beach.   

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN LAGUNA BEACH

1-2. Picnic Beach and Diver’s Cove near Heisler Park

Stretching along the bluffs on Cliff Drive, Heisler Park and the nearby Picnic Beach and Diver’s Cove are some of the most scenic places in Laguna Beach. This gorgeous area astounds with panoramic views and incredible opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and tidepooling. 

The main attraction of Picnic Beach is its easy accessibility and close proximity to Heisler Park. Many visitors can hardly tell where one ends and the other starts, as the scenic vistas from the park point straight at Picnic Beach.  

The northern boundary of the beach marks the beginning of Diver’s Cove. The 300 foot-long sandy expanse feels more secluded. You won’t see large crowds of beachgoers, typical for some other beaches in downtown Laguna Beach.

Diver’s Cove’s name doesn’t lie. The place is indeed one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling destinations in the city. Best suited for groups of divers, and families with children, Diver’s Cove allows you to explore the beauty of Laguna Beach above and below sea floor.

Direction: You can access Diver’s Cove and Picnic from Cliff Drive.

3. Main Beach

Affectionately called Laguna’s Window to the See, Main Beach far exceeds its reputation as one of the prettiest beaches in the area. The place is nestled in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach and is the first beach many visitors succumb to.

The sandy shore occupies a broad scenic cove with a boardwalk and beach volleyball courts. Adjacent to it is Main Beach Park, a place that intensifies the coastal idyll with some patches of green lawns and basketball courts.

Direction: Main Beach is located near the intersection of Broadway Street and South Coast Highway (Hwy 1).

4. Crescent Bay Beach

No other beaches in Laguna Beach can compete with Crescent Bay Beach, a place with the most spectacular views. Towering cliffs with caves embrace the beach from the north and south. Steep bluffs in the back are dotted with impeccable houses, looking down at the crescent of golden sand.

There is no way to resist the magnetism of this enchanting coastal paradise in Laguna Beach. The place is especially popular with surfers and Laguna’s younger generations. 

Direction: The best way to access Crescent Bay Beach is from Cliff Drive, one block away from where it begins at North Coast Highway. 

5. Victoria Beach

Home to the iconic “Pirate Tower” and a circular man-made pool, Victoria Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in Long Beach. Protected from too many visitors by the rows of oceanfront mansions, the place is somehow still a hidden gem that asks to be found.

Direction: If you are persistent enough, follow Victoria Drive until you reach the steps leading to Victoria Beach. Otherwise, stick around the gated community of Blue Lagoon and wait until its dwellers let you access the beach from their yard.  

6. Treasure Island Beach

Set on the ground on the five-star resort Montage Laguna Beach, Treasure Island Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Laguna Beach. Moreover, the stunning location and the excellent clarity of the water make it the city’s preferred snorkeling spot.

The small inlet with a slightly distant “isle” entices oceanfront vacationers looking for sandy beaches with panoramic views. Sitting atop the bluffs, above the beach, Treasure Island Beach Park along with the imposing structure of the resort add a pop of color to the already splendid scenery of Laguna’s finest beach. 

Direction: To access Treasure Island Beach, head to Montage Laguna Beach that is perched on the cliff right above the shore. 

7. Thousand Steps Beach

Thousand Steps Beach is one of the largest beaches in Laguna Beach. The place gained its popularity due to its sandy shore and captivating caves, so long that they remind you of tunnels. Marking the borders of the beach, sandstone cliffs themselves are quite an attraction. 

Despite the impressive name, only roughly 280 steps lead to Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach. But the effort you put into reaching the place – especially when climbing back to the top of the cliff – makes you feel like you’ve conquered no less than a thousand steps. 

Direction: The beach entrance is located across from 9th Avenue.