Ultimate Guide to South Laguna Beaches

Overview of South Laguna and South Laguna Beaches

In honor of the City of Laguna Beach taking over management of the beaches in South Laguna from Orange County, we strive to make this the only guide you need to explore the beaches in this laid back neighborhood.

South Laguna Beach Overview

History of South Laguna

First, let’s talk about this little hamlet in Orange County. Technically a neighborhood in Laguna Beach, this area was once it’s own town. Before being annexed by the City of Laguna Beach in 1987, South Laguna managed itself as an unincorporated part of Orange County via the South Laguna Civic Association (SLCA). The first lots and homesites were created and built in the 1920s. By the 1940s, there were enough residents to establish the SLCA in 1946. During the 40 years the SLCA governed the community, it established the South Laguna Sanitary District and a sewer system, creation of South Laguna Village Green park, acquisition of Aliso Beach and creation of the Aliso Beach children’s play area, and the preservation of the South Laguna hillsides as open space and creation of hillside trails and Sea View and Badlands Parks. The SCLA has continued as a community-building organization preserving, maintaining, and protecting much of the area. While South Laguna become an official part of Laguna Beach, the County of Orange still managed the beaches in South Laguna. On March 1, 2023, the City of Laguna Beach took over control and now maintains all beaches within its city limits.

South Laguna Location and Features

South Laguna Beach extends from Victoria Beach down to Dana Point. The South Laguna Village is locate on Pacific Coast Highway between West Street and 7th Avenue. In the Village you will find restaurants, retails shops, and art galleries. The parks of South Laguna Beach include Lang Park, Village Green Park, Aliso Beach Park, and Treasure Island Park. Three Arch Bay, south of Aliso Beach Park, is Laguna’s southernmost beach.

SOUTH LAGUNA BEACH DIRECTORY

The South Laguna beaches from North to South are: Victoria Beach, the Treasure Island/Montage Area beaches (Christmas Cove Beach, Goff Cove, Treasure Island), Aliso Beach, West Street Beach (Coast Royale Beach), Table Rock Beach, Totuava Beach, 1000 Steps Beach, 3 Arch Bay.

Victoria Beach

Famous for Pirate Tower, Victoria Beach is one of Laguna Beach’s iconic locations. It is a little hard to get to with limited parking and the steps a little hidden for those not in the know.

Address: 2700 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Treasure Island Park / Montage Resort

The Treasure Island park area is inclusive of a few beaches (Christmas Cove, Goff Cove, Treasure Island) as well as the most beautiful park area of almost anywhere. This is due to the public path to the beaches is largely cared for and landscaped by the Montage Resort. This place has it all. Treasure Island park offers incredible sunsets and great place for long walks, while the beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, tidepools.

Address: 30799 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Aliso Beach

Aliso Beach, or Aliso Creek Beach, is a park with many amenities including a parking lot, lifeguards, food stand, and playground for the kiddos. The beach is formed with the meeting of Aliso Creek with the Pacific Ocean. It is just south of Treasure Island Beach, separated by the inlet of Aliso Creek. During low tide you can easily walk between the two.

West Street Beach

West Street Beach, also known as Coast Royale Beach, is a nice size beach in South Laguna Beach. Just north of Table Rock Beach and south of Aliso Beach, this beach is a little less traveled with a long staircase entrance.

Table Rock Beach

Table Rock Beach is one of those locally known hideaway beaches. The entrance is in the heart of the South Laguna Village. It’s a small sandy beach popular with skimboarders and locals.

Address: 31595 Table Rock Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Totuava Beach

Totuava Beach is one of the most hidden beaches in Laguna if not in Orange County. Direct entrances from the road are only via the private staircases of the million dollar homes or Laguna Lido Condos. Therefore the only way most of us can access it is via 1000 Steps Beach at low tide. At that point you can walk around the rock outcrop that separates the two beaches.

Address: 31831 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

1,000 Steps Beach

Thousand Steps Beach or 1,000 Steps Beach is one of those beaches you’ll brag about visiting, mainly because it’s a feat to accomplish. Kind of like hiking Angel’s landing in Zion, I feel like I need a t-shirt saying “I just survived the stairs at 1,000 Steps Beach”. Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating a bit but it is quite a workout (and I did buy the t-shirt). There are 219 steps, or according to my step track 13 flights, to get down to the beach. It’s popular for fitness buffs and enjoyable for those that want a quieter beach.

Address: 31972 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

3 Arch Bay

Three Arch Bay is one of the beaches in Laguna that is only accessible through a private community. This makes the beach private for all intents and purposes. If you were to access the beach from the water, you could theoretically enjoy this without being part of the community.

Address: Vista del Sol and Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA