Have a Perfect Beach Day at Thousand Steps Beach

Crystal clear waters, gorgeous beaches, caves, secret pools and amazing nature!

Last updated: May 2024

Free
73 Miles from you
State Gem: Exceptional experiences within your state that are bucket list-worthy
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Description

Experience one of the best beaches in SoCal - Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach. This beach is considered hidden; however, it's very accessible. Work your way down through 200 steps and a gorgeous beach will be uncovered in front of you. Nature feels untouched and pure. Water is crystal clear and super salty. You will have a blast playing with ocean waves and strolling the beach. You have to go left once you hit the beach to find secret pools. Go through the cave, climb a few rocks, and soon after, you will be at the pools! Spend the whole day at Thousand Steps Beach; bring food and drinks, explore the pools and the cave, swim and tan! The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing; the surrounding cliffs' views are simply breathtaking. So why wait? Pack your beach bag and make the trek down to 1000 Steps Beach. It's the perfect spot to escape the city's hustle and bustle and enjoy the California coast's beauty.

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

Chill

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Itinerary

Park near 9th Ave Laguna Beach
Find Thousand Steps entrance
Go down the stairs
Turn left once you hit the beach
Go through the cave
Climb the rocks in front of you
Bend the rocks on the top
Go down to the beach on the other side
Cross the beach to the trail to the pools
You made it!

Location

Coast Highway and 9th Ave Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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Packing List

swimsuit
sunscreen
hat
sunglasses
towel
beach blanket
beach chairs (optional)
water shoes (optional)
cooler with food and drinks
trashbag

4.7 ● Google reviews

This is just another one of South Orange County's beautiful beaches ⛱️ depending on the time and day of the week you show will dictate the crowds. We showed up at around 4 p.m. on. Saturday in June and there was plenty of space between us and the others around us. The waves were pretty strong but perfect for boogie boarding. The views always amazing. Especially at sunset 🌇

It's a gorgeous little beach! But be prepared to walk the 1000 steps to get there. Going down isn't bad but the walk back up those 1000 steps that are straight up the cliff are a killer. So beautiful though I would do it again.

The beach is aesthetically pleasing, but I would not recommend it to those who have difficulty with physical exertion. Accessing the beach requires descending a set of stairs, and the only means of ascent is via the same stairs, which may pose a challenge for some individuals. Furthermore, parking in the vicinity of the beach is scarce, as there is no designated parking lot. The only available parking is along the roadside. However, the limited parking contributes to the beach's unique characteristic of being relatively uncrowded. Some visitors may need to walk approximately 20 minutes to reach the stairway leading to the beach.

Really beautiful beach in Laguna. Arguably one of the best in OC. The toughest part is parking which is very limited and restricted to the street only. The other tough thing is obviously the walk there. Going back is much more difficult, but definitely worth it.

Such a great hidden jem. It's been almost 30 years since I've been here. The beach is just gorgeous. The tide wasn't low enough for the sea caves to the south, but still amazing. Be prepared for the stairs on the way home! They are steep, but manageable. I read that it's 218 steps and my legs are still feeling it days later. Parking is a challenge, so get there earlier in the day.

Show all 2016 reviews