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    Aliso Beach

    4.4 (194 reviews)

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    Nancy L.

    This is my favorite beach in OC because the hourly parking is only $2.50/hr and the parking is right at the beach so you don't have to trek far. There is a playground that my kids love to play at and the other end there are rocks that has good tide pool. There is an onsite cafe and the food is really good as well as clean bathrooms. The waves can get big during high tide so be sure to keep an eye out for your children.

    Lucy H.

    My favorite for easy access, south OC beach. Easy parking, 2.50/hr, up to 8 hours. There's a snack bar, benches, play area for kiddos, a couple of bonfires next to the snack area, lifeguards on duty. Dogs allowed on beach on leash, off season--which is now! Google to confirm dates. Really nice rock area to explore on the left. Nice photo area. The only con is: there is a sewer stench at times. Thankfully not today!

    Jessica T.

    The views are amazing! The easy access to parking and restroom there's even a small restaurant. Not great for little kids the waves a way too choppy.

    Jaymes M.

    Aliso Beach in Laguna, is one of our favorite beaches to visit. It's been a couple years since we last came here. We drove by really quick before dinner. We couldn't help but watch the sunset tonight. It was so beautiful we had to stop. Aliso beach is clean and quaint, but gets very busy during those hot summer days. I personally wouldn't come here when it's packed as parking is such a pain. There is an attached parking lot, as well as one across the way that you can reach via underground tunnel. You can also park on the streets but with little ones, I'm too nervous to do that. At the main parking lot entrance is a kids playground. All the way across the other side of the same parking lot are the showers, restrooms and a shack to buy food. As you can see from my photos, Aliso Beach, is a beautiful place to sit and watch the sun come down. You'll love this place. It's a favorite in South OC. I'll be retuning with the family again very soon. Hopefully this time we beat the crowd.

    Willie L.

    The beach is a hidden local beach. There are some beach front parking so you are steps away after parking. It is hourly parking which allows you flexibility to stay as long as you'd like. We came out after the holiday and was able to enjoy some beach time.

    Matilda V.

    Aliso Beach is easily one of my favorite coastal spots in Laguna! Finding a beach that is actually accessible and stress-free can be a challenge, but this one nails it. ​One of the biggest wins is that it actually has two parking lots, which is a total game-changer for this area, especially if you're hauling gear. The layout is incredibly ADA accessible, and the tunnel under PCH makes getting from the extra parking to the sand safe and easy. You can also go to the lifeguard tower to ask them for a beach wheelchair. ​It's a fantastic, family-friendly environment with plenty of space to set up an umbrella and spend the whole day. Whether you're here for the views or just a relaxing afternoon by the water, the convenience makes it a 10/10 experience. Definitely a go-to if you want a beautiful beach day without the usual parking headache! There is a creek where sewage and other things run off that is connected to the ocean so just be mindful!

    View from PCH of the beachside parking lot
    Heather F.

    We visited Aliso Beach yesterday and found it to be a small but stunning stretch of coastline just south of Laguna Beach. It's not quite a cove, but it has that sheltered, tucked-away feel, making it a picturesque and relaxing place to spend a sunny afternoon. The beach itself is fairly narrow--not as deep as something like Santa Monica Beach--but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. The sand is clean, the water is crystal clear, and the views are gorgeous. Built into the bluff above the beach are beautiful homes that add to the dramatic coastal scenery. There's a large parking lot right next to the beach (paid parking), and from what I understand, there's additional parking across the street, accessible via a tunnel. The amenities are excellent: clean, well-maintained restrooms, a beachfront snack bar with outdoor seating (which looked great, though we didn't try it), and even a playground for kids. One of the most striking features was the surf. On the day we went, the waves were very large and powerful--definitely not ideal for casual swimming. The lifeguards were very active and attentive, keeping a close watch on everyone and advising kids to stay back from the water, which gave us some peace of mind. At the northern end of the beach, there's a lovely tide pool area where families were exploring, and a natural rock formation that looks like a tunnel--very popular for photos and exploring. It definitely had an Instagram-worthy vibe. All in all, Aliso Beach is a gem: beautiful, well-equipped, and lively but not overcrowded. Just be cautious if you're planning to swim--it's as wild as it is wonderful!

    Angela S.

    On the day we visited here, the lifeguard said that there was a strong rip tide; everyone had to stay out of the water :-( We were disappointed, but the waves here alren't dangerous all the time. On a good day, visiting here can be quite appealing. While this beach isn't for everyone, it's a great place to come if you're a boogie boarder or a skim surfer (it's not so good if you're into snorkeling or body surfing) There's plenty of parking, several places to purchase food, and some reasonably clean bathrooms. While this probably won't become your favorite beach, it's certainly worth paying it a visit :-)

    Linh Y.

    Since my solo first visit to Aliso Beach, I have been back here a couple times to volunteer to clean the beach with my eldest daughter in Nov and Dec 2023. Funny, for Nov, we pulled into the parking lot and saw the Surfrider blue tent, but after we parked and started walking over to them, they had already packed up and left LOL. I guess they couldn't wait to get out of here. My daughter and I still stayed for an hour to see if we can find some trash. They actually did a very good job on the clean up that day... we still found about 6 items though... mainly candy wrappers... it's still something. For Dec, we arrived an hour earlier than in Nov. Hence, we got a chance to pick up more trash this time around than the last. Aliso Beach is very well kept. Love the waters and sand! Depending on the season of the tides, the sand can come up in mounds. People are still here to enjoy their beach visit any time of the year. We got a chance to peek at the birds taking their baths in the small pond area... it was so much fun watching them. We came to the conclusion that the male birds took longer baths than the female birds. I guess first impression is everything in case they meet a new lady bird... wash to impress LOL. Anyway, we will definitely be back here for more volunteer cleanup, enjoy the beautiful beach views, and listen to the serene waves. Come join us on the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM! See you here!

    Jes M.

    This is my favorite beach to visit with the family as it's not as crowded as the other beaches in the area. I like that there are restrooms and a cafe for food and drinks. Parking can be tough to find so that is the only negative but not enough to keep me away.

    Park at aliso beach
    Carina M.

    We love Aliso Beach because when there's parking, it's SO convenient to just park and grab all your things to walk a short distance to the beach, and if you have a little one (we have a 4-year-old) the park. The park is not super modern but it has all the essentials for kids, such as swings, slides, ladders, bridges, a boat and of course...sand :) Plus the backdrop being the pacific ocean is pretty sweet. There are restrooms that are pretty clean for being beach bathrooms and sinks with soap always stocked with soap. The restaurant "Los Mile" is delicious (fish tacos and michelada - yum!!) and the views...cmon. Go on a weekday, before 3pm and you'll find it's chill :) Summer time this place gets PACKED, but for those who are local....off season....it's perfection.

    Jan 2023: Aliso Creek running out to the ocean.
    Jenn R.

    Aliso Beach is a smaller beach where you can see beautiful homes right on the sand and other homes sitting on cliffs. It always makes me wonder what kind of jobs they have to afford beach property and that I'm 99% sure I will never attain such property. Then I drive inland towards home and ponder my life decisions. THE ALISO BEACH FEELS | Quaint and cozy little spot for beach goers to lay out in the sun and enjoy the beach life. A small playground area sits next to (elevated) where Aliso Creek empties out into the ocean. There's a little eatery called Lost Pier Cafe where they serve up breakfast and lunch items every day from 8AM - 6PM. Portable fire pits are available for rent through Lost Pier Cafe! Just visit their website for more information. The famous Laguna Ocean Tide Pools are located north of the parking lot. It's a bit of a walk, especially walking in sand, but well worth it. THE PARKING SITUATION | Park and pay the fee at a pay station or through the Laguna Beach Parking app. There's a change to the Aliso Beach parking rules found on the City of Laguna website: "Effective March 1, 2023, the City of Laguna Beach will manage the Aliso Beach parking lots.  Parking rates will be $2.50/hour, and City-issued Shopper Permits will be valid in both the inland and coastal lots. OC Parks passes will no longer be valid in the Aliso Beach lots. OC Parks will offer a prorated refund for annual passes purchased before March 1.  Please email ocparks@ocparks.com to initiate a refund. A prorated refund is only offered for those who have a current All County Parks and Beaches Annual Parking Pass or a County Beach Annual Parking Pass." WOULD I GO BACK? | During summer? No. It's much to crowded to actually enjoy the beach. I would come back during the off season months when the weather is cooler and less crowded.

    Breathtaking view
    Elisa G.

    I love this beautiful spot which is to the left of the Montage Hotel as you are facing the beach.it is truly magnificent and one of the best beaches in Laguna. The water is cold but the body surfers don't seem to mind.

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    Aliso Beach Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Aliso Beach

    Are the fire pits open?

    No, they've all been removed.

    Are the fire pits still closed? Have they been busy still lately if not?

    They are still closed.

    Do they have firewood available there? Last Sunday I was there there were unused logs laying around, I was curious if they offer it for people who want to use the fire pit

    The fire rings are closed- COVID 19

    Is Aliso good for boogie boarding?

    Yes. As well as skim boarding.

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - Aliso Beach

    “Great playground to keep any littles busy (especially those who aren't all that fond of the water and tide).”

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

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    Treasure Island Beach - Not sure. Mussels?

    Treasure Island Beach

    4.7(222 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    There's a section of the beach directly next to Goff Island that has amazing soft sand that is…read moredifferent from the sand from the stairs down to the beach and definitely not like Aliso Beach. The soft sand feels so good and the kids enjoyed playing with it as well. Being California Coast, don't expect ocean water to be warm as it'll never be warm and should not be since it'll be a destruction to the coastal ecosystem if it did. So, be prepared that it'll be cold to chilly depending on the weather of the day impacting change in temperature perception. Parking fills up quick so definitely come early during weekends and during sunset hours.

    This is a breathtaking beach. The views are like pictures from a magazine. It's definitely a…read moreromantic and scenic view to walk around and enjoy the day. However, this is not a kid friendly beach if kids want to go inside the water and play. There are lots of safety rules. Especially last week since waves were so high. Parking was such a disaster. I do not recommend following the parking structure because you will get stuck and I believe it fit about 30ish cars. Find parking along the street. It was my first time going and I observed and saw people just standing getting feet wet. The lifeguards told me that this is one of the most dangerous beaches in the county. People still laid out and kids brought sand toys to play on sand. I think I went on a bad week. We'll have to try another time. It's such a beautiful beach with clear blue water! Till next time.

    Photos
    Treasure Island Beach - Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, CA

    Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, CA

    Treasure Island Beach
    Treasure Island Beach - The beach & the park

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    The beach & the park

    Heisler Park - It's at the top middle of photo as seen from west Main Beach Jul 10, 2026

    Heisler Park

    4.8(333 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    We are incredibly fortunate to have discovered the breathtaking beauty of Heisler Park. My sister…read moreand I visited this coastal sanctuary every day during our Laguna Beach staycation back in August, walking over from our nearby hotel. This spot has held a magical captive hold on our hearts since we were teenagers; over the years, we discovered we had both independently drifted to this exact location time and time again. The winding walking paths and sweeping ocean vistas are all you need to truly embrace the essence of the California coast. The park is a tapestry of hidden beach coves, dramatic cliffs, swaying palm trees, and unforgettable sunsets. Years ago, my sister captured this magic in a lovely oil painting of the staircase leading down to one of the coves on Cliff Drive. Following our trip, she surprised me with the original artwork. I cannot wait to hang it on my wall at home so I can forever look back on the beauty of this place. It is a cherished haven that I will hold close to my heart forever.

    Heisler Park is one of the most beautiful oceanfront parks in Southern California. The views here…read moreare absolutely stunning. There are scenic paths along the cliffs, palm trees, tide pools, small hidden beaches, and incredible sunsets -- all in one place. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing walk by the ocean. I especially like coming here around sunset. The light over the ocean is beautiful and it's a great place for photos or just to sit and enjoy the view. There are also grassy areas that are perfect for a small picnic while watching the ocean. Parking is usually metered nearby, but the park itself is free to visit. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Laguna Beach.

    Photos
    Heisler Park - Bunny

    Bunny

    Heisler Park - July 30, 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Heisler Park

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    Victoria Beach - Pirate tower

    Victoria Beach

    4.5(231 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Such a beautiful beach! There is the Pirate Tower here, which is fun to see. However, if the tide…read moreis high they close the rocks and you can't go over there (which is what happened when I visited). The water is super blue and beautiful here. Very clean and nice beach.

    Victoria Beach is one of many hidden or secret beaches in Orange County. This is an extremely…read morepopular spot for photoshoot and there were tons of people coming here with their professional photographers. [Where is the beach]: Use the pin on Yelp's map as the guidance as the pin on the Google Map misled our party to a completely different beach. This hidden beach has two entrance - one via Dumond Dr (116 Dumond Dr) and one near the intersection of Victoria Dr & Sunset Terrace (2703 Victoria Dr). Please note that the entrance via Dumond Dr is under construction so it's easier to enter by taking the stairways near 2703 Victoria Dr. [Parking]: There's a street sign telling visitors to park on PCH and not residential streets. Unfortunately all parking on PCH is street parking only and our party got a bit lucky finding a spot near The Drake (2894 S Coast Hwy) - fall season so less crowd. [Dogs]: Dogs are allowed BEFORE 9:00 AM and AFTER 6:00 PM from June 15 - September 10. Dogs are allowed during regular beach hours from September 11 - June 14. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. [What to see]: Unlike other beaches in Orange County, there's actually a structure called the Pirate Tower and apparently it was built in 1926 for the family of William E. Brown (a state senator representing California's 37th district). [Conclusion]: I personally still prefer Table Rock Beach a bit better than Victoria Beach due to slightly easier parking, easier to navigate, and prettier beach, but the pirate tower is certainly unique.

    Photos
    Victoria Beach - PC: Luzye Photography

    PC: Luzye Photography

    Victoria Beach - PC: Luzye Photography

    PC: Luzye Photography

    Victoria Beach - Pirate tower

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    Pirate tower

    Crescent Bay Beach

    Crescent Bay Beach

    4.5(130 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    If you're looking for one of the most beautiful beaches in Laguna Beach, Crescent Bay Beach is…read moredefinitely worth a visit. Located at Crescent Bay Drive & Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, this picturesque cove is known for its crystal-clear water, rocky shoreline, and abundant marine life. If you visit during low tide, you'll find plenty of tide pools where you can observe small sea creatures, making it a great spot to slow down and appreciate nature. Parking, however, can be a bit of a nightmare. I was lucky enough to visit with someone who lives in the area and knew all the different places to check for parking. Without her, I honestly don't think I would have found a spot. We ended up parking farther away than I would have preferred, and the walk to and from the beach included some pretty steep hills, but once we arrived, it was absolutely worth the effort. The scenery is stunning, the beach feels peaceful despite its popularity, and it's a wonderful place to relax, explore the tide pools, or simply enjoy the beautiful California coastline. Just plan ahead for parking, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself a little extra time to get there.

    Crescent Bay. This is my all time favorite beach. The summers suck because all the outsiders come…read more The beach turns into a disaster, as trash and junk is left behind. During the off season, this is the place to be. With certain conditions, the brakes allow for great body.Surfing. this is also one of the places if I come too daily for a long swim.to main beach The tide pools are gone, just like the abalone that used to thrive here. Beautiful sunsets and different fishes, dolphins, and sea lions still make this.My favourite beach on the planet.

    Photos
    Crescent Bay Beach - Beach

    Beach

    Crescent Bay Beach
    Crescent Bay Beach

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    Three Arch Bay - First set of steps down to the beach

    Three Arch Bay

    4.3(27 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    5 STARS! Absolutely LOVE this Beach! Very Clean! Soft Sand!…read moreThey designed the steps down to the beach with some thought that's for sure, making it an easy walk down and up. Lifeguard was present yesterday 9/10/23. Volleyball Nets were up, Rinse off before going up with the showers at the end of the steps, clean restrooms, fire pits and picnic tables. The Surfers, Boogie Boarders and Skimmers all were having a great time! It was beautiful and the waves were breaking one after another yesterday! Made it a perfect day!

    I decided to wait about a year before posting this review. As previous yelpers mentioned, your only…read moreway into this beach is by actually walking through a gated community. But note that ALL CALIFORNIA BEACHES are for the PUBLIC So, to do this, you have to come with only one friend or alone, don't bring any beach clothes or beach gear. Just bring your wallet, keys and phone, walk past the gate, turn left at the end of the road and go down the stairs (Hold your phone on you at all times). Once you are there, you will find a beautiful beach with blue waves. There are 3 arches and sometimes you'll find tide pools. Note there is also no lifeguard on duty. When my friend and i went we were greeted by a lovely yellow lab that was 3 months old. There was also a nice older gentleman who wished us a good day. We took pictures of the scenery and we sat down for a bit just enjoying the ocean. It felt wonderful, calm and safe. You will also find a bathroom thats very clean. There are picnic tables, surf boards and fire pits which i don't recommend using but if you do, again please be respectful and pick up after yourself. We stayed there for most of the day until sunset where we quietly walked back out the stairs and outside the gates. If you wish to visit this public beach and need to get through the gated community, go respectfully and you will have a better chance of enjoying the public beach.

    Photos
    Three Arch Bay - Stairway down to beach

    Stairway down to beach

    Three Arch Bay - 3 arches rock formation

    3 arches rock formation

    Three Arch Bay - Second set of steps down to the beach! Rinse off with the Showers at the bottom.

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    Second set of steps down to the beach! Rinse off with the Showers at the bottom.

    Aliso Beach - parks - Updated October 2026

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