1000 Steps Beach in Laguna Beach (off PCH and 9th) is absolutely worth the visit! First off, don't let the name intimidate you, the stairs are not literally 1000 steps one way or even round trip... unless you decide to go up and down a few times, then yeah, you'll definitely hit that number!! We went on a Monday and it was pretty busy lots of college-aged people, maybe even some high schoolers, but the beach itself still felt pretty secluded, and there were hardly any kids around maybe like a handful of them. It was overcast when we went, which actually made it perfect, not too hot and super comfortable. Parking is street parking only, just make sure to read the signs carefully. Once you head down, you'll find restrooms and showers right at the bottom of the stairs, which is super convenient. The restroom is clean earlier in the day (before noon), but like most beach spots, it gets a bit wet as the day goes on. There's plenty of space to set up and relax. One thing to watch out for--seagulls! They will go after your food, so definitely cover it with towels if you're hopping in the water. The stairs themselves are pretty narrow, and people usually stick to one side going down and the other going up, so just be mindful and take your time, they tend to also get wet as the day goes on so it's a little slippery. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - 9th street where the entrance to the stairs are - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Thousand Steps Beach feels like a hidden gem... if you're willing to earn it. The walk down is definitely a workout, though it didn't feel anywhere close to 1,000 steps. Still, the stairs are steep, so caution is needed both going down and coming back up. After spending the day at the beach, that climb somehow feels like 2,000+ steps and hits way harder than expected, so it's best to pace yourself. The beach itself is nice, calming, and clean, which makes the effort worth it. It's a great spot to relax once you're finally down there. Pro tip: pack light. If you bring every single beach "necessity," you will regret it on the way back up. I'm giving this place 4 stars, and the main reason it's not 5 is the parking situation. Parking is honestly horrifying. Parking lot is limited, and street parking is competitive, and mildly stressful before you even touch the steps. Amazing beach, great vibes, killer workout... just come prepared and patient. read more

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I love this beach. It feels like a hidden spot even though it's right in Laguna. The walk down the stairs is definitely a workout, but once you're down there, it's completely worth it. The beach is clean, scenic, and way less crowded than the main Laguna beaches, which makes it perfect for relaxing, walking, or just spreading out with a towel and enjoying the view. Parking can be a little tough and the climb back up is no joke, so wear good shoes and bring what you need. But the peaceful vibe and beautiful coastline make this one of my favorite beaches in Orange County. read more

Cute little beach. Nestled in Orange County this beach is a little getaway from the mainstream beaches. It's definitely more quiet and private here. Nice to wind down here and get some fresh air. Very quaint and peaceful here! read more

Such a good workout, not gonna lie...the stairs are no joke, but totally worth it. I felt fit and happy after walking up without stopping. Definitely not 1000 steps but still very intense. The walk down is beautiful, and once you reach the beach, it feels peaceful and secluded. Definitely a bit of a trek, but that's part of what makes it so special. Perfect spot if you want something scenic and active. read more

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My third beach of the day. I think there were 225 steps here. Closer to the beach, the steps were wet so hold on to the hand rails so you don't slip. There is one restroom here They have a lifeguard during the summer season. I liked the beach. It wasn't to crowded. I can't believe a group brought a couple plastic tables for a picnic. They are going to be tired once they make the trek back to PCH. A couple people were going up and down the stairs several times for a workout. I enjoyed this beach too. Now I'm off to downtown for lunch before going home read more

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First time coming here and it all starts with 1000 steps down!!!!.... Actually not that many, it's more like 200-250 steps but they call it to make people prep for the beautiful view that that can see from the shoreline! If you are around, it's worth the try going down there! BUT, there's only one bathroom so if there are many people you have to wait for good long time like I did... good 30 mins waiting just to pee :( so I just suggest to go to the restroom before coming here or just go to nature :p Overall, I had a good time spending time here but ironically waiting for bathroom was longer than seeing the ocean view... yet still it's worth it! So go visit! Enjoy the steps and the ocean view! Cheers read more

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If you can make it down those 225-250 steps of stairs up and down - the trip is worth it. It is BEAUTIFULLY MAJESTIC when it is low tide! The cave is the only reason I come here. Once you can enter the cave at low tide, you get to see more and it makes it fun especially for kids AND ADULTS (lol) to explore. Bring your water/pool shoes so you don't slip or cut to your skins on those sharp rocks. Very slippery. TIPS: hide all shiny objects (bags, chips, candies, snacks etc..) inside your towel or your backpack because the birds will come after those shiny items. Parking is hard to find for sure so be careful. read more

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Never been to a beach quite like this one. There are indeed MANY steps when you come to the main entrance but once you're on the beach it's just a long stretch of coast. Low tide is definitely when you want to come because there's a big part of the coast to venture along with little cave structures that you can cross safely on foot when the tide is low. The walk we took ended at a very cool little area with a man-made pool constructed from rocks; it reminds me of something you'd see in Greece. Apparently it was made for some movie shoot but ended up not being used? Whether or not that's true - it makes for a great photo op! Of note the water in that little pool comes from the sea at higher tide, so it's as cold as the ocean water. It's only up to your knees or so, so not really for swimming - but it's still fun to wade around! I saw some sea urchins along the inner wall too, so that's fun. Of note, some folks do live just above the beach area and that is private property so be mindful where you go and respectful where you are! But the beach itself is public so of course you can just go and spend some time. 10/10 would rec a visit to this beach - it's oddly idyllic, and very "California" to me. :) read more

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1,000 steps is a local favorite spot. Even in the winter it was a lovely 70 degrees. The clouds burned off and we had a beautiful day at the beach with the family. We checked the surf report and saw the waves were only 1-2 feet so perfect for the kids to play in the water. Parking is always a bit challenging, but we found a spot on PCH and walked a few stressful blocks alongside the main road. The beach had so much room for groups to spread out and enjoy. The water was quite cold but the kids loved playing in the waves. We saw anemones, crabs, fish and other animals/ creatures in the tide pools. Make sure not to take anything with you because that's illegal and you can get in trouble from lifeguards/ rangers. There were boggie boarders, some fishermen and lots of families, groups and individuals enjoying this beautiful beach. I bet it gets very crowded in the summer, but it was about perfect for us today. There aren't any restaurants like the main Laguna beach but it's feels more relaxed because of that. We love this spot. read more

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A beautiful and secluded beach with great tide pools and scenic views--perfect for photos. However, the steep staircase (as the name implies) makes access challenging, and there are no restrooms or amenities. Best for able-bodied visitors seeking a quiet escape, but not ideal for families with young kids or those needing facilities. read more

Thousands Steps Beach is a gem in Laguna Beach. Surfers find surfable waves, walkers enjoy a pristine beach for a nice walk. Lifeguard stations are open during beach hours. A restroom and water stations are available at the bottom of the steps. read more

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Feel the burn.. and I'm not talking about the sunburn. Thousand Steps Beach is located at the bottom of a very steep staircase in Laguna Beach. Luckily for us, 1,000 steps is an exaggeration since the staircase is closer to 250. Unluckily for us, 250 steps is still a brutal workout. Our crew planned an impromptu trip on Presidents Day to explore the Laguna coastline. We successfully avoided tourist season and February gifted us with a small taste of summer. While this famous beach gets a small crowd, it's absolutely beautiful and incredibly well kept. You'll also notice that the crowd falls off as you walk further along the coastline. This beach is also home to one of Laguna's hidden gems! If you go left at the bottom of the staircase and hike for half a mile, you'll stumble upon a man made beachside pool. Be sure to visit during low tide, otherwise the cave entrance might be closed off to visitors. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Not really a 1000 steps but there's alot. Their steep n a bitch to go back up especially if u r carrying anything. So pack lightly. Place gets crowded quick, and parking is a nightmare. Literally have to park on pch n good luck w tht, also depending on where u park ur gunna hve to walk a good distance on the highway. It's a lil hard to find but just follow the people to the gate. I got thr early so was able to find a good parking spot. The water was rough the day I went so was unable to make it to tide pools. They had it closed off completely. Nice clean beach. Only have 1 restroom, yes 1 so u cld imagine the line of ppl, plus it's right where the bottom of the steps are, they didn't think this one thru wen building this place. Yea so like I said get thr early. read more

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232 to be exact but definitely might feel like more! Take your time or use it as a work out just prep for the depth of these steps. I promise it's worth it all once you get fish below. Been here a few times and it still remains one of my favs with low tides being the best part of the adventure. Hang and swim or go left for a short walk to the sea cave. Be careful as you walk through the built up sand and rock formations. Watch the tide as it can come up quickly before you know it. Unique and another reason for you to come have a beach day. Restroom located at the bottom of the stairs. Pretty neat to see the tide pool wildlife just make sure to respect their natural habitats while passing through. read more

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Lets just skip over the part of finding parking since it's just street parking so good luck to those who wish to come here. This is one of the cleaner and less crowded beaches because of the limited parking. We had a great time here bringing our beach umbrella and table set up so that we were just chilling on the beach in style! There was quite a bit to explore here but unfortunately I didn't learn about the hidden pools till after, but that's fine. It just means there'll be more to explore next visit. read more

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Very secluded and private. Lovely place to go if you want to get an insane leg workout

Best reminiscing about my past it was a beautiful spot and I'm glad to see that it's still there enjoy everybody it's well worth the walk up and down read more

This is a pretty cool beach. Parking isn't too bad if you're willing to walk about 15 minutes to the steps. The walk down isn't bad but I did have to rest a couple times going up! It's not very crowded which is great and the water looks very clean! read more

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HAHAHA... when planning our trip, i thought a thousand steps meant the beach was long! looked that way on the map LOL i was met with a long staircase that seemed to never end! truly a laguna beach experience since the light at the end of the tunnel was fully worth it! absolutely love laguna beach and this one was no exception! beautiful clear blue water with a nice clean bright sandy beach. the walk down the staircase has wonderful foliage to almost make you forget you're close to passing out! truly happy to have experienced this but definitely won't be back HAHA!! still sore with smiles :-) ...and my legs! ouch! read more

Thousand Steps Beach - entrance to the beach :-) - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Worth the steps! Beautiful beach spot of laguna, nice water, soft sands. Great spot for a beach day, not too crowded. read more

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Awesome, somewhat non-crowded and somewhat secluded OC beach! Just as described on many of the travel sites I read, the entrance to this beach is right at PCH & 9th Ave. The opening to the staircase is kinda small, but you'll likely see other people around it so you won't miss it. Staircase itself is steep but nothing too crazy. Hold on to the rail and move carefully as you descend, and you'll be totally fine. The walk back up is a doozy-- I'm no stranger to fitness (and the Stairmaster at the gym), but this climb had me stopping to catch my breath on multiple landings! Take it slow and steady, stop and rest when you need to, and you'll make it back up. Beach itself is staffed with 2 lifeguards and has plenty of space to claim a spot and relax! I went during high tide so I didn't get to explore any of the rocks or caves. Still had a very enjoyable visit. There's a little street parking on PCH, but if you go on a weekend, there is free public parking at the hospital about one more block down PCH. Just a short walk from the hospital to the stairs for the beach (be very careful though, as this part of PCH does not have sidewalks on either side of the road). It's about a one-block walk and way less stressful than trying to parallel park in the traffic of PCH. read more

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Probably one of the nicer beaches in the area. Don't be fooled by "Thousand Steps"...the stairs only has about 221 steps so, I guess the remaining 779 steps are the steps from from the bottom of the stairs all the way to the end of the beach. It was nice and quiet when we went on a Friday afternoon. Not a whole lot of people. Just 4 surfers, 4 people doing their photo shoot for the 'Gram, a lifeguard, us, and 5 other people. The stair steps are kind of little so, if you have big feet, watch your step or walk sideways like a crab. From the top of the stairs, it seems steep but it's not too bad. You cannot bring your furry friend to this beach, sorry. It's also not wheelchair accessible. There are no escalators or elevators...just stairs and steps. Unless you own one of the houses sitting on top of this beach that has a funicular, you have to take the stairs. After you enjoy your time on the beach, remember you still have to climb up the stairs. The entrance is on 9th Ave and S Coast Highway. Park along the street. read more

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Went there around noon time. Parking on the street Stair is 218 steps as I read from other post. I went there 3 times, I was too concentrate not to fall off the stair and catch my breath and lost counts each time Stairs is kind of steep and good to hold on the rail. Its good workout. Not crowded at the time I went Nice big houses on top Short walk to Thousand steps sea cave - I couldn't get close since the tide is high Beach very clean and doesn't smell Bathroom / outdoor shower on bottom of stair read more

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Beware lots of steps, but not actually a thousand (more like over 200). The stairs are small so don't trip. I see people jogging on this and wonder how they don't skip a step and fall down the whole way. Anyways it gets crowded trying to share the staircase and you can't really hold the railing because it's dirty from the trees and usually swarming with ants. Don't forget anything from your car or leave anything on the beach. Your boyfriend won't go back down and get it for you read more

This place is beautiful! but.... draws large crowds, much traffic, and parking is unsafe on main road.

Such a beautiful and calm beach. You got a lifeguard on duty for those who surf and for those who might pass out from walking those stairs lol. Walk south of the beach and you'll find yourself one of the hidden pools of Laguna! But of course be safe and adventure out during low-tide. Looking forward to come back and search for the other hidden pools! read more

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Descending all those steps is a breeze. It's the ascending that's a serious workout. As I was walking down, I noticed a handful of people having to stop and catch their breath. I'm actually proud of myself. Even though I was struggling going up those stairs with my mask on, I didn't stop. Keep in mind, this is Orange County, so only 50% of the people were wearing masks, even though the stairs are a narrow walkway. Shoulder to shoulder. The ocean water is clear, blue, and beautiful at this beach. There are also homes right on the beach. Must be nice. Each with their own private staircases up the steep hill. Not exaggerating, the stairs are steep. It felt like a 70+ degree angle. The entranceway to the beach access is off of 9th street, with free street parking. There were two guys standing at the entranceway, greeting people on my visit. There's actually a hospital across the street, but I don't recommend coming here if you're not in good physical shape. The back of calves are still sore a few days later. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Thousand Steps Beach is one of the several beaches that line the Laguna Beach coast line. This beach, like the other ones in the area, is unique yet somewhat similar. Most, like this one, are bound by beautiful rock formations to the sides and houses up above. The main thing that defines this particular beach is the very long stairwell that you must travel down to get to the beach and back up when you hope to leave. You cannot really discuss this beach without discussing the stairwell. There are a lot of steps! Many people who come here don't even go to the beach. Instead, they use this long flight of stairs as a workout tool. So, it is quite common that you will find people running up or running down the stairs when you are moving towards or away from the beach. As I am writing this review during the time of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the one thing that I find troubling about this beach and the stairwell is that many of the people are not wearing masks. This, as we are currently in the middle of a coronavirus surge where virtually all of the hospital beds in Southern California are filled. As we all understand, we don't wear the mask to protect ourselves, we wear the masks to protect the other person. As this is a thin stairwell, the people running by you, breathing heavily, could be exposing you to the coronavirus. Thus, this is something that I believe you should keep in mind when you come here because it is undoubted that you will encounter people on the stairwell not wearing their mask. In terms of the beach itself, there's a good portion of sand that people use for sunbathing and other beach recreational activities. A lot of people also come here to serve and/or play in the waves. In this regard it is truly an ideal example of a southern California beach. Overall, it is a pretty spot. Plus, you're going to get a good work out climbing back up the stairs when you leave. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - The steps up. - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

The greatest rock and roll song ever comes from Led Zepplin... "The piper's calling you to join him Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow? And did you know Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?" And did you know that Thousand Steps Beach also lies on the whispering wind? I didn't count the steps, but no way was there 1,000 steps even roundtrip. The origin of the naming of this beach is lost on me. Free street parking. Good luck, though. On 12/2/20 at around noon the parking spots were almost all taken. No disability accessibility whatsoever. The stairs are a bit steep in some sections. The beach is mostly clean and the rushing waves are crystal clean, but I don't recall seeing a restroom nearby much less trash cans. Sloth is one of the seven deadly sins. So remember to pack it in, pack it out. Feels great to get out during COVID-19... most people were wearing masks including me and my girls at least when we were stair stepping. I did, however, see a few rebels after my own heart. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - 12/2/20 - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Beautiful beach! Wished it was low tide so I could see the hidden pools across the cave! Definitely will be back for that! There were street parking available about 0.25 miles past the entrance! Just pay attention to whether the curbs are red or not. Furthermore, there's not 1,000 steps to get down to the beach; it should be around 200 steps. Some of the steps have deteriorated so pay attention as you walk down. read more

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You want to put in work? You want to be around fitness enthusiasts? You want to get that heart pumping? You want your legs feeling like jello after a flight? Then thousands steps beach is for you! Located in Laguna off of Pch and 9th. Get there by 7:30am to avoid the battle of parking-although it's free. Honestly, this is an intense workout if your looking for some intense cardio. You will see people climbing these stairs countless times to feel the burn. I willingly decided to go when my friend mentioned it but had no idea how intense it was. We arrived at 7:30am on a Saturday and I was amazed at how many people were already going up and down the stairs countless times!! Although not 1000 steps, I read it's roughly about 220. I was so focused on not falling or tripping that I couldn't count! However, we repeatedly did the steps 6 times through and my legs are still on fire 8 hours later! Beast workout or what?! For those wanting to just enjoy the beach the stairs lead to a beautiful beach and there are caves if you keep walking to the left. It's a beautiful spot to spend the day. Regardless, to get access to this part of the beach you do have to endure the stairs so pack light if your planning a beach day trip. For the more Covid conscious person, I honestly don't recommend this spot. The stairs are not wide so it feels a bit tight and with so many people working out I can see someone getting paranoid. Laguna tried to enforce social distancing with signs but unfortunately no one follows it and limited mask wearing for those working out. However, great experience and very challenging! read more

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Stairs are open (9/5/22) I love the workout walking up and down the stairs. Definitely not the beach to bring a lot of things to unless you want to carry a lot walking up and down the stairs. Free street parking but may be limited during the holidays and weekends. Gate is located on PCH and 9th street. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - entrance - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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It's always a good idea when you hear it but until you experience it, oh man it's totally different. My love asked if I wanted to go to the beach with him and he knows I LOVE the beach and that it's rare for him to want to go to the beach because he's not a fan of the heat but I couldn't turn it down. Parking was difficult on a Sunday. We had to drive up and down a few times before we found a spot. Small little entrance. It's a very narrow stone stairway. The steps are high/low but the step in general is a bit shallow. The slope is quite steep so going down, I recommend you hold onto the hand rail because it's also very sandy. Wasn't too bad coming down and it felt a lot shorter than I had expected. There is a small restroom area at the bottom and outdoor showers. The beach is very secluded and private since it's a hike down. There wasn't many civilians which was nice. As we were walking towards the cave, we noticed it was closed due to being high tides so I was pretty bummed I didn't get to experience the cave. That was the main purpose of the trip. Now the hike up was horrible. I felt like I pumped myself up and was confidently going up with no issues. I was psyched because I was going ahead of him but after 40 steps, it was super tiresome. My calves started cramping up and I had to keep making stops at the gaps. Everytime I looked up, it looked so much closer but it was very hard to keep going especially on such a hot day. Overall I'm proud I survived it. Want to come back for the cave but I don't know if I'm ready to hike up the stairs ever again. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - Going down is the easiest, going up was hell. - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

This beach is stunning. It's also a great workout going up and down those stairs. I almost died going back up, but at least I only almost died at the top. The beach isn't packed and is very picturesque. Walk further down the beach to check out the cool cave. Would 10000% recommend if you are in the area. read more

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This place serves two purposes! Beautiful location and a heck of a workout:) not technically thousand steps but might as well be called a million steps ! It's so freaking hard going up lol The payout is so amazing! The beach area and caves are worth the steps . read more

This place is a must-visit for anyone looking for breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable experience.

Be prepared to walk far for parking. Probably best drop off your guests and gear near PCH and 9th and then walk back when you find parking. Be careful getting in and out of car if you park on street. Be careful crossing if you park across from beach. Don't bring small children old people or people not in good health. Don't bring alot of stuff. It's tricky walking down all those stairs and you don't want to he carrying alot of items. Just the bare minimum cause you have to bring it all back up. The beach is beautiful Waves come at you from multiple directions and can be strong. Getting back up felt like climbing Everest had to stop multiple times to catch breath. Also, some aggressive seagulls tearing up people's snacks as they went into water. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - The steps as you go down. - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Such an amazing hike down these steps to Thousand Steps Beach. The beach was clean, beautiful and quiet. So realizing you have to get here really early to enjoy the man made pools at low tide. There's also a cave that you can hike over to a hidden beach but only at very low tide. This beach is definitely a great choice if you want to take a beach hike and explore. read more

Thousand Steps Beach - Going down the steps was not as difficult as stepping back up.. - Beaches Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Thousands Steps Beach is also a hidden gem in Orange County if you're looking for a spot to chill by the beach without any firepits. Grab your sandwiches, snacks, juices and a good book. What a great spot for you to just relax by yourself or hangout with some friends on a weekend. Parking - Free Street Parking The entrance toward the steps is on PCH & 9th. There's no actual spot to park. When you enter 1000 steps beach into google, it'll make you turn into a residential gated neighborhood. I suggest parking on the side of the ride on PCH or PCH/7th street next to the Mission Hospital of Laguna Beach. Be careful and read all signs while parking. Amenities include: - public restroom - drinkable water - water to rinse off by the steps Enjoy your time at the beach! read more

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