1. Thousand Steps Beach

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Laguna Beach, CA

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Thousand Steps Beach

4.5 (812 reviews)
Closed • 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

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Brittany C.

Beautiful beach that is located many steps down (I don't think its an actual 1,000 steps but it is a lot of steps, some more narrow than others). The beach overall is refreshing and a nice escape. There is a bathroom and water refill station at the bottom of the steps on the beach.

Sung W.

1000 Steps Beach is one of my favorite spots in Laguna Beach. Yes, the stairs are a workout, but the gorgeous ocean views make every step worth it. We like coming early with our friends, bringing our chairs, beach tents, and plenty of snacks. It's always such a fun day of relaxing, enjoying the waves, exploring the tide pools, and spending quality time together. Just bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the climb back up. Parking can be challenging but we don't mind. Can't wait to come back!

Amazing view! I love to take pictures of nature! So here they are!
Jeannet A.

I love here! Is amazing! But let me know if you did the thousands stairs going back to your car ‍‍ https://maps.apple/p/CBNPZj5qqIP6zz

Peter J.

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.

Frank P.

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

Bathroom at bottom of steps
Chloe S.

Thousand Steps Beach is gorgeous and the cave makes it totally worth all of the steps down to it. There are only about 219 steps (not a thousand). The steps are no joke though. They are pretty steep and concrete. I wouldn't recommend them for little kids. Make sure you go at low tide. They close the cave area when the tide comes in. The cave is on the far left side of the beach. You have to go over rocks to get there. It can be slippery. There were lifeguards on duty. It's so fun to explore inside the cave. We parked on PCH. There is no parking lot. I definitely recommend going in the morning. It's hard to find parking if you try to go in the afternoon/evening on a weekend/holiday. There is a crosswalk and stoplight at 9th Ave. to cross PCH and then the entrance is right there. There is a bathroom, but it is the typical beach bathroom--not very clean. There's a volleyball net on the left side of the beach. There are no restaurants/cafes. Bring whatever you want with you.

Anise K.

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.

9th street where the entrance to the stairs are
Mari B.

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.

Hell of a work out but I loved it
Traps B.

Was very fun n was hell of a work out but I loved it and the view was also great they also have showers at the bottom of you need to rinse after the beach

Jason T.

God dam I was sore for a week after this. It's nothing too crazy but if you don't warm up or don't exercise on the regular you will definitely feel it :) very beautiful spot nonetheless

Andrew W.

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

Low tide cave :) heaven
Em B.

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.

Tiny pool toward the south end of the beach (you have to climb over some rocks to get here)
Stephanie W.

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. :)

Beautiful shell we saw

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

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

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Page 2 of 21

Ask the Community - Thousand Steps Beach

So, there is no wheelchair access or ramp for those who have a hard time walking?

No. There is no special access for people with disabilities or the elderly. Apparently, the powers that be who control the money in Laguna Beach would rather fatten their own paychecks than spend money on something that should have been done on day… 

Is this beach still open? (the stair case to walk down)

Yes. People walk up and down every day for exercise and to get to the beach. It is the only public access in this area.

Is the entrance to the steps open now?

Yes, if entrance you mean the stairs down to the beach. I was there 12/6 it was open.

Does this beach have restrooms?

Yes

Is the beach open to the public?

Yes! On the weekends you can park at the hospital for free if it's a weekday it's on Pacific Coast Highway

How strict are they about dogs(small dog)?

They are not strict but all dogs should be on a leash and a couple of doggie bags to make sure you clean up if they gotta go. On occasion I see them run around without leash but the rule is they need to leashed for safety. Hope you and your little… 

Is access to the tide pools currently open?

As of now, yes I was there just last week... but the situation is fluid so I'd check just before you're planning to visit.

What's the parking situation?

A nightmare....no actual lot...so you must park on the side of the busy highway and avoid red areas and construction work and find a spot then walk to the entrance

Is the beach still open?

Yesss. And it's 252 steps not 1000.

Is this beach currently open?

as of yesterday 7/26/2020 it was open

How's the parking situation?

Terrible! It's first come/first to get one. Parking is usually on PCH or on the neighboring streets!

Does anyone know if they still have fire pits? Also, if they do, where is it located because I've never seen them. Are there multiple pits? Thank you in advance!!

Hi Eddie! I haven't seen approved fire pits at 1,000 Steps Beach. They do however, have them at Aliso Beach (South Laguna, South of Montage)

Are the steps down right off 9th and PCH? Easy to find? Is the natural pool there as well? Go at low…

The stairs are easy to find and yes they lead right to the beach. The natural pool is less than a 10 minute walk from the stairs. And yes you need to go at low tide

Are dogs alllowed?

No. Big blue sign @ front that reads" no dogs allowed on Beach"

How many steps really is it?

There are exactly 220 official steps!

I am confused. Are the tide pools open to the public or not? I see conflicting reviews. I don't want to be yelled at by residents. If there are open to the public, how do you access them to avoid the locals?

They are open to the public but what visitors typically don't know is: You should never walk on… 

Hi I was wondering if to get to the pools it required a lot of climbing and jumping and if so is there any other way we could get there? i want to take my mother with me to see it but i don't think she would want to climb/ jump. Thank you :)

I promise this isn't supposed to sound sarcastic or rude, but the only way to avoid the climbing of rocks (which REQUIRES you to do a lot of bending to stay stable sometimes and even jump down about 3 or 4 feet at the very end) is to make friends… 

Is there another way to get down besides the steps?

That is the only way I have ever seen to go down! There might be others somewhere else, but as far as that public access put it seemed to be just the steps.

Is it really 1000 steps?

No. But going back up, surely feels like it! A must do though.

I saw posts from several months ago saying the pools were closed. Has anyone been there recently that knows for sure if they are still currently closed to the public or not? ??

They're open but there are signs that say that the connecting stairs (leading to homes) belongs private property. If you're willing to make the climb over the rocks during low tide, they're all yours :)… 

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Review Highlights - Thousand Steps Beach

“Just as described on many of the travel sites I read, the entrance to this beach is right at PCH & 9th Ave.”

Mentioned in 94 reviews

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4.7(222 reviews)
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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.

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Victoria Beach - Pirate tower

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4.5(231 reviews)
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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.

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While on a vacation, I ended up deciding to stay the night around Laguna Beach at a hotel off the…read moreCoast Highway. I was very fortunate to have had Crescent Bay Beach right next to that hotel. It is a fantastic, low-key place to read a book, go on a walk/run, and just relax on the beach and enjoy how chill and not crowded it is. I recommend going early in the morning to watch the sunrise. The sand is nice enough to go bare foot in as well. If you are looking for a beach to go to that isn't one of the main beaches that get overly crowded, I definitely recommend Crescent Bay Beach.

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Thousand Steps Beach - beaches - Updated October 2026

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