Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
The tide pools and cove setting are worth planning a visit around, though the sand gets tight and parking disappears fast once tourists arrive.
How we score beachesCheck a tide chart before you go. The tide pools at the north end only show themselves for a couple hours around low tide.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach except from 9am to 6pm between June 15 and September 10, when they are banned during those daytime hours.
Like most of coastal Orange County, late summer beats the calendar here, with water in the low 70s not showing up until August or September. Winter stays mild enough for a walk on the sand, just too cold for most people to get in past their ankles.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Coronado Beach
Coronado, CA · Pacific Coast
Wide, flat sand with a view of the historic Hotel del Coronado, gentle waves that make it a favorite for families, and a naturally sparkly shoreline from mica flecks in the sand.