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.

My boyfriend wanted to take me to Victoria Beach while we were wandering around PCH cause he knows…read moreI like good views. We initially tried to drive by and find parking but a majority of the area had no parking signs up, since it's a residential area. I actually didn't even see the entrance when we were driving around. It was later on when we were hanging out on the Laguna Beach Trolley that we decided to make another attempt at Victoria Beach. We walked down the slope into the residential area and suddenly a narrow stairway appears. Super hidden area. Your efforts would be rewarded if you make the trek down because it is a stunningggg beach with barely any other people there. If you're brave you can walk across these bumpy rocks and visit the Victoria Pirate Tower. It's closed off so you won't be able to enter the tower but it's still neat to see. It's a pretty small beach and is tricky to get to, but if you enjoy beach views and dislike crowds, this trek would be worth it for you. And please keep in mind this beach is a state marine reserve, so please don't take any animals, shells or rocks with you.

A Beach Boys SURFIN' SAFARI... Jumpin' from OAK Street, BROOKS Street, to THALIA Street…read more.. THALIA STREET BEACH, Laguna Beach, California! My Husband & I Love this Special Beach Spot! And if you haven't been here for a year, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the renovated stairway, it's now wider & easier to get down to the beach! THALIA STREET BEACH is known as one of the Best Beaches in Town, for a Beginner Surfer! The Surf Break is gentler than other Spots & pretty consist! Locals & Skimboarders, love it here too! Just Be Aware, this Beach is mainly Rock Reef & has a Rip Current! I love how this Beach is close to Cool Shops & Restaurants off the PCH, not to mention you can easily Walk to Main Beach & Downtown Laguna from here! Be sure to stop in at the THALIA SURF SHOP, it's a Cool Retail Store & has been open since 2001! In addition, they can help with Surf Lessons & Board Rentals! NO Surprise, Parking is not a Summer Breeze! I recommend you try to find meter Parking a block or two away from the PCH! The meters accept Quarters & Credit Cards ($1.50/hr, 3 hour Max)

A mural memorial is located here. Access is via staircase with curving steps. At the corner is…read morethe Thalia Street Surf Shop. Be aware for large surf or rip current. Body boarders should go south to Anita Street instead. I think the public telephone on top isn't there anymore. No bike or stroller access. Thalia Street is an incline with metered street parking. I saw parking enforcement a block south so I'm sure they check everyday. Nickles or pennies are wasted on these meters because 15 minutes is worth a quarter. Only 66 steps down. The beach is very narrow and can be covered by the surf. The whole area is a rock reef. There are supposed to be designated areas for swimmers and the surfers but I couldn't tell. You won't find families here.

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.

This is such a hidden gem of a place. Parking is free. It's dog friendly for portions of the sandy…read morearea. The views are absolutely spectacular. It allows you to walk right over to Doheny State Park thereby saving you money for parking. I have forgotten my state park pass on occasion and have been saved because I parked here instead. There are picnic tanks that make it perfect to eat al fresco by the sea. I personally love picking up my grubs from Kawamata Seafood right up the hill. The two goes hand in hand. To me, there's no better way to enjoy the two simultaneously.

I love walking and like to get my steps in so this is a perfect place to be especially when it's so…read morehot inland. You can enjoy a nice ocean breeze and take pictures of the natural beauty!

First time at this beach was on a Friday afternoon and it was not busy. There was plenty of…read moreparking that you can pay with a QR code. You might find street parking a block or two north of the entrance. This is a nice place to walk along the shore or connect to a hiking trail. The beach was clean and well maintained. It is about 1/2 mile East of the San Clemente Pier. We were able to see the sunset and off to the right, we saw a yoing couple exchanging wedding vows. There is a snack shop, it was closed during our visit, February is considered their "off season," with limited hours. Don't forget to tell'em that Rosemary sent ya! But, bring your owns snacks in case they are not open.

Can't beat the location! Well kept beach and walking path in San Clemente. My boys love walking…read moredown to the beach here.

Covid 50 review Small teeny beach with a tall staircase for…read morebeach access, but I liked it! It's right next to Pearl beach. There isn't a shower nearby but there was a lifeguard tower. Basically it's the surfing side and you need to walk down a bit more to another beach to get to the swimming side. I personally like the sand texture at this beach and the fact that there are rock formations jutting out of the sand. It gives it more character, in my opinion. Once I got back to my car, I had an option to be able to walk to a couple different food places like Mozambique and Splashes at the Surf and Sand. Overall a quaint, pretty beach!

Agate Street Beach sits south of downtown Laguna Beach, in the Retro Row area. Parking tends to be…read moreeasier there, and there is a newer concrete stairway down the bluff to the small pocket sandy zone. At high tide the beach almost disappears and washes up over the lowest steps. The surf is rougher than farther north, with alot of stone jutting from the ocean floor, making for challenging swimming, but a great place for surfing. In fact, it is the only location where surfing is allowed in summer (except between 12 and 5). We watched a few solitary boarders ride the waves for an hour, and chatted with them about conditions when they came out of the water. Houses hug the bluffs here, waiting for the "Big One" to tip them into the drink. Until that happens, they have a great view of the coastline and the migrating whales heading south to Baja and north to Alaska.

Best place to park and watch the sunset! Best place to get in a morning walk! Best place to meet…read morefriends for a hike and then a coffee or breakfast in Dana Point! Best place for sandcastles and playing in the waves! Stairs down to the beach and then a steep climb back up but totally worth it! Clean restrooms at the top and bottom! And if you can't handle all the stairs, there is a golf cart service to get you down into the Strands neighborhood to make the climb much more manageable! I'm here almost daily hiking through and enjoying the ocean breezes - and often see dolphins while beach walking!

As of Nov 5 2025 there is no more parking in the park or street. You will be fined if you are…read moresleeping in your vehicle and no parking from 11pm to 7 am. Word has got out about this gem and too many junkers are so obvious, are lining the streets to sleep and day living in the parking lot of this quiet upper class neighborhood beach community. It was a great place to enjoy but some people spoiled it for all by not respecting the neighborhood.

Went to Cress Street Beach early in the morning and it ended up being one of my favorite low key…read morebeach spots. Getting there early made a huge difference, it was quiet and peaceful with barely anyone around, perfect if you want to avoid the crowds. We caught it during low tide, which made for a great chill spot right along the water. The exposed sand and rock area gave us plenty of room to relax without feeling cramped, and the whole vibe was really calming. If you're looking for a spot to unwind without the typical beach day chaos, this is a great pick, especially if you time it right with low tide. I'll definitely be back for another early morning session.

"I used to go scuba diving here 45 years ago!"…read more I have memories of lugging scuba tanks down a gazillion steps to get to the beach. And I also recall rocks in the surf that we scuba divers would fall over. Of course, I never fell over, but my buddies did. They were very uncoordinated, and I was kindly and always help them back up. Other than that, we always had a fantastic time at this spot. Today, on a cool summer afternoon, it was absolutely gorgeous. A ton of sunbathers and body surfers enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather. There are some great restaurants and bars nearby. Today I tried the salmon bowl at Wahoo fish tacos. I also checked out the dive bar called Dirty Bird.