Have a Perfect Beach Day at Thousand Steps Beach

Crystal clear waters, gorgeous beaches, caves, secret pools and amazing nature!

Last updated: May 2024

  • Free

Description

Experience one of the best beaches in SoCal - Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach. This beach is considered hidden; however, it's very accessible. Work your way down through 200 steps and a gorgeous beach will be uncovered in front of you. Nature feels untouched and pure. Water is crystal clear and super salty. You will have a blast playing with ocean waves and strolling the beach. You have to go left once you hit the beach to find secret pools. Go through the cave, climb a few rocks, and soon after, you will be at the pools! Spend the whole day at Thousand Steps Beach; bring food and drinks, explore the pools and the cave, swim and tan! The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing; the surrounding cliffs' views are simply breathtaking. So why wait? Pack your beach bag and make the trek down to 1000 Steps Beach. It's the perfect spot to escape the city's hustle and bustle and enjoy the California coast's beauty.

Perfect for

For solo
For two
For groups
For families with kids
For parents and grownups
Outdoorsy
Chill

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Itinerary

  1. Park near 9th Ave Laguna Beach
  2. Find Thousand Steps entrance
  3. Go down the stairs
  4. Turn left once you hit the beach
  5. Go through the cave
  6. Climb the rocks in front of you
  7. Bend the rocks on the top
  8. Go down to the beach on the other side
  9. Cross the beach to the trail to the pools
  10. You made it! 

Location

Coast Highway and 9th Ave Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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Packing List

  • swimsuit
  • sunscreen
  • hat
  • sunglasses
  • towel
  • beach blanket
  • beach chairs (optional)
  • water shoes (optional)
  • cooler with food and drinks
  • trashbag

 4.7  ● Google reviews

  • Jeena Ragnos

    a month ago

    It is a nice, moderately inhabited cliff-side beach that has some fun wildlife down the Southside of the beach where a giant hole in the sandstone peninsula stands. The northern side may be less populated at times if you want more peace and quite.

  • EM

    6 months ago

    1000 Steps Beach is absolutely beautiful and worth the workout. The walk down (and especially back up) the steep stairs can be challenging, but once you reach the beach, you’re rewarded with stunning ocean views, soft sand, and crystal-clear water. It’s a great spot for photos, relaxing, and exploring the small caves along the shoreline. The beach feels more peaceful compared to other Laguna spots, especially during weekdays. Sunset here is amazing and one of the best in the area. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and pack light for the climb back up. Overall, it’s a must-visit beach if you don’t mind earning the view.

  • m h

    7 months ago

    A hidden treasure!! I didn't expect it to be a part of heaven but we sure found it!! Be ready though...it's a lot of steps down to get to the beach and then back up! Nice, secluded, beautiful, clean and picturesque. A must visit for all. Street parking is available, we visited on a weekday, not a whole lot of crowds.

  • Jeff VanderSlagt

    7 months ago

    This was a really fun adventure to descend the steps and walk along the beach. Spoiler alert…..there is only about 222 steps so it isn’t awful. Pace yourself and take breaks if necessary. Cliff views were amazing! Beach was beautiful. We walked toward the caves but they were off limits due to the tide. Had a great discussion with 2 friendly lifeguards who were more than happy to describe neat details of the local area.

  • Hayashi yui

    a month ago

    Super Sunny 😎 day ☀️ it was hot but the landscape is nice under the sun! Way better than last year! The sea water is still cold by the way.
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FAQs

Are there restrooms available?
Is there really 1000 steps?
Is it open?

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