Laguna Beach's image as well as its seven miles of coastline is
shaped by 24 beaches, most of them accessible to the public. But a
word of caution.
"Beach-goers can go out and have a beautiful day at any of our
beaches, as long as they know their limits and stay within them,"
said Marine Safety Director Mark Klosterman.
Flags are used at all city beaches to signal the safety level. Red
signifies very dangerous conditions, for experienced ocean swimmers
only. Yellow is hazardous, still best challenged only by the
experienced.
"Green means somewhat safe, but we always urge caution,"
Klosterman said. "It is hard for people to believe that we do 50,000
preventions a year, but Laguna has become a year-round resort
destination."
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beaches before 8 a.m. and after 6
p.m., June 1-Sept 16 and during all public hours from Sept. 17 to May
31.
There is no curfew for adults on city-maintained beaches.
Laguna's beaches start at the northern city limits behind the
gates of Irvine Cove and Emerald Bay, inaccessible to the public,
except by water or invitation.
Crescent Bay Park is the first public beach, nestled between Two
Rock Point and Twin Point. Equipped with showers.
Shaw's Cove, formerly known as Santa Ana Cove, comes next. It is
used for diving classes, including night dives. Spear fishing is
allowed, to the consternation of local swimmers.
Fisherman's Cove is a tad further south. Divers Cove, Picnic Beach
and Rockpile are zoned "no-take."
"Laguna Beach is a marine protected area from city limit to city
limit, which allows fishing. " Klosterman said. "A no-take area means
no shells, no creatures, no plants, no fish."
Barbecues are allowed on the bluff above Picnic Beach, which is at
the foot of Myrtle Street. One shower.
The rocks that gave Rockpile its name are the remnants of a pier
that ran below the gazebo in Heisler Park to Bird Rock. A 1939
hurricane destroyed it.
Rockpile is one of the three city beaches designated for all-day
surfing.
Main Beach is Laguna's "Window to the Sea," bought by the city to
prevent the construction of high rise hotels. A Boardwalk separates
the beach from Main Beach Park, where alcohol is permitted with
meals. Volleyball and basketball courts are attractions. Sleepy
Hollow Beach, with access between Thalia and Legion streets, is an
expansive stretch of sand, perfect for swimming and surfing. Long ago
known as Cheney's Point
Thalia and Oaks/Brooks Street Beaches are known as Laguna's best
