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Aliso Beach: Laguna's Skimboarding Hub

Experience world-class skimboarding, family fun, and marine life exploration at this iconic Laguna Beach destination.

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Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach is a popular spot known for its skimboarding waves and accessible amenities. With a large parking lot, playground, and the Lost Pier Cafe, it's a favorite for families and skimboarding enthusiasts alike. Tide pools at the south end offer a glimpse into marine life, making it a diverse coastal destination.

A brief summary to Aliso Beach

  • Monday 6 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-8 pm
  • Friday 6 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking in the metered lot, which costs $3 per hour.
  • Check the tide charts and visit during low tide to explore the tide pools at the south end of the beach.
  • Watch out for strong shore breaks and rip currents, especially if you're not an experienced swimmer.
  • Bring shoes with good grip if you plan to explore the tide pools, as the rocks can be slippery.
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be leashed. Check the time restrictions for dogs during the summer months.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Montage Resort, head south on Pacific Coast Highway. Aliso Beach will be on your right, about a 15-20 minute walk. Use the crosswalk to access the beach via the underground tunnel. No cost for access.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Laguna Beach, take the Laguna Beach Local free trolley south towards South Laguna. The trolley stops along Pacific Coast Highway. Get off at the Aliso Beach stop. Use the underground tunnel to access the beach. The trolley is free [https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/how-to/get-around/trolley].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From a location in downtown Laguna Beach, a taxi or ride-share to Aliso Beach will cost approximately $10-15, depending on traffic. The drop-off point is directly in front of the beach entrance on Pacific Coast Highway.

  • Driving

    From I-5 Freeway, exit at Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 133) and head southwest towards Laguna Beach. Continue onto Pacific Coast Highway. Aliso Beach will be on your left. Parking is available in the metered lot for $3 per hour. An overflow lot is available across the street with tunnel access.

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Discover more about Aliso Beach

Aliso Beach, nestled in Laguna Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal destination renowned for its beautiful sandy beach and dynamic shore break. Aliso Creek meets the ocean here, creating a unique environment that has attracted visitors for generations. Historically, the area served as a boundary between Native American tribes and was later homesteaded by the Thurston family, who established a public campground. Today, Aliso Beach is famous for skimboarding, hosting the annual world championship, The Vic. Year-round, skilled skimmers can be seen practicing on the waves. The beach also offers swimming, bodyboarding, and tide pooling. The south end of the beach features tide pools teeming with marine life, including sea stars, hermit crabs, and anemones. Aliso Beach provides convenient amenities such as a large parking lot (with an overflow lot across the street connected by an underground tunnel), restrooms, showers, and a playground. The Lost Pier Cafe offers snacks and meals with ocean views. Lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a safe environment for all. A beach wheelchair is available for borrowing from the lifeguard stand. While Aliso Creek flows into the ocean here, it's advisable to avoid swimming in the immediate creek area due to potential contamination from urban runoff. However, the beach's extensive sandy area, tide pools, and vibrant skimboarding scene make it a must-visit destination in Laguna Beach.

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