1000 Steps Beach
1000 Steps Beach: A Laguna Gem
Thousand Steps Beach: A Coastal Escape
Discover a secluded Laguna Beach gem: stunning views, sea caves, and tide pools await those who brave the 220 steps to paradise.
Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach is a stunning, secluded paradise accessible via a long staircase. Despite its name, the staircase has around 220 steps, not a thousand. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful sandy beach, sea caves, and tide pools to explore.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to 1000 Steps Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
31972 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, California, 92651, US
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Getting There
Driving
From Laguna Beach, drive approximately 4 miles south on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Look for the beach entrance between 9th and 10th Avenue. Parking is free along PCH, but it can be scarce, especially during peak season. Consider parking further away and walking.
Public Transport
Take the number 1, LCST, or SCST bus to the Coast-10th stop. The bus stop is a short walk from the staircase entrance. The bus runs from Long Beach to San Clemente, stopping at various points along the coast. A single fare for the bus is typically around $2.
Walking
From the intersection of PCH and 9th Ave, find the crosswalk. The entrance to 1000 Steps is between two houses. Descend the staircase to reach the beach.
Local tips
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Check tide charts before visiting to safely explore the sea caves and tide pools.
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Wear sturdy shoes for the steep staircase and potentially slippery rocks.
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Arrive early, especially during summer, to find parking along Pacific Coast Highway.
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Pack light to make the climb up the stairs easier.
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Be aware of strong undertows if swimming and supervise children closely.
Discover more about 1000 Steps Beach
Thousand Steps Beach, located in South Laguna Beach, is a captivating coastal haven known for its natural beauty and relative seclusion. The beach's name is playfully misleading, as the staircase leading down to the shore consists of approximately 220 steps. However, the climb can feel like a thousand, especially on the way back up.
The beach itself stretches about 400 yards, framed by sandstone cliffs. It's a popular spot for body surfing and skimboarding due to the shore break waves. At the south end of the beach, adventurers can explore a sea cave, but caution is advised regarding the tides. Low tide is the best time to explore the cave and access Totuava Beach, a secret beach to the north. During low tides, you can also explore the tide pools and observe marine life.
Historically known as 10th Street Beach, the entrance is now located off 9th Street. The beach offers amenities such as restrooms and showers located near the entrance. Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate shoes for the potentially slippery steps and rocky terrain and to minimize heavy items for the climb. While offering a sense of escape, visitors should also be aware of the potential for hazardous rip currents.
A brief summary to 1000 Steps Beach
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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