Aliso Beach
Aliso Beach: Laguna's Skimboarding Hub
Aliso Beach: Laguna's Skimboarding Hub
A Laguna Beach gem where Aliso Creek meets the Pacific, famous for skimboarding, tide pools, and family fun. Open 6 am - 10 pm daily!
Aliso Beach, where Aliso Creek meets the Pacific, is a popular spot in Laguna Beach known for its skimboarding, family-friendly amenities, and tide pools. Once home to a diamond-shaped pier, it's now a vibrant beach park with a rich history and a lively atmosphere.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Aliso Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
2 Monterey St, Laguna Beach, California, 92651, US
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
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Getting There
Walking
From the Montage Laguna Beach, follow the beach path south for about 8 minutes until you reach Pacific Coast Highway. Turn left and cross the bridge. Take the stairs on your left, and you'll find a pedestrian tunnel leading to Aliso Beach. This route is approximately 0.4 miles and offers scenic views. No cost involved.
Public Transport
From downtown Laguna Beach, take the Laguna Beach Local bus Route 1 or 2 towards South Laguna. Get off at the Aliso Beach stop on Pacific Coast Highway. Use the pedestrian underpass to safely reach the beach. The bus fare is typically around $1-2. Check the Laguna Beach Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and fares.
Taxi/Ride-share
From a central Laguna Beach location, a taxi or ride-share to Aliso Beach will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. The journey is relatively short, usually taking about 5-10 minutes. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or app before you begin your trip. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Aliso Beach parking lot entrance.
Driving
From I-5 South, take exit 91 for CA-133 toward Laguna Beach. Continue on CA-133 S. Turn left onto Laguna Canyon Road, then turn right onto Pacific Coast Highway. Aliso Beach will be on your right. Parking at Aliso Beach costs $3.60 per hour. There is a parking lot on the beach side of PCH and an overflow lot on the east side of PCH connected by a pedestrian tunnel.
Local tips
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Arrive early, especially in summer, to secure parking in the metered lot.
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Check the tide charts for low tide to explore the tide pools safely.
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Watch out for strong shore breaks and rip currents if you're swimming or skimboarding.
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Avoid contact with the water from Aliso Creek due to potential contamination.
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Borrow a beach wheelchair from the lifeguard stand for easier access.
Discover more about Aliso Beach
Aliso Beach Park, a jewel in South Laguna Beach, is where the fresh waters of Aliso Creek mingle with the vast Pacific Ocean. This accessible beach, located off Coast Highway, boasts a blend of sandy expanses and rocky areas, making it a haven for various beach activities.
Historically, the area was a boundary between the Acjachemem and Tongva Indian tribes. Later, it was part of the Rancho Cañada de los Alisos. In the 20th century, the area evolved from a Girl Scout camp to the Laguna Beach Country Club before becoming the public beach enjoyed today. From 1971 to 1998, Aliso Beach featured a unique diamond-shaped pier, a popular spot for fishing and strolling until storm damage led to its demolition.
Today, Aliso Beach is renowned for its skimboarding scene, hosting the annual world championship, 'The Vic'. The strong shore break also attracts body surfers. During low tide, the rocky areas reveal tide pools teeming with marine life. The beach also offers amenities such as a playground, restrooms, showers, and the Lost Pier Cafe. Note that Aliso Creek's water is often contaminated due to urban runoff, so it is not suitable for swimming.
A brief summary to Aliso Beach
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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