6 Best Spots to Visit in Laguna Beach
Bluff-top gardens, a fairytale tower, hidden tide-pool coves, and some of Southern California’s best sunsets — Laguna Beach is an artists’ colony turned photographer’s playground. Here’s where to go, and when.
At a glance
| Spot | Best light | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Heisler Park | Golden hour | Bluff overlooks, tide pools |
| Victoria Beach | Afternoon (low tide) | The Pirate Tower |
| Thousand Steps Beach | Golden hour | Caves, salt pools, coves |
| Crescent Bay | Sunset | Clear water, big sunsets |
| Treasure Island Beach | Golden hour | Coastal trails, bluffs |
| Main Beach | Sunset | Boardwalk, lifeguard tower |
The spots
1. Heisler Park
Best light: golden hour ·
Terrain: paved bluff-top path. Clifftop gardens, ocean overlooks, and a marine-refuge tide-pool shoreline — the most versatile spot in Laguna (see Post 3). The Gazebo and Monument Point are classic portrait spots.
2. Victoria Beach
Best light: afternoon, low tide ·
Terrain: long staircase. Home to the fairytale “Pirate Tower.” The small beach floods at high tide, so time it low — full details in our Orange County guide.
3. Thousand Steps Beach
Best light: golden hour ·
Terrain: steep staircase down. A workout to reach, but the reward is caves, hidden salt pools, and dramatic coves.
4. Crescent Bay
Best light: sunset ·
Terrain: cove beach. Crystal-clear water, a crescent of sand, and some of the town’s best sunsets and snorkeling.
5. Treasure Island Beach
Best light: golden hour ·
Terrain: paved coastal trail, bluff-top trails, and tide pools by the Montage — easy access, big views.
6. Main Beach
Best light: sunset ·
Terrain: flat boardwalk + sand. The heart of town — the boardwalk, lifeguard tower, and volleyball courts.
💡 Local tip: Check a tide table before you go. Laguna’s small coves (Victoria Beach, Shaw’s Cove) flood at high tide, while the tide pools at Heisler and Treasure Island only reveal at low tide — ideally lined up with sunset.
Plan your shoot
👉 Book a Laguna Beach Photographer →
👉 See Laguna Beach Photography Packages →
FAQ
What’s the most iconic spot in Laguna Beach? Victoria Beach for the “Pirate Tower,” and Heisler Park for bluff-top overlooks and tide pools. Both are best timed with a low tide.
Do you need a permit to shoot in Laguna Beach? Yes — professional photography on Laguna’s city beaches and parks requires a permit (about $100 per session), including at Heisler Park.
