01
Best overall pick
Salt Creek Beach
Near Monarch Beach • Wide Sandy Surf Beach • Local Favorite With Something For Everyone
A broad stretch of sand backed by bluffs and a grassy park, popular with surfers, walkers, and families from Laguna Niguel and nearby hills.
Salt Creek is the closest true ocean beach for many Laguna Niguel neighborhoods, with a paved path from the hilltop parking lot down to the sand. The main peak draws consistent surf, while families tend to spread out toward the south end where it feels more relaxed. Bring a chair for the bluff-top lawns if you want the ocean air without committing to sandy feet.
02
Best for families
Aliso Beach Park
South Laguna Beach • Family-Friendly Beach With Facilities • Drive-Up Convenience And Easy Amenities
A straightforward pull-in, park, and step-onto-the-sand beach with a big lot, restrooms, and a mix of mellow waves and people-watching.
Aliso Beach is a go-to when you want simple logistics: parking is right next to the sand, there are restrooms and a snack stand, and you can keep an eye on kids without navigating long staircases. On calmer days the shorebreak is manageable, though it can still be powerful for small children. Sunset is especially pretty here, with fire pits and plenty of space to linger as the lights come on along the coast.
03
Best for coastal views
Treasure Island Beach
Beside The Montage Laguna Beach • Scenic Cove With Landscaped Paths • Most Photogenic Nearby Shoreline
Manicured bluff-top walkways, dramatic rock formations, and a sheltered cove make this feel like a resort-worthy slice of coastline that’s still open to the public.
Treasure Island sits just south of the Montage, with public paths that wind through lawns and gardens before dropping to the sand. The cove is popular for tidepool peeking at low tide and for simply spreading a towel and soaking up the views. Expect more of a strolling and photo-taking crowd than a loud beach party scene, and plan for a slightly steeper walk back up to your car.
04
Best for long beach days
Doheny State Beach
Dana Point Harbor • Classic State Beach With Mellow Surf • Best For Picnics And Group Outings
A big, flat state beach with fire rings, picnic tables, and gentle waves that’s ideal for setting up camp for the entire day.
Doheny is the spot when you’re meeting friends or bringing a crowd, thanks to its roomy parking lots, grassy picnic areas, and long sandy shoreline. The waves near the breakwater are beginner-friendly on many days, and the nearby harbor adds options for grabbing coffee or an early dinner. It can feel busiest on summer weekends and during events, so arrive earlier if shade and parking close to the sand are priorities.
05
Best for an adventurous outing
Thousand Steps Beach
South Laguna Beach • Dramatic Cove Below Steep Stairs • Great For Active Beachgoers
A long staircase leads down to a wide cove with stronger surf and a more secluded feel than the drive-up beaches.
Despite the name, the staircase is closer to a couple hundred steps, but you will feel the climb on the way back up, especially with gear. The payoff is a spacious, cliff-backed beach that thins out once you walk away from the stairway, with more of a locals-and-regulars vibe. The waves can be powerful and the shoreline drops off quickly, so this spot suits confident swimmers and people comfortable with a bit of effort to earn their ocean time.