Thousand Steps Beach in South Laguna Is Worth The Haul

LAGUNA BEACH, CA—It’s been a while since Patch headed out to explore one of Laguna’s many coves and beaches. This time we set out on a midsummer’s day to Thousand Steps Beach, which is accessed at 9th Avenue in South Laguna.

It was early enough in the day to easily find unmetered parking on the northbound side of Coast Highway. At the top of the stairs, a mom was stretching after her climb of the 218 steps, by her count. Cue the joke everyone makes: it feels like a thousand steps.

The overgrown trees make for a shady descent. As you descend, people pass by going up, some are sweaty and panting; others climb steadily with smiling toddlers on their backs. One super-fit man went down and up twice while we carefully made our way to the bottom on the century-old steps.

Once you reach the bottom, the sandy beach is deep and wide with plenty of space to sit outside of all the cordoned-off privately owned areas. If you arrive early enough in the day, the cliff provides great swaths of shade. So no need to tote an umbrella unless you visit after noon.

The southern half of Thousand Steps beach has two lifeguard stands and a weathered volleyball net—OC Lifeguards protect beachgoers here, not the City of Laguna.

At Thousand Steps’ extreme south end, is a rocky, moss-covered shelf that leads to Thousand Steps Sea Cave. If you’re a daredevil, go check it out.

We timed our visit to coincide with a steep low tide, so we could check out the cave at the north end, and then access lovely Totuava Beach beyond. There is no public access to Totuava, so be mindful of the tides if you go, otherwise, you may become trapped.

Dwellings top both beaches, with stairs snaking down every which way.

If you sit against the cliff, check above you to make sure there’s no drain spout hanging in the air. Since this is a marine protected area, only irrigation or rainwater would cascade onto your head. But still. Who wants that?

Thousand Steps Beach has everything: rocks, tide pools, swimming, people watching, good bathrooms, shower, lifeguards, and so much to explore. Just be sure to drink all your liquids and brush off extra sand to lighten your load before climbing your way up and out.

By the way, does anyone know the story behind an M and two footprints in the metal gate at the top of the access steps?

Let us know in the comments if you do!