Garden Grove - all beaches

This beach park is a favorite among locals, including myself, because of its natural landscape. The pedestrian paths outnumber the vehicle roads, which creates a nice separation from city life. The sand beach walk is located below street level, away from the busy Pacific Coast Highway. The trails from the parking lots wind through areas of local sage, scrub brush, and chaparral. Along the way, you can also find restroom structures. By using Google Maps Satellite View, you can easily locate the beach access and find highlights along the trail. Crystal Cove State Park is well-known for its clean sand beach and ocean. In the summertime, it's great for swimming and occasionally surfing, although body boarding is more common. Lifeguards are always present and keep a close watch. During the off season, the watch stations are moved and lined up on dry land. The waterfront is a year-round spectacle with its tide pools, which are definitely worth the hike. The beach walk is lined with ocean-carved rock formations. You can set up beach chairs, a tarp, or a towel to hold a spot and enjoy watching the waves, boats offshore, or kids building sand castles. The entrance fee for vehicles is $15, but prices may change in the summertime. The day use side is open from 6:00 am to sunset.

This beach has some strong waves, but the lifeguard is excellent and constantly rescuing swimmers. Despite that, we still had a great time and the beach itself is stunning.

This secluded beach is a hidden gem, teeming with an abundance of marine life. The rocky cliffs provide a safe haven for young children to play, while the crystal-clear waters offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat. If you're lucky enough to snag a spot on the street, parking is free, but meters are available along the main road. Overall, it's a stunning spot that's well worth a visit. Plus, for added peace of mind, a lifeguard station is conveniently located on the northern end of the beach.

This beach was the ideal location for our wedding ceremony! To reach the entrance, park on Eagle Rock Way and cross the street. Keep in mind that you will have to descend a series of steps, which start off as cement and then transition into wood. Even in a wedding dress and flip flops, the descent is manageable. While the water can be treacherous in the vicinity, we opted to stay on the beach to preserve our attire for photographs. Unfortunately, the beach had to be temporarily closed due to some massive rocks falling. Fortunately, no one was injured. Despite these challenges, the beach's natural beauty was unparalleled, making it the perfect spot for our nuptials. Just exercise caution and remain vigilant for falling rocks.

This beach is a hidden gem, offering a private and intimate setting with stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. Descend the "secret staircase" and be captivated by the picturesque glimpse of the beach below. Whenever I want to escape the crowds at the popular beaches in Laguna Beach, I love coming here. It's conveniently located right next to Diver's Cove and Heisler Park, just a short walk away. This little cove is secluded, peaceful, and usually devoid of beachgoers, with only a few exceptions. Moreover, the waves are gentle enough for comfortable floating and swimming. And don't forget to explore the tide pools beyond the gazebo on the cliff!

This beach is truly remarkable! The sand is of exceptional quality, and the expanse of the beach is quite impressive, providing ample room for a variety of recreational pursuits. However, it is important to note that there are no restroom or shower facilities available on site.