Laguna Beach

Directions

Dive Site

Beach Access

What You'll See

Facilities

Parking

  Access is off of Pacific Coast Highway at Broadway.  Note, Highway 133 (Laguna Canyon Road) merges into Broadway and ends at Pacific Coast Highway.  There is plenty of street parking on the side streets if you get there early enough.  If you accidentally merge onto Cliff Drive, simply head South (Left) when you get to Pacific Coast Highway.  Main Beach will be the next main intersection heading South.

  Please be mindful of the neighbors - Side streets have many private residences with people who enjoy sleeping in the the weekends...nobody enjoys a rude awakening!

  The Beach access is very easy.  Short stairways lead down to the sand from the Wooden Boardwalk - both North and South of Broadway.  The Water is a short walk once you hit the sand and is well kept and free of those pesky tripping stones.

Just South of Broadway on PCH (Parking)

Main Beach is a Marine Sanctuary

Access at OceanFront ("C" Below)

Beach Access looking North from Broadway

Note Dive times & Rules (See "Dive Site" below)

Beach Access looking South from Broadway

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  Main Beach is often called Laguna's "Window to the Sea".  Located in the Heart of Downtown Laguna Beach you'll find easy access to Volleyball, Basketball, Picnic tables, Restroom Facilities, a children's play areas and even protected Tide Pools and shopping.

  Main Beach does have good access, however the diving is somewhat average at best - though it is good for Open Water Classes.  The facilities do make this location a bonus, especially if you are accompanied by non-divers looking for something to do!

  If you are more experienced or would like more "variety" during your dive, you may consider Heisler Park up the Boardwalk heading North or a short drive North (better parking is also available at Heisler).

   Note that from June 15th through September 15th diving is only allowed from 7am till 10 pm, so prepare accordingly for the time limitations.

Main Beach Entry View from the Boardwalk

A-Main Beach at Broadway & PCH, B-Restrooms, C-Volleyball Court, D-Basketball Courts

Picture Courtesy of Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman © 2002-2005 California Coastal Records Project

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  Sea life is typical for the area and much of it will be found around and on the rocks.  You're likely to see Senoritas, Lobster (except during Lobster Season), spanish shawls, nudibranchs, Garibaldi, sheepshead, eel grass, bat rays and assorted other goodies. 

This is a preserve, so take only pictures.

  There are excellent facilities at Main Beach including Restrooms, Rinse showers & Lifeguard access.

  There is street parking, but it is limited to about 8 spots on the Beach Side of Pacific Coast Highway.  You can also park on many of the side streets and in the residential areas surrounding Main Beach.  Make sure you watch the parking signs, because Parking Enforcement here is quick and unforgiving. 

  Sometimes, you may find it is more convenient to drop your gear at the loading areas on PCH with your buddy and then go find Parking.

  Parking runs 25 cents per 15 minutes (that's $1 per hour for the math challenged) and runs a maximum of 3 hours.  The meters take ONLY Quarters, so bring plenty.

Parking is limited - Especially on nice Weekend Days, so plan on arriving early for the best Parking Opportunities (Before 7:00 am).  Remember, during the summer Divers are only allowed in the water from 7 am till 10 am.

Parking Meters take only Quarters

Limited Parking at Beach

DIRECTIONS

  From 405 Freeway exit Laguna Canyon Road (133) South towards Laguna Beach.
Follow Laguna Canyon Road / Broadway till it ends at Pacific Coast Highway (1).
Main Beach is right there. 

  Best bet is to turn right and look for parking anywhere it's available.
 

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