Thousand Steps Beach sits at the bottom of a long concrete staircase (actually around 220 steps) off 9th Avenue in South Laguna. The name is an exaggeration, but the descent is real, and it keeps crowds manageable compared to Main Beach.
Access
The staircase begins at a small parking area on 9th Avenue, just off Pacific Coast Highway. Street parking is limited; arrive early on summer weekends. The stairs are steep but well-maintained with handrails.
The Beach
At low tide, the beach extends significantly, revealing tide pools along the base of the sandstone cliffs. The sand is coarse and golden. A sea cave at the south end is accessible at low tide.
Surfing
A reef break off the south end produces consistent waves, particularly in south swells. The spot is popular with shortboarders and bodyboarders. Rocks make entry and exit tricky at lower tides.
Tide Pools
The rocky shelf at the south end hosts anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars, and small fish in shallow pools. Best viewing at minus tides. Do not remove any marine life; the area is part of the Laguna Beach Marine Protected Area.
Cliff Formations
The sandstone cliffs display dramatic erosion patterns and layered sedimentary formations. Several small caves and overhangs dot the cliff base. The cliffs glow orange at sunset.