Spend the Day at One of Our Favorite Laguna Coves
Photo by @meganacrossthemap
While you can’t go wrong with any of Laguna’s sublime beaches, this article is – at least in part – partial to coves. They are, after all, Laguna’s specialty.
There is something intimate and protected about being in a cove that a large stretch of public beach just can’t offer.
Below is a list of our favorite Laguna coves and our go-to tips on getting your toes in the sand.
Photo by @xbebe.s
Fisherman’s Cove
Fisherman’s (aka: Boat Canyon) is one of the few coves that stays a local gem even in highly trafficked times. Despite having public access and signage leading to the beach, many tourists miss this spot. South facing, it’s a spectacular option for those who are intimidated by crashing shorebreak or those who just want to take a leisurely dip. Its mild waves make it a perfect port for SUP and kayaks. (If you're looking for a kayak tour, Laguna Ethos is our fave, and starts each tour here.) Further, the incredible sandstone cliffs are a sight on their own, carving out multiple individual coves and caves.
The tide pools that connect Fisherman’s to neighboring Shaw’s Cove warrant at least an hour of awe and quite possibly a bit of foot pain (shoes are recommended for those with sensitive tootsies). The stone beachfront hut on the north end of the beach is an added historical plus with roots back to the days of prohibition and sits directly in front of a small beach that beckons a swim.
Free parking can be found on Cliff Drive just north of the entrance. Otherwise, there are paid parking spots between Myrtle and Beverly on Cliff Dr., following the perimeter of Heisler Park. The entrance is hidden in plain sight, just 20 feet to the right of Diver’s Cove. From there you take a flight of stairs that curves and dumps you out at the south end of the beach. Don’t be shy when you hit the sand – walk towards the end of the beach until you find the spot that enchants you.
Photo by @toscano_travels
Shaw’s Cove
Shaw’s Cove stands alone in a chain of coves as one of Laguna’s most stunning beaches with the most picturesque turquoise waters. It’s a popular hub for beginner divers with its reefs leading to neighboring coves. The reef’s presence and mass serves as a natural buffer against large swells, and at low tide offers two sides of tide pool exploration.
If you wander the tide pools far enough, you get three beaches for the effort of one: in addition to Shaws, to the far right you can access Crescent, to the far left Fishermans. This sleepy cove stays relatively quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of its rather popular neighbor, Crescent Bay, but still busy enough with divers that it calls for a lifeguard year around.
Parking is just in front of the entrance on Cliff Dr. wherever you can find a spot (which can be both frustrating and time consuming – but, we promise, worth it). Enter at the sign and walk down a – usually very wet – flight of stairs. There are beach spots to the right and to the left – and both sides will show you an equally splendid time.
Photo by @micktographer
Goff Cove
The middle of the three Montage beaches can often be overlooked, yet deserves all the attention. This beach is just as beautiful as its neighbors but because it is south facing and has such a unique reef formation, it never gets large swells. It’s shallow and perfect for swimming, lounging, and exploring the tide pools to the far right (which also gets the occasional volunteer Docent with Laguna Ocean Foundation to answer any of your pending sea life questions).
There’s a second cove to the far left side of the beach that can only be accessed by an easy climb over some rocks. This tends to keep most beach goers out, but if you’re adventurous enough, the payoff is a private beach with a view of the rock arch at Treasure Island.
Goff Cove can be accessed by either a staircase that lands you in the middle of the beach or a ramp that puts you at the far right end of the beach near the tide pools, (which also provides access to Christmas Island, the third beach in the chain, just to the right of the ramp).
For both beaches, parking is easiest in the Montage parking garage, but on hot days and in summer, this also fills up quickly.
Photo by @lupitazambranophotography
Woods Cove
This cove is like a unicorn because you have to time it just right to see it in its full blown glory. It seems there will either be high tide and no beach, or low tide and no parking. If your day is flexible and close parking is not a necessity, it’s worth taking a chance on the anomaly. You can either start at Pearl Street and enter at the rock arch and scramble your way along the rocks, or enter at the Woods Cove staircase just off Diamond and Ocean Way and go straight to lounging.
At low tide, this beach has fantastic tide pools, rock arches, and a view of the famous beach cottage Bette Davis once called home. The rock formations to the far south of the beach are worth the trip alone and offer some shade in case you skipped lugging your umbrella. Because this beach is sprinkled with rocks and rip currents, it can be dangerous for swimmers, but interesting for advanced divers. At high tide, when the beach is completely swallowed by the waves, it can be exhilarating to watch the waves from the steps above and imagine the magic of the unicorn.
*Check out our May 2022 article listing our favorite beaches in Laguna.
Emilia Greenstein is a Laguna local and the founder of the Beach Love Club which meets at Fisherman’s Cove every Friday. A former child psychologist with a specialty in positive psychotherapy, when she isn’t at the beach she is working on her future career as a children’s book author.