Laguna Low Down

Exploring the Tide Pools of Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach

Looking for the best tide pools in Orange County? Grab your water shoes and a tide chart, and head to Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach! The mix of shallow and deep pools provides a perfect home for all sorts of sea creatures such as mussels, barnacles, sea stars, urchins, clams, and shore crabs.

Head to the south end of the cove below Twin Points to find the best pools—there’s also a small sea cave there. Navigating the rocks can be a tad tricky, so wear closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, and watch your step! And, of course, avoid trampling or disturbing any of the wildlife. (All the beaches in Laguna Beach are protected State Marine Conservation Areas.)

Once you’ve checked out Crescent Bay’s south end, continue to the north end, where you’ll find Seal Rock—and if you’re lucky, some of its namesakes lounging about. For an even closer look at life under the water, just south of Crescent Bay is Shaw’s Cove, home to the best snorkeling on the California mainland. Just head back out to Cliff Drive and walk south for about 0.2 mile, and you’ll see the entrance for the cove. But you don’t have to get wet to get close to coastal creatures—that, of course, is the beauty of tide pooling!

From Pacific Coast Hwy. in Laguna Beach, turn onto Cliff Dr. and follow it to the beach. Park in any of the surrounding neighborhoods, being careful to respect the residents and obey posted parking signs. Otherwise, park anywhere on PCH. The best place to access Crescent Bay is by following the road marked “Authorized Vehicles Only,” which leads you to the middle of the beach. There is no beach access at Crescent Bay Point Park. No dogs allowed on beach 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 15 to Sept. 10; leashed dogs allowed outside of those dates and times.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View