You’ve probably seen the TikToks. A vertical concrete staircase, a canopy of green vines, and a dramatic reveal of turquoise water that looks more like the Amalfi Coast than South OC. It’s gorgeous. It’s iconic. It’s also a total leg-killer. Honestly, if you aren't ready for a localized glute workout, Thousand Steps Beach might be your worst nightmare. But here is the thing: most people obsess over the stairs and completely miss the actual logistical hurdles that make or break a trip to this stretch of Laguna sand.
First, let's kill the biggest myth right now. There are not 1,000 steps. There are 218. I’ve counted them myself on three different occasions just to be sure. Why the name then? Because by the time you’re halfway back up to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in 80-degree heat, your quads will swear it’s a thousand. It’s a psychological trick of the mind.
Finding the Entrance Without Getting a Ticket
Finding the place is half the battle. You’re driving down PCH, the ocean is shimmering to your right, and if you blink, you’ll pass the entrance. It’s located at 9th Street and PCH. There is no giant "Welcome to Thousand Steps" sign with neon lights. You’re looking for a small, somewhat inconspicuous concrete entrance between residential homes.
Parking is a mess. Seriously.
There is no dedicated lot. You’re basically competing with locals and other tourists for parallel spots along the highway. If you park in a red zone or block a driveway, the Laguna Beach parking enforcement—who are famously efficient—will find you. You’ve been warned. I usually suggest arriving before 9:00 AM or waiting until the "golden hour" shift when the morning crowd heads out for lunch.
The Secret World of the Sea Caves
Most people just plop their towel down right at the bottom of the stairs. Big mistake. If the tide is low—and this is a massive "if"—the real magic is at the south end of the beach. There are sea caves here that feel like something out of a pirate movie.
When the tide is out, you can actually walk through a massive tunnel in the rock. It leads to a tiny, secluded cove that feels miles away from the main beach. But you have to be careful. The tide comes in fast. People get trapped. I've seen tourists try to scramble over wet rocks while holding iPhones and expensive cameras, only to get soaked by a rogue swell. Check the NOAA tide charts for Newport Beach or Dana Point before you even leave your house. If the tide is above 2.0 feet, those caves start getting sketchy.
The Famous "Tide Pool" Everyone Posts About
You know that circular pool that looks like a man-made infinity pool built into the rocks? It’s real. It’s also technically on private property, or at least it’s surrounded by it. It’s actually a saltwater pool belonging to one of the cliffside estates. While people frequently jump the rocks to take photos there, local residents aren't exactly thrilled about it. Just be respectful. The ocean is public, but the moment you start climbing into people's backyards, you're asking for a headache.
Why the Surf is No Joke
This isn't a beginner's swimming beach. The "shorebreak" at Thousand Steps Beach is notorious. The sand drops off quickly, meaning the waves break hard and fast right onto the shore. It’s a favorite spot for skimboarders—the legendary Vic Skimboarding culture is huge in Laguna—but for a casual swimmer, it can be dangerous.
The "Laguna Slam" is a real thing. It’s when a wave knocks you down and the receding water sucks you back out while the next wave piles on top of you. If you have kids, keep them close. The lifeguards here are excellent, but they are often busy whistling people away from the rocks.
What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)
Don't overpack. Please.
Think about the climb back up. Every pound of gear you carry down is a pound you have to haul up 218 steps at the end of the day when you're tired, sandy, and dehydrated.
- Water: Bring twice as much as you think you need. There are no drinking fountains on the sand.
- Shoes: Do not do the stairs in flimsy $2 flip-flops. Your arches will hate you. Wear something with a grip.
- Sunscreen: The cliffs provide some shade in the late afternoon, but the midday sun reflects off the white sand and the water like a mirror.
The Local Vibe and Etiquette
Laguna Beach has a very specific "vibe." It’s wealthy, it’s artistic, and it’s fiercely protected by the people who live there. Thousand Steps is tucked into a residential neighborhood. This isn't the place for loud Bluetooth speakers or leaving your trash behind.
One of the coolest things about this beach is the architecture. If you look up, you’ll see multimillion-dollar homes clinging to the cliffs. Some of them even have private elevators to get down to the beach. Must be nice, right? While we’re sweating on the stairs, they’re pressing a button. But hey, the beach is free for everyone, and that’s the beauty of California’s coastal laws.
The Best Time to Visit
Winter in Laguna is actually underrated. The crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and the sunsets are often more vivid because of the way the light hits the winter atmosphere. If you go in July, expect a crowd. Expect to walk half a mile from your car to the entrance.
If you’re a photographer, the morning light is great for the stairs, but the afternoon light is what makes the water turn that specific shade of emerald green.
Technical Safety Realities
Let's talk about the stairs again for a second. They can be slippery. If it rained recently or if the marine layer is heavy, the concrete gets a fine sheen of moisture. Take it slow. There is a handrail for a reason. If you have knee issues, this is probably not the beach for you. There are plenty of other spots in Laguna like Main Beach or Treasure Island that are much more accessible.
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The "stairs workout" is a local tradition. You'll see fitness junkies running up and down the steps with weighted vests. Just stay to the right so they can pass. It’s basically a vertical outdoor gym with the best view in the world.
Logistics Recap
- Location: 9th St & S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
- Facilities: There are basic restrooms at the bottom of the stairs. They aren't fancy. They are usually sandy. But they exist.
- Dogs: Generally not allowed on the beach during peak hours in the summer (usually 9 AM to 6 PM). Always check the posted signs as regulations change.
- Trash: There are bins at the top and bottom. Use them.
Essential Steps Before You Go
Before you head out, do a quick "kit check." Make sure your phone is charged because you will want photos, but don't rely on having great cell service at the bottom of the cliffs—it can be spotty. Check the surf report on a site like Surfline. If the swell is over 4 feet, the beach gets very small and the waves get very aggressive.
If you want the best experience, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday. Saturday at noon is basically a parking lottery that you are likely to lose.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Tide: Look for a "Low Tide" window if you want to see the sea caves safely.
- Hydrate Early: Start drinking water before you get to the beach to avoid cramping on the climb back up.
- Parking Hack: If PCH is full, try looking a few blocks north or south and walking back. It’s better than circling for 40 minutes.
- Footwear: Wear sneakers for the stairs and carry your sandals. Your knees will thank you.
- Leave No Trace: Pack a small trash bag. If the bins at the bottom are full, carry your stuff back to the top.
Thousand Steps Beach is one of those places that lives up to the hype, provided you know what you’re getting into. It’s a bit of a trek, it’s a bit of a workout, but standing in that sea cave looking out at the Pacific makes every single one of those 218 steps worth it.