Beach guide
Aliso Beach
Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA
Overview
Aliso Beach is a 27-acre county beach park in South Laguna, along Pacific Coast Highway. It's one of the easiest Laguna beaches to reach. The Aliso West and Aliso East lots sit right by the sand, and a tunnel walkway connects the beach to the lot on the inland side of the highway.
Known for skimboarding
The beach is known worldwide for skimboarding, and its heavy shorebreak draws pros year-round. The City lists a dedicated skimboarding area. Swimmers, bodysurfers and skin divers use it too. The City warns that the surf can be large and dangerous, with strong shorebreak and many rip currents all year. The bottom is mostly sand, turning rocky at the south end.
Facilities
Restrooms and outdoor showers are at the south end of the parking lot. There's also a children's playground and the Lost Pier Cafe at the south end of a paved walkway. The County lists fire rings, but the City says fires are banned at all Laguna beaches, so confirm with OC Parks before planning a fire.
Protected area
Aliso Beach is in a marine protected area. Fishing isn't allowed, and you can't take or collect rocks, shells or marine life.
Hours and parking
The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The City of Laguna Beach has run the Aliso parking lots since March 1, 2023, and OC Parks passes are no longer valid there.
Getting there & access
Parking
Park in the Aliso West or Aliso East lot. The City of Laguna Beach took over the lots on March 1, 2023, and charges by the hour (its 2024–25 notice listed $2.50/hour, so check the posted rate). OC Parks annual passes aren't valid here, but City Shopper Permits are.
Tunnel under the highway
A tunnel walkway connects the beach to the lot on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, so you don't have to cross the highway on foot.
Walking access
A paved sidewalk runs from the children's play structure to the Lost Pier Cafe at the south end of the beach.
Amenities
- Fire rings — Listed by the County; confirm current fire rules with OC Parks
- Restrooms — South end of the parking lot
- Outdoor showers — South end of the parking lot
- Playground — Children's play structure (tot lot)
- Food — Lost Pier Cafe at the south end of the beach
- Skimboarding area — Designated area for the beach's famous shorebreak
- Paved walking path — From the playground to the cafe
- Tide pools — Look but don't touch; this is a marine protected area
Rules & official resources
- Open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- No fishing, and no taking or collecting rocks, shells or marine life (marine protected area)
- Dogs must be leashed; from June 15 to September 10 they're allowed on the beach only before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- No alcohol on Laguna Beach's beaches
- No smoking in public areas, including beaches
- OC Parks passes are no longer valid in the City-run Aliso Beach lots
Common boat service needs here
Boats based at Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is the closest harbor to Aliso. Boats kept there in warm salt water year-round need regular diver hull cleaning to stay fast and fuel-efficient.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026