Main Beach (Laguna Beach)

Main Beach is the heart of Laguna Beach, where Broadway and Ocean Avenue meet Coast Highway at the edge of downtown. Its white lifeguard tower in the middle of the sand is the city's best-known landmark. A boardwalk runs the length of the beach, backed by a park with benches, a playground modeled on the tower, two half basketball courts at the north end and four sand volleyball courts.

The water

The bottom is mostly sand, turning rocky at the north end near Bird Rock. The shorebreak is popular with swimmers, bodyboarders and bodysurfers. The City warns that the surf can be large and dangerous, with many rip currents and heavy shorebreak. Surfing isn't allowed at Main Beach during the summer months. Laguna Beach lifeguards are on duty every day of the year.

Protected waters

Main Beach is part of the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve, which runs from Abalone Point south to Goff Island. Fishing isn't allowed, and you can't take or disturb rocks, shells or marine life.

Before you go

Leashed dogs are welcome except during summer daytime hours. Laguna's beaches don't allow alcohol, smoking or fires. Restrooms sit at both ends of the beach, with outdoor showers. Parking is metered, and spaces downtown go fast in summer.