Shaw's Cove

Shaw's Cove is a small North Laguna cove reached by a stairway between houses at Fairview Street and Cliff Drive, with tide pools at both ends and much of the sand covered at high tide. Scuba divers and snorkelers share the water, which lies inside a state marine reserve. There are no restrooms or showers, so drop your gear at the top of the stairs and keep quiet early for the neighbors.

Directions

Photo: Vanessa Kay · CC BY 3.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 78/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 23°C, wind 11 km/h, waves 0.8 m, UV 8. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Lower tides leave more beach; Laguna's water is known for high visibility.
Getting in: Stairs at the intersection of Fairview Street and Cliff Drive, one block from North Coast Highway, descending between private residences.
Parking & transport: Street parking only; dropping gear at the top of the stairs is recommended.
Lifeguards: Covered by Laguna Beach Marine Safety, which provides year-round emergency response; individual towers are staffed at peak times.
Water quality: Orange County Health Care Agency's Ocean Water Protection Program (OC Beachinfo) samples for bacteria against state health standards and posts warnings and closures. Swim Guide (Orange County Coastkeeper) lists a 3-day rain advisory after storms.
Who swims here: Popular with scuba divers, snorkelers, swimmers and bodyboarders. Laguna Beach Open Water Swimming (LBOWS) posts weekly early-morning group swims in Laguna Beach.
Watch for: Rocky tide pool areas at both ends of the cove
Much of the beach is under water at high tide
Divers and snorkelers in the water
Bacteria can rise after rain and near runoff
Facilities: No amenities on site; the nearest are at Crescent Bay to the northwest