Swimming in Laguna Beach

Laguna's central beach, where Broadway and Ocean Avenue meet Coast Highway, has a mostly sandy bottom, a steep shorebreak and rocks at the north end near Bird Rock. The Oak Streeters hold their weekend ocean workouts off this beach. Surf here can get large, with rip currents and heavy shorebreak, so check with the lifeguards at the north-end headquarters before a long swim.

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.

Open Water Safety

Risk assessment, gear, and emergency procedures

Reading Conditions

Waves, tides, currents, and weather patterns

Ocean Swimming

Waves, rip currents, and a progression plan

Cold Water Swimming

Acclimatization, gear, and safe exposure