Crescent Bay offers a sheltered cove with sandy beaches and generally calm, clear saltwater conditions suitable for beginners and intermediate swimmers. The crescent shape provides natural protection from larger ocean swells.

Laguna Beach-Shaw's Cove/Divers Cove

lagoon

Intermediate

Shaw's Cove and Divers Cove feature rocky reefs with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving in cool Pacific waters. These spots suit intermediate to advanced swimmers comfortable navigating rocky entries and moderate surge conditions.

Ocean

Intermediate

EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station

South Laguna Beach

lagoon

Intermediate

South Laguna Beach in California offers scenic Pacific Ocean swimming with rocky coves, kelp forests, and excellent visibility. The advanced-intermediate beach suits experienced swimmers comfortable with kelp, moderate swells, and rocky entry points. Enter via sandy areas and watch for surge and surge channels among the rocks.

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Ocean

Intermediate

EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station

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Ocean

Intermediate

EPA Water Quality Monitoring Station

Open Water Swimming in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach offers 122 open water swimming locations across Ocean, lagoon and River environments. Whether you are a beginner looking for a calm, sheltered swim or an experienced open water swimmer seeking a challenge, there are options for every level.

Before heading out to any swim spot in Laguna Beach, check current water conditions on SwimPass. Our SwimScore combines real-time weather, marine data, tides, and water quality into a single 0-100 rating so you can make an informed decision in seconds.

Ocean swimmers in Laguna Beach should pay attention to tide schedules and swell forecasts. Swimming around slack tide typically offers the calmest conditions. Check our guide to reading water conditions for tips on interpreting local marine forecasts.

New to open water swimming? Start with our safety guide and first swim guide before heading to any new spot.

Swimming Guides

Prepare for your swim in Laguna Beach with these guides.

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

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