Thousand Steps Pools (Closed)

Thousand Steps Beach
4.3
10 Reviews
Thousand Steps Pools (Closed)
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Bathrooms
Beach
Swimming Hole
Food Nearby
Scenic
Romantic
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About this place

Added by Connor Van Orden

As of Friday, January 31st, 2025, Thousand Steps Beach is closed due to a landslide for an undetermined amount of time. More details are available here.

A beautiful, sometimes secluded beach with two man made pools that collect saltwater during high tide and warm up during low tide. Unbelievable sunset views.

Driving down PCH southbound. Park at 9th street Laguna beach. You'l descend 219 stairs to be exact (feels like a 1,000). Once on the beach head to your left (south) until you come across a cave.

Head through the cave (tide willing, best to go during a mid-low tide) and continue along the sea-side rocks. After only about 1/4 mile, you'll get to the highest point of the hike and you will be able to see the pools on the other side of the beach.

Note:
Please exercise extreme caution if heading to this location. This area may be closed due to tide or a large, incoming swell. Be sure to ask the lifeguards and check the tide and swell conditions before visiting.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Mark Noon
10/21/2017
It's NOT Private Land
Anywhere where the median high tide touches and lower is considered public...like with all things nature, be careful; just wait a few hours for ...
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Yo Dude
7/15/2017
Stay away locals only
Danger secret spot not fun or cool place to go! Move along nothing to see here. Love tim
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Diana Shirley
2/23/2017
It's Illegal And Dangerous
My brothers and I are all lifeguards. One of my brothers is a supervisor at thousand steps beach. We all feel very strongly about ...
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Maddy Washburn
10/26/2016
Favorite Spot!
Hey those are my photos! :D This is by far my favorite beach spot. It sucks that social media has blown up the spot ...
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Connor Van Orden
3/30/2016
Be Safe When Unfamiliar With The Ocean
Folks this is a fun spot but one thing that needs to be addressed for people unfamiliar with the ocean and getting to this ...
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Scott Bideau
3/6/2016
Beautiful But Potentially Deadly
More and more people without ocean knowledge or proper navigation to the spot have been getting hurt. http://m.ocregister.com/articles/pools-650856-cave-beach.html
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Grant
2/18/2016
Unexpected Awesomeness
Try and make sure the tide has just come up (high tide) to bring fresh water into the pools and you'll be pleasantly surprised. ...
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jenna dahl
1/18/2016
awesome experience
I've been here before and it was so cool but isn't it someone's property? a lifeguard yelled at me last time I tried to go
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Suzette Therese
2/12/2015
Very beautiful! where do you keep valuables while swimming?
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Steven Costantino
10/28/2014
nice little hidden gem in Laguna Beach
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