Aliso Beach is an easy going family beach
with picnic tables, firepits and even playground equipment for the kids. Located
in Laguna Beach, it is fantastic for families seeking room to roam.
Aliso
Beach - Orange County, California. As you drive from South Laguna Beach from the north or
Dana Point from the south, Pacific Coast Highway gently twists and turns.
Visible is an opening in the trees and a lovely beach
(seen in 2nd photo on left). Aliso Beach is located in the City of Laguna Beach
in South Orange County. Unlike most Laguna Beaches, it is
operated by the County of Orange. To the south of it is
Salt Creek Beach,
another County operated beach that is really nice.
Aliso Beach Park features sandy beaches, rock promontories,
and scenic coastal foothills. The park consists of a beach and an island
area surrounded by native coastal chaparral. Aliso Creek winds its way
down from the Laguna foothills and empties into the sea at this location
and is popular for children to scamper around. A marine life refuge borders
to the north and south with rock outcroppings marking the park boundary.
Swimming, surfing, skin diving and fishing is also a popular
pastime. A unique diamond shaped pier has been constructed to accommodate
the many fishing enthusiasts. Sunbathing, tidepool exploration (look but
don't touch) and sand castle building are also beach related activities.
A tot lot is provided for children. A concession building at the base of
the pier offers fishing gear rental and sales, food and beverages, and
beach supplies. Aliso Beach
is especially user-friendly because of its easy access that many Laguna
Beaches throughout the city do not offer. Most are down a set of
neighborhood steps, a ramp, or some hard-to-park and
hard-to-access location, making them worthy of the most
determined and capable beach-goers. But Aliso Beach has a large
public parking lot that sits smack dab next to the flat, sandy
beach. Restroom facilities offer the needed amenity most
beach-goers seek.
And the
opportunity to build a bonfire in one of the fire rings is a
privilege that nearly was lost. Several years ago the
County of Orange, Beaches and Parks division, wanted to shut
down the fire rings. Why? The mess the rings made required
daily upkeep. But the bonfire craze and roar of the public, kept
them in place. A similar situation occurred in San Francisco's
Ocean Beach. They likewise, have found reprieve upon last
report.
History
The Aliso Creek, its surrounding salt marshes, and the
overlooking coastal mountains were once formidable barriers to travel.
This area acted as a boundary between the two major Indian tribes, the
Juaneno's to the south and Gabrieleno tribes to the north. One of
Laguna's early pioneers created the Aliso Canyon Wagon Trail and the Old
Coast Wagon Trail, thus making Aliso Beach a popular stopping place
for vacation travelers. From 1900 to the late 1940's, Aliso Beach was a
private campground and continued to operate in private hands until the
1960's when the County of Orange acquired the beachfront and inland property
bordering Aliso Creek. Parking facilities, restrooms and lifeguard services
were soon installed. In the early 1970's a unique, diamond shaped 600 foot
fishing pier was constructed at a cost of $670,000.
Camel Point beach (south of Aliso) is a public beach maintained
by the County of Orange. Public beach access to other County maintained
beaches are West St. access, Thousand Steps, Table Rock & Laguna Royale.
Location & Hours
Aliso Beach
31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
(949)923-2280
Aliso Beach Park is located on Pacific Coast Highway in
South Laguna.
*Subject to change - Open: Daily 6:00a.m. - 10:00p.m.
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