The best family beaches in Laguna Beach are Main Beach, Treasure Island, Shaw’s Cove and Aliso Beach Park, and with small kids Main Beach is the easiest day. It has public restrooms, showers and a playground right on the sand, cafes for lunch across the street, and it is one of the four beaches the city recommends for families. Treasure Island has tide pools and a ramp for the stroller, but strong shorebreak. Shaw’s Cove is a small cove down a staircase with clear water for a first snorkel, and Aliso has fire pits for an evening bonfire.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Main Beach | Playground | View Details → |
| Treasure Island | Ramp Access | View Details → |
| Shaw’s Cove | Snorkeling | View Details → |
| Aliso Beach | Fire Pits | View Details → |
Detailed Profiles of Family Beaches in Laguna Beach
Main Beach
Main Beach is the center of town, the easiest choice for families who want everything close.
- Lifeguards: Main Beach is one of the four beaches the city recommends, with Treasure Island, Crescent Bay and Aliso Creek, and each has public restrooms and outdoor showers. The city’s advice is to always swim near a lifeguard and with a buddy (City of Laguna Beach).
- Key Amenities: Features public restrooms, showers, and a fantastic playground right on the sand.
- Tip: Get lunch from a nearby cafe and eat at the park benches instead of packing a cooler.
Good to know: Metered street parking fills very fast on weekends. Arrive before 9:00 AM.
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Treasure Island Beach
This is arguably the most accessible beach in town, making it a dream for parents with strollers or heavy gear.
- The Beach: Big tide pools for curious kids. The city warns of a very strong shorebreak and rip currents at both ends, so this is a beach for exploring more than swimming.
- Key Amenities: Includes a convenient ramp for easy access and clean restrooms nearby.
- Tip: Take the ramp down rather than the stairs, especially with a stroller.
Good to know: The paid parking structure at the top of the bluff is your best bet.
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Shaw’s Cove
Shaw’s Cove is a small, quiet cove tucked between cliffs.
- The Beach: Very clear water, a favorite place for kids to try snorkeling with an adult beside them.
- Key Amenities: Offers basic showers and restrooms for rinsing off after a swim.
- Tip: Go at low tide to see the most in the rocks.
Good to know: The only way down is stairs, so leave the heavy rolling cooler at home.
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Aliso Beach Park
Aliso Beach is the place to turn a sunny afternoon into an evening bonfire.
- The Beach: Wide sandy areas with slightly more active surf, great for older kids with bodyboards.
- Key Amenities: Public fire pits for evening s’mores.
- Tip: Park in the big lot right across the street to keep the walk short.
Good to know: The surf gets strong here, so stay close to younger children at the water.
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Laguna suits the kid who would rather look in a rock pool than build a sandcastle, and that is roughly how it ranks on our California list. See where it lands in our guide to California beach towns for families.
FAQs About Family Beaches in Laguna Beach
Are these beaches stroller-friendly?
Treasure Island Beach is the best choice for strollers due to its ramp access. Most other beaches in the area involve stairs, so a baby carrier is highly recommended.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. If you must visit on a weekend, aim to arrive before 9:00 AM to secure parking.
Are lifeguards on duty?
Not at all of them, at all times. The city says not every beach has a lifeguard at all times, and it recommends Main Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Crescent Bay Beach and Aliso Creek Beach for families (City of Laguna Beach). Swim near a staffed tower.
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