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About Crescent Bay Beach in Laguna Beach, California

Crescent Bay Beach is a picturesque and popular beach in northern Laguna Beach, CA. This crescent-shaped beach is about one-quarter mile long and has high cliffs on both ends.

The main public access is on Cliff Drive one block from where it begins at North Coast Highway (Highway 1). A long ramp that is signed for “authorized vehicles only” is the best walking path and it lands you at the middle of the cove. Another pathway can be found between homes on Circle Way nearby.

Crescent Bay Point Park is above the west side of the beach off Crescent Bay Drive, and has excellent views of the beach and the rolling hills of Laguna Beach.  There is no beach access from the park, but whale-watching is spectacular from this elevated spot.

Two scuba diving areas called Seal Rock and Dead Man’s Reef are both located offshore from Crescent Bay Beach. Seal Rock is clearly visible below the north point with seals, sea lions, and birds atop (no humans allowed on the rock).

Tide pools are exposed at both ends of the cove during low tides. The pools on rocky shelves below Twin Points at the south end of Crescent Bay are especially good when the water recedes (do not disturb or take anything from the pools). You can look into a private beach between the points while you are on this southern point.

Swimming is dangerous in Crescent Bay because of strong rip currents so consider wearing fins if you want to swim or snorkel. Lifeguards are typically on hand during the summer months.

Parking can be a problem in this neighborhood. If you can’t find a spot near the beach, look for a spot on the highway and walk down to the beach entrance.

Address
Cliff Dr & Barranca St
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone
949-497-0310
Park Name
Crescent Bay Point Park
Other Names
Two Rock Point, Seal Rock, Twin Points
Owner
City Beach
Pet Details
No dogs allowed on beach 9am to 6pm June 15 to Sept 10. Ok on leash outside of those dates and times
Fees
Free and metered street spots on the area
Activities
Scuba Diving, Tidepooling, Snorkeling, Swimming, Bodyboarding, Bodysurfing, Skimboarding, Whale Watching
Amenities
Lifeguard, Restrooms, Showers, Accessible Features, Tide Pools
Map of Crescent Bay Beach
Laguna Beach, US
3:27 am, March 29, 2024
temperature icon 51°F
L: 51° H: 58°
Feels like 50.2 °F clear sky
Wind gusts: 0 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:41 am
Sunset: 7:09 pm
Humidity 91 %
Pressure1007 mb
Wind 0 m/s

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Reviews

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 10, 2023

If you only have time to visit one beach in Laguna Beach while you are there, make it Crescent Bay. If you have time for another check out Woods Cove Beach.

Laguna Beach has the best beaches in orange county. Treasure Island is a good one too.

Kyle