BEST BEACH FOR: Those seeking tranquility in the heart of the city.
Mountain Street is the only beach in the city that’s most notable for its entry point. The Garden of Peace and Love, sitting atop the access stairs, is a memorial to those who have died of aids. The quaint space is neatly manicured and touched off with cherub statues. It’s a reminder of Laguna Beach’s progressive LGBTQ history and a tranquil place to spend a few minutes before hitting the sand.
Compared to wider stretches of beach to the north and south, Mountain Street is peppered with half-submerged boulders, jutting up from the sand and sculpted by the tides. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and body boarding are all popular here; sometimes, when the swell is just right, you’ll see a surfer or two. Still, Mountain Street is most commonly favored by those seeking a little quiet – whether at the Garden of Peace and Love, the benches overlooking the beach, or while basking on the sand itself.
Parking is easy here, as this section of town is much quieter than locales to the north and south. You may have to cross PCH, but there are easily accessible crosswalks.
The 50 people who have had their ashes scattered at the Garden of Peace and Love.
Those seeking tranquility in the heart of the city.
Open year-round from 6 am – 10 pm
Available across Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)