If you’re looking for an easy road trip that will make you feel like you are having the classic Southern California beach experience, you’ve come to the right place! Take this day trip to four different beaches, all in the Laguna Beach area, to have a beautiful and relaxing day. Take a look at this map to see the quick drives between your stops. This positively stunning southern California road trip is all about spending as much time as possible enjoying every amazing beach along the way.

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1. Crystal Cove State Beach
Judy Gallagher/Flickr
Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
Start your day at Crystal Cove State Beach, located in Crystal Cove State Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to kick back and have a great time with your family. This is an ideal beach to go in the morning, as it is not as crowded as some other major beaches and you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out on the sand and enjoy the morning sunshine. There is lots of room to run and play in the ocean for those so inclined, and certainly an opportunity to sit and watch all the action if you’re more in the mood to sit on the sand. Learn more about what makes Crystal Cove State Park such a beautiful Southern California road trip destination. For a breathtaking perspective of Crystal Cove State Beach, feel free to watch the video footage below:

2. Wood's Cove
AzuriteKey/TripAdvisor

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Woods Cove, California 92651, USA
on_the_go_98765/TripAdvisor
For your next stop, take a 15-minute drive down to Wood’s Cove for a quiet and intimate beach experience. The little cove is surrounded by cliffs, so you’ll feel peaceful and worlds away from the busy areas around the beach. Watch the waves break on the rocks for an hour or two and fall into a pleasant trance, lulled by the sound of the ocean. It’s the perfect place to spend some low-key time after running around with the kids at Crystal Cove! Learn more about Wood's Cove.
3. Treasure Island Beach
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Treasure Island Beach, Wesley Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Daniel Rothamel/Flickr
Once you’ve had your fill of Wood’s Cove, hop back into the car and make your way to Treasure Island Beach, just about a five minute drive away, for a fun adventure and truly incredible panoramic views of the deep blue ocean. You’ll be mesmerized by the natural beauty at Treasure Island. This is the place to bring out your camera! You can go to the top of the cliffs for an overlook that allow you to see the whole beach with no obstructions, and you’ll be glad you did. The image of the idyllic shoreline is unforgettable. Read more about Treasure Island beach! The brief video below will showcase just a glimpse of what you can look forward to when you visit this scenic beach in Southern California:

4. 1000 Steps Beach
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1000 Steps Beach, 31972 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Flannery626/Flickr
End your Laguna Beach road trip with a quick trip down south to the gorgeous 1000 Steps Beach for the most amazing view of the ocean. The sparkling blue is extra stunning here. You’ll be able to see the varying depths by the way the water changes color right before your eyes. While you won’t have to walk 1000 steps to see all the natural beauty this beach has to offer, it is a great place for a nice walk while you watch the sun turn the sky brilliant colors of pink and orange as it sinks into the ocean. 1000 Steps Beach is the very best place to end your day. Learn more about 1000 Steps Beach. You'll feel like you're soaring over the beach when you watch this incredible drone footage:

Four of the best beaches in Laguna Beach are waiting for you. The next time you have a day to spend taking in all the natural beauty of Southern California, get ready for your this Laguna Beach Road Trip to begin! Have you been to these beaches? Let us know!

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southern California road trip

Beth C. | February 09, 2023

What are the most beautiful places in Southern California?

Southern California is a region that can only be described as dreamy. With exquisite beaches, otherworldly deserts, and vistas for as far as the eye can see, there's truly so much to be explored in SoCal. Some of the most beautiful places in Southern California include:

  • Amboy Crater - Mojave, CA
  • Vasquez Rocks - Agua Dulce, CA
  • Thousand Steps Beach Cave - Laguna Beach, CA
  • La Jolla Sea Caves - La Jolla, CA
  • Eagle Rock - Warner Springs, CA
  • Shiprock - Palm Springs, CA
  • Fonts Point - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA
  • Kelso Dunes - Mojave, CA
  • Cave of Munits - West Hills, CA

 

Each of these natural wonders in Southern California is truly bucket-list-worthy!

What are the best hikes to take in Southern California? 

Hiking in Southern California is always a fantastic idea. Whether you prefer easy loop trails or strenuous treks, you'll find there's no shortage of excellent hikes to take in SoCal. Some of the best trails in Southern California include:

  • Moonridge Trail to Bow Canyon Trail, Big Bear Lake, CA
  • Round Valley Trail, Mount San Jacinto State Park
  • Quail Loop Trail, Irvine, CA
  • Eaton Canyon Trail, Altadena, CA
  • Cedar Creek Falls, Ramona, CA
  • Cabrillo National Monument Bayside Trail, San Diego, CA
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla, CA
  • San Onofre Beach, San Clemente, CA
  • Seascape Trail and Golden Cove Trail, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
  • Woodland Trail, Big Bear Lake, CA
  • Inspiration Point Trail, Pacific Palisades, CA
  • Panorama Loop, Joshua Tree, CA

 

How many of these scenic trails in Southern California have you experienced?

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