Picnic Beach
A charming cove beach with tide pools and scenic ocean views, perfect for relaxed picnics and coastal exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime spots
Picnic Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime spots
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming cove beach with tide pools and scenic ocean views, perfect for relaxed picnics and coastal exploration.
"Beautiful views of the ocean from above on the paved walkway. A nice little, tucked away beach."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Street parking is available. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot, especially for groups.
☀️ Shade is Limited
Bring your own umbrella or canopy for sun protection, as natural shade is scarce.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Cove Access
Accessed via ramp from picnic area
A charming cove with tide pools, perfect for exploring. Less crowded than Main Beach.
Ocean View Walkway
Paved path above the beach
Stunning panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. Ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Picnic Area with Tables
Grassy area near the street
Several picnic tables available, though shade is limited. Great for group gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Picnics
Pack Smart for Beach Bliss
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Street parking is available. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot, especially for groups.
☀️ Shade is Limited
Bring your own umbrella or canopy for sun protection, as natural shade is scarce.
🌊 Tide Pool Exploration
Discover fascinating marine life in the tide pools, best explored during low tide.
🚿 Rinse Off Easily
Convenient showers and foot showers are available to wash off sand and saltwater.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Street parking is available. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot, especially for groups.
☀️ Shade is Limited
Bring your own umbrella or canopy for sun protection, as natural shade is scarce.
🌊 Tide Pool Exploration
Discover fascinating marine life in the tide pools, best explored during low tide.
🚿 Rinse Off Easily
Convenient showers and foot showers are available to wash off sand and saltwater.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Water Fountain
A drinking fountain is available for both humans and pets.
🌅 Sunset Picnics
Enjoy a romantic beach picnic as the sun sets over the ocean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Picnic Beach for its beautiful ocean views, accessible cove with tide pools, and convenient amenities like restrooms and showers. It's noted as a less crowded alternative to Main Beach, ideal for relaxed picnics and enjoying the coastal scenery. However, the limited natural shade at picnic tables is a recurring drawback.
"Wow, Beautiful views of the ocean from above on the paved walkway. A nice little, tucked away beach, with tide pools here and there. Life guards are at their station, only at certain times of the year. I love to hear the waves crashing on the shore. Beautiful, tropical, landscaped.
There is also a shower to rinse off after swimming in the ocean. And a foot shower, too, to get the sand off your feet so you can put your shoes back on, if you want to.
There is a nice cement bathroom, with flush toilets, running water, hand soap and an air dryer for your hands, along with a baby changing station. And a drinking fountain for you and your pets❤️."
Joy McIlvaine
"This beach is in a cove, accessed by a ramp from the picnic area. It adjoins Diver's Cove, which can be accessed by stairs at the north end. You can walk between the two beaches though probably not at high tide. Parking is along the street. I've included a photo to show the picnic tables as no other comments include any or mention that they exist. There are also several others along the grassy area close to the street. There is a restroom here in good repair. I only gave four stars as there is no shade for the main tables pictured and very little for the others (only if there's a tree close by). The sun can be punishing on a clear day, so bring your own shade or dress appropriately. The pavement in the park can also get very hot so bring adequate footware This beach and picnic area are less busy than Main Beach, so a good place to have a picnic then walk down to Main Beach."
Paul H
"I really enjoyed it, I recently discovered how beautiful the view is from this point of Laguna. Just bring yourself, your favorite snack and the beautiful weather will do the rest."
Alicia Garner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Picnic Beach is accessible via street parking. The beach itself is reached by a ramp from the picnic area. It adjoins Diver's Cove, which has stair access.
Street parking is available, but can be challenging on busy weekends. Arriving early is recommended, especially for larger groups.
Yes, you can walk between Picnic Beach and Diver's Cove, though this may not be possible at high tide.
Yes, there are picnic tables in the grassy area near the street, adjacent to the beach access ramp.
While it's a great spot, securing enough parking and space for large groups (10-12 people) might require an early arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for Picnic Beach. It is a public beach accessible to all.
Picnic Beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguard services are seasonal.
No, picnic spots are first-come, first-served. For popular times, arriving early is advised.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on bringing food for a picnic, but always check local regulations for any temporary rules.
Yes, there is a drinking fountain available for pets, indicating they are generally welcome.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Amenities include restrooms with flush toilets, running water, hand soap, air dryers, and baby changing stations. There are also showers and foot showers.
Yes, the beach has tide pools that are great for exploring marine life.
Picnic Beach is a great beach for swimming, with high waves sometimes reported.
The sand is typical of Southern California beaches, making it ideal for sunbathing and beach activities.
Shade is very limited at the picnic tables and on the beach itself. It's recommended to bring your own shade.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. 
Yes, the ocean views, tide pools, and sunset provide excellent backdrops for photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone.
You can capture wide ocean vistas, close-ups of tide pool creatures, and romantic sunset scenes.
While not as common, the moonlight can create an aesthetic atmosphere for night photography. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing kid-friendly picnic foods that are easy to eat and won't make a mess. Water toys and sandcastle-building tools will keep the little ones entertained. Remember that lifeguard services are seasonal, so always supervise children closely when they are in or near the water.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Many services offer luxury beach picnic setups, complete with elegant decor and gourmet food, which can elevate the experience for a special occasion or date night. +2Beyond picnics, consider a leisurely walk along the ocean view walkway as the sun sets, or explore the nearby Heisler Park for more scenic vistas.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
The natural beauty of the beach and the ocean views are the main attractions, and they come at no cost. Utilize the free amenities like restrooms and showers to save on personal expenses. Instead of paid activities, enjoy the simple pleasures of sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the tide pools.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Planning the Perfect Beach Picnic
+1For those seeking a more elevated experience, luxury beach picnic services are available in the area, offering curated setups with decor, gourmet food, and even service. These can transform a simple outing into a special occasion, perfect for birthdays or romantic dates.
+2 If you're planning your own beach picnic setup, consider items like a portable speaker for music, a frisbee or beach ball for fun, and biodegradable plates and cutlery to minimize environmental impact. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the beach clean.When considering picnic beach locations, the availability of amenities like restrooms and showers can be a significant factor. Picnic Beach provides these, making it a convenient choice. The paved walkway offers beautiful views, and the cove itself is a charming spot. Remember to check tide charts to maximize your beach space, especially if you plan on setting up a larger picnic.
Exploring the Coastal Charm of Laguna Beach
Beyond Picnic Beach, Laguna Beach offers a variety of experiences. Heisler Park Trail is a popular spot for evening strolls and offers breathtaking ocean views, making it a great alternative for a sunset experience.
Whether you're looking for a romantic beach picnic or a day of exploring natural wonders, Laguna Beach provides a diverse range of activities. The city's commitment to preserving its natural beauty ensures that spots like Picnic Beach remain pristine and enjoyable for all visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit