Woods Cove
A picturesque hidden gem in Laguna Beach, known for its dramatic rock formations, vibrant tide pools, and breathtaking ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Woods Cove
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque hidden gem in Laguna Beach, known for its dramatic rock formations, vibrant tide pools, and breathtaking ocean views.
"Hands down the cleanest and most beautiful beach I’ve seen in SoCal."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is tough! Get there before 9 AM for the best chance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs to get down to the beach. Leave the heels at home!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pool Exploration
Along the rocky edges of the cove
Discover vibrant marine life in natural pools during low tide. A must-see for nature lovers!
Scenic Overlook
Top of the stairs leading down
Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and ocean. Perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.
Unique Rock Formations
Within the cove
Explore intriguing sea caves and sculpted rocks, adding to the cove's dramatic beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Woods Cove
Accessing Your Hidden Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is tough! Get there before 9 AM for the best chance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs to get down to the beach. Leave the heels at home!
🌊 Check the Tides
Low tide is best for exploring tide pools and caves.
⚠️ Be Aware of Riptides
This beach can have strong currents. Swim with caution.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is tough! Get there before 9 AM for the best chance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs to get down to the beach. Leave the heels at home!
🌊 Check the Tides
Low tide is best for exploring tide pools and caves.
⚠️ Be Aware of Riptides
This beach can have strong currents. Swim with caution.
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook offers stunning photo ops, especially in the morning.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Woods Cove's breathtaking beauty, often calling it a 'secret magic' movie-set beach with stunning views and fascinating tide pools. The colorful entrance and scenic overlook are highlights. However, parking is notoriously difficult, and the beach has strong riptides, requiring caution.
"Secret Magic Movie-set Beach
Stumbled on this place back in 1994 while I was in the Marine Corps.
Over the years it has changed but for the better...the entrance got an upgrade several years ago and is now so colorful and beautiful.
Bougainvillea and winding paths. A bench overlooking the stunning view and a staircase that seems to lead to the edge of infinity. Keep the location quiet...I want this to be as special for you as it is for me!"
Zach McCall (Maverick)
"Love the view, if you can get there early morning the place will be all yours. Tide pool caves it's all good."
Edwin Salpor
"BEST BEACH at lacuna beach. Hard to find parking but if you find, go there!
Its smaller beach than others but best looking and you dont need to be alone lol."
KOTKALLE OY
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woods Cove is located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Parking can be very limited, so arriving early is recommended. Some visitors suggest using ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Street parking is available but fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Be prepared to search for parking or consider alternative transportation.
Laguna Beach has a free trolley service that can take you to various points along the coast, potentially near Woods Cove. Check the local transit schedule for routes and times.
Access involves descending a set of stairs from the overlook. It's generally manageable but requires comfortable footwear.
Look for the colorful entrance and bougainvillea near 2020 S. Coast Highway. The overlook provides a clear view before you descend. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Woods Cove is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and enjoy.
Woods Cove is accessible during daylight hours. There are no official closing times, but it's best to visit when there's natural light for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to access Woods Cove. It's a public beach managed by the city of Laguna Beach.
Woods Cove itself is a natural beach. However, there are accommodations nearby, such as Sonder Woods Cove, which offer stays with ocean views.
While the beach is free, accommodations like Sonder Woods Cove may offer discounts. For example, a promotional code 'VISITLAGUNABEACH10' was previously available.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light offers a soft, beautiful glow and fewer people, making it ideal for capturing the cove's beauty. Golden hour in the late afternoon is also stunning.
You can capture stunning coastal landscapes, tide pools, rock formations, and the ocean. The overlook provides a great vantage point for panoramic shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the City of Laguna Beach or local authorities regarding drone usage in coastal areas to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a macro lens can be useful for tide pool photography. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
For professional photoshoots, it's best to inquire with the City of Laguna Beach about any necessary permits or regulations.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
You can explore tide pools, relax on the sand, enjoy the scenic views, and take photos. Snorkeling is also possible when conditions are calm.
While swimming is possible, be aware of potential riptides, which are common here. It's advisable to swim with caution and be informed about safety measures.
Restroom facilities are not directly at Woods Cove. You may need to use facilities at nearby parks or public areas.
Picnics are generally allowed on public beaches. However, be mindful of leaving no trace and cleaning up after yourself.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, a towel, and comfortable shoes for the stairs. A camera is a must for the views!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The presence of potential riptides means that swimming should be closely monitored, and younger children should stay in shallow, calm areas. Packing snacks and drinks is advisable, as amenities directly at the cove are limited.
Consider bringing sand toys for the little ones. While the beach itself is free, parking can be a challenge, so planning your arrival time or using the local trolley service can make the trip smoother for families. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The overlook at the top of the stairs is particularly popular for capturing sweeping coastal vistas, especially during the soft light of early mornings or the warm hues of sunset. To make the most of your photography session, aim to visit during low tide to explore the tide pools and during the golden hours for optimal lighting.
A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of marine life in the tide pools. Remember to bring a sturdy tripod if you plan on shooting during sunrise or sunset, and be prepared for the stairs when carrying equipment. 🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Arrive early to secure parking and explore the tide pools during low tide for a memorable experience. Combine your visit to Woods Cove with other nearby attractions like Heisler Park or Treasure Island for a full day of coastal exploration.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the stairs and be aware of the ocean conditions, especially if you plan to swim. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Woods Cove's Natural Beauty
While the cove offers a serene escape, it's crucial to be aware of the ocean's power. Riptides are a known hazard at Woods Cove, and visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution and be informed about rip current safety.
The scenic overlook at the top of the stairs provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, often compared to the South of France.
This vantage point is perfect for capturing stunning photographs, especially during the early morning or late afternoon 'golden hour.' The vibrant bougainvillea and winding paths leading down to the cove enhance the overall aesthetic, creating a truly memorable experience. Planning Your Visit to Woods Cove
The journey down to the cove involves a descent via stairs, so wearing appropriate footwear is a practical tip shared by many visitors. While often referred to as a 'hidden gem,' Woods Cove's beauty is increasingly recognized, meaning you might not have the entire beach to yourself, especially during peak times.
However, the experience is still highly rewarding. The best time to visit for exploring the tide pools and sea caves is during low tide. Checking the tide charts before your visit will greatly enhance your exploration. For those looking to extend their stay or enjoy the Laguna Beach area, accommodations like Sonder Woods Cove offer a boutique hotel experience with ocean views, sometimes featuring special discounts.
+1 This provides an option for travelers who want to immerse themselves more fully in the coastal charm of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit