Orange Section 4

Despite the intense development of the Laguna Beach shoreline, this section takes you to some gorgeous hidden rocky coves with the best tidepooling and snorkeling in southern California. The rocky coves are tucked along the edge of the rugged San Joaquin Hills which rise above the shoreline from Corona del Mar south, rising as much as 1164 feet at Signal Peak at the head of Los Trancos Canyon. After leaving the natural beauty of Crystal Cove State Park, the route passes by an exclusive locked gate enclave, then drops to explore the intertidal zone.

From the Crystal Cove cottages, head south on the beach, passing a series of ree[s before rounding Reef Point. After another pleasant stretch along Morro Beach, you leave the beach at 1¾ miles, just before the creek at the mouth of El Moro Canyon where a small trailer park sits perched on a flat spot wedged between the surf and the highway. Take the asphalt road up through the trailers to Pacific Coast Highway and turn right. The route follows on the bike lane beside the highway, bypassing an exclusive locked gate enclave perched on the bluffs above a rocky shore.

Turn right on Crescent Bay Drive at 3¼ miles and follow it to Crescent Bay Point Park at 3⅜ miles. This formal little park, a favorite for plein air painters, provides a scenic rest spot. To get to Crescent Bay Beach south of the point, continue on Crescent Bay Drive. As it begins to curve back toward the highway in one block, take the short deadend street angling downhill. Descend along Circle Drive, then find the stairs to the right descending to North Crescent Bay Beach. If the tide is in and you can't get around the rocky points, return to Crescent Bay Drive and follow it to Highway 1. Turn right and in one block go right again on Cliff Drive. Take Cliff Drive to the north entrance to Heisler Park. Walk the length of the park and at its south end take the stairs to Main Beach and end your hike amidst volleyball games and frisbee throwers at 5¼ miles.

If you tackle the tidal route, you won't be disappointed. This area features some of the finest tidepooling and snorkeling in southern California. Walk Crescent Bay Beach south to 3¾ miles, then round Twin Points to follow the tideline along the pocket beaches of Santa Ana Cove, then Fisherman's Cove around 4¼ miles. From Fisherman's Cove our route climbs the steps up to Heisler Park. If the tide is low enough you can instead stay on the rocks and round Recreation Point to reach Main Beach. If you climb to the park, you will find a formal setting with grass, gardens, a gazebo, benches, tables and great views. Walk down coast through the park and take the steps down to the beach around 4⅝ miles. Turn left and walk the beach to end your hike amid the bustle of Main Beach and downtown Laguna Beach at 5¼ miles.

SUGGESTED ROUND TRIPS AND LOOPS: At low tide a scramble along the rocks north of Main Beach reward you with good tidepooling. It's 3 miles round trip to Crescent Bay.