Top Three Most Peaceful Areas in Laguna Beach

     You are carrying heavy loads of beach towels, trying to squeeze your way between half-naked people tanning on the sand, and you finally plop down your belongings next to a family who is having an argument for everyone to hear. Just when you get nearly comfortable, you need to go put more change in the meter and redo the hassle of navigating through the crowd of beach goers. Why be frustrated with the lack of privacy when you are trying desperately to relax? You could be standing on the top of a hill, with nothing around you but a welcoming bench, and the only things you hear are the birds singing contently.

        “There is as much of a chance of finding a quiet place in Laguna Beach during the busy season as seeing a pig fly,” says Brian Green of Orange. “I try to stay away from hanging out in Laguna during the summer because I can’t find parking spaces at the beach, and I don’t know where else to go.” Green, like other Orange locals who live inland, have a difficult time relaxing when they visit Laguna.

        “I used to go to the beaches in Laguna at the end of a long work day to unwind and relax, but I’d become so distracted by the noises of the cars and people that I’d leave in frustration,” Green says further.

        What Green and others do not realize about Laguna Beach is just how abundant in beauty it actually is. Not only does it offer the large view of the ocean, but over the hill of houses lies a beautiful cascade of mountains.

        The first location is very well hidden due to its non-obvious entrance in a quiet neighborhood. The entrance is off Paseo Del Sur and is called Valido Trail. After hiking the 1.5 mile incline, you’ll take a refreshing breath of salty air when you reach the top and witness the amazing view. On a clear day, you’ll see the glorious island of Catalina before you. To the east rests a solitary bench, which beckons you to sit down and enjoy the peaceful silence that Laguna Beach can offer. This place is perfect to enjoy a good book or write without the distraction of others.

Moulton Meadows Park: A dirt trail leads to the
"lone tree" and the breathtaking view of the
mountains and populated valley.

        The second place is Moulton Meadows Park on Balboa Ave and Capistrano Ave. While the grassy park is very nice with its playground, soccer field, and tennis court, it can get a little crowded. The most beautiful and peaceful area is concealed behind the shrubs to the left of the park. If you head towards the mountains and take a left, you’ll walk down a dirt path where a lonely tree welcomes you. Here, you can sit and enjoy the ridged mountains staring down at you across the populated valley. The best part is what you do not hear- you don’t hear the hum of cars or the high-pitched chatting of teenage girls. If you walk to the other side, you’ll see a never ending horizon of blue waves.

      Lastly, Victoria Beach off Victoria Street offers the beauty of a beach without the hoards of people.  Even though it’s smaller in size, you’re still able to enjoy a peaceful walk along the translucent waves. This charming beach has multiple beauties to offer. A wonderful plethora of sea creatures are often seen here. Seals and dolphins often jump through the waves while the glow of the setting sun reflects off their smooth skin. You’ll also witness the dramatic plummet of pelicans into the water as they hunt for dinner. Two hidden treasures lie to the northern area of the beach. Undisturbed tide pools behold a myriad of colorful starfish, sea anemones, and sea urchins. The jewel of the beach is the Castle Turret. This romantic area serves as the perfect combination of beauty, privacy, and tranquility. The crash of the waves on the rocks creates a rhythmic and calming feeling. The soft sand also allows you to make any spot a restful area to lay out and forget about your woes.

Victoria Beach: The Castle Turret was once used as a
staircase for the family who lived above to get down
to the beach. It is now an abandoned stairwell, but it's
rustic beauty reminds one of the fairy tale "Rapunzel."

        So the next time you’d like to not deal with the crowds and noise of Laguna Beach, take a drive over to these three peaceful locations to relax and enjoy the beauty. 

        -Valido Trail: 22105 Paseo Del Sur Laguna Beach, CA 92651
     - Moulton Meadows Park: Balboa Ave & Capistrano Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
     -Victoria Beach: Victoria St. Laguna Beach, CA 92652