Public But Private

For those who have not been to Laguna Beach in California, it is probably one of the most beautiful beach you will visit. I grew up in Orange County most of my life and understand that the sandy beaches is what characterizes O.C. as a spoiled region of California. Ritzy small towns and millionaires flock the county like crows on a corn field. I am blessed to have such proximity and leisure to visit many beaches of O.C. from surf city Huntington Beach down to elegant San Clemente. But Laguna Beach remains as one of my favorite.

I have visited Laguna Beach countless times and still get overwhelmed with the virgin experience inspired by the natural coastline beauty. Weekends are filled with tourists fueled by the Laguna Beach - the Real OC show few years ago. I have to admit, after 20 years of visiting the beach, I too, feel like a tourist at times.

Case in point, I have seen pictures and even posters of an iconic man-made structure called Victoria Tower or Turret. The turret looks like something out of Harry Potter's book. The structure was inspired by 16th century towers of the old English and was built in 1926 according to Laguna historians. The tower was featured in movies and was more functionally used as spiral staircase to view the ocean from above near the top of the cliff. Today, the tower is closed, however the exterior draws many professional photographers and curious tourists to capture a glimpse of an interesting structure that still stands today.

I guess it must be the pounding waves and salt that may have deteriorated some of the turret's skin, but in effect, this gives the turret even a more authentic appeal as if it was built by the English kingdom of yesteryears.

Getting to Victoria Beach is a challenge for most tourists and even locals. Two reason for this is the fact parking is challenging and secondly, there are no signs or indications of such beach along PCH. With that in mind, I myself did some research online along with my personal experience and managed to score few tips. Hope you will find the tips useful if you decide to visit Victoria Beach. It is a sight to behold that is secretive to Laguna Beach. Enjoy!

Google Map to Victoria Beach (Laguna Beach, CA)

Some Tips:

1. Avoid visiting during the weekends. As difficult as it seems, Laguna Beach is overfilled with tourists and locals during the weekends. This adds to the challenge of finding parking more or less even opportunity to feel the beach exclusivity. Try visiting mid-hours during a weekday. A good time will be closer to 5 or 6pm during summer day light times.

2.  There are no public parking available to access Victoria Beach. The beach is situated and enclaved by multi-million dollar homes. Hence, only viable parking is street parking (free) along PCH. Another alternative is take the Laguna Shuttle (which is free during summer season).

3. There are no public restrooms available on the beach. Make sure you have deposited what you have so that you can enjoy the scenery of the beach without the urge to go.

4. The beach crowd is usually light due to its exclusivity and the fact it's not easily accessible. However, this makes the beach even more special and almost private if you will. Getting down to the beach from PCH can be a challenged because there are no signs or any indication such beach exist (unless you look on Google earth). Stay on Victoria Street and you should be able to locate few public access stairways. The walk from PCH to Victoria beach is usually 10-15 minute walk.

5. Be adventurous in getting close to the Victoria Tower, but be advised that high tides and pounding waves can cause serious injury. So be prepared and wear appropriate shoes/clothing. Also be warned, a lifeguard may not be present and caution should be taken if deciding to surf or swim.

6. As usual, have your sunblock on and enjoy an exclusive public beach that many (even the locals) do not know about.



* Please excuse the gloomy photos. The weather was not the most desirable when I visited the beach few days ago. You see, we are not spoiled as you think.