Brooks Street Beach
A legendary surf spot and hidden coastal gem in Laguna Beach, offering dramatic cliffside views and a less crowded beach experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Brooks Street Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary surf spot and hidden coastal gem in Laguna Beach, offering dramatic cliffside views and a less crowded beach experience.
"Easy parking, amazing view, not too crowded. 100 percent best spot to see sunsets without going through the sand."
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for tide pool exploration and catching the best surf. Low tide is key!
Stairs to the Sand :athletic_shoe:
Be prepared for a descent down stairs to reach the beach. Not ideal for those with mobility issues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brooks Street Surf Break
Brooks Street Beach
Home to the historic Brooks Street Classic surf contest, this spot offers thrilling waves and a vibrant surf culture.
Dramatic Cliffside Views
Above Brooks Street Beach
Enjoy breathtaking ocean panoramas and dramatic cliff formations, perfect for sunset watching.
Tide Pool Exploration
Brooks Street Beach (at low tide)
Discover fascinating marine life in the natural pools revealed during low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Tide
Surf's Up & Views Abound
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for tide pool exploration and catching the best surf. Low tide is key!
Stairs to the Sand :athletic_shoe:
Be prepared for a descent down stairs to reach the beach. Not ideal for those with mobility issues.
Parking is Usually Easy :car:
Unlike some other Laguna beaches, parking is often readily available nearby.
Local Surf Spot Vibe :surfer:
Experience the authentic surf culture at this iconic break, home to the Brooks Street Classic.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for tide pool exploration and catching the best surf. Low tide is key!
Stairs to the Sand :athletic_shoe:
Be prepared for a descent down stairs to reach the beach. Not ideal for those with mobility issues.
Parking is Usually Easy :car:
Unlike some other Laguna beaches, parking is often readily available nearby.
Local Surf Spot Vibe :surfer:
Experience the authentic surf culture at this iconic break, home to the Brooks Street Classic.
Sunset Spectacle :city_sunset:
The views are incredible, especially during golden hour. A perfect spot for romantic moments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Brooks Street Beach for its beautiful views, easy parking, and less crowded atmosphere compared to other Laguna beaches. Many highlight it as an ideal spot for watching sunsets without the hassle of walking on sand. While some note the lack of restrooms, the overall sentiment is positive, with many appreciating its clean environment and the chance to spot dolphins.
"Nice clean beach with beautiful view. It is less crowded and parking is easily available."
Barun Biswas
"Easy parking, amazing view, not too crowded. 100 percent best spot to see sunsets without going through the sand. Just go to the Jack in the box, buy some food and park your car there and walk down the road."
Jack Le
"First time here it was beautiful!! We even saw dolphins!"
Jackie Rusch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brooks Street Beach is accessible via a set of stairs located on Brooks Street in Laguna Beach. Parking is generally available on the street nearby, though it can get busy on weekends.
Yes, street parking is usually available along Brooks Street and surrounding areas. It's often easier to find parking here compared to more popular Laguna Beach spots.
It's a pleasant walk from downtown Laguna Beach, offering scenic coastal views along the way. The exact walking time will depend on your starting point.
Due to the stairs leading down to the beach, Brooks Street Beach may not be easily accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.
Arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday can significantly improve your chances of finding convenient street parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Brooks Street Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for everyone.
Brooks Street Beach is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific closing hours for the beach itself.
There are no entrance fees for Brooks Street Beach. Any costs would be related to parking if you are in a metered zone, though street parking is often free.
While generally open, the beach may be temporarily closed by lifeguards for safety reasons, especially during dangerous surf conditions or other hazards. Always heed posted signs.
No, Brooks Street Beach operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations or designated spots available.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Brooks Street Beach is famous for its surfing, especially during the Brooks Street Classic. You can also enjoy sunbathing, tide pooling at low tide, and simply relaxing by the ocean.
While there are showers available for rinsing off, restrooms are not directly on-site at Brooks Street Beach. You may need to use facilities at nearby parks or businesses.
Swimming can be challenging due to the strong surf and currents, especially when waves are large. It's best suited for experienced swimmers and surfers.
Visitors have reported seeing dolphins from the shore. At low tide, you can observe various marine life in the tide pools.
It's generally less crowded than other Laguna Beach spots, especially on weekdays. However, it can become busy during surf competitions or peak summer weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic cliffs, the iconic surf break, and the stunning sunsets. The stairs leading down to the beach also offer a unique perspective.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer people.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the City of Laguna Beach or local authorities regarding drone operation policies.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing surfers.
Absolutely! Brooks Street is a renowned surf spot, and capturing surfers in action is a popular photographic pursuit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🏄 Surfers & Surf Enthusiasts
Expect powerful waves, especially on south swells, and a vibrant local surf scene. Even if you're not surfing, watching the pros and locals ride the waves is a captivating experience. Be aware that the beach access involves stairs, and conditions can be demanding, so it's best suited for experienced surfers. 📸 Photographers & View Seekers
The stairs leading down to the beach also create unique compositional elements. Arrive during the golden hour for the most magical light, or capture the action of surfers during peak wave times. Remember to check tide times, as low tide can reveal interesting tide pools for macro photography. 🚶♀️ Explorers of Hidden Gems
The journey down the stairs adds to the sense of discovery. While this specific beach is a gem, the surrounding Laguna coastline is full of similar secluded coves and viewpoints that offer a sense of exclusivity and natural beauty. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Brooks Street Classic
It draws local surfers and spectators alike, celebrating the sport's history and community spirit. Even outside of the competition, the break itself is legendary, known for its challenging waves that can thrill and spill even seasoned surfers. When the conditions are right, particularly on a big south swell, Brooks Street offers a unique and exciting surf experience. It's a place where generations of surfers have honed their skills and where the local surf culture is palpable. Watching the surfers navigate the waves here is a spectacle in itself, offering a glimpse into the heart of Laguna's coastal identity.
Coastal Charm and Hidden Coves
The surrounding area boasts stunning ocean views, with homes perched high above, offering a glimpse into the luxurious coastal lifestyle. While Brooks Street itself is a specific access point, the general area of Laguna Beach is dotted with numerous hidden coves and scenic viewpoints that contribute to its reputation as a beautiful destination. Many of these spots, like Woods Cove and Heisler Park, offer similar breathtaking vistas and a sense of discovery, making a coastal drive through Laguna a rewarding experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit