The One Stunning California Beach Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

California's beaches are quite varied. Rocky outcroppings and sandy pockets are found all along the state's famous coastline-hugging highways. Seals, seashells, and crystal-clear water are just some of the things you can enjoy at a typical California beach. Some feature quite a bit of history too. This is a major draw for Victoria Beach in particular.

Victoria Beach is less than 3 miles from the Laguna Beach city center, around halfway between Newport Beach and San Clemente. If you're taking a road trip along California's Highway 1, this is a must-add to your itinerary. Perhaps the first thing you'll notice at Victoria Beach is the Pirate Tower. This singular spire looks like something out of a fantasy film. You can easily imagine Jack Sparrow and Will Turner from "Pirates of the Caribbean" gazing out of the top window, or even Rapunzel if she were a California girl. However, Pirate Tower is actually an enclosed staircase built in 1926 by someone who owned a house on the nearby cliff. Rumor has it the home's second owner, Harold Kendrick, was a pirate enthusiast, occasionally dressing as one and leaving coins for beachgoers to find.

Victoria Beach is also known for its tide pools. While many result from the rocky sections of coastline, there is a rounded artificial wall here too. When high tides reach above the wall, it looks like an oceanside swimming pool. You might see plenty of beachgoers taking advantage of this unique swimming opportunity, but Victoria Beach still remains somewhat uncrowded. 

Check online for tide reports at Victoria Beach so you know what to expect, but it is still worth a stop regardless of tide levels. More of the coastal rocks become visible as the water retreats, which makes for great beachcombing. Plus, low tide can still create tide pools. Tripadvisor reviewers have reported overwhelmingly positive experiences at Victoria Beach, but warn that parking is tricky given that beach access is through a residential neighborhood. Stairs down to the beach are on Sunset Terrace. If you can't find parking near this street, the Laguna Beach City Free Trolley has stops around the area, including one on Highway 1 close to Sunset Terrace. Lastly, remember to be a mindful beachcomber and enjoy coastal wildlife with your eyes only. As part of the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve, surfing or scuba diving is only allowed within marked zones and at specified times.