If you’re searching for the next thing on your bucket list, be sure to add Fisherman’s Cove in Laguna Beach, California. Just a one-hour drive from Loyola Marymount University, this hidden beach is a perfect escape from your busy campus life for a weekend getaway. Fisherman’s Cove is a small, but gorgeous beach located next to Shaw’s Cove and close to Heisler Park. While it’s not a private beach, it has a secluded feel and is hidden away from the crowded tourist spots. With calm, clear water, it’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling and diving. Fisherman’s Cove is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
How to Get to the Beach
Parking in Laguna Beach can be tricky, but you can usually find spots along nearby streets. Once parked, head to Laguna Sea Sports to rent your snorkeling gear. From there, cross the street and enter the neighborhood across from Husky Boy Burgers and down Cliff Drive. What makes Fisherman’s Cove a local favorite is that it doesn’t have direct stair access, giving it a little extra secret charm. To find the entrance walk down through the neighborhood and you’ll eventually come across a small chain fence and a cliff overlooking the beach. From there, a short dirt trail leads down to the cove. Within a minute, you’ll be on the sand.
A Visitor’s Discovery
For Kiana Ansari, 23, from Long Beach, California, Fisherman’s Cove wasn’t originally part of her weekend plan. Ansari had planned a beach day at nearby Shaw’s Cove with friends, but as they were parking, something else caught her eye.
“We were parking and walking, and then we noticed that little chain fence and hill,” she said, describing the moment they stumbled upon Fisherman’s Cove. “I saw all those people snorkeling, which was sort of crazy because I haven’t found a beach in LA where you can do that.”
Ansari, like many others, finds Laguna Beach to be one of her favorite weekend escapes, drawn by its artistic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and unbeatable ocean views. After a quick detour, she and her friends spent the day snorkeling and soaking in the sun.
“I love to just have my body in the water,” Ansari said. “Laguna is such a good place to connect with yourself and like the nature around.”
Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach day, a snorkeling adventure, or simply a place to explore, Fisherman’s Cove has it all. The combination of calm waters, marine life, and its hidden location make it a must-visit destination.
