📍 Shaws Cove, Laguna Beach, CA
Features: Small, flat, sandy beach surrounded by rocky cliffs and flat table rocks holding tide pools, accessed by a steep staircase
Wildlife: Many intertidal animals visible in the tide pools, including sea anemones, sea urchins, sea stars, and more. Kelp forest species are visible to divers and snorkelers in the water, like garibaldi and spiny lobsters
Amenities: No public amenities available, no restrooms nearby. Dog-friendly on leash from September 11 through June 14, and before 9am/after 6pm from June 15-September 10
Accessibility: No accessible ramp or pathway leads down to this beach; it must be accessed by staircase
Best Time of Year: Year-round snorkeling and diving are excellent in this beach's clear waters. Tide pooling is good during low tide year-round, and best during king tides, which typically occur in winter
Cost: Free entrance. Free, limited street parking in surrounding neighborhood and metered parking nearby along PCH