Shaws Cove — Attraction in Laguna Beach

Shaw's Cove utterly captivated me from the moment I arrived. Just a stone's throw from the bustling activities of the coast, this beach felt like my own private haven. The first thing that struck me was the clarity of the water; it was like gazing into a turquoise gem. The gentle waves were perfectly inviting, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and boogie boarding!

However, this beautiful beach has a couple of potential downsides. One hiccup was the lack of bathroom facilities on-site, which I found a bit inconvenient. Furthermore, the descending steps to the beach ran alongside a sewage pump building — not the aromatic welcome I had in mind! However, a little whiff of reality didn’t detract from my beach day too much.

I truly appreciated the quieter atmosphere, especially during the weekdays when the beach was notably less crowded. The rocky coastlines and tide pools were an absolute thrill to explore! There’s much to see if you choose to stay topside as well, from unique rock formations to those delightful tide pools teeming with life.

Parking was no hassle! I parked for free along the street in the nearby neighborhood, a pleasant perk that added to the convenience of my visit. Overall, Shaw’s Cove is an absolute gem for those seeking a day filled with adventure and...

Amazing snorkeling spot in Laguna Beach! Shaws Cove and Fisherman’s Cove are reef-protected, so the waters stay calm, clear, and safe for beginners, but still full of excitement for experienced snorkelers. I saw stingrays, leopard sharks, and tons of Garibaldi in the reef canyons — the marine life here is incredible. Easy access with stairs at the end of Fairview Street, and the swim between the coves makes this one of the best snorkeling spots in Southern California. Even when other places are rough and unclear this place stays pretty clear, great options for rough days 🙌 We showcased these underwater spots on YouTube @hikebtes showing step by step access points, and a guided virtual underwater tour of the reef system with tips to stay safe. Highly recommend for anyone looking for clear visibility, calm waters, and tons...

Always beautiful here...can be alot of scuba divers....a local lady's dog tried to bite my son, then she was very rude about me trying to scare her dog away from my 10 year old...telling us to "go home" and get out of her place, that SHE lives here. What a "C U next Tuesday" ....then another local lady with a dreadlocked poodle came up and apologized for the rude hag who's dog had assaulted my son. So I won't say the locals are rude, because some are quite hospitable. If not for the loose dog on the beach and it's loose owner, I'd say our Shaw's cove experience was splendid. I totally recommend this spot for snorkeling...