Does this trip plan work?

Question

My family will be at Laguna Beach on a Thursday in July (my first time on the west coast! Eek- so very excited!) I have several questions and I'd be so very grateful for your help!

QUESTION ONE: Does Thousand Steps Beach check these boxes?

I have researched extensively and I just can't choose which beach to visit at Laguna! Will you please help me decide?

What matters most to me:

1. Beautiful, dramatic, rocky coastline

2. Tidepooling spots for my kids (pre-teen, teen, and young adult)

3. Lifeguards present. A restroom would be nice.

4. Crashing waves with a sandy shore where I can relax and read some of the time

5. Waves to boogie board, but spots where we don't have to crash into rocks. I've read there is a sandy spot for boogie board in the middle.

6. I'd love to have sea caves or arches to explore

7. Blue, clear water

My top choice right now is Thousand Steps Beach, but I'm definitely open to other options that check these boxes!

QUESTION TWO: PARKING If we do land on Thousand Steps Beach, is parking going to be too difficult on a Thursday in July? Any recommendations?

QUESTION THREE: WHERE CAN WE RENT BOOGIE BOARDS near Thousand Steps Beach? What about an UMBRELLA? Are there umbrellas and boogie boards rentals right on the beach? I've never been to Laguna Beach before, but grew up going to visit my Grandma in Florida and the beaches are lined with these for rent. Is this true of Laguna Beaches?

QUESTION FOUR: SURFING LESSONS

I want my kids to do surfing lessons while we are there. The lessons don't have to be at the beach that we spend most of the day enjoying. Laguna Ethos is a top choice, but I know it's about ten minutes a way from Thousand Steps Beach.

QUESTION FIVE: TRIP PLAN- DOES THIS WORK?

Low tide is at 10:14am. High tide is at 3:42pm. Would this plan work?

1. Depart rental in Monrovia- **What time should we leave to get to Laguna at 10am?** I know it will be a trek.

2. 10am - Arrive at Thousand Steps Beach.

3. 10am-3pm -Explore Thousand Steps Beach- caves, tidepools, Boogie Board, relax and read on the beach

4. 3:30-5pm -Kids go to surfing lessons

5. 5pm- Dinner

6. Head back to Monrovia- about how long will it take?

QUESTION SIX- DINNER RECOMMENDATION?

This is our final day in California and I'd love a delicious spot for our final meal. Looking for:

1. Water views

2. Budget-friendly for a family of five

3. Vegetarian options

If you took the time to read this and answer any of my questions, THANK YOU!!!!

Answer

Thousand Steps Beach is a wonderful choice for your visit to Laguna Beach, especially given your criteria. While the name suggests a long trek, it’s well worth it for the dramatic coastline and relatively uncrowded experience compared to Main Beach. Here’s a breakdown of your questions:

QUESTION ONE: Beach Features

Beautiful, rocky coastline: Yes, Thousand Steps Beach is framed by steep cliffs and offers dramatic coastal views perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery.
Tidepooling spots: Tidepools are accessible, particularly during low tide, so your kids will enjoy exploring marine life.
Lifeguards and restroom: There is a lifeguard presence, but restroom facilities are limited. Be prepared for a small walk to access any nearby public restrooms.
Sandy shore and waves: There is a sandy stretch ideal for relaxing and reading. The waves are suitable for boogie boarding in the central sandy area away from rocks.
Sea caves/arches: The beach has some small caves and interesting rock formations that can be explored safely during low tide.
Blue, clear water: The water is typically clear, especially on sunny summer days.

Alternative beaches that might also meet your criteria include:

Heisler Park Beach (Main Beach area) – easier access, tidepools, lifeguards, and restrooms.
Crystal Cove State Park – larger sandy areas, tidepools, and some sea caves.

QUESTION TWO: Parking

Parking can be challenging in July, especially on Thursdays. Street parking along Pacific Coast Highway is limited, and lots fill early.
Arrive early (around 9:30–10am) for a better chance of securing a spot.
Consider nearby public lots or parking garages if street parking is full.

QUESTION THREE: Boogie Board & Umbrella Rentals

Unlike some East Coast beaches, Thousand Steps Beach does not have on-site boogie board or umbrella rentals. It’s a more natural, less commercial beach.
Boogie boards or umbrellas can be brought from home or rented in Laguna Beach at surf shops near Main Beach or Aliso Beach.

QUESTION FOUR: Surfing Lessons

Laguna Ethos is a reputable surfing school about 10 minutes from Thousand Steps Beach. Scheduling lessons here is convenient and safe.
Other options include lessons at Main Beach or nearby Crescent Bay, which are a short drive from your beach day location.

QUESTION FIVE: Trip Plan & Timing

Drive from Monrovia to Laguna Beach: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in normal traffic; allow extra time for July summer traffic, so leaving around 8:15–8:30am should get you to Laguna Beach near 10am.
10am–3pm: Exploring Thousand Steps Beach works well. Low tide at 10:14am is perfect for tidepooling and exploring caves. High tide at 3:42pm means you can safely conclude beach activities around 3pm.
3:30–5pm: Kids’ surfing lessons at Laguna Ethos are feasible if scheduled carefully; ensure lessons start promptly.
5pm: Dinner; allow 45–60 minutes for travel back to a restaurant.
Return to Monrovia: approximately 1 hour 15–30 minutes in light evening traffic, potentially longer during peak summer times.

QUESTION SIX: Dinner Recommendations

Las Brisas: Ocean-view restaurant with vegetarian options. Can be pricier, but good for a final California meal.
Broadway by Amar: Offers casual, budget-friendly fare with some vegetarian selections and decent sunset views.
Skyloft: Near the coast, offers casual dining, vegetarian options, and panoramic views of the coastline. Family-friendly.

Overall, your plan is very doable. Arriving early to Thousand Steps Beach maximizes tidepooling opportunities and the central sandy area is ideal for relaxing. Since rentals are not available on the beach itself, bringing boogie boards and umbrellas is recommended. Surfing lessons nearby integrate well into your afternoon, and dinner with a view rounds out the day. Traffic considerations and parking require some planning, but your schedule is realistic for a full, enjoyable day in Laguna Beach.

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