SPOTLIGHT: ALISO BEACH COUNTY PARK
Address: 31000 block of Coast Highway, South Laguna.
Description: The sandy beach at the mouth of Aliso Creek is popular for body surfing, surf fishing and scuba diving. From the 620-foot Aliso Pier, built in 1972, anglers catch white croaker, California halibut, jacksmelt, mackerel and surfperch. The southern portion of the beach and offshore waters have been designated as the South Laguna Marine Life Refuge. Offshore of the beach are beds of giant kelp and a commercial fishing area for spiny lobster.
Facilities: Aliso Pier has a snack bar and tackle shop. The beach has wheelchair-accessible restrooms, cold showers, concessions, lifeguards, firepits and bike paths.
Parking: The park is open from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. Metered parking is available along the beach and inland at 50 cents per hour. Year-round day use passes are available through the Orange County Environmental Management Agency for $25. Information: (714) 834-2300.
Mass transit: Orange County Transit District (OCTD) no. 85. Information: (714) 636-7433. Laguna Beach no. 581. Information: (714) 497-3311.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.