Preserve Paradise: Your Guide to Leave No Trace at Beaches & Tidepools

Summer is in full swing, and while we enjoy longer days, people are also trying to escape the heat. Laguna Beach makes for the perfect summer destination. Known for 30 beaches, nine secluded coves, and crystal clear waters, you can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach! You can also explore the area’s numerous tidepools filled with amazing sea life, from hermit crabs and urchins to octopus and lobsters. 

Practicing Leave No Trace is an essential part of every beach visit! Following these guidelines will help you protect our treasured sandy shores in Laguna Beach and beyond.  

Know Before You Go

Proper planning is an important part of every beach outing, especially during the busy summer season. During this time of year, beach parking lots fill up fast, so it is best to utilize the free Laguna Beach Trolley and the parking app that shows you where parking is available. If you want to skip the stress of finding a parking spot, Laguna Beach is home to the most beachfront lodging in California; with a wide range of price points and amenities for overnight visits, you’ll be able to spend even more time on the sand. 

Laguna Beach has a beach or cove to suit everyone, depending on your activity and accessibility needs. Make sure to check tide charts and current ocean conditions before your day in the sun and the sand. Strong tides and surf, especially rip tides, can create dangerous ocean conditions and put beachgoers at risk. Before your trip, learn how to identify a rip tide and escape if caught in one. Rising tides and strong waves can also impact your ability to enjoy tidepools or participate in activities such as surfing safely. Always swim near a lifeguard when possible and speak to them before entering the water if you have any concerns. 

Laguna Beach has three Marine Protected Areas within the city. These areas have regulations in place that are designated to help protect the health of these unique marine ecosystems. Familiarize yourself with the special protections at each beach prior to your outing so you know what activities are allowed. Laguna is also home to numerous dog-friendly beaches. Before your visit, check when your furry companions are allowed on the beach, as these times change depending on the beach you are visiting and the season. Dogs must always be on a leash, and remember to clean up after them.

Dispose of Trash Properly

Planning for a long beach day may include bringing snacks, drinks, or even a meal. But if you plan to enjoy some seaside snacks, you must also be prepared to carry out any trash and waste you might create. Trash cans are not abundant on Laguna’s beaches, so bring a bag to take home all of your trash. This includes food scraps, which take several years to decompose and can be unhealthy food sources for wildlife. 

Help keep our beaches and oceans clean and wildlife safe by packing out your trash and any other trash you may find along the way. Repackage food into reusable containers before your visit to reduce the amount you have to pack out. Laguna Beach is a single-use plastic-free city. Cut down on waste and help keep plastic off the beaches and out of the ocean by bringing reusable items such as water bottles, coffee mugs, and utensils. If you plan on building a sandcastle, make sure to collect all of your beach toys before you leave. Plastic toys left on the beach will be washed into the ocean and potentially broken down into microplastics. 

Respect Wildlife and Sea Life

Enjoying the beach is just one part of spending time on the city’s blue belt. The city’s coast and coves are also home to spectacular tide pools. Tide pooling is an activity that allows you to experience the ecosystems and sealife the city’s Marine Protected Areas were put in place to protect.  The Laguna Ocean Foundation is a great resource for visitors and will often have docents stationed at the tidepools to teach beachgoers best practices for tidepooling.

Respect wildlife by observing animals in and out of the water from a distance. Never touch or remove anything from the tidepools. While the creatures in these pools adapted to the changing conditions, they are still fragile and can be injured when handled by humans. Removing organisms, even those that may seem lifeless, such as mussels, may kill the animal and remove a food source for other critters. Shells and rocks must not be collected as they are the homes of hermit crabs, sea stars, and other animals. Keep yourself safe by keeping an eye on the tide, surfing, and walking gently so you do not slip. 

By practicing these Leave No Trace tips while enjoying Laguna’s beaches and tidepools, you are actively protecting these extraordinary environments for all to enjoy. Check out these sustainability guidelines to learn more about how you can protect the city’s outdoor spaces and Leave No Trace.