Visiting Laguna Beach responsibly

The state marine reserve

State marine protected areas cover the whole shoreline. The state’s Laguna Beach reserve runs from Abalone Point south to Goff Island, and a no-take conservation area runs from Goff Island to Table Rock. In both, California says it is unlawful to injure, damage, take or possess any living, geological or cultural marine resource, and it does not allow fishing. That includes shells and rocks. South of Table Rock, the Dana Point conservation area allows some fishing but bars taking living marine resources from tide pools. The marine reserves guide gives boundaries and what stays legal.

Tide pool etiquette

The city’s Good Tide Pooler Rules fit on one line each: never collect, never pick up or touch animals, walk gently and never turn over rocks. Laguna Ocean Foundation adds that you may take photographs and pick up trash, and that a “Rocks closed” sign means no tide pooling until it comes down. Do not run if a wave comes; the foundation says you are more likely to be hurt running than by getting wet. The city warns that the rocks are dangerous and that waves have swept beachgoers off their feet. The tide pools guide covers tide levels and sites.

Seals, sea lions and whales

NOAA Fisheries asks beachgoers to stay at least 100 yards from seals and sea lions and to keep pets that far away, too. Use binoculars, and back off when an animal stares, fidgets or leaves. Pups left on shore may not be rejoined by their mothers if people crowd them. Laguna Ocean Foundation sets a tighter, local figure for harbor seals sunbathing at Goff Island: at least 150 feet. NOAA Fisheries also says whales are federally protected and should be given at least 100 yards, and it asks people to keep drones away from animals. If you find a stranded or injured marine mammal, call the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 866-767-6114.

Trails and wilderness parks

OC Parks runs Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons. Its rules for Laguna Coast are short:

• Stay on designated trails, marked with trail posts.
• No pets, except horses. OC Parks does not permit dogs in the park.
• No e-bikes or drones.
• No fires.
• No swimming or wading in creeks or the lake.
• No picking or collecting.

The park may close in wet weather, and OC Parks says trails may stay closed three days or more after rain. It lists mountain lions, rattlesnakes and poison oak among the hazards. The open space near Alta Laguna Park closes at sunset, according to the city. Crystal Cove State Park allows dogs on paved areas only. The hiking guide lists routes.

Trash, plastic and balloons

The city bans littering on its beaches, parks and trails. It also bans disposable plastic food service ware there, such as plastic utensils and straws, and it bans balloons on any public area, including beaches and parks. Pack out what you bring.

Dogs on the beach

Dogs are allowed on city beaches on a leash. From June 15 to September 10, they may be there only before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; in fall, winter and spring they may be there at any hour. Thousand Steps Beach bars dogs at all times. See dog-friendly places.

Fire, smoking and alcohol

The city prohibits fires at all of its beaches and smoking in any public area. Fines for smoking at city beaches, parks and trails are $100, $200 and $500 for a first, second and third offense within 12 months. The city says alcohol is not allowed on its beaches, even if you are 21, and municipal code 8.04.010 bars drinking and carrying open containers in public places, including parks, streets and parking lots, with listed exceptions. The beach rules page has the details on canopies, glass and drones.

Parking, noise and neighborhoods

Beaches north of Aliso Creek close from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., and city parks close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The city says some areas have three-hour meters, others have very limited neighborhood parking, and parking enforcement tickets violations. Use its Parking App, and use the trolley so you park once. Sound-amplifying equipment may not run between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. under city code 7.25.120, and it may not be unreasonably loud. The parking guide covers lots and permits.