good beach

At the mouth of the San Dieguito lagoon, separating Del Mar and Solana beaches, is Del Mar Dog Beach, a local treasure. The north side of the river mouth boasts a giant area of sand with several active beach volleyball courts near the street. The beach wraps north around the headland, offering a great strand for walking your pups or going for a jog. Note that the dog beach stops just south of the Del Mar Shores Stairway.

The surf can be fun on the right tides, but it is most often best for beginners unless the waves reach over 3 feet and begin to close out quickly. It is a popular spot with foil boarders who like to practice on the rolling waves commonly found on smaller days.

If you don’t like the occasional wag of a wet dog, you should pick another spot. There is a short trail leading up to the cliffs. From the top, you get a great view of the strand heading south into Del Mar with Torrey Pines and La Jolla in the distance. At high tides, you lose access to a strand that heads north to Solana Beach for short periods.

Best for: Dog lovers, volleyball, walkers and joggers, families

Bathrooms: Porta-potties

Parking: Paid street parking along Coast Highway

Dog-friendly: Yes, off-leash from the day after Labor Day to June 15 and from dawn to 8 a.m. the rest of the year, otherwise must be leashed.

ADA-accessible: Yes, paved ramp leading to the beach, but there is no path leading out onto the sand.

What’s nearby: The Del Mar Fairgrounds, home of the Sound, an indoor music venue that fits 1,900, is just behind the beach. Also, try the breakfast burrito at Ranch 45 Local Provisions.

Cleo Street Beach in Laguna Beach is a quiet coastal retreat just south of the bustling Main Beach. A favorite among divers, it’s home to the Cleo Street Barge (Foss 125), which sank in 1958 and now rests 50 feet underwater. Covered in sea life and corals, the barge is easily reached with a short swim from shore and lies within the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve, an observation-only zone. Divers often spot Garibaldi, striped bass and leopard sharks exploring its preserved interior.

Though small, Cleo Street offers a peaceful escape, especially during low tide when more sandy space is available. From here, you can stroll north to Main Beach’s lively shops and restaurants or south to discover more secluded coves. Whether diving or relaxing, Cleo Street is a unique slice of beach life that blends tranquility with underwater adventure.

Construction, including replacing the stairs and building a landing spot at street level that’s ADA-accessible, is slated to begin after Labor Day and continue through May 2026. During construction, beachgoers can visit Cleo Street Beach by walking from St. Ann’s Beach to the south or Sleepy Hollow Beach to the north.

Best for: Diving, sunbathing on low tide

Parking: Street and metered parking are available.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed off leash at any time and are not permitted on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from June 15 through Sept. 10.

ADA-accessible: Not accessible. Head to Main Beach, where one manual and one motorized wheelchair are available on a first come, first served basis, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the lifeguard station. For more information, call (949) 497-0310.

What’s nearby: Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Orange Inn. For casual Mexican food, head to the Taco Stand. Nearby, find surf gear at California Surf N Paddle and Costa Azul.