Shaw's Cove
A secluded 500-foot cove at the foot of Fairview Street, a local favorite for divers and snorkelers.
Know before you go
- Parking
On-street parking (Coastal Commission listing).
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Fees
No fee listed (street parking).
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Paying
Unknown – check locally
- Getting down
Stairs from Cliff Drive opposite Fairview Street.
Coastal Commission listing · California Coastal Commission
- Tide & surf
Hazards throughout the cove. In high surf, the north point is especially dangerous for anyone walking to Crescent Bay. Tide pools are best and safest at low tide.
Verified · City of Laguna Beach · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Hours
Beach closed 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Verified · City of Laguna Beach · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Dogs
Leashed (6 ft max) dogs allowed any time from Sep 11 to Jun 14. From Jun 15 to Sep 10, dogs only before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Verified · City of Laguna Beach · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Restrooms
Unknown – check locally
Not in the city amenities list for this beach.
- Showers
Unknown – check locally
Not in the city amenities list for this beach.
- Accessibility
Unknown – check locally
- Lifeguards
Unknown – check locally
Lifeguard tower staffing varies by season and conditions.
- Rules
No alcohol, no smoking, no fires. Umbrellas and tents under 6 ft wide and 6 ft tall.
Verified · City of Laguna Beach · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Activities
Swimming, bodyboarding, skin and scuba diving. No skimboarding.
Verified · City of Laguna Beach · checked Oct 3, 2026
- Protected area
Marine Protected Area: do not take rocks, shells or marine life.
Verified · City of Laguna Beach · checked Oct 3, 2026
Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change. Always follow lifeguards and posted signs.
Tides & daylight · next 3 days
Information only, not safety advice. Conditions change, so always follow lifeguards and posted signs. Data: City of Laguna Beach, California State Parks, California Coastal Commission, NOAA, National Weather Service · Facts checked Oct 3, 2026 · Map © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.