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As a real estate agent, people always ask me: “Wha makes South Laguna so special?”
While our incredible homes and ocean views speak for themselves, it’s the rich history and hidden gems that truly give this community its unique soul. Today, I’m taking you on a quick rip down memory lane (and down a lot of stairs!) to look at one of our most iconic coastal treasures: Thousand Steps Beach.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or looking to buy your dream home here, this local landmark has a fascinating story you’ll love sharing at your next dinner party.
1. It’s Not Actually 1,000 Steps!
Let’s start with the biggest myth in South Laguna. Despite he intimidating name, you won’t have to climb a thousand steps. The concrete stairway actually clocks in at about 220-250 steps. he name is pure local hyperbole from early visitors who were completely exhausted by the steep climb back up to the street. Consider it Laguna’s favorite built-in outdoor gym!
2. A Century-Old Secret Access
Before South Laguna was the thriving, sought after community it is today, it was highly exclusive and tough to access. The very first staircase down these rugged bluffs was built all the way back in 1905. In those early days, the stairs were completely private, built by wealthy clifftop homeowners who wanted to keep this stunning 400-yard stretch of sand entirely to themselves.
3. The PCH Boom
For decades, South Laguna felt completely isolated from the rest of Southern California due to our dramatic, hilly geography. That all changed in the late 1920s when the Roosevelt Highway-known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)-was constructed. This historic road finally connected our hidden paradise to the rest of the world, bringing in early homesteaders and creating the vibrant beach culture we cherish today.
4. The Fight for the Sand
South Laguna residents have always been fiercely protective of their beautiful coastline. In the 1970s, a major legal battle took place when nearby homeowners tried to restrict public access to the beach. The courts ultimately ruled that the ocean belongs to everyone. Orange County officially rebuilt the staircase, opening Thousand Steps Beach to the public in 1982.
5. Keeping It Local
Did you know that South Laguna wasn’t always part of the city of Laguna Beach? For decades, our neighborhood cherished its independent bohemian vibe. Thanks to groups like the South Laguna Civic Association (founded in 1946), residents successfully fought overdevelopment to protect our open spaces. South Laguna was officially annexed into the city of Laguna Beach in 1987, perfectly blending small-town privacy with world-class city perks.
Why This Matters for Local Real Estate
When you buy a home in South Laguna, you aren’t just buying real estate-you are buying into a proud, tight-knit community that has fought for decades to preserve its natural beauty, privacy, and public parks. From the dramatic sea caves and tide pools at Thousand Steps to the historic char of our streets, this neighborhood is truly one of a kind.
