Laguna Beach, CA

Laguna Beach hugs the Orange County coast where steep bluffs drop into the Pacific. This artsy beach town of 22,710 sits along seven miles of dramatic coastline with hidden coves and tide pools. Most visitors drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) that runs right through downtown, connecting from LA via SR-133 through Laguna Canyon or from San Diego via I-5 north. The town's 30 public beaches include the famous Thousand Steps Beach, which despite its name has exactly 224 steps carved into the cliff.