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Thousand Steps Beach
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97 reviews for Thousand Steps Beach
97 reviews in English
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Review from Kayla V.
Jimmy N. and I had a GREAT day at Thousand Steps Beach! Even after my near death experience with the steps...(haha JK). We packed a small picnic and spent hours exploring the beach. I highly recommend saving this beach for that someone special! I posted a few pictures so check those out.
Let's get to the bad stuff first...
- HORRIBLE parking. It's all residential parking, so be courteous and don't block their driveways! Parking seemed easier to get around 5:00PM.
- Stairs needed some work. There were so many cracks, so I was nervous the whole walk down (12 flights or just under 230 steps). Going down was a breeze, wish I could say the same about the walk up. We didn't take a break and I almost threw up by the time I got to the top. I wouldn't recommend bringing your kids, just in case they trip and fall.
Now to the good stuff...
- Stairs. Even though it needed restoration, I like that it kept people from bringing all their junk! You can only bring what you can carry on one trip. The beach was super clean and I hope it stays that way. I don't remember seeing one piece of garbage and there wasn't even a trash bin! Pack in and pack OUT! Plus, the stairs counted as a workout :)
- Super clean beach and pretty sand ^_^
- It's a local hidden beach, so it's pretty secluded. It doesn't get as packed as HB, Laguna Beach, and Newport.
- There's one volleyball net up!
- It was fun to explore the different tide pools and cave!
- I saw a lot of people spearfishing and skim boarding. I really want to pick up spearfishing now... -
Review from Kim Chi P.
Garden Grove, CA
2/27/2012
After an afternoon of looking at art (there's galleries lined up on pch near thousand steps), we went down all ~383 steps to this clean beach. We sat on someone's stair steps and watched the last rays of light fade off over the edge of the earth. We had the whole stretch of sand to ourselves. It was super romantic. It would be a great place to have a private evening picnic.
By the time we got done talking, it was so dark that we couldn't find the thousand steps from which we came! Honestly the stairway is hidden underneath lots of shrubbery and whatnot. Next time, I'd leave a trail of bread crumbs. -
Review from Esther S.
1/9/2012
A secluded beach with tidepools on a perfect weathered day in the middle of winter? Whats not to like?
Easy peasy going down and not too bad till about half way up. Not over crowded even though it was the weekend. Great tidepools and rock area to explore and find starfish and sea creatures! Saw a dolphin!
Had a nice lunch sitting around (only to have the seagulls finish off the remains when we went exploring- hide yo sandwiches! Hide yo chips!)
A bit hard on the parking (road side on a busy street) but it is free since its all residential.
Another unique thing I liked was the sand- there is a slight drop off to where the tide ends which makes for kind of a look out feel when sitting on the top part. Also a clear marker of where the water actually reaches so you know where not to leave your stuff.
Seems like a lot of beginner surfers about.Listed in: For a Good Time, Out and About
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Review from Joe L.
Aliso Viejo, CA
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this beach. It's down in South Laguna and is a little hidden. What I like about it is it is away from the main touristy area of Laguna and is less busy. It is also a very pretty beach. The only drawback is finding parking on the street is a bit of a challenge especially since it seems that recently the city cut off parking on the West side of PCH. Oh, also, expect to get a bit of a workout since you'll be walking quite a distance from your car and down what seems to really be 1,000 steps. The walk up after your beach time is even worse but it's still a great Southern California gem.
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Review from Jeremy G.
Costa Mesa, CA
5/3/2012
Absolutely love Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna. We try to get there twice a week for a good cardio work out. Down and up 5 times for now... maybe more in the future. The amazing views makes this a definite must see.
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Review from Brandon S.
Newport Beach, CA
4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful secluded beach! Not quite 1000 steps but I wouldn't bring grandma....she'll never make it back up.
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Review from Kelly K.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Thousand Steps is the beach to go to when you're desperately trying to avoid the really loud, dirty and obnoxious families that frequent Newport and Huntington.
Perhaps it's because they do not know about Thousand Steps.
Perhaps it's because you can't tote a cooler full of Natural Lite down such steep steps. I mean, you could probably make trips back to the car for your umbrellas, canopy, ghetto blaster, grill, food cooler, chairs, sand castle toys, boogie boards etc., but you probably wouldn't want to. Trust me, loud family that brings too much crap to the beach and leaves all your trash in the sand, you don't want to come here.
Another thing that might dissuade a person from coming here is an inherent lack "thick skin." Let's face it, you're surrounded by multi-million dollar mansions and hot, half-plastic babes. If that awkward moment where you realize the skinny teenagers are laughing at YOUR fat ass is going to ruin your day, you probably don't want to come here. It didn't ruin my bootylicious day.
Once you get past the fact that all you can really bring is a towel and that your significant other will probably be staring at the beautiful people, it's a really nice beach. It's great for skim boarding and I see people with boogie boards and surfboards. There's actually a bathroom at this beach, which is nice.Listed in: Solitude in OC, OC Beaches
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Review from Valentino R.
Aliso Viejo, CA
3/19/2012
I must go here...heard so much about these steps....challenging
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Review from Miguel R.
11/28/2011
I discovered this place on a list of OC "must see" places. I am a huge fan of the ocean and did not let the fact you have to go down and then up an endless amount of steps to get there deter me. It is fairly impressive to look down the steps from the top to the bottom. They are lined with trees and shrubs so it really looks pretty. As you go down you get a little tired. You begin to think about what it will be like to get up.
The beach is amazing! There are cliffs to the right and to the left. Atop these cliffs there are nice homes. Some of these people have small "train" rails which extend from their houses to the beach. They have small coaches on them that they ride up and down. Oh, the life of the poor in this country, haha!
To the right you can go onto the other side of the cliffs and there is another beach. Between the two beaches and under the cliff there is a nice spot to take a date. It is kind of secluded considering the nearest house is far above it. Right in front of this spot there are rock formations jutting out of the sea. Beautiful!!!!
The walk up the steps is tiring. The day we were here a man was walking up and down the steps at a slow pace from the time we got there till we left - at least - wow!
Parking can be difficult since there is no lot near the beginning of the steps. We found it easily though. It is hard to spot this place so drive slowly as you pass by.Listed in: Magical OC
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Review from Andrew E.
Westminster, CA
12/3/2011
It's hard to find secluded beaches in Orange County, so I'm glad places like Thousand Step exist. You park off PCH and climb down 200+ stairs to get to the open beach. It's a pleasant walk down during the day but pretty eerie at night (I've done this a few times without any problems; it's just creepy). This is a good place to picnic because you will definitely need to rest a little bit before climbing back up.
There's also a cave that you can climb around in on the southern end and come out on the backside. Just watch the tide! You could probably get stuck if you wait too long.
The entrance is easy to miss if you aren't looking for it, and parking can be limited, depending on how far you are willing to walk. It's definitely worth the "work" it takes to get there. Everyone should go at least once. -
Review from Jess G.
Pomona, CA
3/19/2012
This is a beautiful beach. We found it by accident and we've been hooked ever since. It's always clean, people at friendly, and the view at Sun set is amazing. Some parts of the beach are private properties but they do have a cave u can check out. When you're going down the steps you do notice that some need repair so just be careful. You cant take alcohol, do a fire, or bbw but its well worth it.
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Review from Amy S.
Elk Grove, CA
3/11/2012
A must see if your in/near the Laguna Beach, CA area!! Natural cave formations, wild flowers, tide pools, crashing waves, wildlife...what's not to love!! Just find a place to park on PCH and hike down the stairs to the gorgeous beach!! Pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, sit back and enjoy the marvelous scenery!! Oh, and don't forget your camera, bring a kite too!!
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Review from Nikki G.
Laguna Beach, CA
3/7/2012
If you want a tough stair workout in Orange County....this is the place! On the way down you get a nice view of the ocean...and on the way up...you get a great idea just how out of shape you are! There aren't exactly 1000 steps...but there are around 250. The difficulty isn't in the number of steps but in how steep they are and how crumbly some of the steps are. I like to strap on a 50# weight vest and see how long my legs last. Plus...the beach at the bottom of the steps is nice and secluded if you want to rest.
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Review from Elysse P.
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Perfect, serene, quiet, secluded getaway. The stairway is on 9th and PCH and the first view of the beach is breathtaking. I felt like I was far away from it all... A nice place to visit alone when you feel like winding down, chillin, and having time for yourself. Definitely a romantic spot to enjoy lunch or just sit around with your significant other. Great for groups of friends looking for a relaxing day. You'll get some amazing pictures here.
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Review from Jenna Z.
8/26/2011
Thought this place was a secret lol! One of the best secluded beaches.
There's a cave if you swim out to it on the southern part of the beach. Remember it's ok taking breaks going up and down the steps... doesn't make you fat if you do =]
The houses here are breathtaking, one even has a gondola! -
Review from Danielle L.
Costa Mesa, CA
10/31/2011
Great place for a workout. The steps are a little bit broken up, but not terrible. The stairs were shaded so that was nice. It's called A Thousand Steps but it's really more like 220 or so - it just FEELS like a thousand. My calves are feelin it this morning - but in a good way!
Just checked out the beach really briefly - very secluded. It was cool to check out the multimillion dollar houses. A girl can dream! -
Review from Denysia Y.
Cerritos, CA
7/25/2011 1 photo
Came here with a couple of my friends. Now I have to admit that the trek down the 213 steps is easy, but going up is the hard part. The ocean is very nice, and the waves are awesome! If I had a boogie board, I probably would have been out in the water.
So basically when you are climbing up the stairs, make sure you walk steady, because the steps are slightly beat up. There are cracks, and some of the cement is missing. But other than that, this place is amazing and very pretty! -
Review from Maria A.
9/12/2011
Great place and a hidden gem.
My boyfriend took me here since I was lamenting the fact that I'd moved to the west coast in order to get a little closer to the water, only to have gone to the beach 1 time in 1.5 years of living in Las Vegas.
This place is amazing. I didn't know what I was in for when I told him that I wanted to go to a beach. The steps are crazy. I did enjoy going up and down the steps...no more than up and down 1 time each way though. Lol. It was a little rough going down and even worse going up--mostly because a lot of the steps are destroyed or are pretty fragile, so watch your step and be careful. The steps are much more brutal on the way up.
We stayed for about 1.5 hours, and went early in the morning, so that we could rest and relax in peace. That and find parking, since it gets busier and harder to navigate around the area when it's later on in the day.
I did like walking around and being able to just sit on the beach and enjoy the sights, although it was mostly other people, an overcast sky, and some surfers getting ready to catch some waves.
I hope that I get another chance to return since I enjoyed just sitting back and relaxing for a bit--while resting from the stair climb. -
Review from PB D.
Ontario, CA
6/30/2011
I only came just to do the thousand steps (up and down 5x).
The location is a great distraction!! It didn't really feel like a workout because everyone around me was simply going to the beach or on their way home.
You just have to watch out for the people who smoke as their trekking their way down the steps...ick ick ick--you're alrealdy a bit out of breath and to have to inhale cigarette smoke is the worst.
Didn't give it 5 stars because the steps seemed a bit dangerous....I wasn't comfortable going up/down at a fast pace because the condition of the steps were pretty awful...big chunks missing and uneven.
Definitely a beach for locals and I hope it stays that way..or else it'll lose its charm of being "hidden" and uncrowded. -
Review from Gordon L.
Portola Valley, CA
2/9/2012
It's a real hike from Downtown LA, but it's well worth it. I've been to a lot of beaches in Southern California, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, but Thousand Steps is my favorite. The name isn't a misnomer; it's a real hike to get from the street to the beach, but it's well worth it. The beach is gorgeous and often pretty empty. It feels isolated. If you're feeling adventurous, try climbing through the cave on the south end of the beach to explore some tide pools. Take the trip - this is a slice of a paradise for your free afternoon.
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Review from Monica M.
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL!
Took the boyfriend who was visiting here to photograph the sunset. Amazing views. BRING YOUR ENERGY!!!!!
These stairs are no joke! It's easy as pie to go down but you will be out of breath going up! -
Review from Phillip G.
Mammoth Lakes, CA
7/1/2011
Worst beach in the state, horrible stairs, filthy sand, rowdy locals. Sting rays and seagulls everywhere, no parking, dangerous currents.
Also surfing and snowboarding suck, dont try it. -
Review from Phil K.
Orange County, CA
6/23/2011
Thanks Yelp! I discovered this beach through Yelp, and I gotta say, it's already one of my favorites. Like others mentioned, it isn't really a thousand steps (although it sure can feel like it when you're walking up them).
The beach itself is nice. From my experience, it isn't too crowded which is nice. It's the perfect place to pass the time by soaking in the sunshine, taking a dip, or if you're up for it, taking a nice run.
The parking situation can be a little difficult, but don't let that dissuade you from checking out this gem! -
Review from Jianka S.
Irvine, CA
12/5/2011
If you attempt to work out at this place you better not whimp out and do less then a thousand steps, or you'll feel like a loser as the super-fit laguna local grandpa passes you by! Watch your step as a few of the steps are a bit crumbly and the morning dew/moisture makes for slippery steps and puddles. If you ever get amnesia right after visiting this place you'll know that you were there because you will definitely feel a good sore in your legs the next day!
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Review from Dr D.
Lakewood, CA
7/5/2011
great beach.. good for skimboarding. Not a place you want to go if you intend on swimming as there is a very sharp drop off and rocks.
some tide pools to the right hand side of the beach.. You could miss this one if you are driving, its in a weird spot -
Review from Thao V.
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This beach is not hard to find at all. Oh what would I do without my beloved iPhone?! The steps are pretty steep and some areas are cracked, so watch your step. Going up would have been a breeze if it weren't for the extreme heat.
Overall, it's a nice little beach with a cave off to the right. I went on a Friday afternoon and it was not crowded; although, I was expecting less people since it is supposed to be a secluded, "hidden" beach. -
Review from Heather J.
Laguna Beach, CA
3/19/2011
This is one of the beaches here in Laguna that I seem to come to the most. It's really not 1000 steps & it really isn't as bad as most have said... unless you never really workout.
Regardless it is ONE of the most beautiful beaches here. Never crowded, no tourist... because they would never be able to find it, and the views are breath taking!
AND... if you look right up, over & above you... & see the big, huge, most gorgeous multimillion dollar home on the cliff.... that is my home... yep no big deal... WELL someday it will be mine anyway :) haha.
I really love coming here to just relax by myself, get away, clear my mind & look & thank God for all the beauty he has created here :) -
Review from Kristell Y.
Long Beach, CA
6/28/2011 3 photos
Thousands Steps Beach will definitely be one of my go to beach list. :D
Just recently, my boyfriend and I went to this beach to have a romantic picnic. ;) Going down the many, MANY steps wasn't so bad. But going back UP was such a work out and yet a killer. XP
I love, love, LOVE this beach! The area was calm and peaceful as we laid out in the sand. And the water was definitely clean compared to other beaches...actually this may be the cleanest beach, BY FAR...yet there are more other beaches to be discovered.
Other than that, Thousands Steps Beach is GORGEOUS! Like I said, I will definitely be coming here again! XD XD XD XD -
Review from James P.
Long Beach, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here to see what all the hype was about and I wasn't disappointed. The parking wasn't too bad and we only had a short walk to the top of the stairs. There were a few other people doing their work outs while we were there but it wasn't crowded by any means. After about the 4th or 5th circuit it started feeling a lot more like three thousand steps. Can't wait to see what my legs feel like tomorrow.
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Review from Trina D.
A gorgeous beach without any annoying tourists. I used to live in Newport Beach and having lived near the sand, I must say it was nice to come and go as I pleased without having to deal too much with the crowds. You start to miss that if you're used to having that sense of calm everyday.
This beach is tucked away down a set of stairs behind a sign at 9th Ave and PCH. Going down is no big deal, although some of the steps are worn down so watch your step. Going up however, is a lot harder than it looks. Make sure you've got some water with you because you may be panting for breath on the way back up. Once down the steps, you'll be greeted by a serene beach with a gorgeous view of the water. Take a look around and envy the people up in the houses on the cliffs. Sometimes I wish I could live here, but getting to visit is just as good. The parking along PCH is free so you won't have to worry about quarters for the meter. Just make sure that you don't pass out on the way back up, because it's a long way back down. -
Review from Albert L.
2/25/2011 1 photo
It's more like a hundred steps (maybe a bit more by my count) down to this little precious beach which is surrounded by cliffs and incredibly expensive mansions on top of the said cliffs. This particular beach is ABSOLUTELY beautiful and has become my go to spot for times when I feel like I really need to get away without going too far.
You get some pretty crazy waves, not too many people, the remains of an abandoned structure and a little cave on the far side of the beach, which all help make this place a really fun place to explore and take pictures of.
Parking is along PCH (yea, tell me about it) and it's pretty hard to spot the pathway down unless you see the rails of a stairway peeking out of a pathway covered almost by shrubs. A rare beach that I pray won't fall prey to over development like so many of Orange County's beaches. -
Review from Arianne N.
Newport Beach, CA
11/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I was so sore the following day after visiting Thousand Steps for the first time. It wasn't a pleasant little cardio workout, it was torture. Happy to report that I'm perfectly ambulatory now after a day here though! If nothing, Thousand Steps will inspire your lazy ass to work out.
My favorite place in OC.Listed in: cooler than me
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Review from Kay D.
11/5/2010
I like this beach a whoooooole bunch!
1) If you don't know where to look, you cannot find this beach as it is not visible from the road. It is directly on the crosswalk on 9th street off of PCH, and there is a sign at the top of the stairs. What this means is random tourists don't come here, and the beach is hardly ever crowded.
2) This beach is called "thousand steps" for a reason. There is a big ass set of stairs (not a thousand, but a lot!) that you must go down to reach the beach, and by extension you must crawl up to get back to your car. This also dissuades people that know about the beach from coming, making it even less crowded!
3) The beach is beautiful, and is surrounded by giant cliffside mansions and beautiful water views. In addition, this particular beach has a bathroom, which is rare for these little "secret" beaches.
I prefer the "Table Rock" beach to this one because it's prettier and even less crowded, but they don't have a bathroom so if I am planning an all day visit I usually come here. -
Review from Maria T.
Santa Monica, CA
1/13/2010 ROTD 2/12/2010
The perfect getaway, right in the heart of Laguna.
How to go to Thousand Steps Beach:
1) Gleefully drive past those thousands of suckers laying out at Main Beach. Smirk. Tell yourself you are so much better than they are. Feel good about yourself because you are a local, and they are all tourists.
2) Park along PCH. Take care while crossing the highway to make it to the other side since the cars zip past and disappear round the corner as fast as a Real Housewife of OC's dignity. Or reputation. Or wrinkles.
3) Get to the stairs. Hopefully, you packed light. Keep your eyes down and start trekking. If you find yourself saying "This is easy!" just remember that you have to come back UP these stairs to get out. Not as fun.
4) ENJOY! Pristine waters, tranquility, and a quiet that is unparalleled on any of OC's beaches. Gawk at multi-million dollar homes with private elevators down to the sand. Dream about which one you'll own one day. Welcome to the promised land, my friends. THIS is quite possibly what being an American is all about. (This and maybe In-N-Out burger).
5) Reserve some energy--you're gonna need it for the hike up. Pace yourself--you don't wanna look out of shape by stopping to catch your breath!
Congrats, you're part of a select club of beachgoers that know about Thousand Steps! -
Review from Neen M.
Irvine, CA
11/8/2011
The stairmaster has NOTHING against Thousand Steps!!! I don't come here for the beach (although it is a very nice secluded beach) I come here for the work out burn on the stairs! CRAY CRAY CRAY work out that you will feel for DAYS! It's a must that you at least do 1,000 steps (which is super doable!) This is definitely not for people who want to "try a new workout." It's pretty hardcore so keep that in mind.
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Review from Jennifer F.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2009 2 photos
This was my secret place...uh huh i said secret, but there are already 15 reviews, so the secret is out! Okay onto the good stuff...
-There is no parking lot. I parked along PCH and walked to the beach access at 9th street.
-There isn't a thousand steps beneath the trees, maybe a little over two hundred. It will feel like a thousand when your legs go jello.
-The "landings" are great for catching your breath! I saw locals jogging up and down these steps without taking breaks!!! Maybe they have legs of steel?
-No fire pits, no volleyball courts, no picnic tables just a large open space with untouched sand to make awesome sand angels =)
-Great view of the crystal clear skies. Spectacular sunset!
Note: If you are going to watch the sunset, be prepared to walk back up the 200 steps in the dark with NO lights!!
Don't be lazy, check out my photos:
http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Mel M.
Costa Mesa, CA
Updated - 1/14/2010
Day five.
Legs are kinda overrated.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/12/2010
Day three.
Stretched.
A lot.
Legs hurt mostly when going from long periods of sitting to upright… Read more »
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Review from Ana M.
8/27/2008
This is by far my favorite beach and has been for years. When I think " I should go to the beach today " 1000 Steps Beach is inevitably where I'll end up.
I love Laguna communities. It has a charm that I think a lot of other beaches lack. It's not about lifted trucks and a hormone fest, it's more of an art community. It's just relaxing. 1000 steps in particular is breathtaking. Clear water, clean sand, trees, it's a slice of paradise in the OC. It is significantly less crowded then other beaches in Laguna. Also there is street side parking which is great because paying for parking blowz.
If you're facing the ocean, the right side of the beach is predominate a gay beach. Tons of sexy men who DGAF about weather or not I look cute in my bathing suit, it's perfect!
Yes, my calves ache the next day from the treacherous stairs but it is so worth it. If you park closer to the right there is a climb down that is way less intense then further left. I think people know this and that's way it's much harder to find parking around that entrance.
throw your margarita in a travelers mug, bring a towel & a good book and drift away from the hustle and bustle of life.Listed in: I left my heart in SoCal.
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Review from Bruce B.
Laguna Niguel, CA
6/22/2011
Death of a beach, Man... [w/ no apologies whatsoever to Arthur Miller! ;) ]
Thousand Steps used to be an utter gem of a beach, much like many of the So.Cal. beaches before the advent of the CA Coast Commission. Let's step into the way-back machine & see what it was like 40 years ago:
1st of all, it was a private beach: the gate at the top was locked most of the year [local So. Laguna residents had a key, or knew a neighbor who hadn't lost theirs yet, & most of the summer it was just left unlocked to save hassle] which made it truly a family-friendly place.
Nobody from outside the area even knew about it, because there were no traffic lights between 4th Ave and Vista Del Sol to provide a pt. of reference. When the stop light was put in at the hospital to allow the ambulances to get in & out, there was a corresponding flashing beacon warning of a traffic light ahead for NB traffic on PCH added @ 10th street. With the additions of these traffic controls, it provided enough warning to drivers that 9th Ave. was nearby so that non-locals could now find it.
Once parking was secured on one of the side streets or the NB side of PCH, one waited for a break in the traffic & crossed *quickly* to the So. side of PCH [Please note: PCH follows the coastline in this area, which despite descriptions of "North Bound" & "South Bound" for PCH, are actually almost due West & East, respectively. So the entrance to Thousand Steps which is one the "west" side of PCH is actually on the south side of the highway. Go figure... :D ]
This was possible because back then the traffic level was much less than today: in the past 10 years, there would be no break in PCH traffic at all if there weren't traffic lights to break things up for the pedestrian.
Once you crossed to the entrance to 1k-steps, you then had to negotiate an interesting trail of steps that had been built at varying intervals, using different materials by different contractors over the years that folks had been climbing up & down the cliff side at this point. Ergo, the annual challenge to determine *just how many* steps there were, as their heights would vary from year to year as some were replaced or just disappeared to become one with the cliffside again... Highest count in my memory was 247 [they had some small 4" high steps in a couple sections then] w/ a low of 232 before the steps were rebuilt to a uniform height after the CCC came along. [I think it stands at 224 or 228 now? It's been years since I checked...]
There were only two landings at which you could stop & catch a breath back then, one just below the summit [which was the split for the path to the side door for one of the neighboring cliff-top homes] and another at roughly the 1/2 way point: from there it was a straight shot to the beach [but it was a looong way up to the 1st landing from the bottom! Ask any kid who had to tote a beach chair up the steps at the end of the day! ;) ]
Once at the bottom, you had a beach which was sparsely populated, with a truly neighborhood feel to it since most of the users were year-round residents, summer residents, or the friends & relatives of either group, who were staying for a week or more & were happy to make friends w/ neighbors who they had some expectation of seeing again on future visits.
The hike back up at the end of day was always a trial, but the 1st time you made it all the way up w/o stopping was a rite of passage, & made you feel like you'd really *earned* the right to call the beach your own!
After the Coastal Commission came along & took down the "Private Beach" sign, & sterilized the staircase & made it safe for the stupid & unwary, and essentially eliminated the charm the beach had as a "secret" location, the beach lost that neighborhood feel, and of course, since it *is* truly isolated, had some personal assaults & such reported in later years. [That was truly sad to hear about.] And then the city started locking the gate at night, so no more midnight swims. And finally the city put in a traffic light at 9th Ave because too many idiots were getting hurt & causing accidents crossing PCH because they couldn't be bothered to wait for a break in the traffic flow [which came every 4.5 minutes or so as the lights at the hospital & Vista del Sol came into harmony] so it was no longer even hard to find.
Sic transit gloria mundi.
Don't get me wrong, it's still a great beach, largely because you won't find many who aren't already fit [& therefore look good in a bathing suit] willing to dare the physical trial of all those steps! :) And calling it "Thousand Steps" really helps in that regard: sounds more imposing that "Two Hundred Thirty, more or less, Steps" now doesn't it? ;)
But modern users just cannot appreciate what was lost due to population pressure and the systemic immortality of a bureaucracy that had already fulfilled it's purpose, but must continue to do something, *anything* to justify it's continued-but-no-longer-needed existence. -
Review from Sammy G.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Omg I'm so out of shape. This beach was average for me. I was expecting something extravagant that would blow me away but I was a little disappointed. I think the idea of the 1000 steps is awesome, but it's about the only cool thing. When you get to the bottom the houses are wild, they have their own stairways down to the beach which is $$! I personally was expecting more out of the experience because someone had recommended it to me and seeing all the Yelp reviews I was excited. The steps are definitely a workout, like everyone says- going down is easy, going up- not so much. The way down, I'd be careful, the steps are smaller then I thought and steeper. Going up, half way up I was fine, the rest.. I slowed down haha. Parking on the street is difficult to find. I'd look for another beach, other ones seemed easier and nicer.
