Nestled along the stunning Laguna Beach coastline, Heisler Park is a true hidden treasure offering breathtaking ocean views, lush gardens, meandering walking paths, tide pools, and some of the best beach access points in Orange County. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning stroll, an adventurous tide pool exploration, a scenic picnic, or an unforgettable photoshoot backdrop, Heisler Park delivers it all.

As a photographer, I have spent countless sunset sessions and golden-hour shoots here, capturing families, couples, and maternity portraits in one of the most picturesque spots in Southern California. There’s something truly magical about the way the light reflects off the ocean, the palm trees frame the horizon, and the waves crash onto the rocky shore.

This guide will help you explore Heisler Park like a local, covering everything from where to park to the best photo locations, must-see tide pools, and the famous Heisler Park Beach Stairway.

Where is Heisler Park?

📍 Address: 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Heisler Park sits just north of Main Beach in Laguna Beach, stretching along Cliff Drive between Aster Street and Diver’s Cove.

Getting There:

• From Los Angeles: Take I-405 South to CA-133 South (Laguna Canyon Road), then merge onto Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) South toward Laguna Beach.

• From San Diego: Take I-5 North to CA-73 North, then merge onto PCH South toward Laguna Beach.

Things to Do at Heisler Park

1. Walk Down the Heisler Park Beach Stairway

One of the most picturesque spots in Heisler Park is the Heisler Park Beach Stairway, a beautifully crafted staircase that leads directly down to the sand.

📍 Where to Find It:
✔ Located at the north end of Heisler Park, between Diver’s Cove and Picnic Beach.
✔ The staircase offers sweeping views of the ocean as you descend toward the shoreline.

💡 Personal Insight: If you love a cinematic entrance to the beach, this is it. The view from the top of the stairs is jaw-dropping, and it’s one of my go-to spots for capturing stunning portraits.

2. Capture Unforgettable Moments with a Photoshoot

Heisler Park is a dream location for photographers thanks to its panoramic views, colorful flower gardens, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches.

📍 Best Photo Locations at Heisler Park:
✔ Heisler Park Beach Stairway – Iconic oceanfront staircase perfect for portraits.
✔ Picnic Beach Overlook – Best for golden-hour family or maternity shoots.
✔ Gazebo Area – Offers a quiet, intimate setting for couples and engagements.
✔ Diver’s Cove – Dramatic rocks and tide pools for a more artistic touch.

🚨 Photography Permit Required: If you’re planning a professional photoshoot, you must obtain a $100 permit from the City of Laguna Beach. This rule is strictly enforced, so make sure to get approval ahead of time.

🔗 Interested in a photoshoot here? Check out my family photography and maternity photography pages!

3. Explore the Tide Pools

If you love discovering marine life up close, the tide pools at Heisler Park are some of the best in Orange County.

✔ Diver’s Cove and Picnic Beach are the top spots for tide pools.
✔ See sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and small fish nestled among the rocks.
✔ This area is part of a protected marine reserve, meaning everything must be left untouched.

💡 Personal Insight: I love visiting the tide pools at low tide—it’s fascinating to see the ocean retreat and reveal a whole hidden underwater world.

🚨 Tide Pool Etiquette:

• Don’t pick up or remove any marine creatures.

• Watch where you step—rocks are slippery, and marine life is delicate.

• Respect the ecosystem by leaving everything as you found it.

4. Enjoy a Scenic Picnic

One of the best things about Heisler Park is the abundance of picnic areas with unbeatable ocean views.

✔ Picnic Beach – A sandy, relaxed spot for a beachside meal.
✔ Cliffside Park Benches – Watch the waves roll in while you eat.
✔ Gazebo Area – A shaded, romantic spot perfect for date-night picnics.

💡 Local Tip: Grab takeout from Las Brisas or Urth Cafe just a short walk from the park, or pack a meal from home.

Parking at Heisler Park | Best Options

Parking in Laguna Beach is notoriously tricky, but with a little planning, you can find great spots near Heisler Park.

Where to Park:

✔ Metered Parking on Cliff Drive – Closest option but fills up quickly, especially in Summer months.
✔ Laguna Beach Public Parking Lot 11 (Glenneyre Street) – A 5-minute walk to the park.
✔ Laguna Beach Parking Lot 10 (Laguna Canyon Road) – Offers long-term parking and a free trolley to the park.

💡 Parking Tip: Arrive early in the morning or after 4 PM to increase your chances of finding a spot.

🔗 More parking info: City of Laguna Beach Parking

Best Time to Visit Heisler Park

🏖 Best Seasons to Visit:
✔ Spring & Fall – Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
✔ Summer – Perfect weather but crowded.
✔ Winter – Quiet sunsets and fewer beachgoers.

🌅 Best Time of Day:
✔ Morning (before 10 AM) – Best for peaceful walks and light crowds.
✔ Golden Hour (one hour before sunset) – Best for photography and romantic views.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Heisler Park?

Heisler Park is a must-visit destination in Laguna Beach, whether you're looking for a relaxing picnic, a scenic coastal walk, a tide pool adventure, or a breathtaking photoshoot location.

📸 Want to book a photoshoot here?
Check out my family photography and maternity photography pages to capture stunning moments at Heisler Park!

Plan Your Visit:

📍 Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, CA
📍 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
💲 Parking: $1.50–$2.50 per hour (metered), additional public lots nearby
🚶‍♂️ Beach Access: Heisler Park Beach Stairway & Diver’s Cove
📸 Perfect for: Family, maternity, engagement & couples photography
🚨 Photography permit required for professional sessions ($100 per session).

🔗 More Park Info: City of Laguna Beach