West St. Beach is our world-renowned gay beach in South Laguna, actually north of West St. under Camels Point Dr. LGBTQ people have always been welcome in Laguna Beach. The best way to get there is by Laguna’s free trolley or OCTA #1 bus. Get off at West Street — walk down the stairway to the beach and walk north. Cars can park in Aliso Beach pay parking lots and Coast Highway, etc. Camels Point Dr. is a walking, public access way and is the first walkway south of Aliso Beach going down to the gay beach, which is now a city beach. Despite South Laguna being part of Laguna Beach for years, it has been a county beach. Let’s hope the city continues to provide volleyball courts and rental restrooms. The nearest bars are at the Coyote Grill, the RANCH (a 15-minute walk from West St.) has an inside bar with a beautiful view, the Harvest restaurant, a snack counter on their patio, a 9-hole golf course, wonderful rooms and suites, a big pool, jacuzzi and a store. West St. Beach is isolated, so bring food and remember the beach patrol will enforce the no alcohol city law. The city of Laguna Beach has 50 plus alcohol outlets and no marijuana dispensaries. It is illegal to smoke in town, no matter where you are, including the beach before West St.
The gay beach was at the Main Beach boardwalk from the old lifeguard tower to the Hotel Laguna. On that part of the boardwalk, there was a big gay destination bar that, on a busy weekend, served hundreds of cases of Bud. Another destination bar, the Boom Boom Room, eventually took its place. Going north – don’t forget the Lost Pier Cafe on the sand at Aliso Beach and half a mile north of Wesley Drive in Gelson’s parking lot includes the Japanese O restaurants sushi bar, the bar and restaurants – La Serena and Starfish, and at the north end, Z Pizza are really good. Across Coast Highway, do not forget the beautiful Treasure Island Park with picnic tables, showers and four beaches. Besides the park, you can find the Montage Hotel with an outdoor terrace cafe and inside the sparkling Loft restaurant. Have fun!
Roger Carter, Laguna Beach
