Laguna Beach's
'La Tour'
Saturday, November 23
Start time: 9:00 A.M.
Meeting Place: Laguna Beach
Details: Easy – 1.1 mile roundtrip – 150 ft gain/loss – Very Short but STEEP grade
Trail Head: Meeting at the Intersection of Victoria Drive & Nyes Place in Laguna Beach. Street Address: 223 Nyes Place, Laguna Beach, CA.
One of the most unique and mysterious landmarks of Southern California is the tower that stands at the base of a cliff in Laguna Beach.
The structure, known as “La Tour” (French for Tower) is a 60-foot castle-inspired tower. Its as built at the same time as the house at the top of the bluff, in 1926, and was used as a way to get from the house down to the beach below, which is a beautiful stretch of sand called Victoria Beach. The beach tower is made of poured concrete with an ocean stone foundation and cone-shaped roof made of shingles. Several narrow window openings in the tower wall allow light to pass through to the wooden spiral stairway inside.
Sometimes also referred to as the ‘Pirate’s Tower’ by locals, and as the "Sandcastle" by yours truly, this iconic landmark will have you believing in fairy tales of long ago.
Not only will we go to the "La Tour", but our journey includes going to the beach (how fun!) and traversing through some tide pools.
The view from the beach is breathtaking and you will believe in the ‘magic’ that this world does possess!
DOGS ARE WELCOMED - must be leashed for Ruby's Diner - we will eat on the rooftop patio (bring a jacket - ocean breeze can be very cool!)
Afterwards, we will head to Ruby's Diner for 'brunch'! Yummy!
Ruby's is less than 1/2 mile from where we are parked for the hike, but we will drive to the diner after our hike. You do not want to walk along Pacific Coast Highway! Click here for map showing Ruby's Diner.
Getting to the Trailhead/Meeting Point:
There are several ways to get to the meeting point. This is a generic direction (avoiding toll roads) and is NOT applicable if you are originating your trip along/near PCH.
From the 405 Freeway Southbound or 5 Freeway Southbound: Exit CA-133 S to Laguna Beach. At the T-intersection when you hit the beach turn left (south bound) onto PCH. Go approximately 2.1 miles to Nyes Place. Turn left on to Nyes Place, then start looking for parking. My recommendation is to continue up Nyes Place until you find a parking (street) spot. This is free street parking; since we are arriving early there should be plenty of parking available.
From the 5 Freeway Northbound. Exit Crown Valley Parkway to PCH. At PCH, turn right on to PCH (you are heading North). Go approximately 6.5 miles and turn right on to Nyes Place and start looking for parking. My recommendation is to continue up Nyes Place until you find a parking (street) spot. This is free street parking; since we are arriving early there should be plenty of parking available.
We will met at the corner of Nyes Place and Victoria Drive. If using your GPS the house at this meeting point is 223 Nyes Place - do NOT disturb the tenants. This address is simply a reference point for your GPS.
My recommendation: Simply put in 223 Nyes Place, Laguna Beach in your cell phone or car maps/GPS and follow the directions. Click here for map.
We will depart the meeting point at 9 AM.
Important Note: We will access the stairs going down to the beach, and climb up the drive way on our way out (or you can take the stairs back up - your choice)
There is NO FEE for this trip. However, if you decide to attend 'Brunch' (which we hope you do!) then of course you pay for your meal.
Contact: If you have any questions about this event, please contact the trip leader noted above.
Additional notes:
1. The 'hike' to the beach is on a paved city street. Recommend sneakers.
2. Due to the special nature of this 'hike', the ten essentials are not necessary. You may consider bringing a water bottle.
3. There is the possibility of your shoes getting wet if a wave catches you.
4. We will be on the beach; walking in sand is to be expected.
5. There is a steep slope to the beach; hand rails are provided.
6. West Street Beach (Gay Beach) is just further down the road from Ruby's for those you are so inclined to extend their Sunday Funday!
7. Dogs are allowed on the beach; so bring your furry friend! And they are welcomed at Ruby's Rooftop Outdoor Patio!
Trip Leader: Lance
Email: [email protected]
Photos from Past Hike to Laguna's Sandcastle
The gang ready to chow down at Ruby's Rooftop.
