Heisler Park

Much than can be said about adjacent Diver's Cove applies to Heisler Park (also known as Picnic Beach) but the this site exhibits a difference in bottom contour and vegetation, and I think a better variety and abundance of marine life. It is also included in the marine reserve and I was advised that nothing may be taken from the water. I found dorids and nudibranches on the rocks on a springtime visit. There were some gorgonian sea fans and limpets on the rocks, as well as sole or halibut on the sandy patches. There were blue-banded gobies on the kelp holdfasts. Garibaldi, blacksmith, senorite wrasse, opaleye and other fish were sufficient in number to make this a worthwhile dive. Swimming to the south, to the left of my shore entry, I found a thicker growth of kelp in approx. 30 ft depth. Entries and exits can be difficult when the surf is up. This beach is very crowded with sun worshippers during the summer months, when classes are out, and simply finding a parking space is challenge. Parking on Cliff Drive (overlooking the beach) is metered. This site is a good choice to bring nondiving family members, because there are restrooms, a shower and picnic tables available. Traffic in Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway is very dense during the warmer months, but there are interesting shops, galleries and restaurants throughout the city. If you're a diver who balances time under the surface with quality family time, this site can cover both priorities.