Goff Cove in Laguna Beach: Discover the Secluded Splendor of this Coastal Haven!

Goff Cove in Laguna Beach is a great find for those who want a combination of easy to reach, beautiful views, and peaceful waters. Situated just south of Christmas Cove and north of Middle Man Cove, Goff Cove is notable for its mix of being easy to get to while still feeling secluded. Shielded from waves and wind by Goff Island, this beach is especially good for families with young children.

Quick Overview of Goff Cove

FeaturesActivitiesAccess & ParkingHighlights
Easy to reach, beautiful views, peaceful waters.Sunbathing, tide pooling, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, picnicking, walking, body surfing, body boarding, swimming. Convenient stairway from the paved walkway on the bluff or down a ramp at the end of the bluff. Parking available along Pacific Coast Highway and near the Montage Resort, offering both free and paid options.Shielded from waves and wind by Goff Island, making it especially good for families with young children. Clean and family-friendly environment maintained by Montage Laguna Beach.
South-facing position below a bluff west of the Montage Resort.Additional amenities include picnic tables, sea rocks, walking paths, benches, and accessible tide pools.Easy access via stairs or ramp, accommodating visitors with bikes, coolers, or strollers. Access to neighboring Christmas Cove and Treasure Island Beach is also available.Proximity to Treasure Island Park for extra facilities like showers and places for a picnic.
Tall, pyramid-shaped rock known as Goff Island.While exploring tide pools, be cautious of the rocky bottom and respect local wildlife. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance sitting on the rocks near Goff Island. Metered parking on PCH near the Montage Resort and underground parking at Treasure Island Beach are available, though not free. Neighborhood parking across from Treasure Island Beach is also paid.Goff Island provides a natural scenic backdrop and helps keep the cove’s sand in place, enhancing the beach’s seclusion and charm.
Located just south of Christmas Cove and north of Middle Man Cove.To the left of Goff Cove, find Middle Man Cove accessible by climbing over rocks—a challenging but rewarding venture for those seeking quieter spots.Climbing Goff Island is not advised due to slippery surfaces and safety concerns.The beach’s amenities, such as bathrooms and showers, are located up on the bluff, requiring a walk up the stairs or ramp.
Stairs Down to Goff Cove
Stairs Down to Goff Cove

The beach is known for its south-facing position below a bluff west of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, California. One of its defining features is a tall, pyramid-shaped rock known as Goff Island, which helps keep the cove’s sand in place and links the island to the shore.

Goff Cove picture taken from the bluff
The picture of Goff Cove I took from the bluff

While you might see people climbing onto Goff Island, it’s important to be cautious as the surfaces can be slippery, and climbing is generally not advised due to safety concerns​​.

goff cove area
Goff Cove area

In terms of activities, Goff Cove offers a variety of options including sunbathing, tide pooling, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, picnicking, and walking. For those interested in more active pursuits, body surfing, body boarding, and swimming are popular choices. The beach is also equipped with amenities like picnic tables, sea rocks, walking paths, benches, and tide pools​​​​.

The stairs to Goff Cove in laguna Beach
The entrance to Goff Cove in laguna Beach

Access to Goff Cove is convenient, with a stairway from the paved walkway on the bluff or down a ramp at the end of the bluff. Parking is available along Pacific Coast Highway and near the Montage Resort, offering both free and paid options​​​​.

Goff Cove with a lookout on top of the cliff
Goff Cove with a lookout on top of the cliff

Montage Laguna Beach looks after Goff Cove as part of their agreement with the city, making sure it’s always clean. The beach is surrounded by natural features, with rocks that create a safe and cozy area, which is great for families with kids. Once you’ve spent time at the beach, you can visit Treasure Island Park for extra facilities like showers and places to have a picnic, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset.

easy ramp to Goff Cove
Easy ramp to Goff Cove

My Experience Visiting Goff Cove

I recently visited Goff Cove and it was a great experience. I initially headed to Treasure Island Beach but found it too crowded, so I walked over to Goff Cove. The beach is accessible via stairs, but I noticed a ramp too, which is handy for anyone with a bike, cooler, or stroller. From the ramp, you can also get to Christmas Cove.

Goff Cove sign
Goff Cove sign

Goff Cove, nestled between Christmas Cove and Treasure Island, features the prominent Goff Island (the big rock you see when getting down from the ramp). I managed to find parking on PCH near the Montage Resort, though it’s metered.

Goff Island tide pool area

There’s also underground parking at Treasure Island Beach, but it’s not free either. Previously, I’ve also parked across the street from Treasure Island Beach in a neighborhood, but that’s also paid parking.

Goff cove in Laguna Beach California

The beach itself is stunning, although the bathrooms and showers are up on the bluff. So you have to go up the stairs or ramp every time you need to use the bathroom.

rocky edge you can sit on at Goff Island beach
The rocky edge you can sit on at Goff Island beach

I really enjoyed sitting on the rocks near Goff Island; it’s peaceful and not too crowded. The picnic tables are on the bluff and offer a beautiful ocean view. There are no picnic tables down on the beach.

Nice spot to sit on the rocks at Goff Island Beach
Nice spot to sit on the rocks at Goff Island Beach

While climbing Goff Island can be tempting, it’s risky unless you stick to the lower rocks during low tide to check out the tide pools. You may even see seals sunbathing on the rocks. Goff Island provides shade if you sit against it, which is nice if you don’t have a sun umbrella. Just be mindful that the beach has a rocky bottom.

Goff Isnland Beach sign with rules
Goff Island Beach sign with rules

To the left of Goff Cove, you’ll find a small cove called Middle Man Cove. Reaching this cove requires climbing over rocks, which can be challenging if you’re with kids or carrying a lot of beach gear.

This sign is right in front of the Goff Island (the big rock)
This sign is right in front of the Goff Island (the big rock)

While I didn’t see a lifeguard tower at Goff Cove, I noticed one at Christmas Cove.

Conclusion


Goff Cove in Laguna Beach is an excellent choice for a beach outing. It offers both easy access and a quiet, secluded feel. Perfect for families and those who want to enjoy the sea away from the busy, popular beaches. The presence of Goff Island adds to the cove’s charm, offering both scenic views and a natural barrier for safer beach exploration.

me on the beach
About the author

Hi, I'm Kat, the adventurous spirit behind TasteCaliforniaTravel, your guide to the hidden wonders of California. Having called California home for the last 15 years, I am thrilled to take you along on my journey and share the adventures that this incredible state has to offer.

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