Introduction to the Enclave: 
Thousand Steps Beach has been a local’s secret getaway. Located between 9th and 10th streets in South Laguna, the beach is not crowded because of the extremely steep incline of steps. There are actually 262 very steep steps, and once you make it down, you will be truly amazed by the tranquil beauty of this cove, which is mostly populated by residents of the area. After a long day in the sun and sand, those 262 steps feel like 1.000 steps, and your legs will burn. The locals use it for an intense workout. The south end of 10th Street is popular for skimboarding due to the shore break. Also, it’s a great spot to snorkel, water currents permitting. Sometimes you will experience some pretty crazy riptides. For the majority of sun seekers hitting Thousand Steps Beach, you’ll encounter a younger crowd.
In the off season during mid-week, this is the kind of cove you might be the only one on the sand. If you’re looking for a reprieve that doesn’t cost you airfare, this is my choice spot. Growing up in Laguna and raising my children here, I have enjoyed every beach. This one is worth the extra effort. There are two restrooms and a shower located at the bottom of the steps. Parking is limited on Pacific Coast Highway, or on side streets.
Bordered By: Thousand Steps Beach is bordered by Three Arch Bay to the south and Aliso Creek to the north. This is Sublime So. Cal at its purest. To locate Thousand Steps Beach, the city recently put in a stoplight at 9th Avenue in South Laguna. You will see the entrance of Thousand Steps located at the 9th Avenue traffic light.
Views: Stunning multi-cove, white sandy beaches, Catalina Island and city lights views that you can capture from many South Laguna homes. Sunsets in South Laguna are magical.
Homes: You’ll find a variety of style and architecture. Contemporary, Modern, Mediterranean, French Country, Craftsman, Cape Cod and Bohemian beach cottage chic are the styles that make South Laguna unique. The homes are built on a steeper grade slope providing vast coastal vistas, white sand, Catalina Island and city lights views. Mature native plants, trees and lush tropical landscape are laced throughout these beach sophisticated properties. The first beach cottage was constructed in the early 1920s when Laguna was being viewed as the perfect beach haven.
Community Features/Amenities/Special Events: South Laguna has a coastal private community – Three Arch Bay, a hospital, fire department, six amazing restaurants, a community garden, charming children’s play park nestled in the trees, some of the best hiking with amazing coastal and city views, and a handful of other services from antique stores, a donut shop, nail salon, tennis store, kitchen design, and gas station/general store. There still exists a retro beach town feeling. The most secluded cove beaches in all of Southern California are located in here; Thousand Steps is one of these. This is an incredible place to call home!
Why You Love Living Here: There are many reasons I love living in South Laguna. But when you get down to it for me … it’s the people. You can live in a beautiful place, but if you’re not surrounded by neighbors and friends you enjoy then it is just another pretty place. The setting is beautiful and the residents are too.
Current Market Activity: There are currently 54 homes for sale ranging from $649,000 to $19,950,000: a sublime place to purchase a starter home or your premier estate. At $649,000 you will get a two bedroom, 1one bath beach cottage only two blocks from the coveted coves, also move in ready. The top of your price range at $19,950,000, will yield a very unique four bedroom, five bath estate sitting high on a monolithic rock formation with spellbinding views currently under construction. Whether you are under one million or peaking at 20 million, you will be satisfied at the selection and the opportunity to own a piece of Laguna coastline property. There are a few oceanfront condo complexes that offer wonderful oceanfront amenities. Sales activity has been steady for 2011. Currently, there are 11 properties in escrow ranging in price from $474,000 to $6,200,000. Closed sales for 2011 to 4/12/2011 are at 14 properties ranging in price from $465,000 to $2,465,000. For an example of one of the many opportunities at this time, you can purchase an oceanfront property at $3,998,000. This two bedroom, 2.5 bath French Country seacliff romantic property is one of those many opportunities! *
*The specific market area for Current Market Activity is Three Arch Bay to Camel Point.
To reach Marilie Croul-Bunce, who lives at Thousand Steps Beach, contact her at HOM Real Estate Group, 32356 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Call 949.342.3626. Email her at mcroulbunce@homgroup.com. Visit www.homgroup.com.
