This is a California classic, not easy to find but worth the journey to find this throwback to early California beach life.

We decided to check out this scenic and historic hidden gem for our one day get away during the hot Labor Day Weekend. For easiest parking, park on South Coast Highway (PCH) at the intersection with Nyes Pl. Then simply go underneath the bridge to Victoria Street and turn left and walk down to the end of Dumond Drive which goes directly to the sand. It’s about a five to seven minute walk. The day we went, high tide was around noon and low tide started with 6 am. We arrived at this enchanted place around 7:30 am and got to have an amazing photo opportunity with very few crowds. The Pirate Tower was originally built by a California Senator in 1926 to access the beach from his home on the cliff. There is even the ruins of what once was a huge seaside swimming pool with 4 foot thick walls. It felt really secluded here with an up close look at the tower and a panoramic view of the cliff, the rock formations, and ocean. Wear flip flops or sandals to protect your feet to get up to the base of the tower and to cross the other side of the tower since the path is not flat and can be very wet and slippery. Be cautious of the tides since the time-frame we visited was still low tide, but we got soaked and drenched once by the strong surf. Come at sunrise or sunset for the best pictures. We will absolutely come back to this dreamy surreal spot.

This eccentric staircase belongs to the property just above the cliff. I can just imagine how many thousands of pictures have been taken over the decades at this famous location. Whomever built it did an excellent construction job because the tides have not washed it away over the decades. These days the city would never allow something like this to be built on a public beach - truly one of a kind.