Victoria Beach is one of Orange County’s more secluded public areas, the tiny beach is guarded by rocky cliffs on both ends and is only accessible by a narrow concrete stairway down a steep slope. Above the beach, lush hillsides are dotted with large houses on stilts where the county’s wealthiest residents reside. Beyond the beach’s north end is a small cove, best explored at low tide, which harbors a storybook mystery known to some locals as the Pirate Tower.
The 60 foot rocket-like structure seems to have been carved out of the cliff by massive waves hundreds of years ago. Ocean breezes moan through small portals covered by rusting metal grates on the tower’s sides and a large door at the structure’s base, also covered in rust, reveals a wooden spiral staircase twisting to the ledge above.
According to a report written by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, both the house and tower were built in 1926 for the family of William E. Brown, a state senator representing California’s 37th district, and a frequent Christian Science lecturer. As it turns out, the tower is nothing more than a fancy staircase for the homeowner above. But the backstory is interesting nonetheless.
The tower is located below Victoria Drive off the South Coast Highway at Victoria Beach.
To gain access to the tower take Dumond Drive down to the beach and turn right and walk along the cliff. Access may be limited depending on the tide.
Watch a video here.
WHAT: Victoria Beach Tower
WHEN: Sunup to sundown
WHERE: Laguna Beach, CA
SOCIAL MEDIA: Yelp
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