Main Beach and the Laguna Beach coast

Outdoors

Waterfalls near Laguna Beach

13 named waterfalls within 37 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.

Waterfalls within 37 mi

13

Closest

5.7 mi

Metrolink Bridge

Within 10 miles

2

Map

Map of 13 places loads as you scroll.

All waterfalls, nearest first

  1. 5.7mi
    Metrolink Bridge

    Directions ↗

  2. 6.1mi
    Dana Point Seasonal Waterfall

    Directions ↗

  3. 16.9mi
    Canyon Falls

    Directions ↗

  4. 17.1mi
    Harding Canyon Falls

    Directions ↗

  5. 18.4mi
    Holly Jim Falls

    Directions ↗

  6. 19.1mi
    Lion Canyon Falls

    Directions ↗

  7. 19.6mi
    Black Star Canyon Falls

    Directions ↗

  8. 20.7mi
    Ortega Falls

    Directions ↗

  9. 21mi
    Frog Jump Falls

    Directions ↗

  10. 21.2mi
    Schweitzer Falls

    Directions ↗

  11. 21.4mi
    Tenaja Falls

    Directions ↗

  12. 33.4mi
    Gavilan Mountain Waterfall

    Directions ↗

  13. 36.4mi
    El Salto Falls

    Directions ↗

Straight-line distance from the center of Laguna Beach; driving and trail distances are longer.

Before you go

Go after rain or snowmelt

Most falls run strongest in spring and after storms, and some dry up by late summer.

Stay on the trail

Rocks near falls are slick with spray and algae; most waterfall injuries come from climbing or wading at the top.

Check access

Some falls are on private land or need a permit or parking pass. Confirm trail status before you go.

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Questions

What is the closest waterfall to Laguna Beach?

Metrolink Bridge, about 5.7 miles from the center of Laguna Beach.

How many waterfalls are near Laguna Beach?

13 named waterfalls are within 37 miles, 2 of them within 10 miles.

When is the best time to see waterfalls near Laguna Beach?

Spring and the days after heavy rain bring the most flow. In dry months smaller falls can slow to a trickle.

Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.

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