Southern California is known for its water sports and Aliso Beach Park is no exception. Swimming, surfing, skimboarding and skin diving take place in the waters off Aliso Beach. Sunbathing, tidepool exploration (look but don't touch) and sand castle building are also beach related activities.

History

Aliso Creek, its surrounding salt marshes, and the overlooking coastal mountains were all once formidable barriers to travel. This area acted as a boundary between the two major Indian tribes. To the south the Juanenos made their home, while to the north the Gabrieleno tribes were found.

Transportation across this area was made easier when a Mr. Thurston, one of Laguna's early pioneers, created the Aliso Canyon Wagon Trail and the Old Coast Wagon Trail. Along these roads came many camping enthusiasts from inland Orange and Riverside Counties. Aliso Beach became a popular stopping place. The County of Orange has owned portions of Aliso Beach since 1949. Parking facilities, restrooms and lifeguard services were soon installed. A 600-foot, diamond-shaped pier was built in the early 1970s, but later removed due to storm damage in 1998.