It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Pirate Tower gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Laguna Beach, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89”
“The VA had brought in caregivers for my father from Always Best Care Newport Beach.”
“Always Best was always professional and went out of their way to make my dad”
“Had a good experience with this care provider, my father needed home care doing daily”
“My sister and I feel so fortunate to have found Phuong at ABC Care when”
“The caregivers were a Godsend for me. Allowed me to breath and get away. Caregivers”
“My uncle received care through Always Best Care and I always knew he was in”
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker . She has taken care of me for almost a year. She has helped me shower , dress me , do light house work , helped me walk and even helped me after my surgeries and recovery . I don’t know what I would’ve done without her . She is an amazing human with the biggest heart . ❤️”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were so great and helpful in their own way. If I requested one,,as I did many a time, she would do her best to honor my request. I highly reccommend her and Best Care.”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family. The caretakers and this company came highly recommended from a friend and now I understand why. This business has been very accommodating and understanding and has tremendous experience. Every individual has unique needs and this company does its best to harmonize with the customers needs. We worked with Karla,Ronny,Michelle and Betsy. Dementia and Alzheimer's are very cruel ailments and ABC came through for us to help take care of my father's needs and to take pressure off of my mother by helping with daily tasks.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team are the best. Phuong knew what my mother needed even before we did, as she knows the business front and back. She also has a compassionate heart. The only reason we stopped was because my mother could never return home and needed to be placed in a home. My mother loved her home and was grateful she could live there with the help of Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened. Phuong was adaptable and worked with us regarding scheduling, doctor appointments and any other needs we had with our in-home care. I would definitely recommend Phuong and her team with any home healthcare needs.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7 days a week care so the caregivers became part of our family! Not every caregiver was a good fit but Phoung was flexible and worked to insure our days went as smoothly as possible. I have recommended Always Best Care to friends and they have been thrilled with the care the are receiving.”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and my husbands time positive.”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I arrived home, not being able to do much. I was completely frustrated, then, Always Best Care of came to my rescue! The ladies that came out were extremely helpful, kind, considerate, and understanding. Each week, they would jump in and do things that were absolutely impossible for me to do. I’m very independent, but they helpe me to relax, take it easy and let them handle anything I needed. I am so very grateful for this wonderful service.”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing the staff and clients to assure the experience on both ends exceeds their expectations. It's a great place to work and give back to your community.”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves service provided to a loved one. But where service received becomes an overwhelmingly pleasant experience, the task becomes an easier one. Such is the feeling I have as I look back at the almost three years of care my late husband received from the caregivers provided by the Veterans Administration through the Always Best Care Agency. Of special mention was a very nice lady by the name of Claudette LaCaille, a pre-school teacher by profession who was one of the caregivers that unselfishly cared for him. Not only did she patiently attend to his needs---she provided a genuine companionship to him and great comfort and understanding to me. It made this painful period of my life bearable and easier to accept and cope with. I am also very grateful to the agency’s owner, Nguyen Phuong, for granting my request to send caregivers who could come consistently on a regular schedule. It made him feel like familiar friends were visiting him on a regular basis. I highly recommend the Always Best Care Senior Services and wish their caregiving heroes and heroines the best of health and good fortune now and always.”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital & rehab stay. Thank you for sending Karla for my care.”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a caregiving service after 3 years of doing it myself. Alway Best Care of Fountain Valley is the company that was designated to us. Phuong does a spectacular job in finding the best people possible to fit into a caregiving roll. What impressed me most is the fact that when a caregiver cannot make the scheduled appointment, Phuong does not allow us to be without caregiving service, if she cannot find a replacement she steps up and performs the duties herself. She is most helpful in assisting with regular caregiving service and does not feel it below her to chip in with light housekeeping chores. BRAVO Ms Phuong, your company’s service is the best.”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend’s personality and to myself to handle his care. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. I was not also easy to deal with being the person in charge to my friend. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude. Penny Byram Westminster”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend's personality as well as to myself. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude.”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They were professional, courteous and kind in their provision of personal care. Many thanks to their staff.”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved one, I reached out to Always Best Care. From our first phone conversation, Phuong was incredibly helpful, highly professional, informative, and kind. She assisted us with getting care for my family member at home and recently helped us with transitioning her into a senior board and care facility. Phuong understood our needs and made the process super smooth and stress free. She always responds to emails and phone calls promptly and is a true gem. I highly recommend Always Best Care and could not be more pleased with the outstanding level of service Phuong provided.”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89 y.o.father, with a different care giver each visit. However as time progressed, the caregivers became more regular and his very favorite became Lauren! He is loving his in-home-care with the kindness and concern each of the caregivers show him.”
“The VA had brought in caregivers for my father from Always Best Care Newport Beach. All team members working with my father 2 days per week were wonderful. My father especially liked Karla and gave her high compliments. The entire team of caregivers from ABC were a blessing to my father and his wife. Thank you for your service. ????”
“Always Best was always professional and went out of their way to make my dad who was 88 feel special and took great care of him. They would accommodate our schedule and came to work on time. They cleaned the house and took great care of Werner. He was not always easy to work with but the staff had patients for him and for me. Always following up with my texts and phone calls. It was such a relief to know I could leave for work in the morning and they would be there to get dad up and started for the day. We were grateful for all they did for him. Debbie Stroman”
“Had a good experience with this care provider, my father needed home care doing daily living activities. The company is great and the help is better.”
“My sister and I feel so fortunate to have found Phuong at ABC Care when we were looking for care for my mother. Over many years of her helping us, Phuong never let us down and her team was professional, responsible and caring. If you are looking for someone to care for your loved one with compassion and consistency I would highly recommend Phuong. She is very hard working, was always accessible to us and takes personal responsibility for her team. We were so grateful to have her helping us with our mom.”
“The caregivers were a Godsend for me. Allowed me to breath and get away. Caregivers we're friendly, helpful around house, great conversation with my dad, really made his day!!! Caregivers helped with my dads quality of life”
“My uncle received care through Always Best Care and I always knew he was in good hands. When the need for care increased, they were able to answer that need immediately . It felt like having extended family looking after my uncle.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Top of the World Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Loft or visit Top of the World, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Laguna Beach, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Laguna Beach, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Laguna Beach, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A slender beach tucked between two coves in Southern California has an inaccurate name. “Thousand Steps” is a misnomer, but frankly, that’s a good thing.“It’s always been called ‘Thousand Steps,’” Eric Jessen, a retired chief planner for the Orange County parks department, told SFGATE. “Why? Because it’s a lot of steps — not a thousand, but a lot of steps.”More accurately, the secluded spot in Laguna Beach has 218 steps, and they have carried Californians t...
A slender beach tucked between two coves in Southern California has an inaccurate name. “Thousand Steps” is a misnomer, but frankly, that’s a good thing.
“It’s always been called ‘Thousand Steps,’” Eric Jessen, a retired chief planner for the Orange County parks department, told SFGATE. “Why? Because it’s a lot of steps — not a thousand, but a lot of steps.”
More accurately, the secluded spot in Laguna Beach has 218 steps, and they have carried Californians to a pristine shore that locals have fought over for more than a century.
Unlike other beaches in Orange County that are more accessible, such as Dana Point, Crystal Cove or Newport Beach, the entrance to Thousand Steps Beach appears so suddenly that if you blink while driving on Highway 1, you’ll miss it — like I did on a recent visit. Also called the Ninth Street Beach, its staircase entrance is marked with just a sign and encased in foliage. But anyone willing to venture down the 218 steps will find a quiet beach that locals once fought to keep secluded. Over 50 years ago, homeowners challenged the state over public access just as the California Coastal Commission was conceived to ensure the state’s beaches remained open to all.
The staircase has lived several lives over the years — losing some steps, being rebuilt and going through renovations along the way. But when a landslide threatened the beach in January, Thousand Steps Beach was forced to close temporarily. As is the case across the Orange County shore, its future is jeopardized by an unbeatable foe that’s underfoot and slowly clawing away at the California coastline.
Reaching Thousand Steps Beach is, at best, an inconvenience, and at worst, dangerous. The beach access point is unassuming, tucked beside gorgeous luxury homes with stunning ocean views.
There is no designated parking. With luck, visitors find a spot on the north side of the street near Ninth Avenue. I was not lucky and had to park much farther away. There is no sidewalk or even a curb for the majority of the walk toward the beach on Highway 1. I was either walking in the bike lane or weaving in and out of the busy highway, especially in places where drivers illegally parked their cars.
Once I arrived at the top of the staircase, I peered down the narrow void shrouded by foliage. As someone who’s a little clumsy, the steep staircase was a bit intimidating. But I rolled up my pants, held onto the railing and watched my step. The stairs may have been only a little over 200 steps, but considering the nearly half a mile from the car, it probably took about a thousand steps to reach the beach.
Once I made it to the sand, hot to the touch that day, I surveyed the crowd. It was predominantly made up of surfers enjoying the waves and young adults soaking up the perfect weather. The beach is about 400 yards long and, unlike others that are made for more recreational activities — because there’s no bike path, pier or bonfire pits — the only things to do at Thousand Steps Beach are enjoy the water and the scenery. It’s more than enough.
Although the beach is public, I noticed small sections were roped off in front of some homes, but California law stipulates homeowners can privatize up to the mean high tide line. I’d later discover it’s a unique case at Thousand Steps Beach.
Unfortunately, I missed one of the most unique elements of Thousand Steps Beach. There are sea caves and tide pools located on the southern end, but I didn’t get a chance to explore them since the tide was too high.
If the stairs on the way down were daunting, the way back up was petrifying. I’m not much of a hiker, but I’ve summited La Piedra del Peñol, a giant rock in Colombia that’s made up of over 700 steps. If I could do that, I could make it back up the 218 steps ahead.
I took two breaks on our way up, and I wasn’t the only one. A passerby said her Pilates classes didn’t prepare her for them. At the top, I saw another woman who was behind us had vomited (although it was unclear if it was due to the stairs).
Breathless and back on the highway, I was eager to learn how the staircase to the secluded beach first appeared and the effort from locals to keep it all to themselves.
The staircase to Thousand Steps Beach dates as far back as 1905, according to the Orange County Register. Back then, nearby homeowners claimed a portion of the beach and restricted access to the public.
Jessen, whose family built their home in Laguna Beach 102 years ago, said that people were offered a share in the stairwell after purchasing a house in the Three Palisades subdivision. The beach and staircase were a prized asset that some believed was worth defending against outsiders.
“Over the years, they used to have a guard who would sometimes sit in a folding chair at the top of the stairs and either permit or deny people to go down,” Jessen said.
Eventually, the homeowners who attempted to privatize the beach lost the battle when public beach access became a popular issue in the state.
Californians grew increasingly concerned about their beaches following a major oil spill in Santa Barbara in 1969. A movement to protect the shore and ensure accessibility was born. In 1972, Californians put a coastal conservation initiative on the ballot, which created a commission to preserve the coastal zone. More than half of California voters passed the measure, and the California Coastal Commission was born.
In the same year, the Orange County Board of Supervisors proposed a plan to develop the coastline — including building new steps for Thousand Steps Beach — but homeowners filed a lawsuit. In response, county officials turned to the public and collected nearly 2,000 responses from residents across Orange County to establish how the beach had always been public. The public support helped the county prove that it was within its right to develop a new stairway and access to the beach.
“What we did was something rather clever, but it was a major undertaking,” Jessen said.
The homeowners settled with the county, and Jessen said a compromise allowed owners to claim 20 feet from the bluffs. It’s a slight variation to the California law, which permits homeowners to privatize up to the mean high tide line, and explains why the sand boxes formed by posts and ropes are larger than usual.
The stairs were redeveloped and reopened in the 1980s, and Orange County Parks continuously repairs the staircase, replacing steps as recently as 2021. But a few years later, a natural disaster emphasized the fragility of California beaches when Thousand Steps Beach was forced to close unexpectedly.
On Jan. 31, a major landslide blew out a private entryway leading to Thousand Steps Beach and closed the beach for debris removal. The city cleanup was swift, and the beach reopened the same day, but a few nearby homes were evacuated.
“This was a significant bluff collapse,” Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King told the LA Times following the landslide.
Numerous parts of the California coast are threatened by a battery of atmospheric rivers that turn to landslides, but the Orange County coastline is particularly vulnerable. In 2023, a mudslide suspended service for the Pacific Surfliner that runs on tracks bordering the ocean. Later that year, a portion of a historic mansion slid off a cliff in San Clemente before another dramatic mudslide left some homes teetering on the edge of a cliff.
Matt Schneider, a spokesperson for the city of Laguna Beach, told SFGATE in an email that landslides “occasionally occur as a result of erosional forces and storm events.”
The future of Thousand Step Beach is uncertain as California beaches continue to shrink, which makes a journey down the staircase onto the secluded beach all the more pressing before it could wash away.
As Southern Californians swelter in a Labor Day weekend heat wave, forecasters are warning that one escape valve — the beaches — could be hazardous.Dangerous rip currents, as well as elevated surf of up to six feet, could strike beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with the highest risk on south-facing shores, especially from Point Mugu to Malibu, the National Weather Service said in a beach hazards statement, which remains in effect through Monday evening.Swimmers can be pulled out to sea by the currents, a...
As Southern Californians swelter in a Labor Day weekend heat wave, forecasters are warning that one escape valve — the beaches — could be hazardous.
Dangerous rip currents, as well as elevated surf of up to six feet, could strike beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with the highest risk on south-facing shores, especially from Point Mugu to Malibu, the National Weather Service said in a beach hazards statement, which remains in effect through Monday evening.
Swimmers can be pulled out to sea by the currents, and the Weather Service is advising beachgoers to stay near lifeguard towers or avoid the water altogether. High waves can also wash people off of beaches and rocks, the Weather Service warned.
“It being the holiday weekend, this was something we wanted to bring attention to,” said Bryan Lewis, a Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard. “I’m sure a lot of people will be escaping the heat and heading to the beach.”
Most of the region is under heat advisories until Tuesday evening, with highs of 95 to at least 105 degrees expected in the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys. Woodland Hills could hit 107 degrees on Tuesday.
Areas near downtown Los Angeles, including the San Gabriel Valley, could experience highs of 95 to 100 degrees Sunday and 95 to 103 degrees Monday and Tuesday.
Downtown L.A. is expected to hit 95 degrees Tuesday, compared with a normal high of around 85. It will be cooler along the coast, with highs in the mid 70s and possibly into the low 80s.
Although this weekend will be uncomfortably hot, temperatures won’t approach record highs, such as 108 degrees for downtown, set in 1955.
Starting as early as Monday night and into Tuesday, there’s a chance of thunderstorms throughout the region, from a 10% to 15% chance along the coasts and some valleys to 15% to 25% for the mountains and the Antelope Valley.
That brings the threat of fires sparked by lightning, amid high temperatures that could spur fires to grow vertically, in a plume-like shape, and to behave erratically.
Forecasters are not expecting significant winds, though any thunderstorms could stir up the atmosphere.
This summer has been “relatively mild” so far, said Lewis of the National Weather Service, with June and July quite a bit cooler than normal, then a few heat waves in August.
To beat the heat this weekend, the L.A. County Department of Public Health recommends drinking plenty of water and avoiding outings during the hottest times of the day.
Those without air conditioning should take cool showers or baths, use their stoves and ovens less and visit a place that does have air conditioning, such as a library or mall.
Despite challenges from residents, the California Coastal Commission will allow two projects — a pedestrian-only zone and a new fire station — to move forward in Laguna Beach.Lower Forest Avenue was transformed into a pedestrian plaza during the pandemic to allow shops and restaurants to continue to operate. The Promenade on Forest, as it is known to locals, closes part of the street — closest to Main Beach — to vehicular traffic. The makeover extended wooden decks and parklets onto the street and the city has ...
Despite challenges from residents, the California Coastal Commission will allow two projects — a pedestrian-only zone and a new fire station — to move forward in Laguna Beach.
Lower Forest Avenue was transformed into a pedestrian plaza during the pandemic to allow shops and restaurants to continue to operate. The Promenade on Forest, as it is known to locals, closes part of the street — closest to Main Beach — to vehicular traffic. The makeover extended wooden decks and parklets onto the street and the city has shown an interest in making the temporary solution permanent.
The City Council approved the coastal development permit for and design of a permanent pedestrian plaza on June 11. Lower Forest was designated as a so-called slow street. The curb and gutter are to be removed, while improvements will be made for drainage, landscaping and lighting.
An appeal to the Coastal Commission filed by Village Laguna and Friends of Forest Avenue had questioned the ability of the city to mitigate the loss of 48 parking spaces, manage potential flooding and whether the project fit the community’s character.
Merrill Anderson, president of Village Laguna, shared 875 signatures opposed to the project with the commission.
Commissioners were unmoved by the concerns, arguing that parking issues shouldn’t stop an otherwise worthy effort to get visitors out of their cars.
“I appreciate the steps that Laguna Beach has taken to mitigate against the parking challenges,” Commissioner Raymond Jackson said during an appeal hearing Aug. 15 in Calabasas. “As we move forward, we cannot let parking be the reason so many good projects fail to move forward.
“I think this proposed project will enhance the experience for both visitors and residents alike, bringing lasting benefits that reflect Laguna’s unique character and expanding opportunities for more to enjoy.”
Commissioner Dayna Bochco referred to the pedestrian plaza as an “oasis” in a “tourist city” where people don’t have to worry about crossing the street and getting hit by a car.
Alternative parking options and the city’s strong public transit system — including trolleys — also met with commission approval.
Anthony Viera, the city’s planning manager, noted that there are 30 parking spaces at the nearby library property that become available in the evening on weekdays and Saturdays and then all day on Sundays.
“I think that this is a model that we should really be celebrating and looking at the on-demand transit services and the other things that they’re doing,” Commissioner Ariel Kelley said. “I think this is a great project because it’s going to get people out into the public realm, out of cars, and into experiencing community and having a relationship with the beach.”
In a second Laguna-related item, the commission denied an appeal by residents to block plans for a new fire station at 31796 Coast Highway. A dental office is to be demolished on the northwest corner of the intersection at 5th Avenue to make way for the development.
The appellants — Ann Christoph, Jamie Henrichsen and Tod Henrichsen — argued that the project did not adequately account for impacts on South Laguna’s neighborhood character, views and public access. They also took issue with the level of public participation during the city planning process.
Staff from the state agency cited a flat roof in the plans in addressing the concern over views. The fire station will also include new public restrooms, an amenity the community has said it needs in the area.
Commissioner Jose Preciado asked about noise abatement, noting the station’s proximity to residential neighborhoods.
“The way that the station is positioned with parking in the back, the retaining walls would help lessen some of the noise, but we do take into consideration our response and travel,” Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King said. “It’s part of the reason why we like to exit out onto Coast Highway, which goes against the direction of the neighborhood, and of course, we always take into consideration the level of traffic.
“We use our lights, and then sirens intermittently, depending on the level of traffic, to have traffic yield to the emergency equipment. If there’s light traffic and we’re traveling through residential area, or light traffic and we’re leaving the station at night, we of course will be very disparate in how we’re going to use our sirens, try to accommodate the neighborhoods that we’re serving.”
Let us face it, when people think of California beach towns, they picture Malibu mansions and million-dollar bungalows. But not every ocean-view address comes with an eye-watering price tag.If you are dreaming of sand, surf, and a coastal lifestyle without going broke, 2025 is your moment. There are still quiet, walkable beach towns with real community feel and price points under $700K. Here are five worth knowing.Median home price: ~$550,000Tucked between Pismo Beach and Grover Beach, Oceano is peaceful, walkable, and l...
Let us face it, when people think of California beach towns, they picture Malibu mansions and million-dollar bungalows. But not every ocean-view address comes with an eye-watering price tag.
If you are dreaming of sand, surf, and a coastal lifestyle without going broke, 2025 is your moment. There are still quiet, walkable beach towns with real community feel and price points under $700K. Here are five worth knowing.
Median home price: ~$550,000
Tucked between Pismo Beach and Grover Beach, Oceano is peaceful, walkable, and literally steps from the ocean. Bonus: the nearby Oceano Dunes offer some of the best off-roading and sand-surfing fun in the state.
Why it is a win: Low-key coastal living with prime access to the Central Coast lifestyle.
Median home price: ~$600,000
A postcard-perfect fishing village known for Morro Rock and harbor views. It is ideal for retirees and creatives seeking peace, kayaking, and community farmers markets.
Why it is a win: Laid-back living + natural beauty + charming downtown = affordable bliss.
Median home price: ~$375,000
Historic Victorian homes, misty redwood forests, and a strong arts scene define this quirky North Coast gem. It is more fog than sun, but the charm (and price point) are undeniable.
Why it is a win: California’s most affordable beach town, hands down, with unique architecture and creative culture.
Median home price: ~$675,000
The most budget-friendly beach town near San Diego. With an expanding boardwalk, improving infrastructure, and consistent surf culture, IB is becoming a smart move for city workers and first-time buyers.
Why it is a win: Affordable beach access with proximity to everything San Diego has to offer.
Median home price: ~$450,000
Known for its Glass Beach, pine-lined bluffs, and rugged coastline, Fort Bragg is perfect for nature lovers and those who do not need SoCal weather to love beach life.
Why it is a win: Privacy, scenery, and community, at a fraction of the cost.
Why These Beach Towns Make Sense in 2025
· Lower cost of living vs. traditional coastal metros· Walkable downtowns + beach access· Remote-work friendly communities· A chance to own in areas previously only rentable
In a state where $1M is often the floor for a beach home, these towns prove the dream is still accessible, with the right strategy.
Coastal Living Without the Luxury Tax
Living near the ocean does not have to mean Malibu money. These towns offer something better: lifestyle + affordability + room to grow. Whether you are making your first move or planning your last one, California still has a coastal corner for you.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at Southern California's apple orchards.There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions around Southern California. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the av...
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at Southern California's apple orchards.
There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.
Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions around Southern California. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.
Oak Glen at the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains is one of the region's best kep secrets, offering dozens of options for apple and pumpkin picking, apple tasting, corn mazes, tractor rides, historic reenactments, 18th century cider milling, fresh baked apple pastries, and so much fun for the whole family.
In Oak Glen, apple season is at its peak in the fall from September through November. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend is this years is Oak Glen's Apple Butter Festival celebrated across multiple orchards. It features:
Top Oak Glen apple picking options include:
12261 S. Oak Glen Road Oak Glen, California 92399
38561 Oak Glen Rd Yucaipa, CA 92399 St, San(909) 797-1753
Open all week39611 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399(909) 797-1005
Open for apple-picking Saturday and Sunday and by appointment11993 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399(909) 557-3447
Friday, Saturday and Sunday4381 Julian Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-5494
Snow-Line Orchard Farm, Winery and CideryThursday to Sunday 39400 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399(909) 797-3415
12099 S. Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, CA 92399
This should be a good year for apple picking, according to the 2025 forecast from the U.S. Apple Association, which estimates the harvest will be 6 percent higher than in 2024, for a total of 273 million bushels.
714-489-5411
