On Victoria Beach, the Pirate Tower built into a rocky cliff stands tall. Dreamy blue waves splash against the cluster of beach rocks bordering its base. Overhead, bright colors sail the beach sky. Taken all together, it’s a dazzling sight you must behold at least once in your lifetime.

Notwithstanding its name, the 60-foot tower was never used in the traditional sense. It was the private staircase belonging to a wealthy eccentric who built a mansion atop the cliff. Since the tower sprang from the edge of the water to the top of the cliff, it was used as a discreet way to access the beautiful beach at its hem.

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Pirate Tower is made of concrete and features a cone-shaped shingled roof, ocean stone foundation, wooden spiral staircase, and narrow window openings for light to pass through. It was constructed along with the mansion in 1926.

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The mansion, now a Laguna Beach landmark, is known as the Norman House, an ode to its architectural style.

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The wealthy eccentric earned the Pirate Tower its name due to his friendly persona. As the story goes, he would dress up as a pirate and hide candies and coins between the rocks of the tower for the local kids to hunt and find.

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Although now locked and still privately owned, you can find your way to the base of the tower to explore its surroundings when the tide is low. It’s an enchanting place to walk along the beach with a special someone by your side. But no matter how tempting, you cannot break into the tower or attempt to climb it.

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For a closer look, you’ll want to visit the Pirate Tower before 5 p.m. during low tide. A design flaw submerges the exit door and sections of the tower in water, making it inaccessible. The area can also become crowded late in the afternoon, so the earlier the better.

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It’s not only the romantic backdrop that makes this Southern California landmark unique; its rich history plays a significant role, too. If you’ve ever visited the Pirate Tower, share your experience with us in the comment section.

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Adam Kassel/Tripadvisor

Adam Kassel /Tripadvisor

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Address: Pirate Tower, 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA