Emerald Bay

Laguna Beach's largest historic gated community — 526 homes, a half-mile private beach, pool complex, and resort amenities since 1929.

Community Snapshot

Emerald Bay at a Glance

Median Sale — Last 12 months

Price Range $3M–$25M+ ~$8–10M median

$ / Sq Ft $2,000–$4,000 Location dependent

Homes Sold / Yr 20–35 Active market

Total Homes 526 Avg lot 5,000–15,000 sq ft

Gated Yes — 24-hour guard-gated since 1929

Walkable to Beach Yes — residents walk to the private half-mile beach

Street Character Winding, moderate width — designed for residential traffic

Terrain Mix: flat near beach, moderate hills inland

Explore the Area

Emerald Bay Map

The highlighted area shows the Emerald Bay neighborhood boundary.

About Emerald Bay

Neighborhood Overview

Founded in 1929 and named for the vivid color of its waters, Emerald Bay is Laguna Beach's most established guard-gated community. Its 526 custom homes occupy 14 beachfront lots plus surrounding hillside parcels, served by nearly a half-mile of pristine private sandy beach — one of the longest private beaches on the California coast. Community amenities rival five-star resorts: six tennis courts, a lap pool, heated spa, children's wading pool, paddleboard racks, beach lockers, fire pits, and 14 acres of private parkland.

The median sale price hovers around $8–10 million, with oceanfront estates reaching $25 million and beyond. Architectural styles span from classic 1920s beach cottages to contemporary glass-and-steel masterpieces, giving the community a rich visual character evolved over nearly a century. Emerald Bay was developed with a master plan that deliberately varied the architecture — no two homes were built to the same design — creating the eclectic character that defines it today.

Why Emerald Bay

What Makes It Special

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Half-Mile Private Beach

Nearly a half-mile of pristine private sand — the longest private beach in Laguna Beach, exclusively for residents. Volleyball courts, paddleboard racks, fire pits, and picnic areas complete the package.

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Pool & Tennis Complex

A heated lap pool, spa, children's wading pool, and six tennis courts make daily recreation effortless — all within the gates, exclusively for residents and their guests.

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Century of Community

Founded in 1929, Emerald Bay has nearly a century of continuous residential history — a richness of community traditions and character that newer developments cannot replicate.

Did You Know

Emerald Bay Insider Facts

Emerald Bay's master plan explicitly required that no two homes be built to the same architectural design — resulting in a community of 526 completely individualized homes that collectively create one of the most visually diverse gated neighborhoods in California. The community maintains its own HOA, security force, beach club, and parks department.