I then discovered an Instagram video that described Nicholas Canyon Beach as a stunning haven from the crowds and traffic. The beach is in Malibu, where beach access can be difficult; the city has ...

Roughly 45 acres of the park are designated as Big Canyon Nature Park and owned by the city of Newport Beach, while the lower 15 acres are owned by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Laguna Canyon Road, one of three routes into and out of Laguna Beach, carries between 600,000 and 900,000 vehicles monthly to the popular beach town. Not infrequently, there have been hours-long ...