Castles Made of Sand, Victoria's Beach Pirate Tower of Laguna Beach
'“A Pirate's Life For Me” - A second pirate destination is accessible to Southern Californians (other than Disneyland’s Pirate’s of the Caribbean” ride) and it’s free! but still anticipate long lines and somewhat of a wait to capture the ideal picture to share with friends and family.
Located beside the seaside cliffs of Victoria Beach, one of Laguna Beach’s hidden gems, “The Pirate Tower” stands regally with years of history, buried treasure, and thrashing waves.
The Pirate Tower also known as “La Tour” (the French translation for “The Tower”) was constructed as part of the senator’s Summer estate in Laguna Beach. The luxurious home known as “Norman House” previously owned by the former state senator, William Edward Brown, resides on the mountain cliffs overlooking Victoria Beach. The 60 foot tower. built in 1926, was privately owned and constructed as an enclosed staircase for commuting to the beach from the top of the cliffs of Victoria Beach.
Brown an avid painter was influenced by European culture. He designed the unique traits of the residence such as “The Pirate Tower” and circular stone barricade on the beach due to the rise of American construction of European influenced architecture during the early 19th century.
The residence was later sold to a retired naval captain, Harold Kendrick, who was enamored by pirate folklore and cherished the tower’s design. Locals mention Kendrick as leaving coins “hidden treasure” by the tower for beach-goers to find, which contributed to deeming the iconic tower as “Pirate’s Tower.” Locals refer to Kendrick as an eccentric who would share folkloric pirate stories along with his experiences at sea while dressed as a pirate. He conducted prize games such as puzzles and scavenger hunts. Kendrick provided the winners money rewards from these elaborate games and if they found “buried treasures” within the tower, “finders were keepers.”
The fanciful property has moved along various owners including actress and singer, Bette Midler. The access to the stairs of the Pirate Tower is currently closed off to the public. However, the locks do not prevent locals and visitors from admiring the fairytale structure and taking social media worthy photos in front of the majestic landscape.
Check out SoundBite Magazine’s curated playlist inspired by this treasured destination .
To find The Pirate Tower venture down Pacific Coast Highway (‘Route 1’) to the GPS coordinates that point to The Pirate Tower Laguna Beach also known as Victoria Beach. Visitors may be able to park on the parking permitted (“allowed") areas of Pacific Coast Highway (‘Route 1’) between Victoria Beach and Sunset Drive. Walk down through the entrance of Victoria Beach and Sunset Drive down through the residential neighborhood, and an entrance that leads to a downward staircase (located next to a home that mimics an entrance to a Disneyland’s ride: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.) Descend down the flight of stairs to Victoria Beach, the larger portion of the beach will be on in front and on the left hand below the cascading home. To right, visitors with face and encounter a cliff edge, walk beside the cliff edge to the right along the beach, and the Pirate Tower will appear on the horizon.
Suggestions for planning a visit to The Pirate Tower are checking the weather, tide, and traffic. The best time to visit and take pictures are at low tide on a clear day, preferably during weekday.
Coverage by @veropoteart
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