The Pirate Tower is a striking stone tower tucked along Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach. Built in 1926 by William E. Brown, the 60-foot structure originally served as a private staircase connecting his cliff-top home to the beach below. Designed to resemble a small castle turret, the tower quickly became one of the most unusual coastal landmarks in Southern California. Over time, locals began calling it “Pirate Tower,” especially after a later owner (reportedly a retired naval officer) would dress like a pirate and hide coins around the tower for neighborhood kids to find.

The tower’s isolated look and crashing waves have also sparked local ghost stories. Some visitors claim to see shadows in the narrow windows at dusk or hear strange echoes coming from inside the sealed staircase, leading to rumors that the tower may be haunted by a sailor’s spirit or lingering pirate legends. While the tower itself hasn’t been widely used as a filming location, the dramatic Southern California coastline around it has appeared in many productions.

Selected Film & Television Appearances

• Beaches (1988) • Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (2004–2006) • The O.C. (2003–2007)