Laguna Beach is a picturesque city in California and a popular vacation destination. Situated in southwest Orange County, the town is famous for its idyllic cove beaches, numerous hiking trails, and a thriving art scene highlighted by summer art festivals. The city of at least 23,000 residents welcomes approximately six million visitors annually to explore its magnificent scenery.
Laguna Beach offers a full spectrum of fun activities to keep tourists entertained. From dipping in the hidden pools of 1000 Steps Beach and exploring miles upon miles of scenic hiking trails to admiring the public artworks and murals at every corner of the city, first-timers can look forward to an adventure-filled stay.
Top Things To Do In Laguna Beach
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Laguna Beach. Boasting some of the best beaches the Golden State has to offer, it’s no wonder this tiny town has remained a summer hotspot for seaside lovers through the years.
Beaches aside, there is much more to fill a vacationer’s itinerary, and these are the best ways to spend time in Laguna Beach.
1 Spend The Day At The Beach
LAGUNA BEACH MAIN BEACH
It’s all in the name! A trip to Laguna Beach wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of its idyllic coastal hotspots. Luckily, the city has plenty of them, so tourists need not look far or wide. While there are numerous options, Main Beach is arguably the most popular among tourists.
Besides a beach park, several beach cafes, food stands, souvenir shops, and facility rentals give it a vibrant and upbeat personality. But for those who prefer seclusion, 1000 Steps Beach or Aliso Beach will be an excellent alternative.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Main Beach (24/7), 1000 Steps (24/7), Aliso (6 am – 10 pm)
Summer is a crazy time for beachgoers in Laguna. Tourists visiting Main Beach should head there early before it gets crowded.
2 Explore The Vast Crystal Cove State Park
Laguna Beach, CA / USA: Crystal Cove State Park sign at the entrance of the park
Crystal Cove State Park is among the largest seafront properties in Laguna Beach and offers the perfect mix of beaches and backcountry trails. Its 3.2-mile long shoreline is ideal for lounging and basking in the sun or long walks for those who like to soak in the scenic sights.
Bordering the beach is 2400 acres of backcountry woodland, serving as the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts. There are over 18 miles of hiking trails in this park section, winding through beautiful mountainous vistas and endangered coastal vegetation.
Bikers can also test their limits on the park's several MTB courses, which offer a grueling physical challenge with varying difficulty levels.
- Admission: Free entry, $15 for parking (full-day), or $5 (per hour)
- Hours: 6 am to sunset
To quickly get to Crystal Cove State Park from Main Beach, take the Pacific Coast Highway towards Newport Beach. It’s only a 5-minute drive.
3 Show Some Animal TLC At The Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Animal lovers can seek inspiration at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center next to Crystal Cove State Park. This animal haven takes in injured or sick California sea lions and northern elephant seals and rehabilitates them back to health before returning them to their natural habitats.
The facility also hosts various forums to educate guests about marine conservation through interesting displays, animal artifacts, and enclosures for tourists to enjoy intimate interactions with the residents.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, daily
While at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, stop by the facility’s butterfly garden to check out the hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The garden offers conservation efforts for pollinators.
4 Head To Crescent Bay Point Park
Crescent Bay of Laguna Beach, Orange County, California USA
Crescent Bay Point Park is the perfect spot to catch the breathtaking Laguna Beach sunset. This tiny park, with small patches of soft grass and shady trees, overlooks the ocean, offering dramatic views of the Pacific waters. Although there is no direct access to the beach, a paved boardwalk around the park’s perimeter makes for romantic evening walks.
There are benches and picnic tables where visitors can relax and enjoy the cool sea breeze while waiting to catch the awe-inspiring sunset over the water. Crescent Bay Point Park is also a strategic lookout point during whale watching season.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 24/7
Tourists intending to swim at Crescent Bay Point Park are highly advised against it. The strong currents and dangerous riptides pose a significant risk to swimmers.
5 Sample The Local Art Scene At Laguna Art Museum
Also known as the Museum of California Art, the Laguna Art Museum is the state’s oldest museum and a must-visit for art lovers. Initially opened to the public in 1929, the museum stands out in that it only displays pieces by California artists and works that chronicle the state’s history.
Today, it houses a collection of approximately 3000 art pieces dating back to the 19th century. This includes a mix of sculptures, paintings, photographs, abstract art, and classic oil paintings. Laguna Art Museum is relatively small, allowing guests to view many exhibits without wasting time.
- Admission: General $12, Seniors, Military, and Students ( 18+) $9. Free for museum members. Free on the first Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Free for members of the military and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day ( included). Free admission for children under 12 years of age offered by The Segerstrom Foundation.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm / Closed on Monday
6 Take In The Views From The Top Of The World
View of mountains from Top of the World, in Laguna Beach, California.
Visitors can head to this scenic lookout point over Laguna Canyon country for spectacular views of Laguna Beach. This popular vantage point overlooks the Southern California coasts, spoiling guests with a front-seat panorama of Catalina Island to Mt. Baldy.
On the way to the Top of the World, a 2.4-mile moderately challenging hike awaits adventurers, but the sight at the top makes it all worthwhile.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 7 am to sunset
After taking enough views of Laguna Beach from the Top of the World, walk to the adjacent Alta Laguna Park to enjoy its sports facilities.
7 Go On A Laguna Beach Whale-Watching Tour
Boat at Laguna Beach on quiet mornings
Orange County offers some of the best spots to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures as they migrate from Alaska to Mexico via the California coast. This happens during the winter months, from December through April, when vacationers get the opportunity for up-close encounters with amazing sea species like grey whales, dolphins, orcas, and blue whales (May to October).
Several local operators offer boat tours to get passengers as close to the animals as possible, including top-rated agencies like Newport Coastal Adventure and Captain Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari.
- Tickets: Adults $75.65, Children $51, Infants $5
- Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Visitors planning to charter a whale-watching boat must drive to Dana Point or Newport Beach, as no tours depart from Laguna. But if not up for the tour, take advantage of several lookout points in the city, such as Crescent Bay Point Park.
8 Attend The Festival Of Arts
The best way to celebrate Laguna Beach’s bustling arts community is to attend one of its many art fairs, and the Festival of the Arts is the nucleus of the city’s summer events schedule. This popular event showcases the best of Orange County’s artists, the highlight being the open-air gallery.
This is accompanied by workshops, art classes, and live music to entertain the attendees. Guests have ample time to admire the exhibits as the show runs late into the evening. This is also an excellent opportunity to interact with the locals and be part of a longstanding city tradition.
- Admission: $10/$15, adults, $7/$11 seniors, $5 ages 6-12
- Hours: Monday to Thursday ( 4 pm – 11:30 pm), Friday to Sunday (10 am – 11:30 pm), July 5th to September 1st
9 Catch A Live Show At The Laguna Playhouse
Aerial view of Three Arch Bay in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California during twilight.
Laguna Playhouse is among the best performance venues in the region. Located next to the Festival of Arts, along Laguna Canyon Road, it is where theater lovers converge to watch top talents in the area. Aside from local talent, the venue hosts touring companies such as concerts and ballets.
The performance range in diversity, offering visitors an action-packed entertainment session featuring dance, music, theater, and even comedy shows.
- Tickets: Generally start at $30 per person; however, visit the Laguna Playhouse website to check the scheduled events and corresponding ticket prices.
10 Enjoy The Outdoors At Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Panorama hiking trail at the Aliso & Woods Canyon Wilderness trail in the spring after a rainy season. Laguna Beach, CA.
Adventurers looking to scope out Laguna’s inland will feel right at home roaming through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Boasting at least 40 miles of hiking trails, the park offers some of the best hikes in California.
Springtime brings the trails to life as bright shades of blooming wildflowers and beautiful birdsongs fill the air, providing the perfect setting for an expedition into the Laguna Beach backcountry.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is part of the South Coast Wilderness area, a perfect spot for nature lovers in California. It also includes other parks like the Crystal Cove State Park, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and The City of Irvine Open Space,
11 Best Time To Visit Laguna Beach
Beachfront homes at twilight, in Laguna Beach, California.
The best time for tourists in Laguna Beach is the shoulder seasons, April to May or September to October. There are fewer crowds to jostle for space, and the weather is milder. Fall offers a great opportunity to explore all the attractions in Laguna Beach.
The beaches are lonely, and the 70s degrees Fahrenheit temperatures allow for a refreshing dip in the sea. Thrill seekers also enjoy exploring the numerous open spaces in the city, taking advantage of hiking trails, parks, and woodlands in Laguna’s backcountry.
Drivers will also have an easier time finding parking space in the city, which can be a nightmare during the busy season.
Laguna Beach is a go-to summer destination for tourists in California, making summer the peak season. Winter birds from the north descend upon the city to take advantage of the fine weather. Summer also hosts a good chunk of the city’s festivals, flanked by the unmissable Pageant of the Masters.
Pack plenty of sunscreen and water to cope with the sweltering conditions plus swimwear to make the most of Laguna Beach’s many seaside hotspots.
While winter is the least desirable time in Laguna Beach, budget travelers can take advantage of the discounts galore as hotels subsidize their rates and flight ticket prices drop. But the low temperatures, dipping to the low 40s at night, will confine vacationers indoors.
12 Best Ways To Get Around Laguna Beach
The best way to get around Laguna Beach is by private car. The affluent local community is not over-dependent on public transportation, and the only public mode available, the Laguna Beach Trolley only operates on the weekends (except in summer when it’s fully operational).
Rental car
Hiring a car is the best bet for tourists to navigate Laguna Beach conveniently. A set of wheels is handy when exploring the Pacific Coast Highway, with stops at attractions like Laguna Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park.
Upon arrival, visitors can access a rental at the John Wayne Airport or head to town, where Laguna Beach Car Rentals and Enterprise Rent-A-Car offer these services. This also makes it easy to plan day trips to other cute small California towns close to Laguna Beach.
There isn’t much parking space in the city center, especially during peak season. For those who manage to secure space, parking lots generally charge $8 per day on weekdays and $10 on weekends.
Public transportation
The Laguna Beach Trolley is the lone public transit option in the city and will be a nice alternative for tourists not keen on getting behind the wheel. It runs eight routes along the Pacific Coast Highway, with some branching into the city center.
While tickets are relatively cheap and free sometimes, the trolley doesn’t operate every day of the year, which can prove inconvenient for travelers in the off season.
- Fare: Adults $.75, Seniors $.35, Children free
- Hours: June to August (9 am – 11:30 pm), and only on weekends on other days
Cabs
Taxis are available in various touristy areas in the city, starting at the airport, with California Yellow Cab being the main player. Guests can also access ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft if need be.
- Rates: $3.5 plus $2.75 per mile
A $32 per hour charge applies to passengers when the taxi is stuck in traffic.
13 Best Areas To Stay In Laguna Beach
Beautiful night scene of Laguna Beach California
Laguna Beach has diverse accommodation options to guarantee vacationers a remarkable stay in the city. From beachfront hotels with picturesque coastal views and luxury resorts with unrivaled amenities to affordable vacation rentals with pet-friendly packages, visitors will be spoilt for choice.
These are spread across various delightful neighborhoods throughout the town, each with a unique personality and proximal to different points of interest. Here are the best areas to stay in Laguna Beach.
Blue Lagoon
This gated Laguna Beach community offers front-seat views of the ocean with homes overlooking the blue waters of the Pacific. This makes it one of the best options for beachgoers and sunbathers.
Blue Lagoon is also strategically placed near the Pacific Coast Highway, allowing easy access to other neighborhoods in Laguna Beach.
Crown Point
Located in the city's northern section, Crown Point is a charming neighborhood with a little bit of everything. There is something for everyone, from shopping venues to quaint seaside restaurants and white sandy shores. The area also boasts several walking trails along the shore that are perfect for unwinding.
California Cove
California Cove is an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and lovers of open spaces. It sits next to the Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This means plenty of trails to explore on foot or two wheels.
For those who don’t fancy walking, there are several galleries, restaurants, and shopping stores.
Some of the top-rated hotels to consider in Laguna Beach include:
Luxury option:
- Address: 1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Rates per night: Start at $1281 for 2
- Amenities: Beachfront, Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Coffee shop
Villa Leone at the Retreat in Laguna Beach
- Address: 729 Gaviota Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Rates per night: Start at $487 for 2
- Amenities: Private beach, Kitchen, Balcony, Air-conditioned, Coffee machine, TV, Fireplace, Grill, Internet, Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Mid-range option:
Capri Laguna on the Beach - A Boutique Hotel
- Address: 1441 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Rates per night: Start at $284 for 2
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Beachfront, Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
- Address: 30806 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Rates per night: Start at $222 for 2
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Free toiletries, Internet
Budget option:
- Address: 1600 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Rates per night: $$
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Meeting/Banquet facilities, Internet, Laundry service, Laundry facilities, Express check-out, ATM on-site, 24hr front desk, Safe, Concierge service
- Address: 1289 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Rates per night: $$
- Amenities: Private beach, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
14 Best Places To Eat In Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a delightful culinary destination. And the more than 300 days of sunshine make for amazing outdoor dining experiences. At least 100 waterfront restaurants, cafes, and eateries throughout the city ensure visitors can eat to their hearts’ desires.
The nightlife isn’t too shabby either, with various watering holes to entertain party animals and night owls. Here are the best places to eat in Laguna Beach.
Breakfast:
- Address: 1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Hours: Open daily, 7 am – 9 pm
Lunch:
- Address: 361 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Hours: Open daily, 8 am – 9 pm (10 pm on Friday & Saturday)
Dinner:
- Address: 30832 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm
Drinks:
- Address: 1183 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-2938
- Hours: Open daily, 1 pm – 2 am
15 Tips To Know When Visiting Laguna Beach
It costs a solo traveler around $2500 for a one-week stay in Laguna Beach; while the city is considered a playground for the rich and famous, it’s possible to tour it without breaking the bank.
Various attractions and points of interest, including Crescent Bay Beach Treasure Island, offer free admission that tourists can take advantage of.
Laguna Beach’s tropical weather makes it an ideal vacation destination throughout the year, except maybe the winter. However, visiting around the festival season offers travelers the best experience.
Dress warmly and park enough swimming suits when visiting Laguna Beach. Beachgoing is one of the top tourist activities in this waterfront nirvana.
16 Spending The Perfect Day In Laguna Beach
There’s no better spot to kick start the day than at the beach. Luckily, Laguna offers plenty of these, so choose between Main Beach to enjoy the coastal treasure with fellow vacationers or 1000 Steps Beach for a quieter and more secluded beach experience.
Visit Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to hike on one of its many trails while enjoying the mountain and canyon views. Later, head to Heisler Park for a laid-back stroll and cool off in its manicured gardens. This will also be an excellent time to enjoy a snack or outdoor lunch at the picnic tables.
A walking distance from Heisler Park is the Laguna Art Museum, a great place to learn about the city’s history by exploring a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. Afterward, tour the Pacific Marine Mammal Center for inspiration and show the rescued seals some TLC before catching an afternoon live performance at the Laguna Playhouse.
Before the day draws to a close, catch a ride to the Top of the Town lookout point to admire the spectacular sunset over the clear waters of the Pacific. Finally, cap off the itinerary with dinner and drinks at The Sandpiper Lounge.
FAQ
Q: What is Laguna Beach known for?
Laguna Beach is famous for being among the best beach towns in Southern California. Its beautiful shores make it a hotspot for travelers attracted to the sun and sand. Additionally, its various summer art festivals help to put it on the map.
Q: Is Laguna Beach worth visiting?
Despite its tiny size, Laguna Beach offers some of the best West Coast summer experiences thanks to its magical scenery. Guests enjoy gorgeous cove beaches, dramatic hiking trails, and endless art festivals.
Plus, Laguna Beach is around a 30-minute drive to Disneyland and other Anaheim-area attractions.
Q: Why do people like Laguna Beach?
Laguna has a laid-back feel that first-timers easily fall in love with. Its stunning scenery with spectacular beaches and thriving art scene make it one of the best places to live in California.