Laguna Beach is a perfect day trip destination, part sleepy beach town and part thriving art colony. This Orange County beach town has everything for those who want a relaxing getaway and some fun in the California sun.
When the locals aren’t shooting the curl, working on their tan, or playing volleyball on the white sandy oceanside courts, they appreciate the arts by attending various art events. First Thursday Art Walks, the Sawdust Art Festival, and the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters.
Things To Do In Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Main Beach Park
When first arriving in Laguna Beach, travelers are greeted by the 1930s lifeguard tower that watches over the sand activities at Main Beach. Besides basketball and volleyball, some top beach activities along the main beach include surfing, bodyboarding, and snorkeling.
Heisler Park
Just north of Main Beach is the most popular park in Laguna Beach, Heisler Park. A 3/4 mile trail runs along the bluff with several stairways to the beach. Sunset Point is a popular stop place featuring a fantastic gazebo. Along the route are public artworks and comfy benches to sit down and enjoy the view.
Crescent Bay Point Park
Crescent Bay Point Park is a small local park with the most fantastic view in Laguna Beach. Parking is limited to a few places on Crescent Bay Drive. You can park along PCH and walk down to the park. The park has no beach access; most people come here for the stunning view.
Laguna Art Museum
Artists have been drawn to this area of Southern California since the late 1800s, so it’s no wonder that Laguna Beach boasts well over 100 art galleries. If you only have time to visit one art gallery, the Laguna Art Museum is a good choice. The museum featured only California art and was established in 1918 as the Laguna Beach Art Association. 307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, California. Website.
Treasure Island Park
Treasure Island Park is directly in front of the Montage Resort. Situated on a cliff, the park has numerous wooden benches where you can sit back and enjoy the fantastic view. If you are feeling energetic, several stairways lead down to the beach. Treasure Island Park is located in South Laguna Beach adjacent to the Montage Hotel.
Aliso Beach Park
Aliso Beach is just south of Treasure Island Park and is the only beach in Laguna with fire rings. You will find the Lost Pier Cafe at the south end of the beach. The casual eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, only steps from the sand. The waves here break almost on the beach because of a steep dropoff. Check with the lifeguard for current conditions. There is a large parking lot next to the beach. 31131 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach.
1000 Steps Beach
South of Also Beach is 1000 Steps Beach. This beach gets its name from the length of the beach, not the stairs down to the beach. There are only about 200 steps. Along with a beautiful sandy beach, several saltwater pools can be reached via a sea cave at the south end of the beach. During high tide, the sea cave is not accessible. Parking for 1000 steps is along PCH, just past the hospital.
Laguna Beach Tide Pools
A fun activity in Laguna Beach is to explore one of the many tide pools to get an up-close look at one of Southern California’s most fascinating ecosystems. Good tide pooling areas are at Divers Cove, Crescent Bay, Thousand Steps, and the coves below Heisler Park. Laguna Beach’s tide pools are in a Protected Marine Area. Look and enjoy, but never damage or remove any of the creatures found in the tide pools.
Hortense Miller Gardens
Situated on a hill overlooking Laguna Beach is the Hortense Miller Gardens. The gardens encompass 2 1/2 beautiful acres and are home to 1,500 plant species. A docent lead tour is held at 10 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays, alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are required and must be made several weeks in advance. Website.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a must for the entire family. The center provides medical care for sick and injured seals and sea lions to return them to the wild. Open daily, 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can watch the doctors treat these magnificent sea creatures and witness their incredible journey back to the ocean. Admission is free.
Sawdust Art Festival
The Sawdust Art Festival hosts winter and summer events in Laguna Canyon. Visitors enjoy a colorful overview of the Laguna art world with an intimate setting for local artists and artisans to showcase their wares alongside more mass-produced pieces. Year-round art classes are offered on the festival grounds.
Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters
The first Festival of Arts was held in 1932. Today’s festival includes unique artwork, nightly live music, workshops, art tours, and special events. The festival grounds also feature the Pageant of Masters. The pageant re-creates classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like the original artwork.
Crystal Cove State Park
Between Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar, Crystal Cove State Park features three miles of pristine beach plus over 2000 acres of park. The main point of entry is the Crystal Cove Historic District. Here, you will find the Crystal Cove Beach cottages built during the 1920s.
Moro Campground Crystal Cove SP
The beautiful beachfront campground is just north of Laguna Beach. There is a vast day-use area with 17 covered shade ramadas, picnic tables, 2 group pavilions, an outdoor nature center, and the bluff-top campground.
Hotels in Laguna
Hotels in Laguna Beach are mainly on the beachfront, stretching from the main beach to South Laguna. The most famous is the Hotel Laguna, the first hotel in Laguna Beach that dates back nearly 100 years. For the ultimate stay in Laguna, you can look no further than the five-star Montage Resort & Spa.
Ride the free trolley.
Getting around and finding a parking spot in Laguna Beach can be a challenge. The city of Laguna Beach provides locals and visitors with free trolly busses to make it easy to visit all of the beaches and attractions. There is even an app you can download to let you know precisely where the trolly is at any given time—more Information.
Where is Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach draws travelers from far and near its seven miles of beautiful coastline and famous art fairs. However, for most, the pristine beaches are the main draw. Laguna Beach is located approximately fifty miles south of Los Angeles, in the southern portion of Orange County.
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