Explore the Charm of Laguna Beach: A Perfect Day Trip Destination

Laguna Beach is an ideal day trip destination, offering a perfect blend of a serene beach town and a vibrant art colony. This Orange County beach town has something for everyone, whether they seek a relaxing getaway or some fun under the California sun. When the locals are not surfing, sunbathing, or playing volleyball on the white sandy beaches, they enjoy attending various art events.

These events include the First Thursday Art Walks, The Sawdust Art Festival, a summer-long celebration of local arts and crafts, and the Laguna Art-A-Fair, a fine art show featuring artists from around the world. A summer favorite is the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, a unique theatrical production where famous works of art are brought to life, and they are a must-see for enthusiasts.

Things To Do In Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Main Beach Park

Upon arrival to Laguna Beach, visitors are welcomed by the 1930s lifeguard tower that overlooks the sandy activities at Main Beach. In addition to basketball and volleyball, some of the top beach activities at Main Beach include surfing, bodyboarding, and snorkeling. Main Beach also features a play structure designed like the lifeguard tower, where kids can have fun with net climbers and playground slides. It’s just a few steps from the main beach to Laguna Beach’s central shopping district on Forest Avenue, which features shopping, dining, and art stores.

Explore Picturesque Heisler Park

Just north of Main Beach is the most popular park in Laguna Beach, Heisler Park. A 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. Heisler Park is a stunning spot for Main Beach, Divers Cove, and Fisherman’s Cove photography. Though parking can be challenging, the picturesque view from the park is worth the effort.

Crescent Bay Point Park a Hidden Gem

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. Crescent Bay Point Park is located amidst gorgeous homes offering breathtaking ocean views. At Crescent Bay Beach, visitors can experience the local lifestyle by accessing the sandy beach through a public stairway.

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.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is situated in the heart of Laguna Canyon. This center provides care and rehabilitation for injured California seals and sea lions that may become stranded along the Orange County coast. March through July are the busiest times for the center, as it is during this period that they receive the highest number of patients. Sometimes, as many as one hundred seals may be under the center’s care. Usually, visitors can expect to see between 10 and 90 animals for viewing in a typical year. Visit Website.

Art Festivals Laguna Beach

Sawdust Art Festival: A Magical Village With Art and Music

The Sawdust Art Festival hosts winter and summer events in Laguna Canyon. It’s a great opportunity to explore a wide range of art in a cozy setting, from pieces by local artists to more mass-produced items. In addition to the events, the festival also offers art classes year-round. But it’s not just about art—a non-profit organization operates the festival that supports local artists and provides scholarships to help them pursue their passions. When you participate in the festival by purchasing a ticket or artwork, you contribute to the local economy and help to maintain the vibrant Laguna Beach art scene. Visit Website.

Laguna Beach Art-A-Fair: Fine Artists and Artisans

Laguna Art-A-Fair is a well-known art festival that has been held since 1967. What sets Laguna Art-A-Fair apart from other local shows is that it is open to artists from all over, not just residents of Laguna Beach. The event showcases the work of over 100 artists worldwide, featuring various mediums such as paintings, ceramics, and jewelry. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, enjoy the artwork, and drink wine. It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate art; you might even discover the perfect piece for your home. The festival occurs at 777 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach, California.

Laguna Art Museum: California Art Only

Artists have been attracted to this area of Southern California since the late 1800s, which explains why Laguna Beach boasts well over 100 art galleries. If you have limited time to explore the galleries, the Laguna Art Museum is a great choice. The museum features only California art and was established in 1918 as the Laguna Beach Art Association. The museum is adjacent to Las Brisas, a classic Southern California restaurant that replaced the iconic Victor Hugo Inn in 1979. Laguna Art Museum is north of Main Beach at 307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, California.Website.

 

Hortense Miller Gardens

The Hortense Miller Gardens are located on a hilltop with a captivating view of Laguna Beach. The gardens span over 2 1/2 acres of land and house around 1,500 plant species. A guided tour is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 am. However, it is held on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays as well. Please note that reservations are mandatory and must be made several weeks beforehand. Website.

Laguna Beach Ocean Front Dining

Laguna Beach has many dining options, ranging from burger joints to upscale restaurants. Many of these restaurants offer stunning ocean views, making them popular. Below are two Laguna Beach restaurants that cater to different budgets – one is a casual dining establishment, while the other is a fine dining restaurant. Both restaurants are just a few steps away from the ocean and offer breathtaking views.

The Deck Laguna Beach

The Deck in Laguna Beach is an oceanfront restaurant. It doesn’t accept reservations, so you must wait in line for a table. But it’s worth the wait. The view is breathtaking, especially at sunset. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner while enjoying the fresh air. After your meal, you can stroll on the beach, which is easily accessible from the restaurant. 627 Sleepy Hollow Ln Laguna Beach, California. Website.

Lost Pier Cafe Aliso Beach

The Lost Pier Cafe is a great place to enjoy delicious food while enjoying the stunning ocean views. It is open daily from 8 am until sunset and has a pet-friendly environment. The cafe is casual and welcomes guests in beach attire. Finding excellent service and fresh food at reasonable prices in Laguna Beach can be challenging, but you will find all that at the Lost Pier Cafe. Additionally, you can rent a portable propane-powered fire pit at the Lost Pier Cafe Aliso Beach. 31131 S Pacific Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, California. Website.

Laguna’s Famous Beaches

1000 Steps Beach South Laguna

South of Aliso Beach lies 1000 Steps Beach, named after the length of the beach rather than the number of stairs to reach it. There are only around 200 steps to reach the beach. Apart from the beautiful sandy shore, a sea cave at the beach’s south end provides access to several saltwater pools. However, during high tide, the sea cave is not accessible. To reach 1000 Steps Beach, you can park your car along PCH, just past the hospital.

Treasure Island Park, Southern California’s Most Beautiful Park

Treasure Island Park is in South Laguna Beach, next to the Montage Hotel. It sits atop a cliff and offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. The park has plenty of wooden benches where visitors can sit and relax. If you’re in the mood for exercise, several stairways lead down to the beach. With its breathtaking views, Treasure Island Park Laguna Beach is a favorite spot for artists who can find stunning vistas at every turn of the trail. The park also features several artworks, including a massive mural located below the swimming pool at the Montage Resort.

Aliso Beach Park

Aliso Beach is just south of Treasure Island Park and is the only beach in Laguna with fire rings. The waves here break almost on the beach because of a steep dropoff. Until 1998, Aliso Beach had a famous fishing pier. However, a storm damaged the concrete pilings supporting the dock, leading to its closure. The pier was demolished a year later. Aliso Beach is also famous for skimboarders and bodyboarders— a standing wave forms at Aliso Creek’s mouth during heavy storm runoff or when the sand berm is intentionally breached. Check with the lifeguard for current conditions. A large parking lot is next to the beach at 31131 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach.

Crystal Cove State Park And Beach

Crystal Cove State Park, between Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar, boasts three miles of immaculate beachfront and over 2000 acres of parkland. The Crystal Cove Historic District is the primary entrance point to the park, and it features the Crystal Cove Beach cottages constructed during the 1920s. Crystal Cove State Beach is among the few remaining areas in Orange County where you can hike for miles along the coast and enjoy its natural beauty. The offshore waters are classified as an underwater park with optimal conditions for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Moro Campground Crystal Cove SP

The campground located north of Laguna Beach is situated on a beautiful beachfront. It offers a large day-use area featuring 17 covered shade ramadas, picnic tables, 2 group pavilions, and an outdoor nature center. The day-use area is adjacent to the bluff-top campground, offering stunning views. Visitors can enjoy a paved loop trail that winds through the day-use area, and there are plenty of benches along the way for relaxation and taking in the scenery.

Ride the free trolley.

Navigating through Laguna Beach and finding a parking spot can be daunting. However, Laguna Beach offers free trolley buses to locals and visitors, making visiting all the beaches and attractions a breeze. Moreover, an app is available for download that lets you track the trolley’s location in real-time—more information.

Getting to Laguna Beach

Where is Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach draws travelers from far and near with its seven miles of beautiful coastline and famous art fairs. However, the pristine beaches are the main draw for most. Laguna Beach is located approximately fifty miles south of Los Angeles, in the southern portion of Orange County.

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Fun Things To Do in Orange County

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

Laguna Lake Fullerton

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