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Best Things to Do in Laguna
Nestled along the sun-kissed coast of Southern California, Laguna Beach is a vibrant seaside town that blends natural beauty with artistic soul. From its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves to its bustling village streets lined with galleries and boutiques, this coastal gem offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re here for a quick escape or a long, lazy stay, Laguna invites you to slow down, breathe in the ocean air, and let the charm of the Pacific surround you.
Beyond the waves and the warm sand, Laguna Beach comes alive with culture, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Watch the sun dip below the horizon from a scenic bluff, explore tide pools teeming with marine life, or stroll through a local art festival that captures the town’s creative heartbeat. There’s no shortage of ways to fill your days — and each one promises a memory worth holding onto.
Top 5 Beaches in Laguna Beach
With its rugged coastline, golden sands, and watercolor sunsets, Laguna Beach is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in California. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet serenity of a hidden cove or the lively rhythm of surf and sun, Laguna’s shoreline offers a perfect spot to unwind, explore, or simply take in the view.
Treasure Island Beach
Tucked just below the Montage resort, this beach feels like a postcard come to life. Smooth pathways lead you to soft sand, gentle waves, and tide pools full of ocean life — perfect for a peaceful afternoon or a family outing with little ones in tow.
Thousand Steps Beach
Don’t let the name scare you — it’s about 200 steps, and worth every one. This broad, dramatic stretch of sand is framed by cliffs and sea caves, making it a dream for explorers and beachgoers looking for a more secluded escape.
Victoria Beach
Known for its quirky “pirate tower” and mysterious circular pool carved into the rocks, Victoria Beach is a favorite for photographers and sunset seekers. It’s a bit tucked away, but once you find it, it feels like your own secret seaside hideaway.
Table Rock Beach
Quiet, tucked beneath coastal cliffs, and often missed by tourists, Table Rock is a local treasure. The waves can be strong, but the peaceful vibe and stunning surroundings make it an ideal place to stretch out on a towel and forget the world for a while.
Crescent Bay Beach
Shaped like a crescent moon, this beach is great for both relaxing and spotting wildlife. Bring your snorkel or kayak — you might just see seals, dolphins, or schools of fish gliding through the clear water near the rocks.
Largest Recreational Harbor in Laguna
Although Laguna Beach is known for its stunning coastline, it doesn’t have a large harbor of its own. Instead, locals and visitors alike turn to nearby Dana Point Harbor — just about 15 minutes south — for all things boating, water sports, and seaside recreation. As the largest recreational harbor in the area, it offers a full-service marina, vibrant shopping and dining spots, and easy access to the open ocean. It’s a natural extension of the Laguna Beach lifestyle: relaxed, scenic, and centered around the sea.
From stand-up paddleboarding and sailing to deep-sea fishing and dolphin-watching cruises, Dana Point Harbor is the go-to launching point for coastal adventures. Families enjoy strolling along the harbor walkways, grabbing ice cream or coffee while watching the boats come and go, while more adventurous visitors can book whale-watching tours or rent kayaks to explore the calm waters. Whether you’re after a quiet afternoon or an active day on the waves, this harbor brings the ocean a little closer to everyone.
Boat Tours & Water Activities in Maui
With the sparkling Pacific right at its doorstep, Laguna Beach is the perfect place to dive into ocean adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise, a thrilling ride, or a close encounter with marine life, the waters off Laguna offer endless opportunities for unforgettable moments. Here are five of the best boat tours and water activities to make a splash during your visit.
Whale-Watching Tours
From winter gray whales to summer blue whales, the migration routes off Laguna’s coast are teeming with life. Local tours, often launching from Dana Point, bring you up close to these gentle giants — and along the way, you might even spot dolphins riding the boat’s wake.
Sunset Cruises
Few things compare to watching the sun melt into the ocean from the deck of a boat. Sunset cruises offer a peaceful, picture-perfect way to end the day, complete with ocean breezes, golden light, and sometimes even a glass of wine.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Calm coves and clear waters make Laguna ideal for paddleboarding. Rent a board and glide past rocky cliffs, hidden sea caves, and curious sea lions. It’s a peaceful yet active way to experience the coastline from a whole new perspective.
Snorkeling Tours
Laguna’s underwater world is just as beautiful as its beaches. Guided snorkeling tours explore marine preserves like Shaw’s Cove, where you’ll swim among garibaldi, sea stars, and colorful kelp forests in water so clear it feels like flying.
Kayaking Adventures
Kayak tours are perfect for those who want a little exercise with their ocean view. Paddle along the coast to explore secret beaches, sea caves, and dramatic rock formations — all while learning about local wildlife and coastal ecology from experienced guides.
Top Attractions in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is more than just a pretty coastline — it’s a town full of character, creativity, and natural beauty at every turn. From cliffside parks to local art havens, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet moment overlooking the ocean or a colorful burst of culture, these top attractions capture the heart of what makes Laguna so special.
Heisler Park
Stretching along the bluff above the beach, Heisler Park is a favorite for both locals and visitors. With walking paths, tide pool access, picnic spots, and some of the best ocean views around, it’s an easy place to spend an afternoon just taking it all in.
Laguna Art Museum
This intimate museum focuses solely on California artists, showcasing everything from classic landscapes to thought-provoking modern works. It’s the perfect blend of beachside culture and creative inspiration — and just steps from the shoreline.
Top of the World
True to its name, this hilltop viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, hills, and coastline. Whether you drive up or take one of the nearby hiking trails, the reward is a wide-open horizon and the feeling of being on top of it all.
Tide Pools at Shaw’s Cove
Nature lovers will enjoy the hidden world tucked between the rocks at Shaw’s Cove. During low tide, the pools come alive with sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more — it’s like stepping into an underwater treasure chest.
Sawdust Art Festival (seasonal)
Held beneath the trees in a charming, woodsy setting, the Sawdust Festival is a Laguna tradition. Local artists showcase handmade goods, and the laid-back vibe includes live music, food, and even glassblowing demos. It’s creative, fun, and full of local soul.
Top 5 Romantic Locations in Laguna
Laguna Beach has a quiet kind of romance — the kind you find in ocean breezes, cliffside sunsets, and unexpected little corners where time seems to pause. Whether it’s a first date, a special anniversary, or simply a day to reconnect, these romantic spots set the perfect mood for love to linger.
Heisler Park at Sunset
With panoramic ocean views and gently winding paths, Heisler Park is a dreamy spot to catch the sunset. Bring a blanket, sit close on a grassy overlook, and let the colors of the sky do the rest.
Victoria Beach & Pirate Tower
Secluded and whimsical, Victoria Beach feels like a storybook escape. Walk hand in hand past the tide to the iconic pirate tower, where waves crash against the rocks and every photo looks like a postcard.
Crescent Bay Point Park
Perched high above the shoreline, this peaceful bluff offers sweeping views and a sense of serenity. It’s the perfect place to share a quiet moment, exchange meaningful words, or just breathe in the ocean air together.
Laguna Canyon Winery
Tucked away from the coastline, this cozy urban winery is a romantic retreat with tastings, candlelit ambiance, and conversation-friendly corners. A glass of red, some laughter, and you’re in your own little world.
Dinner at Las Brisas
Overlooking the water, Las Brisas is a local favorite for a romantic meal. With candlelight, coastal views, and a breeze that never quite leaves, it’s the kind of dinner that stays with you long after the last bite.
Where to Shop & Eat in Laguna
Laguna Beach has a charm all its own — and that extends to its local shops and restaurants. Whether you’re browsing handcrafted treasures, sipping lattes by the sea, or dining with an ocean view, you’ll find that every experience here feels personal and full of character. From upscale boutiques to cozy cafés, Laguna invites you to wander, taste, and enjoy.
Forest Avenue District
Right in the heart of downtown, Forest Avenue is a walkable stretch packed with unique boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. It’s the perfect place to shop for something local — from handmade jewelry to beachy home décor — then grab a coffee and people-watch.
The Hive
This trendy spot blends shopping and dining in one creative space. With artisan shops, design studios, and hip eateries all in one hub, The Hive is great for casual browsing followed by a fresh, flavorful lunch just steps away.
Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook
Located in a historic building near the beach, Sapphire serves up globally inspired dishes with a laid-back Laguna vibe. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed brunch, especially if you snag a seat on the patio.
Laguna Surf & Sport
For a classic coastal vibe, this shop has everything you need — and want — for beach life. Whether you’re picking up a new swimsuit, surf gear, or just something comfy to wear, it’s an easy stop before heading back to the sand.
The Promenade on Forest (Seasonal)
When it’s open, this pedestrian-friendly outdoor space transforms downtown into an open-air social scene. With street performers, pop-up shops, and al fresco dining, it’s a lively and fun way to spend an evening in town.
Restaurant Recommendations
Laguna Beach is full of flavor — literally. With oceanfront views, cozy corners, and menus that range from fresh seafood to creative global dishes, this coastal town knows how to serve up a great meal. Whether you’re in flip-flops after a beach day or dressed up for date night, there’s a table waiting for you somewhere special.
Nick’s Laguna Beach
A local favorite for a reason, Nick’s is stylish but never stuffy. From their signature fried deviled eggs to perfectly cooked steaks and seafood, everything on the menu feels thoughtful and satisfying. Bonus points for the cozy ambiance and polished service.
Las Brisas
Perched right above the ocean, Las Brisas offers coastal Mexican cuisine with a stunning view. Come for brunch, stay for the margaritas, and don’t miss the seafood enchiladas — they’re as good as the scenery.
Driftwood Kitchen
With its oceanfront setting and focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, Driftwood Kitchen brings a fine dining experience without losing that laid-back Laguna feel. It’s a go-to spot for sunset dinners and special occasions.
230 Forest Avenue
Tucked right in the heart of town, this upscale bistro blends modern American fare with a creative twist. The seafood is top-notch, and the vibrant setting makes it ideal for both lively group dinners and intimate date nights.
The Deck on Laguna Beach
If your idea of a perfect meal includes salty air and sand between your toes, The Deck is the place to be. Casual yet scenic, it’s one of the only true oceanfront dining spots in town — perfect for cocktails, fish tacos, and beachside vibes.
Find The Perfect Place to Stay in Laguna Beach With Beach & Snow Rentals
After a day of exploring tide pools, strolling through art festivals, and dining by the sea, there’s nothing better than coming home to a space that feels just right. With Beach & Snow Rentals, you can choose from a handpicked collection of vacation homes that match the laid-back elegance of Laguna Beach itself. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy cottage steps from the sand or a hilltop retreat with panoramic ocean views, your perfect getaway is waiting. Settle in, unwind, and make Laguna your own — one sunset at a time.