The 12 Best Things To Do In Laguna Beach, California 2026
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Looking for the best things to do in Laguna Beach?
Laguna Beach is one of our favorite getaway spots along the stunning southern California coast. We’ve literally been visiting Laguna for over 35 years! It’s the low key Southern California beach town that is perfect for a family vacation, a couple’s romantic excursion, or a girlfriends’ trip.
Laguna stretches for 9 miles and has 36 beaches! From Northern California’s San Francisco, Laguna is about a 6 hour drive. And it’s just 50 minutes south of Los Angeles.
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The Top Things To Do in Laguna Beach
There are so many fun and relaxing things to do in Laguna Beach, California, but let’s just get you started with the top 12 things to do in Laguna Beach.
#1 Laguna’s Main Beach
One of the 12 best things to do in Laguna Beach is obviously, to go to the beach!
The Main Beach is aptly named, as it is the main attraction in Laguna. When you enter town, your first sighting of the ocean includes the iconic Laguna Lifeguard Tower. People often say that Laguna Beaches remind them of Hawaiian beaches.
While the Main Beach can get pretty crowded at times, it’s still one of the most exquisite spots in my opinion, in Southern California.
Filled with beach volleyball matches, families in the waves, dogs walking their people, and views for days, this beach is the quintessential California scene.
Take a walk south along the beach to see gorgeous hotels and homes. Keep walking and you’ll find huge rock formations and surfing competitions. My favorite time of day to walk this beach is early morning when it’s still a bit foggy and quiet.
There are restrooms and outdoor showers for washing off the sand at the end of the day.
#2 Stroll Through Heisler Park
One of the best things to do in Laguna Beach, California is to stroll through Heisler Park. Heisler Park is the beautifully landscaped park on the coast, up above the bluffs, at the north end of Main Beach. Howard Heisler purchased the land in 1905 and named the park after his wife, Lucinda Heisler.
Enter the park via the stairs by the restrooms on the Main Beach or come from the north. Either way, you can enjoy views like you’ve never seen.
The paved paths wind through the park with its perfectly groomed gardens, exotic flowers, picnic areas, and lawn bowling green. Stop at the gazebo for a romantic spot moment, or just to enjoy the waves below.
Fun Fact – There’s a veteran’s monument in Heisler Park with a time capsule scheduled to be opened in 2027!
#3 Explore the Tide Pools
A personal favorite on the best things to do in Laguna Beach is to explore the tide pools. If you walk a short distance to the north end of the Main Beach, you’ll discover the famous Laguna Tide Pools.
This is a Marine Protected Area which means that the marine life, animals, shells, rocks, and plants cannot be touched or collected. Please follow the rules of Leave No Trace!
#4 Don’t Miss the Pageant Of The Masters at the Festival of Arts
The famous Laguna Festival of Arts is a non profit organization started in 1932 and has since been a staple of the Laguna community.
The Festival hosts art and music events, education, exhibits, has a permanent collection, and provides scholarships and grants to artists.
The festival is not only known for its summer art festival of booths displaying artists’ works, concerts, and food, but is best known for the world famous Pageant of the Masters.
Imagine masterpieces coming to life. I’ve never seen anything like it! Living art created before your very eyes! Sit in the small amphitheater and watch as volunteers recreate works of art to music.
And what a deal! Ticket prices are really reasonable for the quality of the performances. Check the website here.
When is The Pageant of the Masters?
Timing is everything here as the Pageant only runs from July through early September. Bring a blanket as it can be chilly in the evening. This is a family friendly event and not just for art historians. It’s a great way to spend an evening in Laguna.
How do I get to The Pageant of the Masters?
You can easily walk to the festival on Laguna Canyon Road or take the Laguna Shuttle which has stops on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) throughout town. If you plan on driving, read the website parking instructions carefully.
#5 Shop at The Sawdust Festival
From the end of June through the end of August, just across the road from the Festival of the Arts, is another great Laguna tradition – The Sawdust Art Festival. If you’re visiting Laguna in the winter, visit the Sawdust Winter Fantasy market that rivals the European Christmas markets with its lights, decorations, live music, caroling, and treats!
With a great history of supporting local artists since the 1960’s, the Sawdust Festival now displays the work of hundreds of artists. Their hand crafted, locally made art is paired with plenty of food, music, and culture. 
#6 Enjoy the Laguna Art Museum
Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Dr., Laguna
Talk about the 12 best things to do in Laguna Beach, California! In case you don’t get enough art from the festivals and all the galleries in town, you can always dip into the Laguna Art Museum.
This museum hosts over 3000 California Artists’ works. Since 1918, the Laguna Art Association has worked to support a Museum of California Art.
The permanent collection is really interesting and the visiting exhibits are always worth seeing. The museum adds new pieces to the collection and also attracts some of the most renowned contemporary artists around.
This is another great bargain at $15 per adult and $10 for seniors and students, and is free for children 12 and under.
#7 Plenty of Shopping & Dining
Like any good beach town, Laguna has shops! Souvenir shops, clothing shops, hat shops, shoes shops, and jewelry shops. Plenty of penny candy and ice cream too. You name it, you’ll find it.
Wander up and down the PCH and into the side streets in town to find all kinds of great spots.
You’ll find lots of touristy and pricey items, but there are also quality bargains out there as well. I’ve gotten some really nice things during the post Christmas sales! Laguna is also known for its strong support of art and has many galleries in town, so wander in and out of the galleries to get a glimpse of some photography, paintings, sculpture, and crafts.
#8 Hike in the Laguna Hills
There are hiking trails a plenty if you want to go vertical instead of horizontal on the beach all day. Here are three local hiking spots:
- Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna
This region has 40 miles of trails in the coastal canyons that offer you views of the ocean and take you through beautiful woodlands. You can hike, ride horses, ride bikes, and take guided tours. There is a Nature Center for information and maps. The park is sometimes closed after rain. There is a $3 parking fee. - Crystal Cove State Park
8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna
This park has over 3 miles of beach and 2400 acres of backcountry wilderness.It includes an offshore underwater region! Find the park between Laguna and Corona Del Mar. You can take guided hike tours, explore the tidepools, bike, horseback ride, and see incredible views along the bluffs. - Alisio & Woods Canyon State Park
28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel
This park has 30 miles of trails and is a wildlife sanctuary. Some rare and endangered species live here and it was originally part of the Acajchemen tribal Land. Enjoy hiking trails, bike trails, and scenic overlooks. There’s a Visitor Center at the Awma Road parking lot. There is a $3 parking fee.
#9 Visit the Pacific Coast Marine Mammal Center
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center
20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. Laguna
The Marine Mammal Center is FREE to visit and they are open 7 days a week! They rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. Look for tours and activities for all ages.
#10 Visit the Beautiful Hortense Miller Garden
Hortense Miller Garden
22511 Allview Terrace, Laguna
This is a two and one half acre garden. Located on Boat Canyon’s upper slopes. The Garden was established in 1959 and was designed by the remarkable Hortense Miller at the home she and her husband built. The garden has a wide range of plants that can be grown in Southern California coastal zones.
#11 Explore the Pirate Tower of Victoria Beach
Victoria Beach
2713 Victoria Dr. Laguna
About a 10 minute drive on the PCH, south of the Main Beach, at the corner of Victoria Dr. and Sunset Terrace you’ll find the Victorian Pirate Tower. It’s a 60-foot castle-inspired staircase tower designed to get from the house down to the beach, originally built for the senator William Edward Brown’s family in 1926. The tower is no longer used, but is a charming site and great for photo shoots. Then enjoy the sandy part of Victoria Beach for a swim and sunbath!
How to find the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach:
- Victoria Beach is not accessible by car. Park on the PCH at Victoria Drive because it will be very difficult to find a parking spot in the neighborhood near the beach.
- Wear sneakers!
- The Pirate Tower is only accessible during low tide.
- Find the steps down to the beach next to 2713 Victoria Dr.
- Walk down to the beach and turn RIGHT onto the rocks. It’s a little challenging, but not treacherous.
- Walk on the rocks until you reach the tower.
#12 Take a Kayak Tour – no experience necessary!
Try some ocean kayaking in Laguna Beach! You don’t have to have any experience. You can explore bays and coves on a double or single kayak. You might see dolphins, or maybe whales – and lots of sea lions.
Whale watching is also offered through a few boating companies in nearby Newport Beach and Dana Point just south of Laguna Beach.
Where to stay in Laguna Beach
As I mentioned, we have visited Laguna for over 35 years and have explored many of the hotel properties. Here are a couple in the mid to luxury range to check out:
The Capri Hotel
The Capri is a Mediterranean style hotel on the beach, very close to the town center. Lots of the rooms have balconies with ocean views. There’s a pool, lounges, umbrellas, and beach towels for guests. Reviews are great and you can’t beat the location.
The Casa Laguna
The Casa Laguna is an iconic hotel and spa resort on the ocean about 2 miles from Heisler Park. The Casa is one of Laguna’s oldest and most charming hotels. There are 23 rooms renovated in a Moroccan style. Not only are you above the beach, but also have access to a pool and full spa resort.
Is Laguna Beach worth a visit?
Absolutely! Laguna has a thriving arts community, lots of local boutiques, tons of great food, and sun, sun, sun! It’s perfect for a day trip, a weekend, or a full-on two week vacay.
Laguna has all the charm of a sleepy beach town, all the amenities of a paradise vacation, and all the casual vibes for a perfect Southern California getaway.
You can do so much without getting back in your car! When you crave to be barefoot all day and dine overlooking the ocean at night, I highly recommend Laguna Beach.
Why is Laguna Beach one of our favorite getaway spots? My husband spent childhood summers there and when we first met, he introduced me to Laguna. I’ve never looked back! And if you’re wondering if Laguna Beach is safe, no worries! Read more here!
When is the best time to go to Laguna Beach?
Laguna is lovely all year round. It’s known for its Mediterranean climate. I’ve rarely had bad weather there and have had many a December day warm enough to swim!
So, visit when it works for you.
Summer is of course the busiest time. Fall is divine! Winter time is also very beautiful, cozy, and festive.
I love spending my Xmas Eve birthday in Laguna! It’s very difficult to find food on that night, but always great weather! There are many restaurants with pre-fix dinners on Xmas Eve and Xmas night – if that’s your thing.
What are the best places to eat in Laguna?
We have eaten at many places in Laguna and can safely say, we have never left hungry or cranky! You can spend a lot of money at restaurants in Laguna, but you don’t have to. I highly recommend:
- The Greeter’s Corner Restaurant –329 South Coast Hwy – great fish & chips.
- Alessa – 234 Forest Ave – amazing Italian.
- Urth Cafe – 308 N Coast Hwy – best coffees and great for brunch and lunches, all organic.
- The Orange Inn – 703 South Coast Hwy – favorite breakfasts.
- Las Brisas – 361 Cliff Dr. – best happy hour nachos and great views.
- The Deck – 627 Sleepy Hollow Ln – great cocktails and chowder.
- The Cliff – 577 S Coast Hwy – great fish & chips.
- Gelato Paradisio – 448 S Coast Hwy Ste A – best gelato in town.
And for a real treat stop at the Malibu Farm Restaurant on your way to or from Laguna. You won’t be sorry!
My Laguna Tips
- Take advantage of the Laguna Beach Free Trolly. There is a Canyon Road route, a Coastal route, and a Festivals route. Check it out!
- Bring layers, the day may start off foggy and end a little cooler.
- If your hotel does not provide parking then use metered spots on the PCH or in town and city lots.
- Shop at Ralph’s for whatever you need, if you don’t want to dine out for every meal.
- Bring good walking shoes and beach shoes.
- Don’t forget a beach blanket and towels if you are not staying at a hotel which provides them.
- Of course you will need a bathing suit for the ocean or hotel pool or hot tub.
- Bring your dog! It’s a really dog friendly town!
Who was The Laguna Greeter?
Eiler Larsen was a “vagabond” from Denmark who traveled the world and eventually landed in Laguna Beach at age 52. Larsen became known as the Laguna Greeter for standing on a corner from the 1940’s through the 1970’s saying hello to all who passed. He was supported by locals with free rent and food and even was named the Official Greeter by the mayor in 1964. Look for his image in paintings and sculptures. He passed away in 1975 at the age of 84.
Now you have so many things to do in
Laguna Beach, California!
In a nutshell…
Laguna Beach is an our favorite family Southern California vacay beach town. It has all the things you want in a vacation – beach, food, hiking, art, and shopping. Go for a weekend or go for a week. There’s tons to do and it’s always a good time! I know it will be your favorite spot too!
Better start packing!
xx,
Carrie
