The Perfect Getaway – A Weekend in Laguna Beach

Looking for a great getaway? Spend a weekend in Laguna Beach.

We have a deep love affair with Laguna Beach, CA. My husband spent summers there as a kid and introduced me to this charming town when we were dating. We’ve never looked back!

Laguna Beach is the idyllic Southern California beach town complete with lifeguard stands on the beaches, surfers in the water, everything to eat from tacos and fish & chips to gourmet Italian cuisine. Oh, and ice cream!

Laguna is also known for being a thriving arts community and has a ton of galleries and boutique shops.

The top 5 reasons we love a weekend in Laguna:

• It’s simply beautiful! The colorful hills filled with flowers cascade down to the beach with picturesque rocks along the coast.
• It’s just about 50 minutes south of Los Angeles; A 6 hour drive from San Francisco; Fly into SNA, the Orange County Airport, aka the John Wayne Airport, just 20 minutes away. 
• Wear flip flops all day and  never get back in your car once you’re there.
• Laguna stretches for 9 miles and has 36 beaches!
• The sunsets! Think Hawaii, only in California!

Click on the map to find all the top locations in Laguna Beach!

How to Spend a Weekend in Laguna Beach

I recommend walking everywhere because it’s easy and parking is a challenge. But if you want free transport around town. Check out the amazing Laguna Trolley! And in case you’re wondering, yes Laguna Beach is safe!

If you do need to rent a car from the airport, checkout some car rental deals here. You could also just take a car service from the John Wayne Airport into town, because you really won’t need a car during your visit!

Day 1 – Weekend in Laguna Beach

Brunch

Urth Caffe – 308 N. Pacific Hwy
Don’t miss the Laguna Urth Caffe. As you might know Urth Caffes specialize in organic coffees and farm to table menus and lovely service. This location is up the hill on the PCH from the Main Beach and is well worth the walk.

The Main Beach

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious brunch, take a walk on the beach. The Main Beach is reason people flock to Laguna. Although this beach can get pretty busy during peak season, it’s always beautiful. You’ll see beach volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a big play structure for the littles to enjoy.

The Tide Pools

On the north end of the Main Beach, just at the foot of the restrooms and steps up to Heisler Park, you’ll find the protected marine tide pools. Depending on the time of day and the tides, you’ll find sea animals, shells, and rocks to climb around on. Roam around but don’t take anything and be respectful.

Nap Time

Make your way back to the hotel beach lounge chairs to nap, read, and take a swim on the beach if the tides, temperature, and waves cooperate.

Drinks & Appetizers

The Deck – 627 Sleepy Hollow Ln.
Time to clean up for the evening stroll. Enjoy some cruising in and out of the shops and galleries on your way to an oceanfront table for appetizers and drinks. Check out one of the many spots overlooking the beach for sunset.

Dinner

Alessa – 234 Forest Ave.
Walk to Forest Avenue across from the Main Beach. This street is blocked off from traffic and has a bunch of shops and restaurants, including penny candy and ice cream! I recommend Alessa for a delicious Italian meal. This menu has gluten free options, home made pastas and pizzas, great salads, and some of the best mushroom risotto I’ve had.

Dessert

Gelato Paradisio 448 South Coast Hwy, Ste A
You’ll see a line of people waiting inside a little alleyway and you’ll wonder why. It’s because of the best Gelato in Laguna!

Click Here for a Surfing Lesson in some of the
Best Waves in California!!!

Day 2 – Weekend in Laguna Beach

Brunch

Orange Inn 703 S Coast Hwy
We have been eating at Orange Inn for decades! Either order To-Go or dine in. It’s tiny so you might not find a spot to sit inside or out, but get your favorite organic and delicious breakfast and coffee to enjoy back at the hotel patios overlooking the ocean.

Heisler Park Promenade

Walk the length of The Main Beach and climb the steps up to Heisler Park to walk the promenade. You’ll have remarkable views, can stop for quiet moments in the gazebo or on benches, and enjoy the gorgeous gardens along the way. There is lawn bowling to watch, parks for kids and dogs to run in, and steps down to the beaches along the way. Howard Heisler developed the land in 1905, naming the park for his wife, Lucinda Heisler. Look for the veteran’s monument that holds a time capsule to be opened in 2027!

Diver’s Cove Beach

At the end of the promenade, you’ll come to the Diver’s Cove beach, which is about 50 steps down to this North Laguna beach tucked into the rocks. If you’re up for getting more steps into your day, then head down – and up again. Your legs might not be happy, but you will be!

Laguna Art Museum

Take an art break by enjoying this small and very interesting California art museum. Since 1918 the Laguna Art Association has maintained a strong art presence in town. The Laguna Art Museum holds over 3000 works in its very diverse collection – and there are some fun hands-on activities for kids too. It’s a deal at $12 per adult and $9 for seniors, students, and children.

Nap Time

Make your way back to the hotel beach lounge chairs to nap, read, and take a swim on the beach if the tides, temperature, and waves cooperate.

Drinks & Appetizers

The Cliff 577 S Coast Hwy
Time to get ready for your evening walk. You’ll find small shops tucked into an alley called Laguna Village. Listen for the live music as you shop around and get a table overlooking the beach at The Cliff. Have some apps and a drink. If you stay for dinner, have the fish & chips!

Dinner

La Sirena Grill 347 Mermaid St. & Glenneyre St.
If you’re up for a little more of a stroll, find this tiny spot in a house with the best gourmet Mexican – all sustainable and really special! There is a small area for sidewalk dining, open until 8PM and they are closed on Sundays – so go on Saturday!

Day 3 – Weekend in Laguna Beach

Brunch

The Old Pottery Place – Sapphire Laguna/Sapphire Pantry 1200 S Coast Hwy
Another historic Laguna landmark is the charming Old Pottery Place. You’ll see the giant statue of the famous Eiler Larsen, known as the “Laguna Greeter” for decades before his passing. Oftentimes, now, you’ll see the current greeter, Michael Minutoli, dressed in a cross between a Beatle’s Sergeant Pepper’s and Michael Jackson outfit, waving and greeting all passers by. The Old Pottery Place hosts 2 good restaurants. You’ll find indoor dining, but we prefer the outdoor seating.

Victoria Beach & The Pirate Tower

• Put on some sneakers and pack beach towels.
• Find the closest Free Laguna Trolley stop heading south. You’ll take it for less than 10 minutes to Victoria Drive.
• Depart the Trolley at the corner of Victoria Dr. and Sunset Terrace.
• Walk down Victoria Dr. from the PCH. 
• Find the steps down to the beach next to 2713 Victoria Dr.
• At the foot of the steps to your left is the white sand beach, but to your right is a rocky section.
• Keep your sneakers on! If the tide allows, walk on the rocks until you come to the hidden gem – The Pirate Tower.

The Pirate Tower

Find a 60-foot fairytale tower built to house steps down to the beach. In 1926 senator William Edward Brown’s family. The tower is no longer used by the homeowners and is closed to the public! But, it’s a great spot for a photo shoot!

Nap Time

Relax and swim at Victoria Beach before taking the trolley back to the hotel.

Drinks & Appetizers

Las Brisas 361 Cliff Dr.
Time to get ready for the evening walk into town. At the top of the stairs in Heisler Park, you will have noticed Las Brisas Restaurant. This establishment is a big part of Laguna’s history. Built in 1938, this was originally the Victor Hugo Inn which later burned down, reopened and then in 1979 became Las Brisas. I don’t recommend a full meal here because the service hasn’t been great each time we’ve gone. However, do sit outside by the fire pit overlooking the beach and have the freshly made guacamole with a cocktail before dinner.

Dinner

While there are many excellent restaurants to try, here are a few:

Selanne Steak Tavern 1464 S Coast Hwy. Selanne is in a historic 1934 home on the PCH and has The Loft dining room upstairs as well. An award winning chef, lots of meat and fish, pretty pricey and elegant.

The Greeter’s Corner 329 S Coast Hwy. Great location and good food. We eat here often because it’s simple and we love to sit on the patio and watch the sunset.

Larsen at Hotel Laguna 425 S Coast Hwy. Burgers, tacos, and seafood. We had a great meal here and would definitely return.

Dessert

Chantilly Ice Cream. Head to the corner of Forest Ave for a delicious Laguna ice cream cone!

Staying Longer than a Weekend in Laguna Beach?

Have more than a weekend? Look here for plenty more Laguna things to do! But if you would rather keep moving instead of napping on the beach then check out some hiking trails.
Try these:

• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna
  Find 40 miles of trails in the canyons with views of the ocean. The Nature Center has all the info. You can hike, bike, and even horseback ride on tour! Parking fee $3.
• Crystal Cove State Park – 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna
  Find over 3 miles of beach, views, and 2400 acres of wilderness. There’s even an offshore underwater region! Take guided hike tours, explore the tide pools, bike, horseback ride.
• Alisio & Woods Canyon State Park – 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel
  Find 30 miles of trails in a wildlife sanctuary. This was originally part of the Acajchemen Tribal Land. Hike, Bike and find rare species. Start at the Visitor Center at the Awma Road parking lot. Parking fee $3.

What is Laguna Beach known for?

Laguna Beach is known for many things including old Hollywood royalty, great beaches, famous surfing, and the Pageant of the Masters.

Pageant Of The Masters at the Festival of Arts

From July through early September Laguna is the host to the iconic Laguna Festival of Arts.  As part of a non profit organization started in 1932, this festival is Laguna’s biggest event of the year. Music, food, exhibits, and more are displayed in the Canyon Road location.

The real treat is the Pageant of the Masters performances. These are “tableau vivants” – a living picture of masterpieces. Each year has a different theme. The local volunteers bring art works to life by recreating them onstage to music. Its remarkable! Bring a blanket because it can be chilly in the evening.

Find all the ticket info here https://www.foapom.com. This is a very family friendly event. You can easily walk to the festival on Laguna Canyon Road or take the shuttle. If you plan on driving, read the website parking instructions carefully.

The Sawdust Festivals Summer and Winter Holidays

Another great Laguna event that happens in both summer and winter is the Sawdust Art Festival. Since the 1960’s, the festival has displayed the work of hundreds of artists paired with music and food! You can’t go wrong! Find all the info here: Sawdust Festival

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.

The Montage Laguna Beach
The Montage is a luxury resort and spa on the beach against the Laguna hills. Many rooms have crazy ocean views and private balconies and many rooms have gas fireplaces. There are three restaurants, and full spa services.

The Best Time to go to Laguna Beach

As you can see below, Laguna is pretty lovely all year round! It’s famous for its Mediterranean climate. We’ve rarely had bad weather in Laguna and we’ve visited at all times of the year! We’ve often been at Xmas time and have even gone in the water! Summer is busiest, but for a small town, it manages a lot of visitors well.

Laguna Beach Temps	Average High (°F)	Average Low (°F)
January	68	44
February	69	45
March	70	47
April	72	49
May	73	54
June	76	57
July	79	60
August	80	60
September	80	59
October	77	55
November	73	48
December	68	43

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 you don’t have free parking at your hotel, then park on the PCH, city lots, or at metered parking, so not to clog up parking in the residential neighborhoods.
• 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!

Ready for your Weekend in Laguna Beach?

In a nutshell…

Thanks to its walkability, stunning coastal views, laid-back vibe, and thriving arts scene, Laguna Beach truly delivers the perfect weekend escape! Whether you’re strolling through Heisler Park, exploring tide pools with the kids, catching a sunset with a cocktail in hand, or discovering hidden gems like the Pirate Tower, there’s magic around every corner.

We’ve made countless memories here and hope this guide helps you make your own. Don’t be surprised if one weekend turns into a lifelong love affair—just like it did for us.

xx,
Carrie