With its world-class art and beautiful beaches, Laguna Beach, CA is sophistication personified. Orange County has no shortage of gorgeous coastal towns, but Laguna Beach takes the cake among them and has quickly become a local favorite. With a thriving arts community and the downtown area nestled perfectly among rolling hills, the center of town is very walkable, and you can easily stroll from the shops to the beach without your car.
Enjoy the warm weather year-round with these activities.
Things to See and Do in Laguna Beach
Downtown Laguna Beach offers a quaint respite to the hustle and bustle of LA. Boutique shops, art galleries, and upscale restaurants paint of picture of elegant leisure. Everyone’s tastes are different, and this area seems to check all of the boxes, with funky surf shops, upscale art galleries, and other shopping to fit most any taste.
For ideal people-watching, head over to Main Beach, Laguna Beach, CA, and dip your toes in the water. Later in the day, this beach tends to get crowded, so try the south end of the beach where there may be more room to spread out (pro tip!)
The Laguna Art Museum is a great way to spend a couple of hours viewing an impressive collection of Californian artists from the 19th century to more modern-day art across many different mediums. Learn about the sense of community here and about the early history of the area through artistry.
Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, CA has a very scenic stretch of coastline between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, CA, right along the Pacific Coast Highway. Meander through the Historic District, where you’ll find dozens of vintage cottages from the 1930s-40s era. Then get up close and personal with some sea life as you explore tide pools along the beach. This map has the best spots.
Get Off the Beaten Path in Laguna Beach
For a beach that is a little less populated, Thousand Steps Beach, Laguna Beach, CA is where to go. But don’t let the name fool you – yes, there are steps, making for some good exercise, but the number is more like 220 steps instead of the heart-stopping 1,000! This is a limited-access beach, which will provide a quiet retreat if that’s what you’re looking for.
Take a self-guided public art tour. There is so much street art in Laguna Beach; it’s like perusing your own free outdoor art gallery. The art scene here is massive, and you will run into museums, theaters, and indoor galleries along the way.
Find Pirate Tower, Laguna Beach, CA. Located on Victoria Beach, this sand-like tower shot up 60 feet and was built in 1926 and is an enclosed staircase leading up to a private home (so you can’t go inside). A famous past owner of this home was Bette Midler. Still, it’s great to photograph, especially during sunset.
Laguna Farmer’s Market. Held every Saturday from 8 am ‘til 2 pm, this is where the locals come for their fresh produce. Grab a hot cup of coffee while you’re here, and come for breakfast and lunch, served by several food vendors. Parking is just across the street next to Laguna Beach City Hall.
What to Eat in Laguna Beach
Start your day off with a leisurely brunch at Zinc Café & Market. It’s right downtown and has mostly outdoor seating. They specialize in healthy options such as avocado toast, hearty breakfast burritos, and matcha lattes – it’s the perfect place to charge up for the day’s adventures.
My favorite breakfast place is the Beachcomber Cafe, Laguna Beach, CA at Crystal Cove State Park. It sits right on the beach is a laid back oasis. If you need to destress this is your place. Flip flops and shorts are required.
For the best burger and view, try out Ruby's Shake Shack. The line is always long but the wait is enjoyable since you're overlooking the pacific and the Crystal Cove State Park.
For something a little fancier, you should try Nick’s Laguna Beach, with such decadent offerings as California omelets, fried chicken and waffles, or short ribs benedict.
For a fancy seafood dinner, head to Driftwood Kitchen. Located in a quaint, converted home, try to get a reservation on their deck outside so you can dine as the sunsets! They have a delectable selection of seafood and steak options.
For dessert, don’t’ miss Gelato Paradiso. It’s a local favorite, almost hidden in an alleyway off the main drag, and it usually has a line out the door, which means it’s GOOD! So get in that line for the best gelato in town.
Where to Stay in Laguna Beach
The Tides Laguna Beach. For the more budget-minded, this is a nice motel with all of the creature comforts, without the pretentious atmosphere, Amenities include a pool, a BBQ area, kitchenettes and free parking (which isn’t cheap in the city center!) It’s located just a block from the beach and within walking distance to downtown.
Laguna Beach House. For a boutique hotel, this property is California chic and will make you feel right at home with its surfer, beach-centric atmosphere. Here you are on island time, even though you’re not really on an island.
Surf & Sand Resort. Located right on the oceanfront on its own 500 feet of beach, this resort is the perfect place to lay your head and be lulled to sleep by the waves. It is both family-friendly and a great place for a romantic couple’s getaway. Order room service to your balcony, as they all face the ocean. This is also one of the best places in Laguna Beach to have a drink and watch the sunset. On my top ten list of views.
One of my favorites is the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. Impeccable service, gorgeous views, incredible Spa, and relaxing ambiance.
Laguna Beach is the perfect place to hang your hat for one or several days. Make it a single destination, or part of a classic California road trip along the beautiful coastal highway.
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 