Laguna Beach panoramic view on a sunny day

Things to do in  Laguna Beach

Not just for reality shows

Along the shores and in the canyons of Orange County is Laguna Beach, one of Southern California's most scenic beach destinations. It features a picturesque downtown, secluded beaches, and dramatic overlooks to make for a magical retreat. As it’s home to an artist colony, Laguna Beach also draws thousands to its annual Pageant of the Masters and Sawdust Art festivals. Things to do in Laguna Beach include tide pooling at the historic Crystal Cove State Park, strolling through Heisler Park, taking a whale-watching tour, kayaking, and learning to surf.

Top activities in Laguna Beach

Hollywood Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Hollywood Tour

star-5
179
From
$199.00
Temecula Wine Tasting Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Temecula Wine Tasting Tour

star-5
9
From
$199.00
Hollywood PRIVATE Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Hollywood PRIVATE Tour

star-5
6
From
$1,200.00
per group
Laguna Beach Surf Lessons

Laguna Beach Surf Lessons

star-5
1
From
$170.00
per group
The OC Coastal Tour

The OC Coastal Tour

star-5
4
From
$1,300.00
per group
Looney Laguna Beach Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Looney Laguna Beach Scavenger Hunt

From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
Self-Guided Orange County Drive from Long Beach to Laguna Beach
Special Offer
Temecula Wine Tasting PRIVATE Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Temecula Wine Tasting PRIVATE Tour

star-5
4
From
$1,200.00
per group

All about Laguna Beach

When to visit

While Laguna Beach has temperate, sunny weather all year, the most popular time to visit is summer, when water temperatures are pleasant. At this time of year, you can also see the city’s creative community come to life at Laguna Beach’s signature summer arts festivals. If you’d like the city more to yourself, spring and early fall see far fewer visitors.

Getting around

The nearest airport to Laguna Beach is John Wayne Airport (SNA), about 16 miles northeast of the city. Although shuttles are available and Laguna Beach is generally walkable, having a car will allow you to fully explore the area and see destinations such as Crystal Cove State Park and Balboa Island in Newport Beach. While ride-sharing services are available, the only public transportation is a free trolley with a limited but helpful circuit.

Traveler tips

Much of Laguna Beach’s beauty can be attributed to its verdant and dramatic coastal overlooks that brim with local succulents, yuccas, grasses, and other flora. Be sure to take advantage of this at Heisler Park and behind the Montage Laguna Beach resort. One beach over to the south is Victoria Beach, which features a unique pirate tower.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
30
Reviews
350
EN
7a340dae-aaf4-4528-9877-3013b987d89f
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Laguna Beach known for?

Laguna Beach is a scenic beach destination in Orange County known for dramatic coastal vistas, a local artist colony, and secluded cove beaches. It also hosts two summer art festivals—the Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Art—and offers surfing, kayaking, whale watching, and tide pooling.

...More
Is Laguna Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Laguna Beach is worth visiting on any Southern California trip. Its rugged but verdant coastline makes for stunning vistas and secluded beaches. Just about anyone will delight in a visit, whether they enjoy lounging on the beach, getting active in the water, shopping, or exploring the art scene.

...More
Is Laguna Beach or Newport Beach better?

Laguna Beach and Newport Beach are adjacent cities on a spectacular slice of the Orange County coastline. Both feature luxury resorts, affluent residents, cliff-edged beaches, and plenty of water activities. Laguna Beach has a centralized and walkable downtown area, giving Laguna Beach a welcoming, accessible, and vibrant feel that Newport Beach doesn’t have.

...More
Where should I stop in Laguna Beach?

Your trip to Laguna Beach should include a trip to Heisler Park for a magnificent coastline view. Pick up scoops at Gelato Paradiso before strolling along the boardwalk and taking a self-guided walking tour of downtown. Cap it off with sunset views at Crystal Cove State Park.

...More
What are the best outdoor activities in Laguna Beach?

Laguna Beach is an outdoor adventurer's playground. See the city’s dramatic vistas and verdant hills on one of its many hiking trails, or hang ten at top surf spots such as Aliso Beach and Sleepy Hollow. Meanwhile, whale watching, kayaking, and tide pooling showcase the wonders of the deep.

...More
What are the top attractions to visit in Laguna Beach?

Top choices to visit in Laguna Beach include Heisler Park, Victoria Beach, and Crystal Cove State Park. In the summer, make sure to check out the Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Art festivals.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top activities in Laguna Beach?
Q:
What are the top things to do near Laguna Beach?
A:
Check out things to do near Laguna Beach: