Introduction
Laguna Beach is a beautiful area with lots to do and see, from local art galleries to beaches to restaurants that offer a view of the Pacific Ocean.
There are so many things to do in Laguna Beach that it can be hard for visitors and residents alike to decide what’s best for their time, but we’re here to help! Below you’ll find our recommendations for things worth doing in Laguna Beach.
To know more about California beaches you can read our article on the Best Beaches in California
1. Heisler Park
Heisler Park is an excellent place to bring your dog, as well as a good spot for a picnic. The park was originally named “Franklin Canyon” after the canyon that it’s located in, but it was renamed in honor of longtime Laguna Beach resident and lifeguard John Heisler, who died during the Great Depression.
The park contains plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas, with panoramic views of Laguna’s beaches below.
The best way to get there is via Heisler Park Drive or El Paseo Road, both of which lead right into the park itself; parking at either end will get you close enough for easy access on foot or by bike (if you’re feeling brave enough).
If you plan on visiting during springtime or summertime when most tourists visit, you may want to try going early in the day before everyone else arrives at once!
2. Main Beach, Laguna
Main Beach is a popular beach for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. The beach is located on the coast of Laguna Beach and is open to the public, however, it does not have restrooms or showers. The most prominent feature at this location is a rock formation that creates waves that are ideal for surfing or bodyboarding (though you should always practice caution in these activities).
The main attraction at Main Beach is volleyball courts which are also open to public use during daylight hours with no fee required; they are typically used by locals as well as tourists who want to enjoy some friendly competition while playing on one of the best beaches in Southern California.
3. Victoria Beach
Victoria Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Laguna Beach. It’s great for families and people who want to watch the sunset, but it can get crowded during peak season (April to November).
There are a few restaurants nearby if you need a snack or drink while you enjoy your time at Victoria Beach.
If you don’t have time to stop by one of these restaurants before heading out on your adventure, there’s an ice cream shop right next door!
Victoria Beach can be accessed from either PCH or Laguna Canyon Road (which turns into Forest Avenue).
If you’re coming from PCH, park anywhere along Coast Highway and walk about 0.3 miles south on Coast Highway until you reach Victoria Park (this will take about 5 minutes).
4. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is a gorgeous, expansive area with tall trees, hidden waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. Located in Laguna Beach, California just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, this park is perfect for hiking or even riding your bike through its many trails.
The park has old-growth coastal sage scrub habitat that attracts a plethora of wildlife including coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions (the latter two are endangered species).
The flora includes chaparral plants like chamise and ceanothus; these plants typically grow in dry areas with little water so they’re well adapted to survive in this climate as well.
Aliso Creek runs through the wilderness preserve which makes it easy for hikers to cool off during hot days!
5. Table Rock Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that offers everything from swimming to surfing, Table Rock Beach is your destination. Known for its amazing views of the ocean, this Laguna Beach spot is great for families and dogs alike. If you want to take a romantic evening stroll on the sand, Table Rock Beach is also an ideal location. You can feel free to bring along your picnic basket because there’s plenty of parking available at this popular spot!
6. Thousand Steps Beach
Thousand Steps Beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset, as well as the sunrises and surfers.
The beach itself is off-limits to vehicles, so you’ll have to park your car at one of the nearby lots (or down by Main Street) and walk about two blocks, but it’s worth it!
The trail down to the beach winds around an old stone staircase, hence the name and features plenty of stunning views from above along its path. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll find yourself on soft sand that leads right into the water; there are no crowds here either!
7. Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is one of the most popular parks in California. It’s a one-of-a-kind, 1,200-acre park that’s home to the world’s largest population of California condors, who are known for their stunningly beautiful feathers and large size (they can weigh up to 30 pounds). However, this park also offers something else: scuba diving!
The crystal clear water along this beach allows you to see your surroundings with ease. The marine life here includes an array of fish species as well as sea anemones and sponges. You can swim among other sea creatures such as stingrays and even sharks if you’re lucky enough!
8. Alta Laguna Park
Alta Laguna Park is located at the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard, just south of I-5 and north of Alicia Parkway. The park has plenty of parking spaces and restrooms for all visitors to enjoy. There are also picnic tables, a covered pavilion, and a playground for families with children who want to spend their time outdoors having fun.
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, but there are no public programs or events held here on any given day so there’s no need to worry about getting caught up in traffic while heading out on your adventure!
9. Treasure Island Park
Treasure Island Park is located at the end of Laguna Canyon Road. This park has a beautiful coastline and beach access, picnic areas, and picnic tables.
The restrooms here are clean and well maintained. It’s a great place to get away from the city for a day with your family or friends!
In addition to its beaches and coastal landscape, Treasure Island Park also offers many amenities including picnic areas with BBQ grills, bathrooms; volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, basketball courts; playground equipment for kids ages 5–12 years old (this area includes climbing structures).
One of the downsides is that this beach is really small and ofter get crowded, so prepare beforehand about car parking.
10. Diver’s Cove
Diver’s Cove is a popular destination to go snorkeling, scuba diving, tide pooling, and kayaking.
It’s a great place for first-time divers who want to experience the underwater world without committing to taking classes or spending tons of money on equipment.
The cove is actually an old quarry that has been turned into a marine sanctuary with a sandy bottom where you can walk around and look at sea life such as fish, crabs, lobster, and even octopi!
11. Laguna Art Museum
The Laguna Art Museum is a great place to take in some local art.
The museum has a permanent collection of over 5,000 pieces, including works from some of the most well-known artists of our time like Louise Nevelson, Ed Ruscha, and Robert Rauschenberg.
The art on display is organized into different themes like the “Art of California,” the “Art of Los Angeles” and even an entire gallery dedicated to the work of Frank Gehry.
You can also find a number of rotating exhibits at the museum that explores everything from photography to sculpture.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday with free admission every third Thursday night of each month.
Exhibitions and More information: www.lagunaartmuseum.org
Address: 307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
12. Crescent Bay Point Park
This green space sits on a bluff high above the ocean, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views and explore tide pools.
Crescent Bay Point Park is the perfect place to go for a walk, a run, or just a day at the beach.
The park offers plenty of grassy areas where you can sit and relax and take in some sunshine, as well as a large beach area that offers something for everyone from kayaking to paddle boarding, from surfing to swimming.
The park also has plenty of spots where you can get food and drinks, as well as bathrooms.
You’ll find this park on the south side of Crescent Bay, near where PCH meets Laguna Canyon Road. It’s open from sunrise until sunset every day of the year!
Address: Crescent Bay Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
13. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
If you’re looking for things to do in Laguna Beach, check out the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters!
Both of these events are held every summer in Laguna Beach, California. The Festival of Arts is an outdoor art show that runs from July through September, and the Pageant of the Masters happens every August at the Laguna Playhouse.
The Festival of Arts features a variety of artists who work in a variety of mediums and styles. You can buy paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery you name it! It’s a great way to support local artists while also taking in some great art.
The Pageant of the Masters has been going on for over years now, making it one of the oldest ongoing pageants in the nation (and possibly even around the world).
It features famous paintings from masters like Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh and more being performed by live actors who act out each painting as if they were actually there when it was painted! It’s really amazing to see how much effort goes into recreating these famous works it really makes sense why people would want to see them again!
Tickets: www.foapom.com
Address: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
14. Aliso Beach
Aliso Beach is an awesome place to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. The beach is long and wide, with clean sand and lots of places to explore. There are also volleyball nets and picnic tables available for you to use if you want to bring food or drinks from home! The beach also has a playground for kids!
If you’re not into beaches, there are other things to do in Laguna Beach that will keep you busy all day long!
15. Mission San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano is a Spanish mission in Orange County, California.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful place to visit in Laguna Beach. It was founded in 1776 and was the site of many important events in the history of California.
The mission features a museum that houses many artifacts from the time period, including a bell tower built in 1824 that is still used today. You can also see the original chapel where Father Jose Antonio Yorba served as a priest for almost 30 years.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States
Tickets and Admission: www.missionsjc.com
There are many fun things to do in Laguna Beach
There are many fun things to do in Laguna Beach. It’s a great place to visit, and even better if you live there! If you’re looking for a place to raise your family, live close by. Even if you prefer the excitement of city life, there’s something for everyone here. You’ll love it!
This city is full of things that will keep you busy every day of the week. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as indoor entertainment at any time of day or night.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you decide what to do in Laguna Beach. If you have any questions, or you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to reach out.
The final thing to do in Laguna Beach is to relax and enjoy the view.
If you haven’t done it yet, go see the art galleries in town. There are a lot of them, and each one has something different to offer.
You can also take a walk along the shoreline. It’s a great way to get some fresh air while taking in the beauty of this gorgeous city.
Visit Main Beach or take a walk on the boardwalk. It’s beautiful and there’s always something going on!
