Laguna Beach CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Laguna Beach, California.
1. Heisler Park
OCEANFRONT STROLLS AND VIEWS
Heisler Park is one of the most stunning outdoor green spaces in Laguna Beach, offering beautiful oceanfront walking trails. Visitors can enjoy the lawn space for picnics while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The park extends both north and south, making it perfect for evening strolls along the coastline.
2. Crystal Cove State Park
HISTORIC BEACHES AND HIKING
Crystal Cove State Park encompasses 3.2 miles of pristine beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness. The park features historic cottages from the 1930s and 1940s, offering a glimpse into Southern California's beach culture of the past. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, tide pools, and swimming in protected waters.
3. Laguna Beach Trolley
FREE COASTAL TRANSPORTATION
The Laguna Beach Trolley is a beloved transportation system that offers convenient rides throughout the coastal town. This free service helps visitors and locals navigate Laguna Beach without the hassle of finding parking. The trolley runs year-round on weekends and daily during summer, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in one day.
4. 1,000 Steps Beach
SECLUDED COASTAL HIDEAWAY
1,000 Steps Beach is a secluded escape that offers stunning views despite not actually having 1,000 steps (there are about 230). The beach features beautiful sand, tide pools, and caves to explore at low tide. Its somewhat difficult access keeps crowds smaller than at more accessible beaches, providing a more intimate beach experience.
5. Main Beach
DOWNTOWN'S CENTRAL SHORE
Main Beach is the central and most accessible beach in downtown Laguna Beach, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The beach features volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a playground, offering activities for visitors of all ages. Its prime location puts visitors within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and art galleries in the downtown area.
6. Pacific Marine Mammal Center
RESCUE AND REHABILITATION
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine mammals found stranded along the Orange County coastline. Visitors can observe seals and sea lions in various stages of recovery and learn about marine conservation efforts. The center offers educational programs that highlight the importance of ocean conservation and the protection of marine life.
7. Victoria Beach
HIDDEN PIRATE TOWER
Victoria Beach is a hidden treasure in Laguna Beach, famous for its mysterious 60-foot medieval-looking tower known as the 'Pirate Tower.' This secluded beach offers a quieter alternative to more popular beaches in the area, with beautiful rock formations and tide pools to explore. The photogenic pirate tower, built in 1926 as a staircase to access the beach from the cliffs above, has become an iconic landmark and Instagram favorite.
8. Pageant of the Masters
LIVING ART PERFORMANCES
The Pageant of the Masters is an iconic theatrical performance unique to Laguna Beach where actors recreate famous works of art through 'tableaux vivants' or living pictures. This renowned summer festival combines art, theater, and illusion to bring masterpieces to life on stage. The evening performances under the stars have been a Southern California tradition since 1933, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world.
9. Treasure Island Beach Park
RESORT-QUALITY BEACH EXPERIENCE
Treasure Island Beach Park is one of the most easily accessible beaches in Laguna, known for its pristine waters and private coves. The beach is well-maintained by the Montage Laguna Beach Resort, offering excellent amenities and services to visitors. Its protected inlets create calmer waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling in a picturesque setting.
10. Shaw's Cove
PREMIER TIDE POOL EXPLORATION
Shaw's Cove is a local favorite for its serene atmosphere and beautiful tide pools teeming with marine life. During low tide, visitors can discover starfish, sea anemones, crabs, and small fish in this intimate natural setting. The cove provides a quieter beach experience than busier locations, making it perfect for families or marine biology enthusiasts.
11. Aliso Beach Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL RECREATION
Aliso Beach Park offers a perfect blend of activities for the whole family, from swimming and sunbathing to the popular fire pits for evening bonfires. The beach is known for its skimboarding opportunities, with consistent shore break that attracts professionals and beginners alike. Convenient amenities include a snack bar, restrooms, and nearby parking, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
12. Top of the World
PANORAMIC HILLTOP VIEWS
Top of the World offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Orange County from its elevated position in Laguna Beach. Hikers can access this viewpoint via several trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, with vistas stretching from catalina Island to inland mountains on clear days. The area serves as both a scenic lookout and the starting point for numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, making it popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Crescent Bay Point Park
CLIFFSIDE OCEAN VIEWING
Crescent Bay Point Park sits atop a bluff offering breathtaking views of the coastline and Catalina Island on clear days. The small but scenic park features benches where visitors can relax while watching for dolphins and whales in the waters below. Steps from the park lead down to Crescent Bay Beach, a crescennt-shaped cove popular for swimming and snorkeling.
14. Laguna Art Museum
CALIFORNIA ART SINCE 1918
The Laguna Art Museum is exclusively dedicated to California art, celebrating the state's rich visual history and diverse cultural heritage. Founded by local artists in 1918, it's one of the oldest art museums in California and showcases works from the 19th century to contemporary pieces. The museum's oceanfront location in downtown Laguna Beach makes it a cultural centerpiece of this artistic community.
15. Montage Laguna Beach
LUXURY COASTAL RESORT
Montage Laguna Beach is a five-star luxury resort perched on a coastal bluff with spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort features Craftsman-style architecture, world-class dining options, and a 20,000-square-foot spa offering comprehensive wellness treatments. Guests and visitors alike can enjoy access to the resort's art collection, beautiful grounds, and exclusive beach amenities that epitomize Southern California coastal luxury.