20 Things To Do In Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a must-visit location in Orange County, California for beach lovers as the temperatures are mild year-round, making every day a beach day. The coastal village is very accessible, with many attractions within walking distance. Laguna Beach is well known for its scenic coves, creative community and its ties to environmental preservation. Explore tide pools, sea caves and oceanside bluffs without having to leave the city.

Away from the beach, Laguna Beach has more than 20,000 acres of protected wilderness. There are mountain biking trails, miles upon miles of hiking paths and awe-inspiring panoramic views. The city has always been a popular destination and hub for artists. Around every corner of the city are public artworks, murals and galleries. Check out these 20 things to do in Laguna Beach.

Laguna Beach, California

20 Things To Do In Laguna Beach

1- Take a Guided Electric Bike Tour

Explore the small city of Laguna Beach on an electric bike, effortlessly cruising along the coastline and through the trendy neighbourhoods.

Tours usually come with a friendly, local, and knowledgeable guide who will lead you through the streets of Laguna Beach.

Explore local cultural gems, hidden alleys and streets, and of course, the incredible coastline.

Your guide will highlight the best bars, restaurants, stores, and attractions to add to your Laguna Beach bucket list.

This activity is family-friendly as each bike is equipped with five levels of pedal assist mode to allow all skill levels to enjoy and participate in the tour.

Pre-book tickets on Viator for a two-hour guided tour. Electric bike and helmet rental are included in the price.

Guided Electric Bike Tour is at 729 Gaviota Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

2- Feel Creative at Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Museum, or the Museum of California Art, is a must-visit Laguna Beach destination for anyone interested in art, creativity and storytelling.

Anna Hills and Edgar Payne, alongside other artists, formed the Laguna Beach Art Association in 1918 with a desire to share art and the knowledge of art between the artist and the public.

Following a fundraising campaign, Hills was able to build Laguna Art Museum.

Myron Hunt, a well-known Los Angeles architect, custom-built the gallery to house a large collection.

Today, this section of the museum is known as the Steele Gallery, as further additions have been made to the museum over the decades.

The museum showcases both permanent and temporary collections.

The gallery is a creative and open space of inspiration.

Everything from paintings and sculptures to performances and immersive pieces are welcome.

Laguna Art Museum is at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

3- Discover Art and History on a Walking Tour

There is no better way to explore a new city than walking the streets.

With an expert guide to open your eyes further, hidden gems come to life.

Book a guided tour through Viator to get the most out of your day of discovery.

The tours begin in downtown Laguna Beach where the city’s thriving art community is located.

Many arts and music festivals are held yearly here, and a well-timed tour may just include a visit.

The tours take in local art galleries, street art, beaches, and parks.

Your knowledgeable tour guide will recommend the best galleries to head back to, and some of the best coffee shops in the area.

During your walking tour grab a cup of tea or coffee, included in your ticket price, to sip whilst enjoying the art surrounding you.

You can pre-book tickets for an art and history walking tour through Viator.

Laguna Beach Art and History Walking Tour is at Lifeguard Tower, 105 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

4- Hike Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park covers 7000 acres (2832 ha) of spectacular landscape in some of Southern California’s last remaining coastal canyons.

The park is filled with 40 miles (64 km) of hiking trails that weave through woodland, along coastlines and up onto high ridges for incredibly scenic views.

The rocky bluffs tower above some of the canyon’s trails.

The woodlands within the park are filled with oak, willow and sycamore trees.

The park is part of the wider Natural Community Conservation Planning program, which sees endangered and rare species protected and cared for.

Rare birds, such as the orange-throated whiptail, and mammals, including bobcats and long-tailed weasels, live in this protected environment.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is at 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-0300. Discover hidden beaches in Laguna Beach on this tour.

5- Relax in Heisler Park

Heisler Park is to the north of Main Beach and has incredible views of the coastline.

Heisler Park is popular with the artistic community due to its many public art pieces.

Wander through the grassy paths to see artworks and sculptures by both local and International artists.

The park is a great location to begin a day of exploring.

Accessible from the park are many walking trails, access to some of the city’s best beaches and it is very close to many must-visit tide pool locations.

Heisler Park is at 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651-1623.

6- Visit the Animals at Pacific Marine Mammal Centre

Pacific Marine Mammal Centre is a must-visit Laguna Beach destination for animal lovers.

The centre takes in northern elephant seals and California sea lions who are injured, sick or in need of assistance.

Following a dedicated care and rehabilitation program, the centre aims to release them back into the wild when they are strong and healthy.

The centre is keen to educate visitors in marine conservation and science and has an extensive educational program.

Throughout the centre are interactive displays, marine mammal artefacts, and of course, their marine mammal residents.

Volunteers will introduce you to California sea lions, northern elephant seals, Pacific harbour seals and northern fur seals, who are all cared for by the centre.

Visits to the centre are free, however, donations to continue their work are welcome.

Pacific Marine Mammal Centre is at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651-1137.

7- Explore Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is an incredible natural landscape to explore when visiting Laguna Beach.

The park has more than 3 miles (4.83 km) of coastline and 2000 acres (809 ha) of wilderness.

The park is filled with coastal trails for hiking, cycling and running.

Its coastline is also popular with surfers and swimmers.

Scuba diving is also possible, so pack your diving equipment to explore the underwater park.

The park is dog friendly on specific trails due to the wildlife in the area. Bobcats, snakes and other wild animals roam within the parkland, so dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Crystal Cove State Park is at 8471 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

8- Surf the Waves

Surfing is a must when visiting any California beach location.

With some of Laguna Beach’s surf lessons, beginners and those seeking a refresher can gain confidence on the waves.

Expert instructors lead you through surfing safety, important information on ocean tides, and of course, surfing technique and etiquette.

Boards and wetsuits are provided, so you only need to bring enthusiasm and excitement to your lessons.

Laguna Beach Surf Lessons are available to pre-book through Viator.

Laguna Beach Surf Lessons is at 125 Thalia Street, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651.

9- Go Whale and Dolphin Watching

Head up the coast to Newport Beach to depart on an incredible whale and dolphin watching tour.

From the comfort of your vessel, look for blue whales, finback whales and grey whales, as well as dolphins playfully jumping out of the water.

The cruise is also an excellent opportunity to admire the beauty of the coastline between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.

Whale and dolphin watching cruises run year-round, and as a result, the whale species sighed vary.

Between summer and fall, expect to see blue whales. Grey whales, humpback whales, and finback whales can be seen in winter and spring.

Pre-book your tour so you don’t miss out on an amazing experience.

Whale and Dolphin Watching is at Balboa Pavilion, 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661.

10- Visit Crescent Bay Point Park

For the most breathtaking sunsets in Laguna Beach, head to Crescent Bay Point Park, a small park with patches of soft grass and shady trees.

There’s a paved walkway around the perimeter of the park.

The park overlooks the ocean but does not have direct beach access, so keep a lookout for whales in the waters beyond.

There’s a pick of picnic tables and benches to sit and relax at, so pack snacks and a blanket to enjoy the sun setting over the water.

Crescent Bay Point Park is at Crescent Bay Drive, Laguna Beach, CA.

11- Travel on Laguna Beach Trolley

Riding the Laguna Beach Trolley is a fun way to see the city, free to travel on and instantly recognisable in its iconic blue and gold finish.

This open-air trolley takes seasonal routes throughout the city, taking you to some of the best neighbourhoods and sites Laguna Beach has to offer.

Laguna Beach Trolley drives along Coast Highway between North Laguna Beach to Dana Point, taking in Laguna Canyon Road.

This mode of transport is the perfect option for visitors wanting to relax and see more of the city in style.

The schedule and routes do change, so check before you travel.

Laguna Beach Trolley is at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651-2332.

12- Immerse Yourself in History at Murphy-Smith Historic Bungalow

The Murphy Family built this incredible architectural landmark in 1923 and the Laguna Beach Historical Society currently occupies the bungalow.

The house is filled with a range of memorabilia from the city from the 20th century and is one of the remaining original houses in downtown Laguna Beach.

The bungalow is decorated inside and out in a 1920s beach cottage style.

Murphy-Smith Historic Bungalow is free to visit at 278 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, Ca 92651-2107.

13- Look for Sea Creatures at Laguna Beach Tide Pools

Where the ocean meets the land, many tide pools filled with various marine life are created.

The tide pools in Laguna Beach are often sheltering octopuses, snails, urchins, sea stars and hermit crabs.

The best time to see Laguna Beach tide pools is after low tide.

Typically in the morning or evening, low tides trap sea creatures in natural hollows and caves.

All of Laguna Beach’s tide pools are within a Marine Protected Area.

This ensures that the creatures are protected and not taken, damaged or harmed.

The best way to appreciate the life in the tide pools around Laguna Beach is by observing, photographing, and being mindful of the tides.

Laguna Beach Tide Pools are at multiple locations along Laguna Beach’s coastline.

14- Sunbathe at Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach is only accessible by a staircase leading down the cliff to the sands below or by walking through a tunnel.

This secluded beach is a top spot to enjoy the waves of the Pacific Ocean and relax on the soft golden sands.

Despite the beach being immediately below the prestigious and gated Victoria Drive community, the beach is not privately owned and is open to the public.

Head out onto the rocks close to the staircase to see the Victorian La Tour Tower.

The tower is part of a residential staircase and was built in the 1920s.

Victoria Beach is at Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, CA, 92652.

15- See a Play at Laguna Playhouse

For more than 100 years, Laguna Playhouse has entertained residents and visitors to Laguna Beach.

The local community founded the playhouse in 1920, making it the oldest continuously operating, not-for-profit theatre on the West Coast.

The playhouse has year-round seasons filled with comedies, dramas, musicals and family-friendly performances.

Laguna Playhouse has a well-established community outreach program where its resident actors visit local schools to put on educational performances.

Laguna Playhouse is at 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651-1837.

16- Stroll Along Main Beach

Main Beach is the perfect destination for sun-seekers.

The beach is dotted with those relaxing in the sun and those making the most of summer sports such as volleyball.

Surfing is a popular activity at Main Beach, with many surf schools running lessons here during the summer months.

Main Beach is famous for its lifeguard tower, which frequently appears on TV and in movies.

Many visitors to Main Beach spend the day and pack picnics to make the most of it.

There is a grassy park, boardwalk, plenty of public art installations and mellow waves to enjoy.

Main Beach is at Laguna Beach, CA, 92651.

17- Be Inspired at Kush Fine Art Gallery

Kush Fine Art Gallery is in the heart of the artist colony on Forest Avenue, a hub of fine arts in Laguna Beach.

Vladimir Kush opened the gallery in 2006 and filled it with spectacular paintings, sculptures and installation pieces.

Kush is a world-renowned artist famed for his creation of Metaphorical Realism.

Every piece in the gallery is linked through hidden likenesses.

The gallery is open to the public to admire the pieces or to purchase something exquisite to take home.

Kush Fine Art Gallery is at 210A Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

18- Learn About Plants at Hortense Miller Garden

Hortense Miller established her garden and home in 1959.

The garden spans 2.5 acres (1 ha) of the upper slopes of Boat Canyon and is an icon of Laguna Beach you must visit.

Miller was an environmentalist and gardening writer whose garden was designed in the Bauhaus style, combining geometry with nature’s wildness.

The garden is home to a variety of plants that can be grown on the Southern California coast.

Hortense Miller Garden is open to the public between Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Guided tours of the garden and the house are available.

Hortense Miller Garden is at 22511 Allview Terrace, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1547.

19- Climb the Steps at Thousand Steps Beach

Climb down 218 steps to Thousand Steps Beach for a quiet, pristine and relaxing beach day.

The beach’s northern and southern borders are sandstone cliffs that stretch out into the water.

As the beach requires walking down and inevitably back up many steps, the beach is quieter than others in Laguna Beach.

Head south along the shoreline to explore one of Laguna Beach’s most famous sea caves.

The cave can be fully walked through but is completely inaccessible at high tide so do check tide times before visiting.

Thousand Steps Beach is at 31972 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651.

20- See The Sea Lions On A Kayaking Tour

There’s a range of tours for those wanting to see more of Laguna Beach, including kayak, e-bike and paddle board experiences of the local area.

One of their popular tours is the kayak tour, where you can expect to see dramatic contoured cliffs, kelp forests, hidden beaches and protected coves.

A highlight is a visit to Seal Rock, where a colony of California Sea Lions live.

Another activity you may like to try is stand-up paddleboarding. Find out more here.

La Vida Laguna Tours is at 1121 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651.

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