Laguna Beach

Travel Guide
Laguna Beach which includes landscape views, a beach and a coastal town
This city’s dramatic coastal landscape has attracted artists since the early 1800s, and continues to inspire the enclave’s creative community today.

Laguna Beach is one of California’s earliest vacation towns. Settled not long after the American Civil War, the coastal village quickly became popular with inland ranchers keen to escape the summer heat. English-born painter Norman Saint Clair became enraptured by the dramatic coastal vistas in the early 19th century. By 1920 more than half of Laguna’s residents were artists and the area’s creative community continues to thrive today.
 
A great way to find your bearings is to hike the trails through Heisler Park. These trails offer panoramic views north to Crescent Bay and south to Laguna’s Main Beach. Laguna’s beaches, coves and bluffs are all unique and offer a range of activities.

Rent a stand-up paddleboard and hit the rolling swells at Main Beach, or head to Thousand Step Beach, a popular surf spot and volleyball venue. Pull on a mask and fins and explore the rich marine life at Diver’s Cove, or wander the tidal pools up and down the coast. Rent a skimboard at the sport’s birthplace, Victoria Beach, and at the end of the day grab some hot dogs and head for the fire pits on Aliso Beach.
 
Laguna offers much more than beaches. The city is filled with wonderful architecture, from early beachside cottages to ritzy cliff-hugging homes. Take a historic Bungalow Tour and learn more about the city’s history through its earliest buildings, including St Francis by the Sea, one of the world’s smallest churches.
 
Laguna’s downtown area is known as The Village. Spend half a day here visiting one-of-a-kind boutiques, cafés and galleries on Forest Avenue. When the sun gets a little hot, sample a local brew at the Laguna Brewing Company. Develop an appreciation for Californian art at the Laguna Art Museum, which houses more than 3,500 pieces from the early 19th century to the present day.

On the first Saturday of each month, more than 20 local artists open their studios to visitors. Feeling inspired? Take an art lesson in the scenic surrounds of Treasure Island Park.
 
In the warmer months the city offers an array of art, music and crafts festivals. To get the most out of your visit, call into the Visitors Center on Forest Avenue to pick up maps and brochures.

Where to stay in Laguna Beach

This is known as the “Secret Pools” in Laguna Beach and its only access is through a cave at *very low tide*. It’s a dangerous spot if you don’t know what you’re doing. A young man got sucked into a blow hole when a rogue wave struck him and he unfortunately passed away. It is best to go with a local. #localsecrets

South Laguna

While visiting South Laguna, you might make a stop by sights like Thousand Steps Beach and Victoria Beach.

South Laguna
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Downtown Laguna Beach

While visiting Downtown Laguna Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Main Beach and Main Beach Park.

Downtown Laguna Beach
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North Laguna

If you're spending some time in North Laguna, Heisler Park and Main Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

North Laguna
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Laguna Village

If you're spending some time in Laguna Village, Main Beach and Gallery Row are top sights worth seeing.

Laguna Village
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Hip District

While visiting Hip District, you might make a stop by sights like Woods Cove and Bluebird Beach.

Hip District
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Emerald Bay

While visiting Emerald Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Emerald Bay Beach and Crystal Cove State Park.

Emerald Bay
Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach
Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach
3 out of 5
647 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
The price is CA $169 per night from Apr. 2 to Apr. 3
CA $169
CA $237 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.6/10 (1,136 reviews)
"Pros: Great location and amazing views with perfect beach front access. The hotel has lounge chairs and umbrellas set up for guests so all you have to do is walk down and relax. Watched the sunset each night and got treated to a large pod of dolphins super close to shore. Snacks and drinks in room ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2024

Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach
Capri Laguna on the Beach
Capri Laguna on the Beach
3 out of 5
1441 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $242 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $242
CA $339 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Cute and cozy. Beautiful beach. Easy walking access to beach and restaurants."

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2024

Capri Laguna on the Beach
Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites Hotel
Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1661 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $207 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $207
CA $237 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (702 reviews)
"Reserved for two nights. First night way too noisy with overhead tromping. Management moved us to a quiet upgraded room for our second night. We were delighted."

Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2024

Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Arabella Laguna
Arabella Laguna
3.5 out of 5
506 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park and Diver's Cove are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
"Cutest little cottage! Perfect location! We had a great time!"

Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2024

Arabella Laguna
Laguna's Hidden Gem Penthouse 2 BEDROOMS, SLEEPER DEN, Oceanview. QUALITY BEDS
Laguna's Hidden Gem Penthouse 2 BEDROOMS, SLEEPER DEN, Oceanview. QUALITY BEDS
Laguna Beach
Stay at this golf vacation home in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park and Dana Point ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
A little Oasis
"This furnished-with-love penthouse has access to a wonderful hidden terrace, giving you the feeling of having arrived in an oasis! The host is wonderful- very helpful and welcoming. Walking distance from the beach and even downtown Laguna!"

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2024

Laguna's Hidden Gem Penthouse 2 BEDROOMS, SLEEPER DEN, Oceanview. QUALITY BEDS
Perfect Laguna Beach Vacation-ocean views/beach across street/town 1 block
Perfect Laguna Beach Vacation-ocean views/beach across street/town 1 block
Laguna Beach
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and fenced yards. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
Laguna fun
"Amazing location. Walking distance to main beach and all the amenities of Laguna (restaurants/ shops etc……) House was well stocked and there was plenty of room for my family (spouse and 4 kids). Would highly recommend this property and would definitely stay there again !"

Reviewed on Jan. 15, 2024

Perfect Laguna Beach Vacation-ocean views/beach across street/town 1 block
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Laguna Beach

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
38
" "5 - Excellent 82.6086956521739%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 15.217391304347826%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 2.1739130434782608%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 9, 2020

The stairs, beaches, quiet areas where you can get out of the wind, watching surfers, and we saw 3 dolphins one morning... it was all great. Happy memories were made.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 1, 2020

Beware the travel articles on line. The town is not that big and a major road runs right through it so the advertised cuteness of Laguna beach is misleading

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 2, 2020

It is a beautiful place

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 27, 2019

A quaint community with lovely beaches. We loved the walk on the ‘cliffs’ above the beach. It was beautifully landscaped. Main Street great for shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 19, 2019

Laguna Beach has a quaint surfer, laid back vibe.

5/5 - Excellent

S.D.
Jun. 29, 2019

Laguna Beach is the Amalfi Coast if the United States. It is truly a beautiful city!

Cities near Laguna Beach