Summary
Laguna Beach is perhaps Orange County’s least-overdeveloped beach town and one of its prettiest. Created as an artist’s getaway, Laguna Beach retains its artistic passion, featuring excellent art galleries and vibrant summer arts festivals. You’ll find a wonderful beach atmosphere in Laguna as well.
Before diving into the fun activities available in Laguna Beach, it’s important to determine if it’s a destination that suits your preferences.
Why Should You Go?
- If you’re a shopping enthusiast, Laguna Beach is a treasure trove. The streets are lined with clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, and unique shops offering decorative items. While there are a few t-shirt and souvenir shops, they do not dominate the landscape. Its seaside location creates an enchanting atmosphere perfect for romance.
- Laguna Beach can easily capture your attention for an entire weekend, especially if you visit during the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, or the alternative art fair known as the Sawdust Festival.
Best Time to Go
Laguna Beach is delightful throughout the year; however, like much of the California coast, it experiences “June gloom,” where sunny weather may be elusive for days. The summer months, particularly during the arts festivals, often see large crowds.
September and October present an excellent opportunity to visit when the offseason begins, resulting in lower hotel rates, sunny weather, and less crowded beaches.
If you only have a day to explore, consider strolling along Main Beach and browsing the various shops.
More Things to Do
- Shopping: The downtown area of Laguna Beach, which runs along Forest Avenue and Coast Highway, is walkable and features art galleries, clothing stores, and local boutiques filled with unique items.
- Take a walking tour: Obtain a brochure from the Visitors Center (381 Forest Avenue) for a self-guided walking tour of the bungalows, cottages, and historic homes established by early residents.
- Laguna Playhouse: This repertory company boasts the title of the oldest continuously operating theater company on the West Coast, staging a diverse array of works, including both local and world premieres as well as award-winning productions.
- Greet the greeter: The Laguna Beach Greeter tradition began in the late 1800s with local character Eiler Larsen welcoming visitors. Today’s Greeter is found at the corner of Brooks Street and S. Pacific Coast Highway. While saying hello to him, explore Laguna’s HIP District, a quirky area with unique shops and charming buildings.
- Divers, explore a sunken ship: The wreck of the Foss 125 is located about 175 yards off the coast at Cleo Street and rests in approximately 60 feet of water. Alternatively, Goff Cove is a popular snorkeling spot.
- Check out the tidepools: Grab a tide chart from the visitor center at 381 Forest Avenue to determine the best time for low tide. Some accommodations also provide tidal schedules. Great spots include the shoreline just below Heisler Park and Treasure Island.
- California artists on display: The Laguna Beach Art Museum specializes in works created by California artists or artworks reflecting California life and history, showcasing both contemporary and historical pieces.
Laguna Beach serves as a lovely base for a weekend getaway. Depending on your desired level of activity, you may consider mixing in excursions to nearby Newport Beach or Dana Point.
Annual Events
Laguna Beach hosts several exciting summer arts festivals. The Pageant of the Masters is particularly memorable, and its uniqueness merits a dedicated page discussing its fame and allure. The accompanying Festival of Arts showcases a juried art exhibition set in an outdoor environment.
In August, the Sawdust Festival features over 200 Laguna Beach artists, while the Doheny Blues Festival in mid-May hosts renowned performers like Bonnie Raitt. Additionally, the Tall Ships Festival takes place in September in Dana Point.
Tips for Visiting
- Parking is limited, so arriving early is advisable. All town meters accept credit cards, but coins are also allowed. Most meters have a three-hour limit. A helpful resource exists for details on public parking.
- On busy days, traffic along Pacific Coast Highway can be frustrating. Instead, park nearby and continue to the beach. If you’re south of town, consider taking a block uphill to find a parallel street to the highway.
- During summer arts festivals, free shuttles run from remote parking lots to town and along Pacific Coast Highway, simplifying transportation.
- Get the app: The free Visit Laguna Beach app provides real-time trolley information and local points of interest.
- While public restrooms are accessible at the beach, they are often busy. An alternative is to walk up Forest Avenue, where signs direct you to additional restroom facilities.
- If you’re taking your dog to Laguna, familiarize yourself with the beach regulations.
Where to Stay
Finding a suitable place to stay can be achieved through various travel websites. However, these platforms often lack valuable insights about specific locations that can significantly impact your experience. Before checking random options, gather the inside scoop on the best places to stay in Laguna Beach.
