Laguna Beach occupies a unique place in cultural lore, a reputation cemented for a generation of television viewers who watched the eponymous reality show that ran for three seasons in the early 2000s and prompted a cast reunion earlier this year. While there is certainly truth to the luxury lifestyle and sun-drenched glamour that Laguna Beach exudes in popular culture, the city’s roots extend far deeper than early-aughts television drama.
Originally inhabited by Indigenous groups who were drawn to the lush area’s abundant natural resources, the land fostered a longstanding culture rooted in music, art, and storytelling. This creative legacy persisted into the early 1900s, when outside painters, sculptors, and craftspeople began flocking to the coastline to live and work, transforming the seaside pocket into a thriving artist colony. Today, it remains nearly impossible to stand on any corner of the city without encountering art in some visible, celebrated form.
Take one look at its rugged coastline, craggy coves, and expansive coastal wilderness, and the urge to relocate to this Southern California enclave is entirely understandable. From historic downtown accommodations and world-class culinary destinations to protected marine reserves and vibrant cultural festivals, Laguna Beach offers a multifaceted travel experience that bridges its bohemian past with its polished present.
Getting There and Around
For travelers arriving by air, John Wayne International Airport (SNA), consistently ranked among the best airports in the country, sits a convenient 20-to-30-minute drive away. However, navigating the city requires a bit of strategy. Especially during the peak summer months, Laguna Beach experiences heavy traffic, and securing a parking spot can present a significant challenge. Depending on where visitors choose to stay, exploring the town on foot is a highly viable option, as is utilizing local rideshare services.
For a more distinct and stress-free transit experience, visitors frequently rely on the iconic blue and gold Laguna Beach Trolleys. These charming vehicles run year-round, offering an expanded schedule during the summer months and making convenient stops at all major points of interest throughout the city.
Once visitors have arrived and settled into the rhythm of the town, exploring the natural landscape becomes the primary pursuit. For those seeking an elevated perspective, a climb up the two-mile, steep trek to the Top of the World trail rewards hikers with panoramic, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and inland Orange County from roughly 1,000 feet above sea level. For visitors desiring similarly stunning vistas without the strenuous workout, the scenic pathways of Heisler Park offer a gentler stroll along the bluffs.
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The Best Things to Do in Laguna Beach
A glance at the dramatic coastline quickly establishes sitting on the sand as activity number one. Destinations like Aliso Beach, Main Beach, and Victoria Beach each offer distinct atmospheres and are well worth the visitor’s time. Yet travelers can hardly go wrong with any section of Laguna’s seven miles of coastline, all of which fall under California’s Marine Protected Areas to preserve the diverse rocky intertidal zones and shallow kelp reefs.
To observe these ecosystems up close, visitors can explore eight designated tide pool locations scattered throughout the city, with a local pro tip pointing adventurous explorers toward the hidden cave at Treasure Island.
Beyond the beaches and trails, Laguna Beach functions as a vibrant cultural hub. Art enthusiasts can spend an afternoon at the Laguna Art Museum, which was founded in 1918 by a coalition of local artists and sits prominently along Pacific Coast Highway—locally and affectionately referred to simply as PCH. Home to a diverse permanent collection focusing on California art, the museum also hosts dynamic public programming and seasonal events, including its upcoming annual Art + Nature celebration scheduled for early November.
When the weather is too pleasant to spend the day indoors, visitors can participate in the First Thursdays Art Walk, held monthly from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This popular community event invites locals and tourists alike to stroll through town and pop into roughly 40 independent art galleries that open their doors to the public, frequently welcoming guests with wine and artisanal charcuterie.
Summer in Laguna Beach is synonymous with historic festivals. The renowned Pageant of the Masters, running continuously since 1932, features volunteer performers who carefully re-create famous works of art on a live stage through illusion and costuming, with audience members routinely bringing binoculars in hopes of catching the slightest human movement during their poses. Nearby, the Sawdust Art Festival provides an idyllic outdoor setting within a fragrant eucalyptus grove, offering visitors the chance to purchase works directly from local creators, watch live demonstrations, and participate in hands-on workshops.
For theatergoers, a performance at the historic Laguna Playhouse—founded in 1920—offers an intimate evening of entertainment, featuring notable stagings such as the world premiere of the play Wild Child. Shopping enthusiasts will find no shortage of boutiques, ranging from Thalia Surf, where shoppers can browse or admire retro surfboards and distinctive apparel, to Gorjana, a jewelry brand originally founded on the floor of a local Laguna Beach apartment, and Laguna Beach Books, an independent, women-owned bookstore celebrated for its community author events.
Where to Eat and Drink in Laguna Beach
The culinary scene in Laguna Beach mirrors its landscape: diverse, vibrant, and deeply connected to the coast. Mornings frequently begin with toes in the sand and a breakfast burrito in hand at the Lost Pier Cafe, situated directly on the sand at Aliso Beach, where diners grab food and coffee to watch morning skimboarders catch waves. Those searching for a classic beach diner experience can visit the Orange Inn or the Penguin Cafe, which have been serving locals since 1931 and 1942, respectively.
Mid-morning coffee seekers have numerous specialty options at their disposal. Jedidiah Coffee offers an idyllic patio setting that evokes the feeling of relaxing in a close friend’s backyard, while Thorne Brothers Coffee provides a cozy interior tailored for reading. Sur Coffee delivers quintessential coastal vibes alongside cold brew coffees that anchor the local morning routine.
For lunch, Wigz—named in a nod to its location inside a former wig shop—serves hearty sandwiches stacked on Dutch crunch bread, a San Francisco delicacy that has successfully made its way down the coast. Guests can enjoy their meals on a cozy outdoor patio accompanied by a local beer.
Tacos and Southern California surf culture are inextricably linked, and The Taco Stand occupies one of the city’s most unique footprints, operating out of a building that formerly housed the third-oldest Taco Bell in the world. Alongside top-tier tacos, the kitchen prepares fresh, warm corn chips daily.
At the higher end of the culinary spectrum, Rebel Omakase stands as the sole restaurant in Laguna Beach to hold a Michelin star, presenting an exclusive omakase tasting menu featuring ceviches and raw shellfish flown in across the Pacific from Japan. For meat lovers, Selanne Steak Tavern occupies a historic 1934 home along PCH, serving prime cuts in a bright, airy environment distinct from traditional, dark-paneled steakhouses. The establishment is co-owned by Hockey Hall of Famer and six-time Olympian Teemu Selanne alongside local businessman Kevin Pratt.
For casual burgers, Ahba delivers wagyu beef patties topped with caramelized onions and a rich aioli, while Truly Pizza offers award-winning, long-fermented artisanal pies in a quaint bungalow along PCH, utilizing produce sourced directly from Orange County farms.
Beverage options are equally robust. Laguna Beer Company, founded in 2014 by local residents, pours a diverse range of craft beers accompanied by an in-house food menu, while McClain Cellars—one of a small number of Black-owned wineries in the country—presents wines sourced from the Santa Ynez Valley. Visitors frequently conclude their evenings in line at Gelato Paradiso, waiting patiently for authentic Italian gelato, such as the signature pistachio flavor crafted with imported nuts from Bronte, Italy.
Where to Stay in Laguna Beach
Accommodations in Laguna Beach span historic boutique properties to expansive luxury resorts. The Montage Laguna Beach offers spacious guest rooms, suites, and palatial three-bedroom villas capable of accommodating up to eight guests. The property features a mosaic-lined oceanfront pool with dramatic views and high-end dining venues that attract travelers and locals alike.
Closer to the center of town, the newly reimagined Casa Loma Beach Hotel places guests within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants. The property features design-forward rooms that embrace the coastal spirit of California, regular live music sessions for guests, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies supplied by local bakery Rye Goods.
Similarly, Hotel Joaquin has transformed a vintage 1950s motel into a design-centric retreat drawing aesthetic inspiration from the island of St. Barths, mid-century Southern California beach culture, and the Mediterranean coast. For travelers seeking a residential feel, vacation rentals such as the historic 1927 Manzanita Red Cottage or ocean-view beach houses provide private patios ideal for year-round alfresco dining, reminding visitors to keep a warm sweatshirt close at hand for when the evening marine layer rolls in.
