Top 7 Things to Do in Laguna Beach, CA (2024)
Laguna Beach At-A-Glance
Population | 22,795 |
---|---|
Area | 9.8 mi² |
Best known for | Beautiful beaches and summer festivals |
Character | Artsy, bohemian |
Laguna Beach, CA is a city in south Orange County with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. This is by far the most picturesque beach in Orange County.
Laguna Beach is home to a thriving artist community, so it’s slightly more bohemian than its south OC counterparts like Newport Beach and San Clemente. Read on to learn about some of the most popular things to do in Laguna Beach.
1. Heisler Park / Main Beach
There are several dozen beaches in Laguna Beach but the most accessible one is Main Beach. Right across the street (PCH), you can enjoy a selection of restaurants or get some gelato at Peppertree Lane.
Just a short walk north of Main Beach is Heisler Park, where you can stand on top of the bluffs and take in the stunning views. If you choose, you can descend into the coves via a staircase.
2. Sawdust Festival
The Sawdust Festival is a bi-annual festival featuring the works of Laguna Beach’s local artist community. There’s live music, food, and art classes.
Summer season: Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach: What to Expect
Winter season: Winter Fantasy at Sawdust Festival: What to Expect
3. Pageant of the Masters
Watch scenes from famous pieces of art get recreated by actors on a stage.
4. Top of the World Hike
This is one of the most popular hikes in Orange County and arguably, Southern California. There are a variety of trails so you can adjust your hike based on difficulty.
5. Laguna Beach restaurants
Some of Laguna Beach’s most popular restaurants are:
Selanne’s Steak House - a Michelin-recognized steak house
Nick’s Laguna Beach - a popular casual eatery
Las Brisas - a Mexican establishment with beautiful ocean views and access to Heisler Park
6. Laguna Art Museum
Laguna’s art museum is right next door to Las Brisas restaurant. This museum is unique in that it only features art by California artists or art that highlights the state of California.
7. Art Galleries
Downtown Laguna Beach is lined with art galleries and the good news is many of them are open to the public.