Laguna Beach is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Serenity and breathtaking beauty come together to make the perfect getaway, a beach town like no other. Beat the Arizona heat and explore the lively downtown area or venture to the peaceful and relaxing hideaway beaches, finding stunning views along the cliffside.
Beaches
Explore Victoria Beach, a famous but well-hidden gem of Laguna, with iconic views of Victoria’s Pirate Tower. The tower was built in 1926 for William E. Brown, a Los Angeles senator, who wanted an enclosed staircase to the beach. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the tower, but you can get extremely close. Victoria Beach is also a skimboarding hotspot, and the south side of this beach is the best place for the sport. Mix adventure with seclusion at this hideout. Get to this resort by parking on Pacific Coast Highway and heading down Victoria Drive until you reach the steps. It might feel like a trek, but we promise you’ll be greatly rewarded!
Venture down the southern coastline to explore the sublime that is Laguna Beach. Go under the sea at Treasure Island Beach while exploring the beloved tide pools, and educate yourself on marine life and the extraordinary efforts marine biologists are taking to protect this world. Find your riches at this beautifully well-kept beach. With sandy sea floors perfect for swimming and a Beach Park atop the bluffs, this sandy coast has all the elements of a perfect beach day. This beach is best accessed by the ramp at the southwest corner of the Montage Resort.
The Thousands Steps Beach—which is actually 218 steps—is surrounded by sandstone cliffs that extend to the water, creating an awe-inspiring view for those who trek up and down the steep steps. Explore the southern shore of this beach to find the most famous sea cave in Laguna, a place that’ll make your childhood dreams of being a pirate come true. Enjoy body surfing, surfboarding, diving and snorkeling at this enchanting beach, but keep an eye out for submerged rocks. Find the entrance to the endless (218) steps along Pacific Coast Highway, where you can park at a meter.
Make your way from north to south along Pacific Coast Highway, visiting Shaw’s Cove, Fisherman’s Cove and Diver’s Cove—a beach trio that will take your breath away. Explore the underwater world at Shaw’s Cove through kelp beds and crevasses, bringing you into the home of various marine life. Make your way down to Diver’s Cove and find garibaldi, sea stars, purple urchins, lobster, kelp bass and the occasional stingrays and leopard sharks. Find relaxation in the middle of the two at Fisherman’s Cove, a local favorite for seclusion and mellow vibes. Shaw’s Cove can be accessed through parking on Pacific Coast Highway, Fisherman’s Cove and Diver’s Cove can be accessed through metered parking along Cliff Drive.
Restaurants
Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at The Cliff Restaurant, the perfect spot to begin or end your beach day. Take in the scenic ocean views while indulging in the seafood-leaning American cuisine, as well as the wines and cocktails.
If American cuisine isn’t what you’re craving, explore the wide range of options Laguna has to offer. Stop by C’est La Vie for some pastries and coffee or for a sit-down meal. This French restaurant overlooks the Main Beach and has a range of menu options.
Try out the Baka-inspired eatery Wild Taco and enjoy the freshest ingredients, wild-caught fish and coldest beer. For a more “traditional” beach meal try out some sandwiches from Wigz Laguna. Experience their unique sandwich combinations paired with chips and a drink after soaking up the ocean sun.
Activities
After your meal, take a walk around the downtown area and find hidden gems that will send you home with something unique and perfect for you. Make custom candles or buy premade eco-friendly soy candles at Laguna Candles in The Hive shopping district.
Explore the incredible art that surrounds you through the art maps that can be picked up at the Official Visitors Center. Immerse yourself in the murals, statues, benches and more than 100 unique pieces of public art that call Laguna Beach home. Art lovers can also enjoy California’s oldest museum, the Laguna Art Museum. With a cultural heritage focus and the historical background of Laguna Beach, this museum will leave a lasting impact. Ticket prices are available on the website.
Enjoy the ocean air and explore the deep sea life on the numerous whale-watching cruises. Whether you decide on Newport Landing Whale Watching, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, you’ll be in for a day of exciting underwater viewing where dolphins roam free and whales come up every so often for us all to get a peak! Ticket prices are listed on the cruises’ websites above, along with reservations and specific details for attendees.
