Laguna Beach began as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s, and the creative spirit still infuses its cliffs and coves. Today, its 7 miles of shoreline, marine preserves, and canyon trails make this coastal town a California classic where fine art and surf culture happily mingle.

Beyond famous beaches like Main, Crescent Bay, and Victoria, you’ll find Heisler Park’s palm-lined bluffs, the tide pools of Shaw’s Cove, and pathways curling around Treasure Island near the Montage. Art lovers can dive deep at the Laguna Art Museum and boutique galleries along Forest Avenue.

Practical notes: Laguna is hilly and walkable in the village core; parking fills quickly—use lots or the seasonal trolley. The coastline lies within a Marine Protected Area—observe tide pool etiquette and use reef-safe sunscreen. Reserve popular restaurants and ocean tours ahead, especially in summer.

Laguna Beach

Laguna is equal parts beach town and open-air gallery. Mornings bring surfers to Thalia Street and coffee sippers to Zinc; afternoons mean gallery hops, hikes to Top of the World, or SUP in glassy coves. Sunsets? Claim a bench in Heisler Park or watch the sky go watercolor at Victoria Beach’s storied “Pirate Tower.”

• Top sights: Heisler Park, Main Beach, Crescent Bay, Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, Treasure Island Park, Crystal Cove State Park (nearby), Alta Laguna Park’s Top of the World, Laguna Art Museum.
• Signature experiences: Surf lessons, sea-lion kayak tours, electric bike rides through hidden streets, tide pooling at low tide, gallery hopping, and a local-led walking food tour.
• Where to stay: Ocean-view resorts, boutique hideaways, and beachfront condos via hotels or vacation rentals.

Where to book your stay: Browse oceanfront hotels and boutique inns on Hotels.com or find coastal condos and cottages on VRBO. Local favorites include Montage Laguna Beach (splurge, cliffside), Surf & Sand Resort (waves practically at your balcony), The Ranch at Laguna Beach (canyon serenity, golf), Laguna Beach House (chic and walkable), Hotel Joaquin (romantic, mid-century vibe), La Casa del Camino (home to The Rooftop Lounge), and Capri Laguna (value-friendly, on the sand).

Getting there: Fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA), a ~25–35 minute ride to Laguna; Long Beach (LGB) is ~45–60 minutes; Los Angeles (LAX) is ~70–110 minutes depending on traffic. Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Rideshares run roughly $30–$55 from SNA, $60–$90 from LGB, and $85–$140 from LAX outside rush hour.

Day 1: Arrival, Heisler Park, and a Sunset Welcome

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs with a mellow stroll through Heisler Park—follow the bluff-top paths, detour down to the tide pools at Rockpile (watch for posted MPA rules), and snap the gazebo and palm silhouettes.

Evening: Dinner at Nick’s Laguna Beach for comfort classics (buttermilk fried chicken, prime rib dip, butter cake) or Las Brisas for coastal Mexican plates and Pacific views. Finish with a nightcap: live music and a locals’ vibe at Marine Room Tavern, or panoramic cocktails at The Rooftop Lounge atop La Casa del Camino.

Day 2: Surf, Galleries, and Oceanfront Dining

Morning: Fuel up at Zinc Café & Market (ricotta pancakes, egg scrambles, strong espresso) or Laguna Coffee Company (small-batch roasts). Then ride your first Laguna wave with this lesson:

1.5 Hour Surf Lesson in Laguna Beach — Learn in a marine preserve with patient instructors; Thalia Street’s consistent break is ideal for beginners and refreshers.

Afternoon: Explore the Laguna Art Museum (California art, ocean views) and wander galleries on Forest Avenue—think coastal landscapes, contemporary pieces, and sculpture. Grab lunch at La Sirena Grill (wild-caught fish tacos, grass-fed steak bowls) or South of Nick’s (handmade tortillas, braised short rib enchiladas).

Evening: Book a window table at Driftwood Kitchen for day-boat scallops, lobster spaghetti, and sunset horizons over the rocks. For a classy nightcap with live jazz and a speakeasy feel, slip into The Drake (martinis, oysters, and crooners most nights).

Day 3: Canyon Trails and Sea-Lion Kayaking

Morning: Head up to Alta Laguna Park for the “Top of the World” viewpoint; choose a loop into Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (keep an eye out for hawks and mule deer). Brunch after at Urth Caffé (Spanish latte, avocado toast, savory breakfast pizza) or beachside at Lost Pier Café on Aliso Beach (breakfast burritos, acai bowls, toes-in-sand seating).

Afternoon: Paddle along dramatic cliffs and kelp forests, often alongside barking locals (sea lions):

Laguna Beach Kayak Tour with Sea Lion Viewing — Guides lead you to coves with clear water, coastal caves, and frequent pinniped sightings; expect gentle swells and postcard views.

Evening: Catch golden hour at Victoria Beach—the wave-lapped Pirate Tower glows at sunset. Dine at Splashes (at Surf & Sand; thoughtful seafood, surf soundtrack) or Starfish (shareable Asian coastal plates—Thai basil wings, Vietnamese crab curry, garlic noodles). Finish with Gelato Paradiso down a lit alleyway for pistachio or stracciatella.

Day 4: E-Bikes, Tide Pools, and a Local-Led Food Tour

Morning: Croissants and café crème at Moulin, then roll out on a guided ride that climbs effortlessly into view-filled neighborhoods and hidden lanes:

Laguna Beach Backroads Electric Bike Tour — Glide through Bluebird Canyon and Mystic Hills with scenic overlooks and story-filled stops.

Afternoon: Time your visit to Shaw’s Cove or Crescent Bay for low tide to peer into tide pools teeming with anemones and urchins—look, don’t touch. Lunch at Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook (shawarma-spiced rotisserie chicken, ahi poke bowls) or casual tacos at La Sirena Grill.

Evening: Taste your way through the village with this delicious deep dive:

Walking Food Tour of Laguna Beach — Five+ local tastings mixed with short neighborhood walks and stories behind the chefs and spaces.

Cap the night with rooftop tunes at Skyloft (BBQ, craft cocktails, live music most evenings) or a quiet ocean-breeze stroll along the Treasure Island pathways near the Montage.

Day 5: Treasure Island Pathways, Boutiques, and Farewell

Morning: Coffee at Laguna Coffee Company and a relaxed walk on the landscaped Treasure Island path that threads above pocket coves and tide pools. If you’d like one more workout, rent a beach cruiser to spin the village or a SUP for calm-morning paddles in protected coves (ask outfitters about conditions).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping on Forest Avenue—art prints, beachy homewares, and local jewelry. Early lunch at Selanne Steak Tavern (butter-aged cuts, truffle mac) or a laid-back plate at The Deck (grilled local fish, mahi tacos, waves at your feet). Depart in the afternoon; rideshares to SNA usually take ~30 minutes, but pad extra time on weekends.

Insider tips: Summer brings the trolley running frequently through town (weekend service typically year-round). Morning is best for calm seas and clearer water; check tide charts for tide pooling and plan Pirate Tower visits for lower tides. Reservations are key in July–August and on sunny weekends year-round.

Trip summary: Over five days, you’ll surf, kayak with sea lions, cycle ridge-top neighborhoods, wander galleries, and chase sunsets from Heisler to Victoria Beach. With thoughtful dining, ocean-view stays, and easy access from SNA, this Laguna Beach itinerary balances adventure and ease on the California coast.