Laguna Beach began as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s and still wears that creative soul on its sleeve. You’ll find galleries tucked between surf shops, a bluff-top sculpture walk, and seasonal art festivals that spill into the streets. Nature is the constant: 30+ picturesque coves, sea caves, tide pools, and a dramatic coastline framed by chaparral hills.

Beyond the sand, miles of trails wind through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and neighboring Crystal Cove State Park for mellow to moderate hikes with sweeping Pacific views. The free trolley (seasonal daily service; weekends year-round) makes it easy to cruise the coast without paying for parking. With a relaxed pace and smart budget choices, you can soak up the best of Laguna and still fit in Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood as epic day trips.

Expect fresh California-Mex fare, seafood shacks, and health-forward cafes alongside classic mom-and-pop spots. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, check tide charts for low-tide tide-pooling, and respect posted rules—tide pools are protected. If you’re flying in, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest; Los Angeles (LAX) and Long Beach (LGB) also work if the fare is right.

Laguna Beach

Laguna paints the quintessential SoCal scene: palm-dotted headlands, lifeguard towers at Main Beach, and coves where sea lions sometimes bob offshore. It’s compact and walkable in the downtown core, with free trolley routes connecting beaches, trailheads, and neighborhoods.

• Top sights: Heisler Park, Victoria Beach’s “Pirate Tower,” Treasure Island Beach, Crescent Bay Point Park, Laguna Art Museum, Main Beach boardwalk.
• Best easy hikes: Top of the World (Alta Laguna Park), Laurel Canyon in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Moro Canyon loop in Crystal Cove State Park.
• Foodie highlights (budget-forward): La Sirena Grill (sustainable tacos), Active Culture (bowls, fro-yo), Taco Loco (no-frills local legend), Husky Boy Burgers (retro roadside), Zinc Cafe & Market (vegetarian-friendly), Orange Inn (historic smoothies).
• Fun fact: The coastline here is part of the Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve—one of California’s best places to see tide pool life up close.

Where to stay (budget-friendly picks via our partners): Search a mix of studios and simple beach bungalows on VRBO Laguna Beach or compare hotel deals, motels, and inns on Hotels.com Laguna Beach. Tip: Look slightly inland (Laguna Canyon) for better rates and use places with kitchenettes to save on meals.

How to get here: Check flight deals into SNA (closest, ~25 minutes to Laguna), LGB (~45 minutes), or LAX (~60–90 minutes+ traffic). Compare prices on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights. Once here, rely on the free Laguna trolley (seasonal) plus local buses or occasional rideshares; parking can add up.

Day 1: Arrival, Heisler Park, and Sunset Start

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags. Grab a casual bite at Active Culture (brown rice bowls, smoothies, great for vegetarians) or a quick fish taco at La Sirena Grill (solid salsa bar). Stroll the bluffs at Heisler Park, pausing at the tide pools near Diver’s Cove—go at low tide for starfish, anemones, and hermit crabs.

Evening: Take the app-guided Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley Tour to get oriented without spending much. It’s an easy, photo-friendly loop peppered with local history and sea views.

Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley - App Guided Tour (Viator)

For dinner on a budget, hit Taco Loco for blackened mushroom or mahi tacos, or GG’s Bistro for shareable mezes and kebabs. Cap it with a stroll for gelato at Gelato Paradiso in the charming Peppertree Lane alley.

Day 2: Tide Pools, Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, and Top of the World

Morning: Coffee at Laguna Coffee Company or a hearty breakfast burrito at the historic Orange Inn. Head to Treasure Island Beach (by Montage) where a paved path and stairs lead to tide pools—bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.

Afternoon: Walk the shore to Victoria Beach and find the photogenic “Pirate Tower” at the base of the cliff (best at mid-to-low tide). Picnic with deli sandwiches or a rotisserie chicken from a nearby market to keep costs low.

Evening: Drive or trolley to Top of the World (Alta Laguna Park) for an easy golden-hour hike along West Ridge or a short out-and-back toward Aliso and Wood Canyons. Dinner at La Sirena Grill (try the blackened salmon taco or carne asada platter) keeps it tasty and affordable.

Day 3: Disneyland Day Trip (Anaheim)

Morning: Eat breakfast in your room to save time and money, then leave early (40–60 minutes by car, longer by bus/train connections). Opt for a 1-park ticket (Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure) to trim costs; base tickets start around $104+ depending on date.

Afternoon: Pace yourself: classic rides (Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean) and free water refills at quick-service spots help the budget. Pack snacks; splurge on one treat like a Dole Whip.

Evening: Watch fireworks before heading back. Parking is about $35; rideshare can be comparable for two people. Ultra-budget alternative: spend a few evening hours exploring Downtown Disney (free to enter) for live music and window-shopping without a park ticket.

Day 4: Art, Coves, and a Playful Mystery

Morning: Breakfast at Zinc Cafe & Market (steel-cut oats, quiche, strong coffee). Visit the Laguna Art Museum (California-focused works) and pop into nearby galleries along PCH and Forest Avenue. Main Beach boardwalk is steps away for a barefoot walk.

Afternoon: Relax at Shaw’s Cove—calm water and good snorkeling visibility on clear days. Bring a cheap picnic: fruit, chips, and a deli wrap. If you’re feeling social, try the outdoor, clue-solving Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt around downtown—clever and great for groups.

Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt Laguna Beach (Viator)

Evening: Time your visit to Crescent Bay Point Park for sunset (watch for dolphins/sea lions offshore). For dinner on a deal, consider Husky Boy Burgers (old-school, share fries) or split a plate at GG’s Bistro.

Day 5: Universal Studios Hollywood Day Trip (Los Angeles)

Morning: Aim for a straight shot up I-5 (~1.5–2 hours depending on traffic). Tickets often start around $109 online; arrive at rope drop to maximize value. If you’re skipping the park, browse Universal CityWalk for free people-watching, buskers, and inexpensive bites.

Afternoon: Prioritize headliners like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and the Studio Tour. Refill water bottles and eat a packed lunch to keep spending low.

Evening: General parking runs around $30–35 (cheaper after 5pm). Beat traffic with a late return or grab a budget dinner en route in the San Fernando Valley before heading back to Laguna.

Day 6: Crystal Cove State Park Hike + Beach Day

Morning: Coffee and a pastry at Laguna Coffee Company or Heidelberg Cafe. Head to Crystal Cove State Park (Moro Canyon) for a mellow loop (3–5 miles options) with ocean vistas. A day-use fee applies (around $15) but covers beach time afterward.

Afternoon: Post-hike, settle on the sand at Moro Beach or Reef Point. Bring a simple picnic (bagels, cream cheese, fruit) and a lightweight umbrella for shade.

Evening: Back in Laguna, try Carmelita’s for coastal Mexican (share the shrimp enchiladas and chips/salsa) or keep it ultra-frugal with Wahoo’s Fish Taco combos.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Scenic Drive, and Farewell

Morning: Linger over breakfast at Zinc Cafe & Market or grab smoothies at Orange Inn. If you want one more playful activity, do the guided phone-based Looney Laguna Beach Scavenger Hunt—it’s casual, interactive, and lets you explore at your own pace.

Looney Laguna Beach Scavenger Hunt (Viator)

Afternoon: If you’re driving north to your departure airport, consider a short, scenic coastal cruise. This self-guided drive traces the shoreline and local stories as you go:

Self-Guided Orange County Drive from Long Beach to Laguna Beach (Viator)

Grab a final sandwich to-go and wave goodbye to the coves. If you still need flights, compare last-minute options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights.

Budget tips throughout the week:

• Choose lodgings with kitchenettes; prep breakfast and pack lunches for beach days and theme parks.
• Use the free Laguna trolley and walk whenever possible; beach parking adds up.
• Time tide pools for low tide; bring water shoes and avoid stepping on living rock.
• For Disneyland/Universal, buy 1-park tickets, bring snacks, refill water, and aim for shoulder-season weekdays.

Seven days in Laguna Beach gives you a restorative rhythm—beach mornings, golden-hour hikes, and simple, delicious meals—plus two thrill-filled theme park days. With a savvy budget, you’ll experience Southern California’s coast and its biggest icons without breaking the bank.