Laguna Beach began as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s, and that creative spirit still ripples through its bluff-top galleries, outdoor murals, and summer arts festivals. The coastline is a necklace of coves and tide pools protected by a marine reserve, while the inland hills unfurl miles of sage-scented trails. It’s the rare California beach town where you can surf at sunrise, hike to a canyon lookout by lunch, and see a play after dinner.

Beyond the postcard beaches, Laguna rewards curiosity: secret stairs to the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach, sea lions hauled out on sun-warmed rocks, and a rooftop lounge where the sunset puts on a nightly show. Food lovers find everything from just-landed seafood to handmade pasta and serious steaks, with plenty of oceanfront patios for that salt-air glow.

Practical notes: John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the easiest gateway (30 minutes), with Long Beach (LGB) and LAX as backups. Parking can be tight near Main Beach—use city lots and the free seasonal trolley. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and check tides for tide-pooling. Summer weekends are lively; book restaurants and activities ahead.

Laguna Beach

Laguna is compact and walkable around Main Beach and the Forest Avenue arts district. North Laguna shelters snorkeling coves like Shaw’s and Crescent Bay; South Laguna is quieter, framed by Aliso, Table Rock, and Thousand Steps. Heisler Park’s ocean bluff path is your scenic thread, stitched with sculpture gardens, tide pool overlooks, and picnic lawns.

• Top sights: Heisler Park, Main Beach, Victoria Beach Pirate Tower (low tide), Treasure Island Park by Montage, Top of the World (Alta Laguna) for panoramic hikes, Laguna Art Museum, the Forest Avenue gallery cluster, and summer’s Sawdust & Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters (if in season).
• Where to stay: For space and kitchens, browse beachy condos and homes on VRBO Laguna Beach. For hotels, check rates and availability on Hotels.com Laguna Beach—favorites include Montage Laguna Beach (refined cliff-top resort), Surf & Sand Resort (waves practically under your balcony), Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa (romantic mission-style boutique), La Casa del Camino (historic with rooftop lounge), and art-forward Hotel Joaquin (North Laguna).
• Getting there: Compare flight options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From SNA, rideshares to Laguna typically take 25–35 minutes (~$35–$55); from LAX, 60–90 minutes depending on traffic (~$70–$120). Renting a car is handy for coves and side trips; otherwise, rely on the free Laguna Beach Trolley (weekends year-round; daily in summer) and walk the central district.

Day 1: Heisler Park Welcome + Sunset Start

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs on the Heisler Park bluff path—start at Main Beach and wander north past sculptures, gardens, and ocean overlooks. Dip your toes at Fisherman’s Cove or sit for a cone at Gelato Paradiso (silky pistachio and stracciatella are hits).

Evening: Toast your first sunset at Las Brisas (Baja-leaning seafood, margaritas, and a sweeping terrace) or grab oceanfront bites at The Deck on Laguna Beach (poke, lobster rolls). Cap it with live music and a classic highball at Marine Room Tavern, a local institution since 1934.

Day 2: North Laguna Coves + Electric Bike Adventure

Morning: Coffee and a crumbly scone at Laguna Coffee Company (small-batch roaster). Then roll out on an e-bike to crest canyon neighborhoods and coastal viewpoints:

Laguna Beach Backroads Electric Bike Tour — Climb easily through Bluebird Canyon and Mystic Hills, then sweep down to the shoreline with a guide who threads the quietest routes. Expect 2–2.5 hours of riding with photo stops.

Afternoon: Beach hop: Shaw’s Cove (calm entry, great snorkeling on clear days) and Crescent Bay (bigger sweep with sea lion haul-outs on the north rocks—view respectfully). Lunch at Ahba (sunny patio, Mediterranean-ish plates like harissa carrots, lamb wraps) or La Sirena Grill (local favorite for wild salmon tacos and salsas).

Evening: Dinner at Broadway by Amar Santana (Chef Amar’s seasonal tasting menus and craft cocktails; reserve bar seats to watch the action). Nightcap at The Saloon, a tiny, convivial bar loved by locals.

Day 3: Sea Lions, Aliso Beach, and Treasure Island

Morning: Fuel up at Zinc Cafe & Market (avocado toast with lemon zest, egg scrambles, excellent lattes). Then paddle out with a guide to meet the marine reserve up close:

Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings — Glide along dramatic coves, watch for cormorants and garibaldi, and respectfully observe sea lions on their rocky perches. Typically 1.5–2 hours, all gear included.

Afternoon: Grab a seaside lunch at Lost Pier Cafe at Aliso Beach (ahi sandwich, fish and chips; picnic tables in the sand). Wander south to Treasure Island Park by Montage for manicured bluff paths and tide pools—go at mid-to-low tide and never touch or collect marine life.

Evening: Settle into Selanne Steak Tavern (butter-soft filets, truffle gnocchi, deep wine list) or Driftwood Kitchen (ocean-sprayed terrace, scallops and day-boat fish). Catch golden hour from The Rooftop Lounge at La Casa del Camino—rhubarb spritz and a horizon that won’t quit.

Day 4: Canyon Hike, Museums, and a Tasting Stroll

Morning: Head to Alta Laguna’s Top of the World. Hike the West Ridge–Mathis Loop or the shorter Canyon Acres Trail for big Pacific-and-saddleback views. Bring water; trails can be exposed.

Afternoon: Clean up, then explore Laguna Art Museum (California-focused art and coastal exhibitions) and Forest Avenue galleries. Join a guided nibble-through of the historic downtown:

Walking Food Tour of Laguna Beach — Taste five+ local bites while hearing neighborhood lore and artist stories. A delicious way to map your future meals.

Evening: Dinner at Carmelita’s (from-scratch Mexican; try the duck enchiladas or squash blossom quesadilla). If schedules align, see a show at Laguna Playhouse—intimate, historic, and a fun local night out.

Day 5: Crystal Cove Day Trip or Dana Point Whales

Morning: Coffee at Urth Caffé Laguna Beach (Spanish latte, whole-grain waffles), then make a short drive north (10–15 minutes) to Crystal Cove State Park. Walk the bluff trail above Pelican Point or stroll the Historic District cottages and open strand—great for shell hunting.

Afternoon: Option 1: Keep it beachy with a nap and swim back in Laguna at Main Beach. Option 2: Drive 20 minutes south to Dana Point Harbor for whale watching (gray whales winter–spring, blue whales late spring–summer; dress in layers). Quick bites nearby: The Shwack Beach Grill (casual) or Harbor Grill (seafood classic).

Evening: Back in Laguna, grab rooftop BBQ and live music at Skyloft (burnt ends, brisket, and coastal views), or go South African with peri-peri prawns at Mozambique, where the upstairs deck is tailor-made for sunset.

Day 6: Surf, Spa, and Sunset Picnic

Morning: Take a beginner-friendly lesson at one of Laguna’s gentler breaks (often Thalia Street) with pros who know the sandbars and sets:

1.5 Hour Surf Lesson in Laguna Beach — Learn pop-ups, reading waves, and safety in the marine reserve’s clear waters.

Afternoon: Treat yourself to a spa afternoon—Montage’s Spa has eucalyptus steam and ocean-view relaxation lounges, while Surf & Sand’s Aquaterra Spa is beloved for deep-tissue massages post-surf. Shop Forest Avenue boutiques; pop into Tuvalu (coastal decor) and The Shop (California-cool apparel).

Evening: Build a beach picnic at Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook’s market (rotisserie chicken, salads, artisan cheeses) and watch the sky melt from Picnic Beach or Diver’s Cove. Dessert at Gelato Paradiso or a warm cookie at Cookie Lab in town.

Day 7: Last Dips, Artful Farewell, and Departure

Morning: Early tide-pooling at Rockpile or Picnic Beach (check tide charts; go at low tide). Brunch at Larsen at Hotel Laguna (house-made pastas, crudo, and a front-row ocean view) or Nick’s Laguna Beach (brunch classics and the famous fried deviled eggs).

Afternoon: Final swim at Main Beach or a contemplative stroll through Heisler Park’s sculpture garden. Depart with sand still clinging to your sandals and a gallery postcard tucked in your pocket.

Coffee, breakfast, and snack standouts: Laguna Coffee Company (roaster-run), Zinc Cafe & Market (vegetarian-friendly), Urth Caffé (organic brews), Active Culture (bowls and smoothies), and Lost Pier Cafe (toes-in-sand mornings).

Lunch and casual bites: La Sirena Grill (sustainable Mexican), Ahba (Mediterranean plates), The Taco Stand (Baja-style tacos), Gina’s Pizza (NY-style slices with a beach stroll), and The Deck (oceanfront casual).

Dinner highlights: Broadway by Amar Santana (seasonal, theatrical), Selanne Steak Tavern (serious chops), Driftwood Kitchen (seafood with a view), Carmelita’s (regional Mexican), Larsen (elevated coastal plates), Skyloft and Mozambique (music and views).

Local tips: The free Laguna Beach Trolley links North–South Laguna and the canyon lots; perfect for beach-hopping. For Victoria Beach’s Pirate Tower, go at mid-to-low tide and use the neighborhood access stairs at the end of Victoria Drive. Always pack out what you bring and keep hands off tide pool critters—the reserve protects them for a reason.

Book your stay: Compare homes on VRBO Laguna Beach and hotels on Hotels.com. Fly into SNA, LGB, or LAX—search deals on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Seven days in Laguna Beach gives you the rhythm of the Pacific—mornings in the surf, afternoons among coves and galleries, and evenings where the sunset steals the spotlight. With this itinerary, you’ll taste, paddle, hike, and linger like a local, leaving with salt in your hair and a plan to return.