Laguna Beach

Travel Guide

Photo provided by California Travel and Tourism Commission
Laguna Beach which includes a coastal town, landscape views and flowers
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach which includes a sandy beach and swimming
Laguna Beach which includes a coastal town, landscape views and a sandy beach

Head to the creatives' haunt located in one of California's most historic towns amid a stunning coastal setting.

Laguna Beach is a picturesque location with an equally dazzling heritage. It was soon after the American Civil War that this seaside village was settled, before it quickly became a retreat for ranchers. It was English painter Norman Saint Clair who came here in the early 19th century to capture the summer scenes, and in whose footsteps many more creatives subsequently followed.

To admire the scenery from on high, head for Heisler Park. Take one of the hiking trails and you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views as far north as Crescent Bay, all the way south towards Laguna's Main Beach. If you head for the coast you can enjoy an array of recreational activities too.

At Main Beach, grab a paddleboard and surf the waves. Thousand Step Beach is perfect for surfing or playing volleyball, and at Aliso Beach, you'll be able to grill some food on the available fire pits. Visit Diver's Cove to meet marine life of all kinds, or if you head for Victoria Beach, you can explore the home of skimboarding.

As well as the beaches, there is also some wonderful architecture. Take the Bungalow Tour, which takes you on a journey through the city's history on this tour, you'll also spot one of the world's smallest churches, St Francis by the Sea. The area's artistic heritage has gone from strength to strength, and if you want to join in, you can explore the studios of more than 20 local artists which are open to the public on the first Saturday of every month. If you’d like an art lesson, Treasure Island Park is the place to head.

In the downtown of Laguna, you'll find The Village, a perfect place to unwind while exploring the many local boutiques, cafés and galleries. Enjoy a local beer at the Laguna Brewing Company, explore Forest Avenue, or pay a visit to the Laguna Art Museum where you will discover thousands of fine American artworks.

Whatever the time of year, you'll find a heady mix of attractions available to visit. In the summer months, a variety of art, music and crafts festivals are on offer. Stop off at the Visitors Centre on Forest Avenue when you're in town and plan your visit from there.

Where to stay in Laguna Beach

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South Laguna

While visiting South Laguna, you might make a stop by sights like Table Rock Beach and Thousand Steps Beach.

South Laguna
Laguna Beach which includes flowers, landscape views and a coastal town

Downtown Laguna Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Laguna Beach, Main Beach and Heisler Park are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Laguna Beach
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North Laguna

If you're spending some time in North Laguna, Shaws Cove Beach and Crescent Bay Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Laguna
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Laguna Village

While visiting Laguna Village, you might make a stop by sights like Main Beach and Gallery Row.

Laguna Village
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Hip District

While visiting Hip District, you might make a stop by sights like Bluebird Beach and Cleo Street Beach.

Hip District
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Emerald Bay

While visiting Emerald Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove.

Emerald Bay
Pacific Edge Hotel
Pacific Edge Hotel
3 out of 5
647 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7/10 Good! (1,245 reviews)
Pacific edge hotel
"Amazing stay! Amazing staff! Place was awesome. The parking price was not displayed in the “price you see, is the price you pay”. So when we got hit with another $380 for parking, that was a shock. So would be nice to have a heads up and include that amount in the price ahead. Other than that, the ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Pacific Edge Hotel
Laguna Beach House
Laguna Beach House
3 out of 5
475 N Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
The price is S$446 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$446
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay at the Laguna Beach House and will definitely stay again! Marietta and the other front desk staff were incredibly kind, responsive and helpful with any needs we had. It is an old motel that has been refurbished as a very quaint surf town boutique hotel. Every detail was thought ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Laguna Beach House
Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach)
Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach)
3.5 out of 5
211 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
The price is S$567 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$567
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff was helpful, friendly, polite and very professional! Room was perfect with zero issues. Location is excellent! Couldn’t ask for a better spot. We would stay there again without hesitation!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Arabella Laguna
Arabella Laguna
3.5 out of 5
506 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park and Diver's Cove are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (47 reviews)
"Trust the reviews on this one. It's very walkable to the main beach and many dining and shopping options. Two nice coffee shops nearby as well. It's small -- not a lot of room for suitcases, packages, etc but it's VERY cute and cozy. Also, the rooms are on the second floor (outdoor steps) so be mindful ..."

Reviewed on 5 May, 2025

Arabella Laguna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Laguna Beach

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Will definitely go back in the future. Laguna Beach is spread over a couple of miles but we could have stayed at our hotel without venturing out and been very happy in a world of true luxury.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Been to Laguna a few times, we discovered Hessler Park this time - a great place to watch the sun go down.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Cute town. But don’t stay at Laguna Brisas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Can’t wait to go back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Awesome place, great restaurants and nice beach

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Laguna Beach is lovely but to be avoided in the summer months as it’s very crowded