The place can we even start with all of the great issues to do in Laguna Seashore? Laguna Seashore holds a particular place in our hearts and is undoubtedly one among California’s cutest and most stunning coastal cities.
Laguna Seashore is affected by nice locations to eat, artwork galleries, among the most superb seashores in Orange County, and tons of nice outlets. We is perhaps a bit biased as a result of we used to dwell right here. Nevertheless, Laguna Seashore does have a character and character of its personal you simply can’t discover anyplace else in Southern California.
Whether or not you’re passing by on a Southern California highway journey, a California PCH drive, or basing your trip from right here, you could have lots to do and see right here to fill a whole trip!
Laguna Seashore is known for its artwork galleries and annual Pageant of the Masters’ artwork pageant, gorgeous seashores, coastal mansions, mountaineering trails, and naturally, the 2000s hit actuality MTV tv present Laguna Seashore.
Laguna Seashore is price visiting and even planning a trip round due to how a lot there’s to supply from buying, eating, outside adventures, and dozens of lovely seashores. Plus, Laguna Seashore is a superb base for a Southern California trip because it’s midway between Los Angeles and San Diego.
The perfect time to go to Laguna Seashore is year-round! This sunny, Southern California vacation spot has nice climate year-round. The summer time is the most well-liked season, however the fall, winter, and spring space additionally nice occasions to go to Laguna Seashore and for those who go to low season you may get higher offers on resorts and luxuriate in secluded seashores all to your self.
Finest Issues to Do in Laguna Seashore
Laguna Seashore consists of a bluffy shoreline creating tons of small idyllic turquoise seashores, hills stuffed with essentially the most lavish and exquisite houses on this planet, and lovely views from nearly any vantage level within the metropolis.
We extremely urge anybody to come back see why Laguna Seashore is so particular. It’s greater than only a drama-filled teenager TV present that was fashionable on MTV within the early 2000s, though followers of the present can hint down among the fashionable spots featured on the present like Thousand Steps Seashore featured later on this information. It’s dwelling to a city celebrated by arts and tradition, a laidback, beachy vibe, and sweetness.
Try our information for the very best issues to do in Laguna Seashore, California.
Get pleasure from Downtown Laguna Seashore
Laguna Seashore has such a captivating downtown stuffed with artwork galleries, boutiques, outlets, eating places, and bars that can preserve you busy for weeks. One factor we love is that it’s at all times been an artwork city. Remember to take a while to undergo among the native galleries and admire the items many are from native artists.
Don’t neglect to stroll a bit north and south of city for extra outlets, eating places, artwork galleries, cafes, and viewpoints. There may be a lot extra to Laguna Seashore than the streets within the coronary heart of downtown.
Laguna Seashore Artwork Stroll
The most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore is to point out up on the primary Thursday of each month for his or her artwork stroll. All the galleries and choose outlets open their doorways typically with wine and snacks to welcome guests and benefit from the native artwork scene.
The artwork stroll takes place from 6-9 pm so if you wish to get essentially the most out of the night time begin within the north finish of Laguna Seashore. Then head to the south finish of the artwork stroll.
In the event you don’t wish to stroll your entire stretch then you’ll be able to hop on the free trolley that stops at completely different factors of the artwork stroll.
A few of our favourite stops embody the Classic Poster and Kush Fantastic Artwork, however they’re all particular.
Heisler Park
Whereas exploring downtown Laguna Seashore you’ll want to give your self sufficient time to get pleasure from Heisler Park. This must be on the highest of anybody’s listing for what to do in Laguna Seashore. It’ll make you marvel for those who’re truly in Hawaii.
This park is a lush pocket of tropical wildlife and provides among the most majestic views of the ocean, Catalina Island off within the distance, and Most important Seashore in Laguna Seashore.
Ensure you work your manner as far north as Heisler Park goes as a result of the views simply get higher and higher. There are a number of benches alongside the best way dealing with the ocean.
Sit down and benefit from the view. In the event you’re fortunate you’ll spot the various dolphins that go by (we have now seen on a number of events). In the event you’re extraordinarily fortunate you’ll witness a whale breach right here. I used to be fortunate sufficient to witness one right here and it’s nonetheless one among my favourite reminiscences from residing in Laguna Seashore!
Sawdust Competition
Technically in Laguna Canyon however shut sufficient to downtown is the well-known Sawdust Competition. The Sawdust Competition is among the greatest issues to do in Laguna Seashore for those who love arts and crafts.
Held within the evenings solely through the summer time months for the summer time pageant and through the winter months for the vacation pageant you’ll be able to come right here and store for native handicrafts and meals. It’s a enjoyable expertise for less than $8 a ticket.
Not visiting through the summer time or winter? You too can take part in one among their many artwork courses that occur all 12 months lengthy!
Pageant of the Masters
Anybody who’s an Arrested Growth fan will acknowledge this one-of-a-kind expertise in Laguna Seashore. The Pageant of the Masters is simply held through the summer time months throughout from the Sawdust Competition.
This outside amphitheater showcases real-life shifting artwork the place locals paint themselves and act out precise well-known artwork items from classical and up to date artwork.
Remember to purchase tickets on-line upfront as a result of these suckers are laborious to get final minute! The Pageant of the Masters’ tickets go on sale as early because the winter for the July-early September season.
Go to Laguna Seashore’s Seashores!
This can be a no-brainer! The most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore is try the seashores. There’s much more to this coastal metropolis than Most important Seashore.
There are tons of unimaginable Laguna Seashore seashores to take a look at, as a matter of reality, we predict these are among the greatest seashores in Southern California and the very best of Orange County.
In the event you’re not an area, chances are high you won’t even know the place to look to search out a few of Laguna Seashore’s greatest spots. That’s the place we come in useful.
A few of our favourite seashores are situated in south Laguna Seashore. Remember to give your self sufficient time to take a look at a couple of for your self. Please observe we are able to’t embody each seaside on right here so we picked our favorites!
We’re snubbing the North Laguna seashores as a result of we’re most conversant in the seashores south of city. Nevertheless, the seashores within the north are additionally superb and value testing.
Most important Seashore
That is essentially the most iconic seaside within the metropolis. It’s the most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore for those who’re quick on time and will probably be spending most of your time downtown.
You may’t miss the long-lasting lifeguard tower or the excitement happening with crowds, volleyball courts, and basketball courts. Remember to stroll south alongside the seaside to witness among the beachfront houses and extra of the stretches of seashores that hook up with Most important Seashore.
Victoria Seashore
One other nice seaside that’s well-known for its iconic Pirate’s Tower and tide pool. This is among the greatest issues to do in Laguna Seashore for those who’re searching for out a cool picture spot. The mysterious tower seems to be like one thing out of a fairy story. Nevertheless, in all actuality, it’s only a staircase right down to the seaside throughout low tide from the frilly dwelling above.
The tower has an attention-grabbing historical past and at one level the house related to the tower belonged to Bette Midler. You may learn extra in regards to the Pirate’s Tower in Laguna Seashore from Atlas Obscura.
You may solely stroll to the pirate tower at low tide, when it’s excessive tide the waves crash proper right here and you’ll’t stroll over to it. The cement round artifical pool subsequent to the pirate tower is definitely a tidal pool that’s fashionable with photographers that take aerial pictures. Don’t try visiting to swim in although, it’s very harmful due to the rocky shoreline and it solely has water in it at excessive tide.
Follow visiting this seaside at low tide, for those who’re unsure when that’s verify the tide forecast throughout your go to.
Aliso Seashore
Aliso Seashore is a superb spot to go and the most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore on a peak summer time day when Most important Seashore is crowded. The paid car parking zone makes this seaside simply accessible to guests.
Additionally, the seaside stretches alongside the shoreline, connecting to extra seashores, together with an area favourite spot, West Avenue Seashore.
The waves right here break near shore and generally is a bit intimidating for those who’re not savvy with the ocean. That is the place additionally, you will spot the favored native ocean sport, skimboarding. The waves right here make the proper circumstances to catch a wave. If you wish to attempt skimboarding do it understanding there’s an ideal chance you would possibly face plant a couple of occasions. It’s not as simple because it seems to be.
Tablerock Seashore
This not-so-secret seaside is just not one thing solely identified by the locals anymore. That is the place our house was and holds a particular place in our hearts as that is additionally the place we tied the knot in our California Seashore marriage ceremony.
Having fun with Tablerock is one among our favourite issues to do in Laguna Seashore. Typically we simply drive down the coast to solely hit up this sliver of seaside. It’s situated in a beautiful cove surrounded by rocky bluffs with enormous, attractive houses resting on the highest.
Observe the wood staircase down for the attractive reveal of the turquoise seaside. Nearly each time we’ve been to this seaside we have now seen some kind of marine life. The whales like to come back up and rub on the rocks near shore and there at all times appears to be dolphins that go by.
Thousand Steps Seashore
Don’t let the identify scare you away, there aren’t truly a thousand steps right here! Nevertheless, it should really feel prefer it if you find yourself coming again up these stairs after an extended day within the solar on the seaside.
Thousand Steps Seashore is one other the most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore. It’s additionally dwelling to John Wayne’s well-known seaside home, attractive houses, nice swimming, and simply an general superb seaside.
This seaside is about as far south as you’ll be able to go in Laguna Seashore however well worth the go to. You’ll wish to come ready with snacks and water although. Leaving for meals goes to be a mission when you’re on the seaside.
Fortunately, there are amenities like a toilet and bathe on the finish of the steps too.
At low tide, you’ll be able to head to the south finish of the seaside and discover the ocean caves and tide swimming pools right here. There may be additionally a saltwater pool you’ll be able to take a peek at as effectively. Simply bear in mind, you can’t go to this at excessive tide, so plan accordingly and watch out of sharp rocks and don’t get too near the place the waves are crashing.
Go Mountaineering
The most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore is get pleasure from one of many hikes they’ve to supply. You wouldn’t assume such a small city had so many nice choices however they do. We’re going to share our two favorites.
Prime of the World
This can be a should and the most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore. Prime of the World hike is straightforward and provides superb views of each the ocean to the west and the town of Aliso Viejo to the east. If you wish to get additional fancy you should use Prime of the World to steer your self to among the trails in Aliso Canyon.
Drive your manner up Nyes Place to begin on the south finish of the path. You’ll should park in a residential neighborhood however stroll as much as the top of the highway the place the Prime of the World begins. That is a straightforward flat hike that may be performed by all ages and all health ranges and also you’re rewarded with an ideal view.
You too can take Park Avenue close to downtown Laguna Seashore all the best way as much as the residential neighborhood of Prime of the World. This residential neighborhood isn’t as eager on having tons of holiday makers strolling by although, so we advocate coming into from the south and leaving that small neighborhood of houses free of holiday makers.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
One other great place for mountaineering in Laguna Seashore is the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park within the canyon simply quick drive exterior of downtown Laguna Seashore. There are numerous trails right here, so cease on the Nix Nature Heart to see which path is best for you.
The place to Eat in Laguna Seashore
After all, one of many high issues to do in Laguna Seashore is EAT! There are such a lot of fabulous eating places and eateries to select from. You nearly can’t go fallacious irrespective of the place you go. Nearly. So as an alternative of risking, take our high picks for locations to eat in Laguna Seashore.
Comedor
Comedor is one among our favourite locations to eat in Laguna Seashore. This tapas-style bistro serves up an array of small dishes all meant to be shared. It takes about 2-3 dishes per individual to get your fill however what’s nice is you’ll be able to pattern tons of fantastic meals.
 Remember to make a reservation as this may be fairly a well-liked spot with the locals situated within the La Casa del Camino lodge in Laguna Seashore, which additionally has an ideal rooftop!
Reunion Kitchen & Drink
This restaurant may be simple to overlook for those who’re not conscious it exists as a result of it’s situated a bit north of city. However don’t fear you’ll be able to stroll up and urge for food by strolling right here from Heisler Park! We already mentioned the most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore was to go to Heisler Park so time it with lunch so that you finish over at Reunion Kitchen & Drink.
The menu right here is AMAZING and it is going to be troublesome to choose only one dish. We ended up splitting the bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers for a starter, I ordered the divine mild and recent seared ahi salad with wasabi dressing and Scott bought the savory and mouthwatering brown butter shrimp that makes our mouths salivate simply by saying that identify. Don’t miss out on this menu!
Banzai Bowls
In the event you’re searching for a fast, low-cost wholesome chunk you can take right down to the seaside with you then try one among our native favourite spots, Banzai Bowls. These acai bowls are to die for with a couple of nice combos to select from.
Whilst you wait benefit from the surf movies on the television that actually make you’re feeling such as you’re in Southern California’s surf scene. We love getting the bowls to go and taking them right down to Oak St. or Brooks St. seashores.
Rooftop Lounge
The most effective issues to do in Laguna Seashore is to get one of many Rooftop Lounge’s cocktails. Then watch the solar go down on the roof of the La Casa del Camino Resort.
This spot is extraordinarily fashionable due to its killer ocean view and an superior blissful hour from 3-5 pm on weekdays. Remember to make a reservation if you wish to safe the most effective spots on the rooftop. You too can order some nice appetizers to snack on up right here together with your drinks.
The place to Keep in Laguna Seashore
We extremely advocate staying at La Casa del Camino situated proper on the PCH and Cress Avenue. You not solely have entry to a small seaside however you’re simply capable of stroll downtown, to extra seashores, and tons of eating places and outlets.
Moreover being a stunning lodge in an previous historic constructing that is additionally the situation for 2 of our favourite meals/drink spots in Laguna Seashore. La Casa del Camino‘s constructing can be dwelling to the Rooftop Lounge and Comedor. This place has all of it. Guide Right here.
Getting Round Laguna Seashore
Getting round Laguna Seashore is straightforward when you’ve got a automotive, though parking generally is a problem on the weekends and peak season. The most effective methods to get round Laguna Seashore is making the most of their free trolley.
The Laguna Seashore trolley has a schedule and runs year-round. They provide a couple of routes just like the coastal route that runs from North to South Laguna Seashore all the best way to Dana Level.
The trolley additionally providers the Laguna Canyon, which is nice if you wish to go to the Sawdust Competition, Pageant of the Masters, and mountaineering.
You’ll wish to verify their schedule to see when it’s working throughout your go to as weekdays have a tendency to finish service earlier low season and through the summer time season the schedules are a bit prolonged. That is particularly useful if you wish to exit ingesting or benefit from the complimentary drinks some galleries provide on Artwork Stroll night time – which is a must-do in Laguna Seashore in case your schedule works out to be there for that!
Issues to do Close by Laguna Seashore
Dana Level
Talking of Dana Level above, chances are you’ll wish to reap the benefits of the free coastal route on the Laguna Seashore trolley and discover all the very best issues to do in Dana Level.
Positioned simply south of Laguna Seashore, Dana Level is known for its luxurious resorts, spas, oceanside eating, stunning seashores, fishing, and being the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World.
Remember to be part of a Whale Watching Tour for a improbable tour that gives commentary from the captain as you chill out onboard searching for a number of species of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and different marine life.
You too can reap the benefits of boat leases from Dana Level Harbor whether or not you’re seeking to cruise across the harbor or be part of a sportfishing constitution.
That is additionally an ideal spot to get pleasure from a coastal hike on the Dana Level Bluff Prime Path or the Catalina Island ferry leaves from Dana Level and you’ll plan an ideal day journey to Catalina Island, which is one among our absolute favourite issues to do in Southern California.
Crystal Cove State Park
One other the most effective issues to do close to Laguna Seashore north of city is go to Crystal Cove State Park en path to Newport Seashore. This coastal state park has coastal mountaineering trails, bluff facet views, a beautiful stretch of sandy seashores, canyons, historic seaside homes, tide swimming pools, and an ideal restaurant proper on the sand.
This can be a actually excellent place to spend a day planning to have lunch on the Beachcomber restaurant or spending the afternoon on the seaside and having dinner on the Beachcomber. Simply bear in mind this place is a bit more upscale within the evenings, so you’ll be able to’t put on your bathing swimsuit within the restaurant.
There are paid parking tons alongside the Pacific Coast Freeway, your parking is validated for those who dine on the Beachcomber, so don’t neglect to have them do this for you for those who do get pleasure from this epic spot!
There’s additionally a shake shack the place you’ll be able to seize a milkshake up on the PCH above Crystal Cove State Park. This actually is among the most majestic spots to get pleasure from a seaside day in Southern California!
Newport Seashore
One other the most effective issues to do close to Laguna Seashore is spend a day exploring the greatest issues to do in Newport Seashore. From Balboa Island, Balboa Peninsula, Corona del Mar, and Mainland Newport Seashore you might simply fill a whole trip price of actions simply right here too.
A couple of musts embody a go to to Balboa Island, the place you’ll wish to deal with your self to one of many well-known frozen bananas (calling all Arrested Growth followers you’ll know what that is) and browse the cute outlets close by.
Head to Balboa Peninsula for some unimaginable seashores, hire a seaside cruiser and bike alongside the paths, go to the Newport Seashore Pier, or have enjoyable on the Balboa Enjoyable Zone rides and leisure choices. There are many eating and buying round right here too.
Talking of buying, try Vogue Island whereas in Newport Seashore, a well known outside luxurious shopping center good for those who’re searching for loads of choices to eat and store all whereas having ocean views off within the distance.
And, you may also go away to go to Catalina Island from Newport Seashore too. When you have time, we advocate spending two days or a weekend at Catalina Island!
What do you assume are the very best issues to do in Laguna Seashore? Tell us within the feedback!
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