Laguna Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

This city’s dramatic coastal landscape has attracted artists since the early 1800s, and continues to inspire the enclave’s creative community today.

Laguna Beach is one of California’s earliest holiday towns. Settled not long after the American Civil War, the coastal village quickly became popular with inland ranchers keen to escape the summer heat. English-born painter Norman Saint Clair became enraptured by the dramatic coastal vistas in the early 19th century. By 1920 more than half of Laguna’s residents were artists and the area’s creative community continues to thrive today.A great way to find your bearings is to hike the trails through Heisler Park. These trails offer panoramic views north to Crescent Bay and south to Laguna’s Main Beach. Laguna’s beaches, coves and bluffs are all unique and offer a range of activities. Rent a stand-up paddleboard and hit the rolling swells at Main Beach, or head to Thousand Step Beach, a popular surf spot and volleyball venue. Pull on a mask and fins and explore the rich marine life at Diver’s Cove, or wander the tidal pools up and down the coast. Rent a skimboard at the sport’s birthplace, Victoria Beach, and at the end of the day grab some hot dogs and head for the fire pits on Aliso Beach.Laguna offers much more than beaches. The city is filled with wonderful architecture,from early beachside cottages to ritzy cliff-hugging homes. Take a historic Bungalow Tour and learn more about the city’s history through its earliest buildings, including St Francis by the Sea, one of the world’s smallest churches.Laguna’s downtown area is known as The Village. Spend half a day here visiting one-of-a-kind boutiques, cafés and galleries on Forest Avenue. When the sun gets a little hot, sample a local brew at the Laguna Brewing Company. Develop an appreciation for Californian art at the Laguna Art Museum, which houses more than 3,500 pieces from the early 19th century to the present day. On the first Saturday of each month, more than 20 local artists open their studios to visitors. Feeling inspired? Take an art lesson in the scenic surrounds of Treasure Island Park.In the warmer months the city offers an array of art, music and crafts festivals. To get the most out of your visit, call into the Visitors Centre on Forest Avenue to pick up maps and brochures.

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
Laguna Beach House
Laguna Beach House
3 out of 5
475 N Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
The price is £293 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£293
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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 centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"We stay here almost every year and we’ve never been disappointed, we will most likely be back next year! Their wine hour is always delicious as well as their cookies right after, the atmosphere is welcoming and feels like a home away from home. Super comfortable and staff is always nice and helpful! ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Laguna Beach House
Pacific Edge Hotel
Pacific Edge Hotel
3 out of 5
647 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
The price is £442 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
£442
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,244 reviews)
"I stayed here in 2022 and it was a bad experience but you cannot beat the location so I chanced it again. This time was sooooo much better. Right on the sand, you walk to restaurants and shops, and play at the beach all day. Wonderful. A solid room service option would be awesome. We tried to order ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Pacific Edge Hotel
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 £351 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£351
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"We have been going to Inn at Laguna Beach (now Casa Loma) for years. We love the renovation! The only thing we miss is wine hour on the patio. The staff was wonderful, and of course the location was perfect! Beautiful view!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, 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
A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68
A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68
Laguna Beach, CA
Stay at this holiday home in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"This is a charming and affordable option in Laguna. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Great food is close by with a grocery store just across the street. Bring your walking shoes! Beach access is close by but a little steep. We loved our stay and would ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68
Room 33: King Room at 14|West Boutique Hotel South Building
Room 33: King Room at 14|West Boutique Hotel South Building
Laguna Beach, CA
Stay at this holiday home in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Central to all things to do. Grocery store next door is clutch, beach a block way, and main strip is around the corner. Looking forward coming back!"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Room 33: King Room at 14|West Boutique Hotel South Building
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

Cities near Laguna Beach