How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a charming town in Orange County, California that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adventurous exploration, Laguna Beach has something for you.
This article will show you how to spend a perfect weekend in Laguna Beach and make the most of your time and money. You will discover the best places to stay, the most exciting things to do, and the most delicious food in this hidden gem of Southern California.
Ready to pack your bags and hit the road? Let’s go!
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Best Time to Visit Laguna Beach
The best time to visit Laguna Beach is from April to May or September to October. The spring and the fall bring far fewer visitors to the area than the summer months, and travelers can still enjoy average daytime temperatures of 70 degrees or higher.
Summer is Laguna’s peak travel season and also when the majority of its yearly festivals take place. Winter will likely yield discounts galore, but you won’t be able to swim at the beach (the water will be frigid), and at night, the temperatures can dip down to the low 40s.
What to Pack for Laguna Beach?
To pack for Laguna Beach, you should consider the following items:
- Sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Laguna Beach, so protect your skin with a high-SPF sunscreen and reapply it often.
- Swimsuit: Laguna Beach has some of the most beautiful beaches in California, so you will want to enjoy the water. Pack a swimsuit that suits your style and comfort level.
- Sunglasses and hat: To shield your eyes and face from the sun, pack a pair of sunglasses and a hat. You can also add some flair to your outfit with these accessories.
- Beach towel and umbrella: To relax on the sand, pack a beach towel and an umbrella. You can also rent these items from some beach shops or hotels, but bringing your own might be cheaper and more convenient.
- Light clothing: The weather in Laguna Beach is usually warm and pleasant, so pack light and breathable clothing. Opt for shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and skirts. Consider bringing a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings.
- Comfortable shoes: Laguna Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic hiking trails, so pack comfortable shoes for walking or hiking. You can also bring flip-flops or sandals for the beach or the town.
How to get there?
There are different ways to get to Laguna Beach, depending on where you are coming from and how you prefer to travel. You can fly or drive to Laguna Beach or combine both. Here are some options for you:
Fly to John Wayne Airport-Orange County (SNA), the closest airport to Laguna Beach and only a 25-minute drive away. You can take a taxi, a shuttle, a rental car, or a public bus from the airport to Laguna Beach.
Fly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or San Diego International Airport (SAN), about an hour and a half away by car. You can rent a car from the airport and drive to Laguna Beach, or take a shuttle, a train, or a bus to a nearby station and then transfer to another bus to Laguna Beach.
Drive to Laguna Beach from your location. You can take the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH), which follows the coastline and offers stunning views of the ocean and the hills. Alternatively, you can take the freeways or the toll road, which are faster but less scenic.
The closest freeway exit to Laguna Beach is Highway 133 South, which turns into Laguna Canyon Road and becomes Broadway. The closest toll road exit is Toll Road 73, which connects to Highway 133 South.
Where to stay in Laguna Beach?
Laguna Beach has many accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. You can choose from beachfront hotels and resorts, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and more. Here are some of the best places to stay in Laguna Beach according to various sources:
Surf & Sand Resort
This four-star hotel on the Laguna Beach shoreline has stunning ocean views. The resort features a Mediterranean-inspired coastal menu, an intimate spa, and meeting and wedding venues. Some of the best amenities of this hotel are the swimming pool, the complimentary breakfast, and the valet parking.
Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
This four-star boutique hotel is just back from the beach, with ocean views from its second floor. The hotel has stylish decor reminiscent of Moroccan tiles, an outdoor pool, and a wellness center. The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast and free WiFi.
Laguna Beach House
This three-star hotel offers a cozy and casual atmosphere. The hotel is close to the beach and downtown, where you can find many shops, restaurants, and galleries. The hotel has a heated pool, hot tub, fire pit, and wine hour.
Laguna Beach Lodge
This two-star hotel offers a budget-friendly option for travelers who want to enjoy the beach and nature. The hotel is located across the street from Treasure Island Beach and near the Crystal Cove State Park. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, a barbecue area, and a continental breakfast.
Montage Laguna Beach
This five-star resort offers a luxury experience for travelers who want to indulge in the best of Laguna Beach. The resort is situated on a 30-acre oceanfront bluff with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort has a spa, a golf course, three restaurants, and two outdoor pools.
According to various sources, these are some of the best places to stay in Laguna Beach. You can also check other options online or ask me for more recommendations.
Main Attractions in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a town that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adventurous exploration, Laguna Beach has something for you.
Here are some of the main attractions in Laguna Beach that you should not miss:
Heisler Park
This beautiful park stretches along the coastline and offers stunning views of the ocean and the cliffs. The park has walking paths, picnic areas, sculptures, gardens, and access to several beaches. You can also visit the Laguna Art Museum, located in the park, which showcases the works of local artists.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
This is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins. You can visit the center and learn about their mission and the animals they care for. You can also adopt an animal or donate to support their cause.
Crystal Cove State Park
This state park covers over 3,000 acres of land and water. The park has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and beaches for swimming, surfing, and fishing. You can also explore the historic district, which features cottages from the 1920s and 1930s that have been preserved and restored.
Pageant of the Masters
This unique and famous event takes place every summer in Laguna Beach. The pageant is a live art performance where actors recreate famous paintings and sculptures on stage. The pageant is accompanied by live music, narration, and special effects. The pageant is part of the Festival of Arts, a juried art show featuring local artists’ works.
1,000 Steps Beach
This is a famous beach accessed by a long staircase of 223 steps (not 1,000, as the name suggests). The beach is known for its clear water, soft sand, and tide pools. You can also see the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, a stone tower built in 1926 as a spiral staircase for a private residence.
These are some of the main attractions in Laguna Beach that you should take advantage of.
Activities to do at Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is great for various outdoor activities, recreation, and adventure. Here are some of the activities you can do at Laguna Beach:
Snorkeling and diving
Laguna Beach offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities to view the abundant kelp beds, Garibaldi, and other sea life below the ocean’s surface. You can rent equipment from local shops or join a guided tour with experienced instructors.
Some of the best spots for snorkeling and diving are Shaw’s Cove, Diver’s Cove, and Crescent Bay.
Surfing and skimboarding
Laguna Beach is known for its excellent waves and surf culture. You can catch some of the best breaks at Brooks Street, Thalia Street, and Oak Street. If you are new to surfing, you can take lessons from local schools or instructors.
You can also try skimboarding, a sport where you glide across the water on a thin board. You can find some of the best skimboarding spots at Aliso Beach, Victoria Beach, and West Street.
Hiking and biking
Laguna Beach has many trails for hiking and biking that offer scenic views of the ocean and the hills. You can explore the backcountry of Crystal Cove State Park, which has more than 15 miles of trails for different difficulty levels.
You can also hike along the coastline at Heisler Park, which has walking paths, picnic areas, sculptures, and gardens. If you prefer biking, rent a bike from local shops or join a guided tour.
You can bike along the Pacific Coast Highway, which follows the shoreline and offers stunning views of the ocean and the cliffs.
Art and culture
Laguna Beach is a town that celebrates art and culture. You can visit the Laguna Art Museum, which showcases local artists’ works and Laguna Beach’s history. You can also take a class at the Sawdust Art Festival, a juried art show featuring the works of more than 200 artists in various media.
You can also stroll along on a Laguna Beach Art Walk, a monthly event where you can visit galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments. If you are lucky, you can catch the Pageant of the Masters, a unique and famous event every summer.
The pageant is a live art performance where actors recreate famous paintings and sculptures on stage.
Dining Options in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach has various dining options to suit your taste and budget. At some restaurants, you can also enjoy ocean views, rooftop dining, happy hour specials, and live music.
Here are some of the dining options in Laguna Beach that you might want to try:
230 Forest Avenue:
This is a contemporary American restaurant that offers creative dishes, such as lobster mac and cheese, grilled salmon with mango salsa, and filet mignon with blue cheese butter. The restaurant also has a full bar, a patio, and a happy hour menu.
Adonis Restaurant:
This is a Mediterranean restaurant that specializes in Lebanese cuisine, such as hummus, tabbouleh, shawarma, and kebabs. The restaurant also has a bakery, a market, and a catering service.
Active Culture:
This is a health-conscious cafe that serves organic and vegan food, such as salads, bowls, wraps, and smoothies. The cafe also has frozen yogurt, kombucha, and coffee.
Adolfo’s Mexican Food:
This is a casual and family-friendly Mexican restaurant that serves authentic and affordable food, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos. The restaurant also has a salsa bar, a breakfast menu, and a take-out service.
Saline:
This is a fine dining restaurant located inside the Hotel Joaquin. The restaurant serves seasonal and coastal cuisine, such as oysters, scallops, lamb, and duck. The restaurant also has a wine cellar, a cocktail lounge, and a poolside bar.
Shopping Options in Laguna Beach
You can find shops that sell clothing, jewelry, art, surf gear, home decor, gifts, and more. Here are some of the shopping options in Laguna Beach that you might want to check out:
HIP District
This trendy and vibrant area features shops, residences, and services. HIP stands for Historic and Interesting Places; you can find many here. You can shop for fashion, accessories, antiques, books, and more at places like Toes on the Nose, The Shop, and Laguna Beach Books.
Lumberyard Plaza Shopping Center
This is a charming and cozy shopping center in a former lumber company village. The center has French-Normandy-style architecture and a courtyard with a fountain. You can shop for clothing, jewelry, art, and gifts at Duet, Debilzan Gallery, and Tuvalu.
South Coast Plaza
This large and luxurious shopping mall is located about 20 minutes away from Laguna Beach by car. The mall has over 250 stores, including high-end brands like Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. You can also find department stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s.
Fashion Island
This is an upscale, open-air shopping center located about 15 minutes away from Laguna Beach by car. The center has over 150 stores, including fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle brands. You can also find a movie theater, a farmer’s market, and a koi pond.
Irvine Spectrum Center
This lively and colorful shopping center is located about 25 minutes away from Laguna Beach by car. The center has over 130 stores, including entertainment, dining, and specialty shops. You can also find a giant Ferris wheel, a carousel, a movie theater, and a comedy club.
Shops at Mission Viejo
This family-friendly indoor shopping mall is about 30 minutes away from Laguna Beach by car. The mall has over 150 stores, including popular brands like Apple, H&M, Sephora, and Victoria’s Secret. You can also find a children’s play area, a food court, and a movie theater.
Conclusion
Laguna Beach is a coastal paradise that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adventurous exploration, you will find it in this charming town.
You can enjoy the artistic roots, the natural beauty, the TV and media exposure, the culinary delight, and the eco-tourism and adventures that make Laguna Beach famous.
Now that you have all the information you need, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Laguna Beach today and experience the magic for yourself!
