Laguna Beach, located in southern Orange County in the state of California, is a stunning coastal town that offers a variety of sand beaches, art galleries, dining options, and fascinating attractions. You can visit Pacific Marine Mammal Center, the Laguna Art Museum, and many more fantastic destinations on a weekend getaway. Take the kids on a self-guided public art tour, a ride on the city’s trolley, and a performance at the Laguna Playhouse if you’re organizing a family holiday. You can also choose to stay at plenty of Laguna Beach vacation rentals. If you’re still looking for more reasons to visit Laguna Beach, here are our detailed recommendations for the top 5 things to do while in the city:
Crystal Cove State Park
One of the major attractions in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park, which is among California’s biggest remaining open areas and untouched coasts. Crystal Cove is a beautiful natural setting with gorgeous sandy beaches, glittering tidal pools, superb surf, undulating hills, and densely wooded valleys and ridges. It is situated near Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.
Outdoor enthusiasts love Crystal Cove State Park because it has more than three miles of magnificent coastline and more than 2,000 acres of wild backcountry wilderness. Visitors can enjoy the area’s breathtaking landscape through walking and hiking, cycling, scuba diving, swimming, fishing, and surfing, among others. The park also offers plenty of options for those who are not so daring. Among these options are the tidal pools. Programs are offered all year round, including, but not limited to, walks, tours, and talks about geology.
Heisler Park
Heisler Park, a magnificent green haven with access to several of the beaches along the shore, stretches along the bluffs around Cliff Drive high above the city and offers breathtaking ocean views. The park is located a little bit north of Main Beach, just between Diver’s Cove and Aster Street. It features adventure trails, picnic areas, benches, barbeque equipment, and of course, tidal pools! This place is definitely perfect for laid-back yet fun family gatherings over the sunset.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Another great activity to do if you’re around the city is to visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. This facility rescues, nurses, and releases marine mammals into their habitats. The place was established back in 1971 with its original name, “Friends of Sea Lion.” This makes it the first of its kind in the entire state of California. The center relocated into a building in Laguna Beach that belonged to the city and had previously been occupied by the regional Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in 1976. This place is great for both kids and adults, with lots of fun activities, guided tours, and educational programs. The center also holds various activities all year round.
Laguna Art Museum
For all you lovers of art, the city has got something for you as well! Along Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach, there is a museum of fine arts called the Laguna Art Museum. Originally known as the Laguna Beach Art Association, the museum moved into its current location in 1929. The Steele Gallery, a facility of the museum, is now located in this area. The museum’s name was changed to Laguna Art Museum in 1986. The museum, which is the only one in the state to collect California art exclusively, is committed to preserving and showcasing works of art created by local artists.
Laguna Beach Trolley
The city’s trolley is a transportation system set up for tourists and visitors completely free of charge. The route starts at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which then travels north up until Cajon Street. This is perhaps the most accessible mode of transportation if you ever want to explore the city.