1. Visit an Art Gallery
With over 100 art galleries, Laguna Beach is the place to find your next art piece to take home! Laguna was actually discovered by artists in the late 1800s and is considered an art colony. When walking down PCH, you will find multiple galleries showing art with unique themes. The Wyland Gallery gives you the chance to experience the underwater world through their breathtaking paintings. Artist Andrew Myers states it best when describing his space: “More than a gallery. An experience.”
2. Explore the Tidepools & Practice the Leave No Trace Principles
Make sure to check out the fascinating tidepools located just below the water’s surface in Laguna! Multiple beaches including Main Beach, Shaws Cove, and Tresure Island, are home to so many intertidal habitats. It is very important to follow Laguna’s Leave No Trace Principles and never touch, remove, or damage these special ecosystems. Make sure to visit during low tide (and keep an eye on the swell) when looking for marine life like sea stars, barnacles, and hermit crabs!
3. Listen to Live Music at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is one of the best places to check out the great local musicians around town. Live music is available every day from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Get the chance to enjoy a delicious cocktail while listening to your favorite genre of music! Make sure to look at their daily schedule to see which artist and genre fits best for you!
4. Go for a Hike at Alta Laguna Park
There are a variety of activities to do at Alta Laguna Park. From hiking, to pickleball, to basketball, to tennis, to soccer, to a playground for kids, there is something to do for everyone in the family! Not to mention the amazing views while on “Top of the World!”
5. View Public Art in Heisler Park
Not only can you find art in Laguna’s local galleries, but you can also find beautiful sculptures in public outdoor spaces! Make sure to stop by and look at “Breaching Whale” by Jon Seeman as well as “Tide Pool Kraken & Strand of Life” by Casey Parlette and more in Heisler Park.
6. Visit Our Art Festivals
During the summer season, it is a must to attend one or all of Laguna’s Art Festivals! You can even purchase a passport for just $29 for admission to Sawdust, Laguna Art-A-Fair, and Festival of Arts with a one-time parking pass (must purchase in person at one of the festival locations). Located at the Festival of the Arts, you can also purchase a ticket to a night out at the Pageant of the Masters where art is brought to life!
7. Attend a Sunset Serenade
During May and June, make sure to attend one of the free Sunset Serenades and World Music concerts in Heisler Park! Located at the amphitheater starting at 6:30pm until sunset on Fridays, make sure to bring your beach chairs and snacks to listen to the wonderful music Laguna has to offer.
8. Check Out the Latest Exhibit at Laguna Art Museum
Check out the latest and greatest art exhibits at Laguna Art Museum. Their mission is to implement the California experience to everyone that enters. Everything inside is created by Californian artists although different styles and time periods are explored throughout. General admission is $12 and $9 for students, seniors and military.
9. Visit the Aquaterra Spa at Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach
Relax and enjoy a spa day at the Aquaterra Spa at Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach. Services include massages, facials, body treatments and nail services. Aquaterra Spa is open from 9:00am to around 5:00pm everyday with access to all the spa amenities the same day as your appointment.
10. See a Play at Laguna Playhouse
Make sure to stop by the Laguna Playhouse and enjoy a day or evening out at the theatre! Laguna Playhouse shows plays, musicals, and stand up throughout their year-round season. Their mission is “to enrich lives through the magic of live theatre, to provide educational opportunities for children and adults, and to create experiences that stimulate cultural and social interaction and inspire our community.”
11. First Thursday’s Art Walk
As an art colony, First Thursdays Art Walk is a staple to Laguna Beach. Every first Thursday of the month, everyone is invited to this FREE event. This is year-round and it is a great way to support the art galleries and local artists. The participating galleries are located between Dimond St. and Myrtle but make sure to check out their directory on their website.
12. Enjoy a Round of Golf at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Do you enjoy playing golf? Book a tee-time at the 9-hole executive course located at The Ranch at Laguna Beach! With beautiful well-kept greens, you can enjoy a round with friends and family!
13. Visit the Local Farmers Market
Start your Saturday morning at the local Farmers Market in Laguna Beach! With over 40 vendors to choose from, you can find flowers, fresh produce, and more starting at 8:00am until 12 noon. You can find the Farmers Market located at 521 Forest Avenue (Lumberyard Parking Lot 12).
14. Fire Pit at Aliso Beach and Lost Pier
Enjoying a bonfire is one of the best ways to spend your day at the beach! Aliso Creek Beach is the perfect family-friendly beach to do this at. Make sure to get there on the earlier side to get parking and a firepit as they are available on a first come first serve basis. You can get a delicious meal or snack at Lost Pier Café located right off the beach! They also have portable firepits that are available to book online!
15. Kayak or Paddleboard Tour with La Vida Laguna
“The Laguna Life” also known as La Vida Laguna, offers many lessons including kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing and even an electric bike tour! La Vida Laguna welcomes beginners and those who have a love for the ocean and outdoors! Taught by Laguna’s best instructors, you will not only have the time of your life, but you will feel safe while participating. Visit their website to book and learn the details of each activity.
16. Wine Tasting at Laguna Canyon Winery & Bianchi Laguna Beach
Do you love wine tasting? The Laguna Canyon Winery is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00pm-5:30pm. With grapes from Napa and Sonoma, LCW has a variety of award-winning wines to try. It is the perfect place for a date night or group outing with friends or colleagues! You can also taste outstanding wine at Bianchi Laguna Beach Tasting Room off the corner of Myrtle Street right and PCH! Based out of Paso Robles, Bianchi is open to the public on weekdays from 4:00pm-8:00pm, Saturdays 12:00pm-9:00pm, and Sundays from 12:00pm-7:00pm. Enjoy your tasting with a beautiful ocean view!
17. Find Murals in Town
With art having a huge influence on Laguna, there are many public murals to see while exploring the city. Take a picture and tag #MyLagunaBeach. Here is a list of murals to see around town: Your Guide to Murals in Laguna Beach
18. Taking an Art Lesson at LOCA, Artime Barro, and LAM
Not only can you see art in Laguna Beach, but you can also create your own to take home! Participate in an art workshop through LOCA Art Education or experience pottery and ceramics at ARTime Barro. You can also book a painting class taught by experts through SOLOSHOW.
19. Mountain Bike in Our Canyon
Enjoy the beautiful views of Laguna while getting your workout on mountain biking! There are many trails to choose from ranging from beginner to expert. If you are looking to rent a bike, check out Laguna Beach Cyclery. We are lucky to have world-renowned mountain biking expert, Hans Rey, as a local and Visit Laguna Beach Ambassador, check out the blog he wrote on the best trails in town.
20. Enjoy a Cocktail at The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach During Sunset
The Loft at the Montage Laguna Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a signature cocktail and meal with a view! There is indoor seating as well as two outdoor patios to enjoy some of the best American Cuisine Laguna has to offer.
21. Walk the Boardwalk at Main Beach
One of the most popular spots to stop at in Laguna is Main Beach. Right in the heart of downtown, you can walk down the beautiful boardwalk and take a picture near the iconic lifeguard tower. You can also just hang out at the beach with your friends or play a game of basketball or beach volleyball.
22. Have Dinner at Sapphire and Spot the Laguna Greeter
Enjoy a delicious cocktail and meal at Sapphire with friends and loved ones. There is an outdoor patio and an indoor bar area with daily brunch and dinner. The Pantry is also open from 7:00am-3:00pm daily if you are looking for a grab and go meal. Make sure to say hello and waive to the local greeter who is usually posted up on the corner of Brooks Street.
23. Go Dolphin and Whale Watching
Dolphin and whale watching is a great family-friendly activity! With multiple locations to choose from, like Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari and Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in Dana Point and Newport Landing Whale Watching in Newport Beach, the boat usually ends up searching for the whales in the Laguna Beach waters!
24. Try Gelato Paradiso
When walking around downtown, whether it is after dinner or on a hot afternoon, grabbing some gelato at Gelato Paradiso is a must! You can smell the homemade waffle cones through the entire brick alleyway. There are so many flavors to choose from and you know it is good when there is always a line outside the door!
