Couples, families, foodies, art lovers – all of these groups and more love Laguna Beach for it’s laid back, beachy yet cultured vibe. It’s a fantastic destination for a long weekend getaway. Today’s post tells you exactly how to spend your time so you hit all the highlights of this charming Southern California town.
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Why Laguna Beach Makes for a Fantastic Long-Weekend Getaway
Laguna Beach is a bit of unicorn among Southern Californian towns. With its expansive beachfront, walkable downtown, and dedication to a strong arts and cultural presence, LB offers a bit of something for everyone.
Because of its diversity, Laguna Beach makes a great long weekend option for several types of travelers. Families will appreciate the beachy atmosphere and mix of dining establishments, whereas couples will enjoy the romantic sunsets, panoramic hikes, and preponderance of spa facilities.
For art lovers, a summertime trip to take in the Sawdust Festival, Festival of the Arts, and Pageant of the Masters is an unforgettable bucket list trip.
While the summer months are the most popular times to visit, they’re also the busiest. Consider a trip in shoulder season (or even the winter months) if you want to avoid crowds without sacrificing ambiance.
Where to Stay
When it comes to lodging, your main decision will be whether to stay in an oceanfront property. Oceanfront lodging comes at an exorbitant cost but lets you soak up the coastal vibes Laguna is known for.
Seven oceanfront properties are in town, and two are reviewed here. Most others are located along Highway 1. A few properties and owner-listed rentals are available in town. When deciding, consider how much time you’d like to spend in town. If you plan to visit daily, properties within walking distance or on the trolley line (see below) will be most convenient.
Delicious Dining
Laguna Beach offers a wide variety of eateries, from casual beach shacks to fine dining experiences. Places we especially enjoyed are noted below.
The Orange Inn is a charming little breakfast and lunch spot with an open-air view onto Highway 1. We enjoyed bakery items and fresh-squeezed juices for breakfast one day. Their lunch offerings looked great as well.
At Crystal Cove State Park, you might spy a long line of cars vying to get into a clifftop parking area off Highway 1. These folks are headed Crystal Cove Shake Shack. A stop here is a must for a date shake (or your preferred flavor) and either a burger or the fish tacos. The views and flavors are both incredible! Beachcomber Crystal Cove is another toes-in-the-sand recommened spot.
Javier’s is one of the fancier destinations in town. Located across from Crystal Cove State Park, they serve upscale Mexican in a large facility where people come to see and be seen. We found the food good, we didn’t feel the eye-watering prices were in line with what we received. For reference, our bill was $220 for 2 enchilada meals, 2 cocktails and an app of ceviche.
In town, two good choices are Lumberjack’s and 230 Forest. Located just feet apart, both offer smart-casual dining at competitive prices. At Lumberjack’s, $210 got us an appetizer, two fresh fish entrees, 2-3 glasses of wine each, and a dessert. Nearby Gelato Paradiso is recommended by locals for an after-dinner or mid-day sweet.
Day 1: Downtown Discovery
Laid-Back Labels & Luxury Goods
After getting settled, make your way to the downtown area. The area around Forest Avenue has a nice mixture of shops and eateries, with more sprinkled along Highway 1, running north to south through the city.
We enjoyed Hobie Surf Shop, which had a good selection of both men’s and women’s clothing. The Hat Box is chock full of hats! I only wished I had a Derby party to attend as there were some stunners. Candy Baron is a must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Have fun wandering and discovering your own favorite boutiques.
Once you’re shopped out, make your way over to the main beach and beachcomb, sunbathe, or people-watch for a while. Time a walk in Heisler Park to coincide with sunset. Filled with a variety of terrifically landscaped gardens, the park’s cliffside walking trails give spectacular views over the beach and ocean.
Day 2: Best Beaches + An Art Aesthetic
Tidepools, Towers & Treasures
This morning, enjoy a little beach time. Fun Fact: Laguna Beach isn’t just one beach; the town contains over thirty! Some of the most popular beach destinations inlcude:
- Victoria Beach, a long stretch of white sand with a 1920s-built “Pirate Tower” set into the cliffside.
- Treasure Island Beach, below the Montage Resort, is one of Laguna’s most picturesque.
- Table Rock Beach hides in a private cove and offers a much less busy and private feel than some of Laguna’s other beaches.
- Aliso Beach is considered one of Laguna’s most family-friendly beaches. With dedicated parking, restrooms, a children’s play area, and firepits, it’s a top destination for those seeking a one-stop shop beach day.
PRO TIP: Bring water shoes. There are often rocks, tide pools, and other foot hazards along and a between beaches. Your feet will thank you for providing an extra layer of protection.
Laguna’s Art Aesthetic
A creative culture flourishes within Laguna Beach’s city boundaries! For over a century, the city has been home to an ever-expanding and diverse community of artists and creators. Exploring the artistic side of Laguna is essential to fully understanding what makes this town so special.
Laguna Beach houses over 50 art galleries as well as the Laguna Beach Museum of Art. Spend some time this afternoon exploring a few galleries and take some time to talk to various artists and creators. If you happen to be in town the first Thursday of a month, you can take part in the free art walk. Galleries along PCH are open from 6 – 9 PM with many of them offering wine and light bites to their patrons.
During the summer months, visit the Sawdust Festival, the Festival of the Arts and the Pageant of the Masters. The Festival of the Arts fine art show is a juried event featuring the work of over 140 local artists. It’s held in conjunction with the Pageant of the Masters, a living art display that recreates famous works of art.
Right down the road, the Sawdust Festival takes place in a charming, outdoor village adorned with waterfalls and gardens. Beyond the 180+ exhibitors, there are three live music stages, a food court and several hands-on demonstration areas scattered throughout the venue.
Both Sawdust and the Festival are held annually from early July to early September. In November and December, Sawdust holds a special Winter Fantasy Festival, perfect for selecting unique gifts.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
There are many more sources for outdoor adventure in Laguna than just the beach. Hiking is another popular activity. The Top of the World and El Moro Canyon hikes provide stunning canyon views and a different perspective. Note there is little shade on these hikes so pack plenty of water and wear sun protection.
If you haven’t yet gotten enough of the ocean, try a whale or dolphin watching expedition. Captain Dave’s in nearby Dana Point comes highly recommended. For kayaking or paddleboarding, look to La Vida Laguna or Laguna Ethos. Both offer the chance to experience ocean kayaking or paddleboarding. Each company additionally offers both surf lessons and e-bike tours.
We’d attempted a kayaking tour with La Vida Laguna during our July 2026 visit, but unfortunately the waves were too high, and the trip was cancelled. We’ll be sure to try again on our next visit.
Indoorsy types might prefer to spend the day at one of the area’s many day spas.
Optional Day 4: Day Trips + Hidden Gems
Newport Harbor/Balboa Island
A half hour north you’ll find busy Newport Harbor and Balboa Island. Kids will love the Balboa Fun Zone while parents enjoy ogling the spectacular waterfront homes. Hiring a Duffy boat is another way to enjoy a unique perspective.
Before you leave, stop for a frozen banana at one of Balboa’s two famous banana stands. Fans of Arrested Development will be all too familiar with this delicacy! Fashionistas will want to make a detour past Fashion Island shopping mall on their way back to Laguna Beach.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is widely considered the jewel of California missions. Less than half an hour from Laguna Beach, a stop here is easy to combine with a visit to San Clemente and it’s famous pier.
Tours here focus on history, religious artifacts and Native American art. At over 200 years old, a visit here is a photographer’s wonderland. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to time your visit with the famous swallows’ annual migration from Argentina each March 19th.
Nixon Presidential Library
Just an hour drive from Laguna is the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California. A visit here is well worth a half-day. You’ll see Nixon’s childhood home and birthplace, learn much about his presidency from the Vietnam years to the Watergate incident, and can spend some time relaxing in the beautiful garden.
Temecula
Wine aficionados will want to head to Temecula for a day in wine country! Located about an hour and a half from Laguna Beach, you’ll want to use Waze when driving here. Waze gets road update closures that Google Maps does not – a lesson we learned the hard way.
Doffo is a favorite and has the added attraction of a vast Ducati motorbike collection on site. Bottaia has a pool that you can buy a day pass for and is a unique option if you’d like to spend your day in just one Temecula location.
Europa Village offers three distinct wine villages on its campus: French, Italian and Spanish. Miramonte offers live music while Ponte is considered to have one of the best vineyard views if stopping for lunch.
Lastly, Briar Rose will appeal to Disney fans. While their wines don’t get the best reviews, the buildings are replicas of Snow White’s cottages in the Disney movie. Note: No under-21s allowed here and reservations are mandatory.
Practical Tips
Parking & Transportation
Most hotels offer some sort of parking arrangement at an additional cost. If you are driving and your lodging does not offer parking or if you are looking for more economical options, check out the Laguna Beach Parking app (Android/Apple). Alternatively, you can check Laguna Beach Parking.
The main downtown district is walkable for most. However, if you’re visiting during the hot summer months or have some physical limitations, you’ll want to investigate the Laguna Beach trolley system. These FREE trolley lines run different routes throughout town. Download the app (Android/Apple) for the latest information; schedules vary by season.
Lastly, you can use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. It’s a great option for destinations slightly farther out of town or at odd hours, and it takes away the stress that comes with trying to find parking during the busy months.
Packing & What to Wear
You’ll want to pack your beach essentials for time in the sun. Be sure to include some water shoes, sunblock, and a hat and sun shirt during the warmer summer months.
Layers are your friend in Laguna Beach. Mornings can be cool and misty, morphing into hot afternoons and then breezy evenings once the sun goes down. Some restaurants and stores with AC can also be quite chilly. For this reason, I recommend taking some sort of layer with you on most outings – be it a scarf/shawl, long-sleeve shirt, cardigan, or light jacket.
While Laguna Beach has a distinctly laid-back, coastal-chic vibe, higher end restaurants may dictate a bit dressier look. Smart casual/country club casual should be adequate in most situations, leaving you feeling neither under- nor overdressed.
Plan Your Laguna Long-Weekend Getaway!
Ready to plan your trip? Check out the listings below for the best deals on lodging.
For more on things to do in Southern California, check out these posts:
- Best Laguna Beach Oceanfront Hotels
- How to Attend the Pageant of the Masters
- The Two California Presidential Libraries
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time…
