9 Best Things to Do in Laguna Beach

Heisler Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, tidal pools and barbecue grills overlooking Laguna Beach from high above for spectacular panoramic sunset views. The park is just north of the main beach only a few minutes from the centre of city centre, and offers a range of amenities for visitors.

You can check out a private bowls club to throw some Bocce, rest in a picturesque gazebo at the south end of the park, or simply go hiking through the rich green canopy above. This green oasis in the heart of the beachfront area offers a world of outdoor adventure.

Crystal Cove State Park is amongst the largest open spaces and unspoiled natural coasts still remaining in California, with miles of gold sand and deep blue ocean. This park is located halfway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.

Many thousands of people travel here every year to enjoy the preserved natural coastline with its surrounding environs of rolling hills, wooded canyons, towering ridges, and over three miles of beachfront settled amongst more than 2,000 acres of wildlands. It's popular for hiking, biking, snorkelling, diving, fishing, and surfing. Any sort of outdoor adventure you enjoy, you'll find plenty of options here.

1,000 Steps Beach is a secluded, sandy beach that spans about 7 blocks and is shaded by a thick canopy of trees and vines. The beach is bookended by steep cliffs and is a popular spot for water and beach sports, including surfing, bodyboarding, volleyball, swimming, sunbathing and more.

At the south end, a large cave can be explored which leads you to a smaller beach at the other side. It's only accessible during low tide. The beach is located along 9th Avenue where it meets South Coast Highway, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre.

Main Beach is amongst the largest stretches of sun and sand in Laguna Beach and is a convenient and iconic landmark of sun, sand, and surf. The beach is well known because it's located right at the heart of city centre Laguna Beach, meaning it's convenient to visit any time of day or night during your stay here.

It also features a lifeguard tower that is an historic landmark dating to 1929. You can enjoy many activities here from surfing, bodyboarding, volleyball, basketball, and so much more. The boardwalk is a popular feature for people watching or romantic sunset walks.

The Top of the World is a Laguna Beach community park, whose proper name is Alta Laguna Park, offering scenic lookout points and serene hiking trails. The park is located just 8 minutes' drive inland from the heart of city centre Laguna Beach and offers a peaceful and panoramic escape from the hustle and bustle of city centre.

The trailhead also offers access to Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and its wealth of deep green canopies and hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty and complexity that appeal to hikers of any skill level.

The Laguna Playhouse is an iconic venue showcasing a wide range of live entertainment events in an historic building that dates to 1920. The playhouse shows plays, musicals, live music acts, comedy shows, and even children's productions throughout the year.

The original building was erected in 1924, but by the 1960s had outgrown that original location and it was moved to a new location right in city centre, where it still stands today. In addition to live shows, the Playhouse offers workshops, tours, classes, and a Youth Conservatory programme, making it an iconic site for patrons of the performing arts.

The Laguna Art Museum is a fine arts gallery and museum which has featured important works of art by California artists since the early 20th century. It's located in city centre Laguna Beach along Cliff Drive and has stood in its current location since 1929.

The historic space features works of art that depict styles, life, and period trends from the 1800s through to the most important works by contemporary artists of today. It features a wide permanent collection and a range of constantly shifting temporary and visiting exhibits, meaning you can visit many times and always have a chance of seeing something new.

The Laguna Beach Pirate Tower is an historic location on Victoria Beach which is carved into the natural rocks of the area and has an air of mystery and wonder. The turret stands 60 feet above the water and was originally built in 1926 as a staircase to the beach for California senator William E. Brown, who later became known for his accomplishments as a painter.

While you can't actually climb the tower (it's privately owned and kept locked), it's still a picturesque site and many people travel here during low tide when it's accessible, just to imagine looking out of the turret over the endless ocean horizon.