Laguna Beach, CA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by California Travel and Tourism Commission
Laguna Beach which includes a coastal town, flowers and a beach
Laguna - South Beaches
Laguna Beach featuring swimming and a beach
Laguna Beach showing landscape views, a sandy beach and a coastal town

This city’s dramatic coastal landscape has attracted artists since the early 1800s, and continues to inspire the enclave’s creative community today.

Laguna Beach is one of California’s earliest vacation towns. Settled not long after the American Civil War, the coastal village quickly became popular with inland ranchers keen to escape the summer heat. English-born painter Norman Saint Clair became enraptured by the dramatic coastal vistas in the early 19th century. By 1920 more than half of Laguna’s residents were artists and the area’s creative community continues to thrive today.A great way to find your bearings is to hike the trails through Heisler Park. These trails offer panoramic views north to Crescent Bay and south to Laguna’s Main Beach. Laguna’s beaches, coves and bluffs are all unique and offer a range of activities. Rent a stand-up paddleboard and hit the rolling swells at Main Beach, or head to Thousand Step Beach, a popular surf spot and volleyball venue. Pull on a mask and fins and explore the rich marine life at Diver’s Cove, or wander the tidal pools up and down the coast. Rent a skimboard at the sport’s birthplace, Victoria Beach, and at the end of the day grab some hot dogs and head for the fire pits on Aliso Beach.Laguna offers much more than beaches. The city is filled with wonderful architecture,from early beachside cottages to ritzy cliff-hugging homes. Take a historic Bungalow Tour and learn more about the city’s history through its earliest buildings, including St Francis by the Sea, one of the world’s smallest churches.Laguna’s downtown area is known as The Village. Spend half a day here visiting one-of-a-kind boutiques, cafés and galleries on Forest Avenue. When the sun gets a little hot, sample a local brew at the Laguna Brewing Company. Develop an appreciation for Californian art at the Laguna Art Museum, which houses more than 3,500 pieces from the early 19th century to the present day. On the first Saturday of each month, more than 20 local artists open their studios to visitors. Feeling inspired? Take an art lesson in the scenic surrounds of Treasure Island Park.In the warmer months the city offers an array of art, music and crafts festivals. To get the most out of your visit, call into the Visitors Center on Forest Avenue to pick up maps and brochures.

Where to stay in Laguna Beach

This is known as the “Secret Pools” in Laguna Beach and its only access is through a cave at *very low tide*. It’s a dangerous spot if you don’t know what you’re doing. A young man got sucked into a blow hole when a rogue wave struck him and he unfortunately passed away. It is best to go with a local. #localsecrets

South Laguna

While visiting South Laguna, you might make a stop by sights like Table Rock Beach and Thousand Steps Beach.

South Laguna
Laguna Beach which includes a coastal town, flowers and a beach

Downtown Laguna Beach

While visiting Downtown Laguna Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Main Beach and Heisler Park.

Downtown Laguna Beach
This is a spot most locals know about but most tourist do not.  It is a gorgeous bay north of Main beach in Laguna Beach and it is my happy place to watch incredible sunsets.  Often you will see Dolphins and  Seal playing in the waves#LifeAtExpedia

North Laguna

If you're spending some time in North Laguna, Shaws Cove Beach and Crescent Bay Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Laguna
Sunset from room 128.

Laguna Village

If you're spending some time in Laguna Village, Main Beach and Cleo Street Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Laguna Village
Beautiful sunset at Laguna Beach, California

Hip District

While visiting Hip District, you might make a stop by sights like Bluebird Beach and Cleo Street Beach.

Hip District
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Emerald Bay

While visiting Emerald Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove.

Emerald Bay
Pacific Edge Hotel

Pacific Edge Hotel

3 out of 5
647 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
$293 nightly
The price is $335 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$335 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7/10 Good! (1,247 reviews)
"Beautiful view, excellent staff"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Pacific Edge Hotel
Laguna Beach House

Laguna Beach House

3 out of 5
475 N Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$316 nightly
The price is $360 total per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
$360 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Brilliant reminder on customer service and working with third party online booking companies. Expedia is my favorite GO TO !!! When you know not to book direct. It's the best example I have had since President Trump came back into office. Go where online ACTION does the talking!!! Spelling counts ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Laguna Beach House
La Casa del Camino

La Casa del Camino

3.5 out of 5
1289 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
$314 nightly
The price is $359 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$359 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star historic hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Great soace"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

La Casa del Camino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Arabella Laguna

Arabella Laguna

3.5 out of 5
506 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park and Pelican Hill Golf ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (47 reviews)
"Trust the reviews on this one. It's very walkable to the main beach and many dining and shopping options. Two nice coffee shops nearby as well. It's small -- not a lot of room for suitcases, packages, etc but it's VERY cute and cozy. Also, the rooms are on the second floor (outdoor steps) so be mindful ..."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

Arabella Laguna
A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68

A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68

Laguna Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"This is a charming and affordable option in Laguna. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Great food is close by with a grocery store just across the street. Bring your walking shoes! Beach access is close by but a little steep. We loved our stay and would ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68
Room 33: King Room at 14|West Boutique Hotel South Building

Room 33: King Room at 14|West Boutique Hotel South Building

Laguna Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
"Central to all things to do. Grocery store next door is clutch, beach a block way, and main strip is around the corner. Looking forward coming back!"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Room 33: King Room at 14|West Boutique Hotel South Building
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Laguna Beach

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
541
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
199
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
7
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful place. Wonderful beaches, shopping, dining.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

i loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a nice upscale, well-located town with lots of art available.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful town!And loved the Vibe.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Too much traffic, but pretty.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice place but too much traffic

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