• What makes Laguna Beach a great travel destination?
    • Laguna Beach in southern Orange County is a beautiful coastal destination, offering a choice of sandy beaches, art galleries, restaurants, and unique attractions.
  • What attractions can visitors explore in Laguna Beach?
    • Visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and explore the Laguna Art Museum, along with many other great attractions.
  • What family-friendly activities are available in Laguna Beach?
    • If you are planning a family vacation, take the kids to see the tide pools along the coastline.
    • Go on a self-guided public art tour, ride on the Laguna Beach Trolley, and see a show at the Laguna Playhouse.

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1. Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park

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  • What is Crystal Cove State Park?
    • Crystal Cove State Park is one of California's largest remaining open spaces and natural coastlines and one of the top Laguna Beach attractions.
  • Where is Crystal Cove State Park located?
    • It is located between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, featuring beautiful sandy beaches, shimmering tidal pools, excellent surf, undulating hills, and thickly wooded canyons and ridges.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Crystal Cove State Park?
    • Visitors can enjoy more than three miles of pristine beach and over 2,000 acres of rugged backcountry wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the magnificent scenery by hiking, biking, scuba and skin diving, swimming, fishing, and surfing.
  • Are there activities for less adventurous visitors?
    • For those less adventurous, tidal pools provide opportunities for extensive exploration. Additionally, State Park staff and docents offer interpretive programs year-round, including tidal pool walks, guided hikes, and geology talks.
  • Where can I find more information about Crystal Cove State Park?

2. Heisler Park

Heisler Park

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  • Where is Heisler Park located?
    • Stretching along the bluffs on Cliff Drive high above Laguna Beach, Heisler Park offers breathtaking ocean views. It is situated just north of Main Beach, between Aster Street and Diver's Cove.
  • What can visitors do at Heisler Park?
    • Heisler Park features walking trails, tidal pools, picnic tables, benches, and barbecue stands, making it perfect for fun gatherings and sunset watching.
  • Does Heisler Park provide beach access?
    • Yes, the park provides access to many beaches along the shore, allowing visitors to explore the coastal beauty of Laguna Beach.
  • Is there anything special about Heisler Park?
    • Heisler Park is home to the private Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club and features a lovely gazebo at the south end, which is ideal for special occasions like weddings or simply enjoying the scenic views.
  • Where can I find more information about Heisler Park?

3. Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

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  • What is the Pacific Marine Mammal Center?
    • The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, takes care of, and releases marine mammals back into their natural habitats and is one of the best things to do in Laguna Beach, California.
  • When was the Pacific Marine Mammal Center established?
    • Established as Friends of the Sea Lion in 1971, the marine mammal rehabilitation facility was the first of its kind in California.
  • Where is the center located?
    • In 1976, the center moved into a facility owned by the city of Laguna Beach that had previously been used by the local SPCA.
  • What animals does the center care for?
    • The center cares for California sea lions, Northern elephant seals, Northern fur seals, and Pacific harbor seals that are found stranded along the beaches of Orange County.
  • Are there educational programs available?
    • Yes, the center offers a wide variety of education programs for children and adults.
  • Is the center a good place to visit with kids?
    • If you are wondering what to do in Laguna Beach with kids, this is a great place to visit.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, Phone: 949-494-3050

4. Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Museum

© Laguna Art Museum

  • What is the Laguna Art Museum?
    • The Laguna Art Museum is a fine arts museum located on Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach.
  • When was the museum founded?
    • Founded in 1918 as the Laguna Beach Art Association, the current home of the museum opened in 1929.
  • What is the Steele Gallery?
    • Today, this section is the Steele Gallery, a part of the museum’s facilities.
  • When did the museum change its name?
    • In 1986, the museum changed its name to Laguna Art Museum.
  • What makes the Laguna Art Museum unique?
    • The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting works of art by California artists. It is unique in that it is the only museum in the state that collects only California art.
  • What kind of art does the museum display?
    • The pieces of art often depict the history of the state and span all periods and styles from the 19th century to contemporary works.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA, Phone: 949-494-8971

5. Laguna Beach Trolley

Laguna Beach Trolley

© Laguna Beach Trolley

  • What is the Laguna Beach Trolley?
    • The Laguna Beach Trolley is a free weekend transportation system that operates in the city of Laguna Beach.
  • Where does the trolley run?
    • The trolley runs along the South Coast Highway, beginning at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dana Point and traveling north as far as Cajon Street in North Laguna Beach.
  • Where can tourists get information about the trolley?
    • Many tourists start at Laguna Beach’s Official Visitors Center, where they can pick up information about the trolley, local sights, hotels, restaurants, shopping, activities, parking, events, and more.
  • Is there a trolley stop near the Visitors Center?
    • Yes, one of the trolley stops is just a short distance from the Visitors Center.
  • How many stops does the trolley have?
    • The Laguna Beach Trolley has a total of 34 stops throughout the system, allowing visitors to explore various locations within the city.

6. Crescent Bay Point Park

Crescent Bay Point Park

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  • Where is Crescent Bay Point Park located?
    • Situated at the western end of Crescent Bay Drive on a bluff high above the ocean, Crescent Bay Point Park offers breathtaking panoramic views.
  • What features does the park have?
    • The park is small but well-maintained, featuring several walking paths and hiking trails.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
    • The bluff-top park and marine refuge has a neat grassy area with benches for admiring the scenery. It is also a great spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing, particularly at Big Hollow.
  • Is the park family-friendly?
    • Yes, this is a fun place to visit with the whole family.
  • Are there restrooms at the park?
    • No, the park does not have restrooms.

7. Laguna Beach Walks

Laguna Beach Walks

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  • What is Laguna Beach Walks?
    • Discover the beauty and history of Laguna Beach on a free, self-guided walking tour through the area. Laguna Beach Walks offers an array of tours covering different areas of the town with a focus on history, culture, fitness, food, and fun.
  • Who are the walking tours suitable for?
    • The tours are perfect for visitors wanting to explore and experience this laid-back Californian town or for groups looking for a fun activity to enjoy together.
  • What can visitors see on the tours?
    • Explore architectural landmarks and public art spaces, visit art galleries and museums, take in beautiful coastal blooms and scenic ocean views, and relax at one of several excellent restaurants, cafés, and bars.
  • What are some of the signature tours?
    • Signature tours include the Heisler Park Tour and the Downtown Walk, with new tours like the Pearl District and Fitness Walk coming soon.
  • Are the tours suitable for all ages?
    • Yes, tours are suited for all ages and fitness levels.
  • How can visitors participate in a tour?
    • Simply request a free map on the website and go on the self-guided walk when it fits in your schedule.

8. Sawdust Art and Craft Festival

Sawdust Art and Craft Festival

© Sawdust Art and Craft Festival

  • What is the Sawdust Art and Craft Festival?
    • The Sawdust Art and Craft Festival is a fun event dedicated to promoting and celebrating art in Laguna Beach while inspiring the public to support local artists.
  • How many visitors does the festival attract?
    • Drawing more than 200,000 visitors from around the world each year, the Sawdust Art Festival is designed to entertain and educate.
  • What is the layout of the festival?
    • The festival features sawdust-covered paths that wind through a handcrafted village filled with fine arts and craftsmanship.
  • What types of art demonstrations are available?
    • There are an array of demonstration art booths showcasing media such as woodwork, painting, glassblowing, and clothing and textile making.
  • Are there hands-on activities?
    • Yes, the festival includes a ceramics center, complimentary hands-on art workshops, and a special children’s art booth.
  • What dining and entertainment options are available?
    • Visitors can relax at one of four outdoor cafés and a saloon serving refreshments, while enjoying live music and entertainment.

9. Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow

Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow

© Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow

  • What is the Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow?
  • Who manages the bungalow?
    • It is managed by the Laguna Beach Historical Society.
  • What can visitors experience at the bungalow?
    • Visitors can enjoy a docent-led tour of the building and learn about life in Laguna Beach in the early 1920s.
  • When was the bungalow built?
    • Built for the Murphy family in 1923, the bungalow is a typical example of a builder's cottage of that era.
  • What architectural features does the bungalow have?
    • The bungalow features a multi-gabled roof, clapboard siding, and a porch gable.
  • What historical significance does the bungalow hold?
    • The cottage lived through two World Wars and is packed with memorabilia, photographs, and items from its long and fascinating history.
  • What is the address of the Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow?
    • 278 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, California


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, great for outdoor exploration. Surf & Sand Resort – A luxurious beachfront hotel with stunning ocean views. Explore Crystal Cove State Park – Enjoy hiking, tide pools, and scenic coastal views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for beach activities and festivals. The Inn at Laguna Beach – A boutique hotel with oceanfront access. Attend the Pageant of the Masters – A world-famous art and performance festival.
Fall (September-November) – Warm weather and fewer crowds, perfect for a relaxed getaway. Montage Laguna Beach – A five-star resort offering luxury and breathtaking views. Walk through Heisler Park – Experience beautiful coastal trails and sunset spots.
Winter (December-February) – Cooler but still pleasant, great for art galleries and quiet beach walks. Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa – A charming and romantic retreat. Visit the Laguna Art Museum – Explore California’s rich artistic heritage.

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