Things To Do

Fashion Island

Beautiful outdoor mall. Take an afternoon to go shopping, and then head over to Newport Harbor for a sunset boat ride. Fun fact: young Addie and her sisters grew up at Fashion Island modeling for a lot of the local stores, as they were Rima's clients, haha.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

Dana Wharf Whale Watching began in 1971 and was the first whale watching company in Orange County. Addie and her family grew up going on their whale and dolphin tours! It's a fun half day trip for all ages. Or go on one of the half-day fishing trips. Mike has a bunch of extra fishing poles. We can provide you with a discount code if you're interested.

Crystal Cove State Park

Some of our very hikes are within Crystal Cove Park! I highly recommend exploring and getting to know the the coastline plants & animals within the chaparral canyons, and the Crystal Cove Historic District of beach houses. A seaside colony was built between 1920 and 1940. The cottages have been restored over the years, and you can even book one here: https://crystalcove.org/beach-cottages/reserve-now/ ! I highly recommend it for a truly authentic Californian experience ;). You can also check out The Conservancy where Emma and I did some research. It’s a research center positioned as a frontline laboratory for climate change, sea level rise and coastal erosion, creating an outdoor classroom for students to explore the effects of our changing climate. And don’t forget to have dinner or drinks on the beach at Beachcomber restaurant. Dorsey favorite ;) for the view. Make sure to book your table in advance on their website: https://thebeachcombercafe.com/. Unless you’re just having a drink.

Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters

Every year we try to go - the show runs each summer July - August One of the most unique productions in the world, the Pageant of the Masters re-creates famous works of art. Performances nightly at 8:30pm. One of the best amphitheaters nestled in the Laguna Canyon. In the theater, you have a drink and appetizers while walking through galleries of local artists and jewelers. If you want to go e-mail Brooke. Rima can most likely get you a discount. p.s. if you are a fan of Arrested Development. This scene is a parody of the show. The creator of the show is from Laguna Beach. https://twitter.com/laist/status/1015277065124233216?lang=en

Catalina Express

I highly recommend a day trip to Catalina Island. Amazing snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, camping, ziplining, but you can also just grab a drink at the Descanso Beach Club and relax on the beach and go shopping in town. Take the Catalina Express out of the Dana Point Harbor. Ask Rima or Brooke for discount info, or they might event have free tickets. Fun fact, there is a large population of buffalo on the island. They were imported to California's Catalina Island in 1924 for the silent film, The Vanishing American. However, the 1925 version of "The Vanishing American." It’s actually a problem for the ecosystem, because they’re an invasive species. But because of the cultural significance, the island’s conservancy has kept them. For the most adventurous, you can backpack the Trans Catalina Island Trail – normally takes one week. If you’re lucky you’ll a bald eagle! The Conservancy works hard to maintain the bald eagle population.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano was permanently founded by Junipero Serra on November 1, 1776, as the seventh of 21 missions to be established in California by the Spanish. For a historical, peaceful afternoon. Head to the Mission for a tour, and then walk around the Los Rios Historic district. Stop by Los Rios House for brunch beforehand. It's very close to Dana Point!

Rooftop Lounge

Addie's favorite place for drinks with a view in Laguna.

Heisler Park

A must. Explore the tide pools! Take a stroll before exploring the art galleries of Laguna Beach or the boutique shops on Forest Ave. Have lunch or dinner at Las Brisas - amazing view. Stretching along the bluffs on Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver's Cove, this oceanfront park has walking trails, gardens, a marine refuge with tide pools, picnic tables, barbecues, lawn bowling greens. Popular park wedding sites include a Gazebo and Monument Point. Restrooms also available.

Laguna Canyon Winery

Could be fun outing after a beach day in Laguna! Or before or after the Sawdust Festival.

Sawdust Art Festival

A fun afternoon outing in Laguna. You can also register for art classes. To enter: $9 for adults and $4 for children The Sawdust Art Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting art created by local artisans in Laguna Beach, Calif. Since its inception, the festival has celebrated and supported the work of its hometown artists. The Sawdust Art Festival is non-juried, so it plays a vital role in supporting the careers of many local artists. With two main events annually – Sawdust Art Festival summer festival (June to August). For nine weeks during the summer, Sawdust Art Festival draws more than 200,000 visitors. Guests are invited to shop along sawdust-covered paths in a hand-built village of fine art and eclectic craftsmanship.

Main Beach

Main Beach is just a classic. Among all the stretches of sand in Laguna Beach, none is more iconic, more recognizable, or more accessible to the masses than Main Beach. Its famous lifeguard tower often appears in TV and movies. Olympians are known to show up to play pick up volleyball. Michael Jordan once spent a few hours dominating the shockingly scenic basketball court. You have to go! Then head over to Forest Ave for shopping in some cute, coastal themed boutiques.

Diver's Cove, Laguna Beach, California, USA.

Diver's Cove is well-protected from large swells, making it awesome for the beginning beach divers. Many scuba classes are held here every weekend. This site is considered by many a beginners' site and many experienced divers stay away from it. That's too bad because this site offers some great diving, regardless of your experience level!! To the north you'll find rock outcroppings at the point that are excellent for finding sea life. Straight out, about 30 yards you'll run into many "mini reefs". The South side of Diver's cove contains more larger rock reef systems. If you dive around the reef on the Northern side of the cove, you can exit the water at Fisherman’s Cove. If you dive South of the cove, you can exit via Heisler Park. You can see a few lobsters, eels, rays, octopus, garibaldi, calico bass, Kellet’s welks, tree fish, small sheepshead, bat stars, and lots of purple sea urchins. On occasion you can spot seals and dolphins swimming though at the surface.

Victoria Beach

Victoria or as the locals call it “VIC” is one our favorites!! Lots of locals and tourists here. And every “cool kid” in high school LOL, unless things have changed in the last decade. The beach is known because of the tower that is located on the North end of the beach. For the best instructions on parking and access: http://www.lagunabeachsecrets.com/secrets/beaches/victoria-beach/ People ask why the tower exists - its origins aren't particularly mysterious. It was built in 1926 as an enclosed staircase to the beach for William E. Brown, a senator from Los Angeles. After coming to California in 1882, Brown developed into an avid and acclaimed painter—making Laguna Beach a natural fit for his dream home.

Salt Creek Beach

The beach all the Dorsey kids grew up going to every weekend. Lots of birthday parties, beach bbqs, 4th of July celebrations, beach runs, life talks, happened here...beautiful spot. Addie's parents live just above. You can also walk the rocks to Shells (small beach to the right) to spear fish, and jump off the rocks. Occasionally there are seals here also.

Thousand Steps Beach

A secret gem in Laguna. And the closest beach in Laguna to Dana Point. So we have spent a lot of time here over the years. Explore the caves and rock pools on the far left of the beach.It is hard to find, but the locals like it that way haha. But it is amazing so I will share the info with you. ;) Use the directions in this article: https://californiathroughmylens.com/1000-steps-beach-laguna. We like to get a bonzai bowl before heading here. You will see a lot of people use the stairs to work out as well. I have done it a few times - but it is brutal. Here is a video of the caves: https://youtu.be/YmvQ7hwbqUo And if you keep going past the caves, there are pools you can swim in that were created by some cement walls that were abandoned I guess

Shaws Cove, Laguna Beach

Another one of our favorites...ok we just love them all, haha!!! Shaw’s Cove is a small sandy locals beach tucked away below homes. There is a public entrance to Shaw’s at the intersection of Fairview Street and Cliff Drive one block from Pacific Coast Highway. From there a long stairway descends to the beach. Be respectful of the nearby home owners and be careful to not block driveways when parking on these backstreets. Tide pools are exposed at both ends of the cove during low tides. When exploring these tide pools don’t touch or take anything as this is a State Marine Conservation Area. Scuba divers and snorkelers frequently enter at Shaws Cove and scuba classes are taught here too. Swimming and body boarding are popular activities.

Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park Laurel Canyon Waterfall (seasonal)

Another amazing spot for hiking! Laguna Coast Wilderness Park lies within some of the last remaining coastal canyons in Southern California. Forty miles of trails lead the visitor through oak and sycamore woodlands and up onto ridges with expansive scenic vistas. Rocky bluffs tower above the canyon trails. Visitors to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park can see California as it has existed for thousands of years. The Coastal Sage Scrub community covers hilltops and slopes, along with patches of Native Valley Grassland and Maritime Chaparral. The park is part of the Natural Community Conservation Planning program, which is designed to protect rare and endangered species, from California Gnatcatcher to Orange-Throated Whiptail, by preserving large tracts of Orange County’s rapidly disappearing Coastal Sage Scrub community. Other species benefit from this preservation, including Mule Deer, Long-tailed Weasel, Bobcat, Red-tailed Hawk.

Las Brisas

I recommend Las Brisas mostly because of its location. They are located right next to Heisler Park just on the beach. Amazing ambiance. Honestly, it’s kind of a Laguna Beach landmark and the patio let’s go as far to say that it is iconic, lol.

Forest Avenue

Stop by Forest Ave for a stroll through the cute, beach themed boutique shops - after checking out Main Beach and grabbing an ice cream. You are also super close to the Sawdust Festival and the Pageant theater.

Top of the World

One of our favorites - GUS loves it! For all of the details on the hiking trail: elevation; km, etc ttps://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7034119/top-of-the-world-loop Just keep in the mind the trail closes at sunset. You will have one of the best views of the city and ocean. And don’t forget to check out the local plants! History: The trail is within a park that was originally part of the Juaneno or Acajchemem tribal land. Ownership was then transferred between several individuals and companies before falling to Orange County Parks.

Ocean Institute

Baja Fish Tacos

Best Mexican food in OC. Or Addie's favorite at least. She misses it so much!!

Monarch Beach Golf Links

Duffy Electric Boat Company Sales and Rentals Newport Beach

Los Rios Street Historic District

San Clemente Beach Trail

Westwind Sailing

Coffee Importers

AVEO Table + Bar

Cannons Seafood Grill - Restaurant

K'ya Bistro

Crystal Cove Shake Shack

Ramos House Cafe

Addie's favorite American pancakes - FOUND HERE! READ LOS RIOS HISTORIC DISTRICT DESCRIPTION FIRST! In the late 1800’s, a second wave of homes were built on Los Rios by European Immigrants. The Ramos House, built in 1881, is representative of the board and batten homes built during this time. Originally built by the Aguilar Family, the house was the long time residence of the Ramos Family, one of San Juan Capistrano’s oldest families. The Ramos House began its new life as café and residence for Chef/Owner John Q. Humphreys in 1995. Preserving a majority of the original structure, “Q” added a commercial kitchen to the back of the house, restored dilapidated portions of the building and laid out the exterior patio seating area around the century old Mulberry tree. An ideal location for an American Restaurant, the Ramos House Café opened its doors on October 4th, 1995, and has been cooking ever since.

Lido Marina Village

Nobu Newport Beach

Javier's Restaurant - Newport Beach

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

E Boat Rentals Newport Beach

Located in Lido Marina Village

Coastal Kitchen

Maison Cafe + Market

Newport Landing Whale Watching

Just go online at newportwhales.com and on the third page of checkout, enter promo code MAP 16 in the voucher code to get a $ 16.00 special rate