Things To Do
Beaches
Main Beach – Central, lively, and easy to access with walkable shops and food Diver’s Cove – Just north of Main Beach; a quieter, rocky cove with clear water, tide pools, and snorkeling Heisler Park – Paved oceanfront paths, picnic spots, access down to tide pools, and great sunset views Victoria Beach – Iconic views and the historic tower (best at low tide) Many beaches are easily accessible via staircases off PCH, making it fun to explore multiple spots. If you’re looking to explore nearby beaches: Huntington Beach – A classic surf town; flatter than Laguna and great for surf lessons, biking, and long beach walks Newport Beach – Known for its harbor, sandy beaches, and waterfront dining; great for a harbor walk or ferry to Balboa Island Sunset Beach – A quieter spot and one of the best areas for paddleboarding, with kayak and paddleboard rentals through "OC Paddlesports"
Hikes
Aliso Peak via Valido Trail (Our Favorite) Short but rewarding hike and a GREAT start to the day with sweeping ocean views at the top; steep in sections Top of the World Panoramic views overlooking Laguna and the coastline Beach Walks Walking the shoreline or coastal paths is just as memorable as a formal hike. Sunset walks are the best! You could head south on the sand from Main Beach along the sand and pop up any public staircase and head back down on PCH for a fun walk. Heisler Park is also a beautiful shorter sunset walk. (AllTrails is helpful for trail details and current conditions.)
Post Hike & Casual Eats
Great options for refueling after a hike, beach walk, or morning outdoors: Laguna Beach Beer Company (Canyon location) – Casual, local favorite Urth Caffé – Coffee, breakfast, and lunch options Acai Republic – Great acai bowls for a refreshing reset Rasta Taco – Easy, flavorful, and laid-back Lost Pier Café – Grab-and-go breakfast, coffee, and casual bites near the beach
Happy Hours
Locals love Happy Hour in Laguna. Many restaurants offer discounted food and drinks in the late afternoon or early evening, making it a relaxed and affordable way to go out. Enjoy happy hour before heading to the beach or coastline to catch the sunset! The Deck (typically weekdays, late afternoon) Oceanfront views, relaxed atmosphere, perfect at sunset The Cliff (weekday afternoons) Casual, social, and great views — popular Taco Tuesday spot (gets crowded) Mozambique (early evening) Rooftop views, energetic vibe, great for groups Royal Hawaiian (weekday afternoons) Classic tiki bar, strong drinks, fun and casual Lumberyard (afternoons into early evening) More low-key, local crowd, easy stop downtown Laguna Beach Beer Company Laid-back brewery atmosphere and local brews (Happy hour times can vary by day — we recommend checking ahead.)
Night Life
Laguna’s nightlife is casual and social rather than club-focused. Most evening spots are bars and pubs clustered downtown, making it easy to walk between them. Expect a relaxed, lively atmosphere that ramps up later in the evening, especially on weekends. Start your bar crawl at near the main part of town (by Hennessys and Marine Room - Royal Hawaiian for an even bigger walk) and plan to end the night at the local dive The Sandpiper for cheap drinks, live music, and Jack in the Box fast food to end the night.
Additional Fun Nearby
🐋 Whale Watching (Dana Point Harbor) – Dana Point is known for excellent whale and dolphin sightings year-round. Tours last a few hours and depart from the harbor. Afterward, we recommend happy hour at Wind & Sea Restaurant for harbor views and classic Mai Tais. 🎨 Sawdust Art Festival (Laguna Beach) – A one-of-a-kind outdoor arts and crafts festival featuring handmade work by local artists, live music, and great food in a relaxed, creative setting. Entry $12. 🎨 Festival of the Arts (Laguna Beach) – A classic summer experience with fine art, live music, food vendors, and a wine bar in an open-air setting. Festival entry is $10; evening concert tickets should be purchased in advance. 🏄 U.S. Open of Surfing (Huntington Beach) – Held in late July. A major surf competition with a lively beach atmosphere, large crowds, lots of walking, and limited parking. 🛍️ Fashion Island (Newport Beach) – An open-air shopping and dining destination with ocean breezes and scenic views.