Things To Do

Heisler Park Beach

This is my go-to recommendation for first-time vistors to Laguna Beach who want the best bang-for-your-buck in ocean views. Heisler park is a beautifully landscaped sidewalk that meanders on the cliff tops above several of Laguna's most beautiful beaches. Loads of palm trees dot the cliffs, viewpoints with artist-designed benches, and plenty of camera-ready post-card views. You can do the entire walk easily in less than half an hour, (if you choose not to take any of the stairs down to the sand for further exploring) and finish with a Margherita at the cliff top Las Brisas patio.

Disneyland Park

Shaws Cove

Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach

The Sandpiper Lounge

Marine Room Tavern

Riding Beach Cruisers on the Newport Beach Boardwalk

230 Forest Ave

The Cliff Restaurant

Adonis Restaurant

A Restaurant

Roger's Gardens

Newport Beach Pier

Rockharbor Church

Harvest Christian Fellowship

West Street

Thai Brothers

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Costa Mesa

Huntington Beach Pier

Check the surf, watch surfers, grab a drink/bite to eat/shopping on a pier stroll in Surf City USA. Pro tip: Locals pronounce it "hunnington beach," It's easy; just drop the first 'T!' Pacific City in HB is a new outdoor shopping/dining experience on PCH with ocean views. Worth a visit if you're in HB, but Main St, which is in line with the HB pier, is where the busy downtown really keeps things going. Grab a bite at Fred's for average Mexican food, college party vibes with a sweet ocean pier view, or Aloha Grill also on the second story for a classic HB slushy cocktail.

Balboa Island

Back Bay Loop

Laguna Beer Company

Crystal Cove State Park

Turk's Restaurant

Dana Point Harbor

Tide Pool and Aquarium

Santa Catalina Island

Main Beach Playground

Top of the World, Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is home to several mountain biking trails, from intermediate switchback cruiser runs to expert-level downhill runs. Top of the world has the highest hilltop laguna views, a park, kids playground, tennis courts, and the beginnings of several fantastic biking trails. Some world class pro-level downhill riders have called Laguna Beach their home. Most of these trails are great for a nice hike as well-just watch out for the bikes!

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: Big Bend

Laguna Coast Wilderness-Dartmoor/Dunagan-Gate 14

Fashion Island

Bowers Museum

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Five Crowns

Mission San Juan Capistrano, Landmark, Chapel, Museum and Gardens

Ramos House Cafe

Swallow's Inn

Old Barn Antique Mall Inc

Regal Edwards Big Newport

Billed as the largest movie screen this side of the MIssissippi, Big Newport is our typical go-to for a night at the movies. Its also adjacent to Fashion Island, a unique outdoor mall where you can pick up a cheap Rolex or two, ocean view included. Ok, maybe not cheap.

El Adobe de Capistrano

Sound Spectrum

Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse

Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill

Cook's Corner

The Riders Club Cafe

Trestles Beach

San Clemente Pier

Downtown Disney District

Grab a corndog, visit the lego store, shop Disney merch, or visit the fun tiki bar, Trader Sams.

Old Towne

In-N-Out Burger

Don't argue with Southern Californians about the best fast-food burger. There is no conversation to be had-just make sure to visit an In N Out burger while visiting socal. Always fresh, never frozen, 50's beach diner and classic car vibes with the friendliest employees to boot. They have a secret menu, even, and bible verses listed on the bottom rims of drink cups. There are no In N Outs in Laguna Beach, as it would be impossible to fit one in, and the drive-through line would shut down PCH...so just google map for one anywhere except beach cities. Most are along the 5 or 55 or 405 freeways. For anyone happening to fly in from Los Angeles, my favorite In N Out near the airport has runway views where you can watch 747s landing while you wait for deliciousness.

Gelato Paradiso

This is THE spot for Gelato in Laguna Beach, at the end of Rue du Chocolate. Just a quick walk south on PCH from the downtown/Forest Ave area, and you'll be transported to a charming little alley that will remind you of a European vacation. If it's hot out, the line can get a bit crazy, but moves pretty quickly.