Rocky bluffs and canyons dot the landscape of the tourist-rich community of Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach is the ideal destination for visiting laid-back cove beaches like Thousand Steps Beach and steep scuba diving locales of Wood’s Cove. Both scuba diving and snorkeling are big draws to Laguna beaches. One of the most popular destinations, Main Beach, offers a variety of beach activities as well as a number of tourist-friendly restaurants and shops.
Beyond the beach, the city is home to more than 20,000 acres of protected wilderness, making it a great location for exploration. From world-renowned mountain biking trails for all levels, hundreds of miles of hiking, dramatic vistas, verdant hills and marine sanctuaries, there’s no limit of new places to discover during a visit to Laguna Beach. Pack your flip flops and surfboard or hiking shoes and water bottles, and visit Laguna Beach. Continue reading our Laguna Beach travel guide. You can also visit the best southern California beaches here.
What Should You Pack?
When figuring out what to pack for the beach, there are two tips to keep in mind. First, forgetting an item isn’t the end of the world. Unless you’re heading for a remote, deserted island, chances are you can find a store where you can pick up the extras. Second, don’t stress out over making a packing list when there’s a stress-free beach travel essentials list for you below:
- Sunglasses and hats offer much-needed sunscreen and flip flops are perfect for navigating hot, sandy beaches. Go pack them now so you’re not kicking yourself later.
- What about those little items that make beach visits so much more enjoyable? For a little extra comfort on your trip, make sure you pack: Lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray.
- Beach toys and goggles are a must for kids. Building sandcastles and viewing the underwater wonders are perennial favorites.
- Take a first-aid kit with you. Hopefully you’ll only have to worry about a few minor scrapes from seashells, but having your own kit handy is a good precaution.
- Beach Bag – Your beach bag will likely contain a few of the items mentioned above. For a well-rounded bag, consider tossing in sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, first-aid kit and water-proof baggies.
- Beach Gear – No matter who’s supplying the gear, look to have the following items on hand: beach bag, beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella or tent, beach cart and a cooler.
- Remember: Don’t wait until you’re parched to drink. When you’re out in the heat and sun, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking regularly. So take along a water bottle as well.
Best Restaurants Laguna Beach
Nick’s Laguna Beach $11 – 30
This casual restaurant is the ultimate Laguna go-to because it’s one of the most crowd-pleasing restaurants you’ll ever encounter. You will also encounter ridiculous wait times, zero reservation availability (unless you book many weeks in advance), and the greatest prime rib sandwich of all time. Go for a post-beach lunch, go for drinks and snacks at the bar, or go for a dinner date. And get the prime rib sandwich. Telephone: 949- 376-8595 Web: Nick’s Laguna Beach
Selanne Steak Tavern $31 – 60
Find yourself in Laguna with the need to impress someone, or the need to eat a ribeye? Selanne Steak Tavern is your best option for both scenarios. Owned by a famous hockey player, Selanne is where you throw down in Laguna Beach. Telephone: 949- 715-9881 Web: Selanne Steak Tavern
Thai Bros Restaurant $11 – 30
Close to both the beach and Laguna’s main street is this small Thai spot, packed with regulars updating the owners on their kids in college and the new outfit they just bought for their dog. It’s good for an affordable post-beach meal – try the Tom Kha and the drunken noodles. Telephone: 949- 376-9979 Web: Thai Bros Restaurant
Broadway $31 – 60
This kind-of fancy restaurant has a very mid-2000s, semi-industrial interior (visible pipes, bare brick), plates with artful smudges of sauce on them, a Top Chef chef, and really good food. The menu is big, but whatever you do, leave room for the perfectly-cooked whole branzino that they conveniently remove all bones from for you. It’s a nice spot for a date, especially if you sit at the kitchen counter and order a couple of the fantastic cocktails to start. Telephone: 949- 715-8234 Web: Broadway
Alessa $11 – 30
Alessa is the best Italian food in Laguna Beach, and unfortunately everyone and their second cousin knows about it. It’s a night-out spot for locals and tourists alike – but if rich, satisfying Italian food is your kind of meal, then Alessa is worth the wait. You’re probably going to be hungry once you sit down, but try to resist the urge to get a fourth helping of the addictive bread and pesto – you have giant portions of pasta, pizza, and meatballs coming your way. Telephone: 949- 497-8222 Web: Alessa
Best Laguna Beach Nightlife
Wine Gallery
Wine Gallery is that rare Laguna spot that feels purely made for locals. This wine bar right on South Coast Highway is a low-key place where you can pop in for a glass of wine, chat with the guy eating a burger next to you, and then decide that the burger looks so good that you order one of your own. The staff is extremely friendly and will help you find whatever kind of wine you’re in the mood for, and it’s especially worth getting here for Happy Hour, when all glasses are $2 off and they do specials on some of the food as well. Telephone: 949- 715-8744 Web: Wine Gallery
The Saloon
There aren’t too many full-on, going-out spots in Laguna Beach, but The Saloon is about as good as you’ll find in terms of drinking destinations. And it has just about everything you need – sports on TV, a wide variety of liquor, and a lively crowd of locals and not-locals. Telephone: 949- 494-5469 Web: The Saloon
Marine Room Tavern
The oldest bar in Laguna Beach and one of the longest operating in Orange County. Though small, Marine Room packs quite a punch; grab a cue and pick up a game of pool, chill in high back chairs and listen to a live band, or take up residency at the bar and enjoy a whiskey flight. Telephone: 949-494-3027 Web: Marine Room Tavern
The White House
The White House increases in fun and energy. With an unfussy bar menu and a mix of popular dance music, it is a bar that knows how to burn the midnight oil. During Prohibition, this bar was one of the popular speakeasies that served rum that was floated in on boats landing on Main Beach and Fisherman’s Cove. Telephone: 949-494-8088 Web: The White House
Mozambique
It is one of the most popular live music venues in Laguna Beach. On the ground level they have an award-winning restaurant, upstairs, a bar and lounge area flank a packed stage area. Up one more level to the third, you’ll find a rooftop with a quieter bar and views of PCH and the Pacific Ocean. Mozambique hosts diverse musical offerings from the ’80s pop group Flock of Seagulls to chart-topping reggae bands, and local favorites including Nick I. Telephone: 949-715-7777 Web: Mozambique
Best Laguna Beach Area Beaches
Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is absolutely gorgeous. It might just be one of the most beautiful places in Laguna Beach. The landscaping, the color of the water, the sand, and the views…are all amazing. This beach is also a great spot to swim! On the north end, you will find a rock section that helps block the waves. This is a good area to swim and snorkel. There’s also a more secluded beach section on the far north end if you are looking for that remote feeling. Be prepared for a lot of stairs if you enter through the right side of the Montage Resort. If you are carrying a lot of stuff and need a ramp, enter from the left side.
1000 Steps Beach
Thousand Steps Beach has been a Laguna Beach favorite for quite some time. One reason may be due to the “secret” pools. This is a good beach for skim boarding, boogie boarding, and tide pooling. If the tide is low, you should be able to access the sea cave on the south end of the beach. If you are visiting with someone that is not able to make their way up and down 222 steps, I would skip this beach.
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Rockpile Beach
You will definitely feel like you have stepped into paradise at Rockpile Beach. The rocky cliff-side is full of palm trees and plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities. Plus, you might feel a little more secluded here since it is a smaller beach and typically not very crowded. There are lots of tide pools here to explore as well!
This secluded cove is surrounded by rocky cliffs and that there is a palm tree jungle on top. You could probably sit on this beach all day long taking in the view. Crescent Bay is great for swimming and lounging. It may be in a small cove but it is big enough that even when crowded,you’ll have plenty of space. It’s also a great spot for skim boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling. You can also explore the tide pools at low tide.
Main Beach
Main Beach is where you want to be for all of the action. This is the most crowded beach in Laguna and the one where you will find the most things to do. There are basketball and volleyball courts, green areas, a playground, restaurants, shops, beach rentals, walking paths, and more, and the beautiful Heisler Park is right next door. This is a great beach for swimming.
Wow, this is a wonderful travel guide on Laguna Beach. I have been visiting your site for quite some time now. Me and my wife have been thinking about heading to a nice beach destination. We have always wanted to visit California. Laguna Beach looks wonderful and a great spot for us to spend time relaxing. I like the selection of hotels. I will have my wife take a look to decide where we want to stay. Thank you!
You are very welcome. Please let me know how your vacation goes and where you decided to stay. Thanks for visiting my Laguna Beach travel guide.
Wow,this is a wonderful presentation. I am already carried away with this your vacation packages. I and my wife have thinking where to spend the last vacation and with what you have just presented are mind blowing. All the packages are so wonderful that I don’t know the one to choose for my family vacation. They all have a great features in their packages. Please will you help me to make a good selection for my family vacation very urgent please?
Hi there, glad you enjoyed. If you can email me your dates and what your price range is, I would be glad to put an itinerary together for you. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by!
I have been to Laguna beach before but for a shorter period of time. Couldn’t explore the place to it’s core. The details you have mentioned here is very helpful. Now I know what all adventures I can do. I’m gonna try the surf lessons. Being an amateur surfers, I’m sure the surf lessons will be fun. The Ranch at Laguna Beach appears to be a nice place to spend some time!
Great Demi, glad you enjoyed my Laguna Beach Travel Guide. Thanks for stopping by!
What an comprehensive guide to this beautiful location of Lauuna Beach.
I loved the video and the information of what is available outside the location, such as 20,000 acres of protected wilderness and the world-renowned mountain biking trails for all levels, plus marine sanctuaries. These would definetely be of interest to me.
The “What Should You Pack ” section is well put together and I congratulate you. I also liked “Things to do in Laguna Beach “, especially “Temecula Wine Country Tasting” as I do like my wine.
The list of Restaurants is also a great help to families, especially the listed price ranges.
Well done on the content, which has been so well reseached and put together
Dave
Thank you so much Dave! I am glad you enjoyed my Laguna Beach Travel Guide.
This is another wonderful travel guide from you. I have read some wonderful guides from you in the past and this is not an exception.
This is another great destination to go to. My wife and I will be celebrating our 4 years of marriage and this would be a beautiful place to celebrate. What do you think? All the hotels look great, choosing one is now a big deal, Which one would you recommend? Not minding the price of course.
More importantly the packing list is very well put together!
thanks for sharing.
Thank you Jay, I am glad you enjoyed! I would recommend staying at the Hotel Joaquin. It is luxurious and romantic. You will have a wonderful stay. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
If I ever get the chance to travel to the USA again, I’ll definitely be heading to this website first in order to find great places to visit, accommodation and things to do.
All the information I require about making plans for a holiday are right here.
I would definitely be visiting the vineyards in the area.
Great Louise, thanks for stopping by
I really loved your review on Laguna Beach. My wife and I love beaches and would love to see California. This looks just like the perfect area for us. The list of hotels is great, now we just have to decide. Definitely going to head to 1000 Steps beach. That looks awesome.
Thank you Brent and thank you for stopping by beach travel destinations.
It has always been my dream to visit California. We are finally ready to start planning our trip. So finding your website and all of the great information is perfect timing for us. Laguna Beach looks like a great California beach town! It is perfect for us with all the things to see and do. Glad you put this together, very informative.
Great! I am glad I could help with your planning. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for a full packaged infomative article! I feel like I got everything I need to prepare for the visit and won’t have to research for anything else. I live fairly close to Laguna Beach but did’t know there are so many things you can do there. I can probably make it a long weeken vacation there. And big thanks for mentioining that restrooms are available at the park because the information is hard to find sometimes.
Yes sometimes you can’t always find everything you need. I am glad I provided you with it for your trip to Laguna Beach. Thanks for visiting my Laguna Beach Travel Guide.
Hi Leahrae
You make Laguna Beach sound like paradise, with so much to offer and so much to do. It would make an ideal holiday location for many people. It is a place I must visit and I thank you for this review.
How long would you expect to spend at the beach, to have a decent holiday and see all the sights?
Thank you
Antonio
Hi Antonio, I would spend at least two weeks to allow for some beach time and time to see all the sights. This will also allow for your travel time there and back. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Wow! What a beautiful and interesting holiday beach travel destination it is. From your elaborate description and images, I can say that I love every bit of it and my self and family will definitely give it a try this summer… Thank you so much for doing a great research and bringing this amazing Laguna Beach Travel Guide my way!
Glad you enjoyed David, thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
We are planning a family reunion and have been thinking about California. Laguna Beach sounds like the perfect place. The weather is definitely ideal for the time of year we would like to go. I will recommend this to my family and we will decide on a hotel from your recommended options. Thanks for the great ideas and helping us plan.
Great location for a family reunion for sure! Please let me know if you need any additional information. I would be glad to help.
Hi Leahrae,
It was a pleasure reading your article on Laguna Beach and giving a detailed guide to the world famous vacation location.
Your is so detailed that I don’t need to look any further for supporting information on the vacation spot. You pulled all the stops to educate us on the place. That’s applauded, thanks for the effort you put into the article.
Thank you Peace for stopping by and visiting my Laguna Beach travel guide.
Hi Leahrae. Thanks to you for writing this great post review about Laguna Beach. I’ve been to California once but I think I have one unfinished business to attend to now lol. My parents are working on our family vacation, honestly this is the real deal for us, I cant wait to have fun. I like the Montage Laguna Beach and I’ll love to watch whales too. Thanks for sharing
You are very welcome Alex, thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
This sounds so exciting and adventurous. I feel tickled by the theme. What an amazingly talented writer you are!
I’ve really enjoyed reading this article as you’ve provided us with lots of valuable information. I have been thinking of visiting africa during my next summer holiday but i am highly intrigued by your review and i think the perfect fit for my next holiday would be Laguna beach California. Thanks for the guide, I will surely be planning my vacation to this wonderful beach town!
Great Tracy! I think you will love it in Laguna Beach. I can say that it should be a lot easier on the pocketbook than a vacation to Africa! Thanks for stopping by my Laguna Beach Travel Guide.
Hi Leahrae,
Wow, another great destination to go to. My husband and I will be soon celebrating our 20 years of marriage and this would be a beautiful present. Don’t you think so?
All the hotels look great, which make it hard for me to choose:)What hotel would you suggest for a romantic trip? I don’t really care about the price:)
Thank you for the packing list!
Yes, this would be a wonderful present Daniella! I would take him to the Hotel Joaquin, hands down
And you are very welcome!