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.
Best Laguna Beach Hotels
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Laguna Beach sounds like the perfect mix of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, especially with those cliffside coves and hiking trails. I love that you can go from snorkeling and beach time to exploring wilderness all in one trip. The variety of beaches is really appealing too, especially places like Thousand Steps and Treasure Island. It feels like there’s something new to discover around every corner. Would you recommend it more for an active trip or is it still easy to just relax and enjoy the views?
It’s a great balance of both, which is what makes it such a popular destination. You can spend your days exploring trails, snorkeling, or checking out different coves, then easily switch to relaxing on the beach and enjoying the scenery at your own pace.
This guide makes Laguna sound like more than just a beach stop. If someone only has one day there, would you recommend sticking to Main Beach for convenience or trying one of the quieter coves instead?
If time is tight, Main Beach is the easiest choice since everything sits close together including restaurants, shops, and scenic walking paths. That said, if you want a calmer vibe and postcard views, slipping away to a cove like Crescent Bay or Treasure Island can make the day feel more special. It really depends on whether you want activity or relaxation.
Pingback: Parker
There’s actually a good mix. Some coastal trails and preserve paths are quite manageable for beginners and offer amazing ocean views without intense climbs. Others go deeper into the hills and can be more challenging, so it helps to check distance and elevation first. Either way, combining a short hike with beach time makes Laguna feel like two trips in one.
Laguna Beach always looks gorgeous in photos, especially those little cove beaches. I’m curious though, is Treasure Island Beach good for snorkeling most of the year, or does it depend a lot on tide and surf conditions?
Great question! Snorkeling at Treasure Island Beach is usually best when the surf is calm and the tide isn’t too high. Many visitors find mornings or lower-tide periods offer clearer water and better visibility around the rocky areas. Checking local surf reports before heading out definitely helps make the most of it.
Pingback: Greg
Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful. Laguna Beach really stands out because it offers so much in a relatively small area, from hidden coves and marine life to trails and protected open space. Having the right essentials makes it easier to enjoy both the beach and the surrounding landscape without feeling rushed or unprepared. It’s a destination that works well for travelers who want relaxation, outdoor adventure, and great food all in one trip.
Wow, I was here about 10 years ago and absolutely loved it. Has Laguna Beach changed much since then? I’m hoping it still has that mix of beautiful coves and laid-back, artsy vibes I remember. I’m planning a return trip and wondering if it still feels the same or if it’s gotten overly crowded. Curious what you think!
Laguna Beach still holds onto that same charm you remember, but it has definitely polished up a bit in all the best ways. The protected coves, tide pools, and scenic bluffs are just as stunning, and the town’s creative, relaxed personality is still very much alive. However, you’ll notice a few upgrades — better dining, refreshed trails, and a more vibrant nightlife scene — while the wilderness areas and hidden beaches remain beautifully untouched. Crowds can be heavier on weekends, but the smaller coves and hiking paths still offer plenty of quiet moments.
Pingback: John Smith
Laguna Beach really does have the best of both worlds — vibrant energy and peaceful hidden spots. If you like being close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, Main Beach is perfect and super convenient for walking everywhere. But if you prefer a quieter, more scenic stay, I’d recommend Treasure Island Beach or Crescent Bay — they’re gorgeous and feel more private, yet still just a short drive from the main area. Many visitors love staying near the Montage Resort area for luxury and views, then heading downtown for dining and sunset strolls along the Heisler Park path.
Laguna Beach sounds like the best of both worlds—relaxing beaches and exciting nightlife! Which nightlife spot would you say gives the most authentic local vibe?
Great question! For a true local vibe, Wine Gallery is my top pick. It’s casual, laid-back, and filled with locals who love good food and wine. If you’re looking for more energy, The Saloon is a fun, no-frills bar that always has a lively crowd.