Laguna Beach: Art, Tide Pools and Hidden Coves
Laguna Beach is an art colony by the sea. Tucked into the hills along the Orange County coast, it's known for its galleries, rocky coves and clear water. It's small enough to explore in a day, but it's so relaxing you'll want to stay the weekend.
Art Everywhere
Laguna has been an artists' town for more than a hundred years, and it shows. Downtown and along the Coast Highway you'll find dozens of galleries. On the first Thursday of each month, the First Thursdays Art Walk turns the town into an evening of open galleries, music and people out strolling. In summer, the famous Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters draw crowds; in fall, you get the galleries without the lines.
Tide Pools and Coves
- Heisler Park: a clifftop park with walking paths, gardens and stairs down to tide pools. Go at low tide and look for anemones, sea stars and crabs (look, but don't touch).
- Thousand Steps Beach: it's not really a thousand steps, but the climb back up will feel like it. Worth it for the secluded cove.
- Victoria Beach: home to a storybook stone tower built into the cliff. Time your visit for low tide.
- Main Beach: the town's central beach, with a boardwalk and volleyball and basketball courts.
Crystal Cove
Just north of town, Crystal Cove State Park has miles of beach, tide pools and hillside trails, plus a row of historic beach cottages. Stop for a casual meal with an ocean view at the cottages.
Sunset
Laguna's sunsets are legendary. Watch from the grassy bluffs at Heisler Park, or book a table with a view and toast the end of the day.
What to Wear
Wear water shoes or sneakers with good grip for tide pools and the stairs down to the coves. For gallery hopping and dinner, a breezy maxi dress with a denim jacket is Laguna perfection.
Find dresses and jackets for your trip on my Shop My Closet page.
Hours, prices and events change often, so check official websites before you go.
More California getaways: Palm Springs · Santa Barbara · San Diego · Carmel-by-the-Sea · Los Angeles · Hermosa Beach · Catalina Island
