The Perfect Laguna Beach Day Trip Itinerary

Laguna Beach is the ultimate spot for a chill day trip. A day of shopping in the charming town, taking in the next-level views of the scenic coast, and soaking up the sun by the crystal-clear ocean (at some of the prettiest beaches you’ll find in Southern California!). Perfect, right? 

Growing up in San Diego and now living in Los Angeles, Laguna Beach has always been a favorite of mine. In this guide, I’m breaking down the ideal Laguna Beach day trip itinerary. It includes all of my favorite gems in this idyllic coastal town for a fun-filled, laid-back day.

Begin the Day with Breakfast or Coffee

Start your Laguna day trip with coffee or a quick bite to eat. Here are a couple spots I recommend:

• Wild Strawberry Cafe – a super cute cafe just outside of the main downtown area serving excellent pastries (including a couple vegan and gluten-free options), coffee and tea drinks, and breakfast dishes. 
• Rye Goods – a bakery and deli in the heart of town with a breakfast menu that includes bagels, scrambles, avocado toast, and more. 

Shop in Town

Laguna Beach is filled to the brim with super cute stores, including clothing and accessories boutiques, home goods stores, surf shops, and more. A few of my favorites include the home goods stores Good Together House and Tuvalu, as well as Hobie Surf Shop (which has an eclectic mix of clothing, home decor, and more). 

Explore Heisler Park 

Heisler Park is one of the main Laguna Beach attractions, and it definitely shouldn’t be missed during your quick visit to the area! 

The beautifully landscaped park is situated on a coastal bluff overlooking the water. Make your way down the walking path and enjoy the view of the water, as well as the sculptures throughout the park. 

As you stroll through the park, you’ll see a couple staircases going down to the sand. If the tide is low, it’s worth going down to the scenic beaches. There’s some excellent opportunities for tidepooling on Rockpile Beach!

Grab Lunch

Next, it’s time to stop for lunch. Here are a few of my top recommendations:

• Zinc Cafe – a cute restaurant in town serving a daily brunch menu that includes egg dishes, bowls (I love their grain bowl!), burgers, sandwiches, and so much more. There are a ton of vegetarian options, as well as some great vegan choices. 
• Rasta Taco – a casual Mexican eatery right in town serving super delicious tacos, bowls, burritos, and more (their tortilla chips and salsa are also amazing!). The menu includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. 
• Las Brisas – a Mexican seafood restaurant located right next to Heisler Park. Growing up, Las Brisas was a must-visit during any Laguna Beach trip – the food is delicious, and the views of the ocean are incredible!

Afternoon Option 1: Beach Day

There’s nothing better than spending an afternoon in Laguna at the beach! 

You really can’t go wrong with any of the beaches in Laguna Beach. That said, I’d personally skip Main Beach (the beach right by town). It gets particularly crowded, especially during the summertime. 

Some beaches to consider just north of town include Crescent Bay Beach and Shaws Cove. On the south end of Laguna Beach, you have Victoria Beach (which is where the famous Pirate Tower is located!) and Treasure Island Beach. 

Note: it’s important to refer to the tide charts before your visit. Many of the beaches in the area become obstructed during high tide – especially the smaller cove beaches. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider getting out in the ocean to enjoy some water sports! There are tons of excursions to choose from, including: 

• A guided kayaking tour where you’ll explore hidden bays and coves (you might also spot dolphins and sea lions!)
• A beginner-friendly surf lesson
• A stand-up paddleboard lesson and tour where you’ll explore Laguna Beach’s beautiful coves

Treasure Island Beach

Afternoon Option 2: Go Hiking

If you’d prefer to stay on land, explore the beauty of Laguna Beach with a hike. I’m a big fan of Crystal Cove State Park. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the park that you can check out. One that is particularly perfect for an afternoon hike is the El Moro Canyon Short Loop, a moderate loop trail that’s just under 3 miles. You can even end your hike down at the beach!

Another park worth exploring is the beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. There are trails throughout the park, including the Laguna Bowl and Water Tank Road Loop, a moderate loop trail that is under 4 miles. 

Enjoy Dinner in Town 

End your day trip to Laguna Beach with a casual dinner. Here are a couple spots I recommend: 

• The Taco Stand – this SoCal taco shop chain is a favorite of mine, and there’s one located right in Laguna Beach. In addition to delicious tacos, the menu includes burritos, chips and guacamole, and more great sides. There are vegan and vegetarian options, as well. 
• Crystal Cove Shake Shack – for a lowkey dinner with a view, it doesn’t get any better than this casual burger joint! It’s located on a small coastal cliff, and has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the water. To clear up any confusion…no, it’s not part of the nationwide Shake Shack chain!

Additional Things to do in Laguna Beach

If you want to customize your Laguna Beach itinerary, here are a few additional activities to consider: 

• Visit the Sawdust Art Festival (Annual Summer Event): If you’ll be visiting in the summer, check out this annual arts festival, which typically runs from late June to late August. The festival includes stalls from local artists, art demos, classes, live music, and more. Tickets can be purchased online.  
• Explore the Festival of Arts Show & Pageant of the Masters (Annual Summer Event): The famous Pageant of the Masters theatrical performance (which happens every summer, typically around early July to late August) brings famous works of art to life on stage, with the help of a live narrator and an orchestra. Before the actual show, you can explore the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, which features works of art for sale by local artists. Tickets for the Pageant show (which includes admission to the Festival of Arts) and tickets for just the Festival of Arts can be purchased online. 
• Visit the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival (Annual Early Winter Event): If you’re planning a visit to Laguna around mid-November to mid-December, consider spending some time at this cheerful festival, which is operated by the same group that puts on the summer Sawdust Festival. The event includes live entertainment, vendors selling handcrafted gifts, art classes and demonstrations, and more. Tickets can be purchased online. 
• Explore the Laguna Art Museum: Situated right next to Heisler Park, this contemporary art museum features a collection of more than 3500 pieces of art. 
• Indulge in a Tasting at Laguna Canyon Winery: If you’re a wine fan, consider going for  a tasting at this local tasting room. The boutique winery makes wine with grapes sourced from destinations like Napa and Sonoma.