Condé Nast TravelerOct 13, 2026
The Best Things to Do in Laguna Beach, Orange County's Historic Arts Enclave
Come in the off-season for fewer crowds than the summer’s renowned festivals bring and a more local feel.
25 things in this story
- Main BeachSightLaguna’s “Window to the Sea”, this park and beach is located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach.
- Laguna Beach TrolleysPlaceiconic blue and gold, run year round with expanded summer schedule
- Treasure IslandParkgo to the cave for tide pools
- Top of the WorldTrailtwo-mile steep hike for expansive ocean and inland views
- Heisler ParkParktrails offer great views without much of a workout
- Laguna Art MuseumMuseumfounded 1918, diverse collection of California art
- First Thursdays Art WalkFestival6-9 p.m., pop into 40 art galleries
- Pageant of the MastersFestivalsince 1932, re-enact famous art pieces on stage
- Sawdust Art FestivalArts centre60th season, outdoor art show with art for sale
- Laguna PlayhouseTheatrefounded 1920, world premier of Wild Child this fall
- Thalia SurfPlacebuy or admire retro surfboards and unique apparel
- GorjanaPlacejewelry brand founded on the floor of an apartment
- Laguna Beach BooksPlaceindependent, women-owned bookstore with author events
- Lost Pier CafeRestaurantliterally on Aliso Beach, serves food and coffee to go
- Orange InnCaféserving locals since 1931, classic beach diner breakfast
- Penguin CafeRestaurantserving locals since 1942, classic beach diner breakfast
- Jedidiah CoffeeCafésit on their idyllic patio
- Thorne Brothers CoffeeRestaurantinterior makes you want to cozy up with a book
- Sur CoffeeRestaurantcoastal vibes and a cold brew that can't be beat
- WigzRestaurantlocated in a former wig shop, sandwiches on Dutch crunch bread
- The Taco StandFast foodset in the third-oldest Taco Bell in the world
- Rebel OmakaseRestaurantonly restaurant with a Michelin star, pre-fixe menu
- Selanne Steak TavernRestaurantlocated in a historic 1934 home on PCH
- Aliso BeachSight
- Victoria BeachSight
