Looking for the ultimate SoCal seaside escape? Let me introduce you to Laguna Beach. A dreamy coastal town where art, charm, and golden sunsets effortlessly collide. If I had to sum it up, it’s the quintessential Southern California beach town. It’s just so California coded and truly a perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
Nestled between towering cliffs and the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, this relaxed treasure inspires a desire to leave it all behind and relocate to this paradise. So much of Laguna’s charm comes from its storybook architecture. The whimsical homes and charming little shops make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life fairytale.
Whether you are planning a romantic weekend, seeking a solo retreat, or arranging a sun-filled getaway with friends, this itinerary offers the ideal blend of relaxation and inspiration. Think: a chic boutique stay, breezy bike rides through town, mouthwatering eats, and those can’t-miss sunsets. Use this Laguna Beach itinerary
to plan your Laguna Beach weekend with a few essential Laguna Beach things to do sprinkled throughout.
I’ve visited countless times so I’m going to put you on to all the local spots. Let’s dive in to the perfect getaway!
While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support to continue offering free resources.
Things to Know Before Visiting Laguna Beach
Here are some simple tips to help you plan a smooth itinerary for Laguna Beach and set expectations for your weekend there:
- Most beaches here are accessed by long, steep staircases—so be prepared for a little workout getting down (and back up!).
- Summer sunsets often come with very high tides, which can limit beach space and access at golden hour.
- Drones are not allowed anywhere in Laguna Beach, so plan to capture your memories the old-fashioned way.
- Laguna Beach is a balloon-free community, meaning no balloons are allowed on the beaches or public spaces. It’s part of their effort to protect wildlife and keep the environment clean.
- Given this information, Laguna places a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, so you’ll find numerous recycling and composting facilities, along with guidelines to avoid disrupting tide pools and wildlife.
- Many shops and restaurants close earlier than you might expect, so plan accordingly if you want to catch dinner or late-night drinks.
Day 1: Arrival + Culinary Gems
Check-In Hotel Joaquin
Perched above the sea, this boutique coastal oasis is the kind of place that instantly puts you in vacation mode. With mid-century vibes and a touch of Mediterranean soul, it’s the perfect setting to truly unwind.
The rooms here are tranquil and well-designed, encouraging you to disconnect. There are no TVs, but you won’t feel their absence.
The marble bathtub had me literally drooling. Each room comes with its own record player and a curated vinyl collection, which adds such a cool, nostalgic touch to the whole experience. Mornings start with a complimentary hot breakfast, which is always a win in my book, and the dreamy pool is a total haven.
They even offer poolside cocktail service all day, with food available from 12–3. And the best part? You’re just a few minutes’ walk from Shaw’s Cove, a tucked-away local favorite with some of the most stunning views in Laguna. It’s an ideal start to any Laguna Beach weekend. Reserve your accommodation today!
Dinner at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Tucked in the canyons of Laguna Beach, The Ranch is one of my favorite hidden gems in Laguna. It’s the kind of place that feels worlds away. It’s peaceful, intimate, and effortlessly cool. Technically, The Ranch is a hotel and golf course wrapped into one, but it’s so much more than that.
They offer two dining spots, and The Porch is perfect for a laid-back evening. Think live music, cozy vibes, and comfort food. We went for the hot dog, ceasar wrap, and pretzel combo and it totally hit the spot.
Surrounded by nature, it’s such a dreamy way to spend the night. Just a heads-up: they offer valet parking only, but it’s complimentary!
Ice Cream Stop South Swell Ice Cream
A locals favorite! This spot serves up small-batch, creative flavors that are perfect for an ice cream break. You can choose from an ice cream bar, banana, or soft serve—all dipped in their amazing house-made chocolate. We got the s’mores flavored bar and it was heavenly! Grab your bar and take it a block south to enjoy it with a view of the ocean while indulging.
Day 2: Coffee, Coastal Cruising & Beaches
Coffee at Jedidiah
This locally loved café has a creative, surf-inspired vibe and serves up some of the best espresso around. While the flat white is a classic go-to, I highly recommend trying their Blueberry Lavender Latte. It’s a deliciously unique twist that’s super flavorful. Grab your drink and take a morning stroll to the beach because that’s the perfect way to start your day in Laguna.
Late Morning Downtown Laguna
Start your day with a stop at Active Culture for a refreshing acai bowl before heading out to explore Laguna’s Main Beach boardwalk. You must snap a photo of the iconic lifeguard tower.
From there wander through the downtown boutiques on Forest Avenue. A pedestrian-only street is surrounded by ivy-covered cottages and enchanting art galleries, creating a storybook, seaside fairytale atmosphere. It’s incredibly dreamy! Be sure to stroll down Pepper Tree Lane too; it’s one of those hidden corners that perfectly captures Laguna’s unique charm.
Afternoon Bike Ride + Heisler Park
Another perk of staying at Hotel Joaquin is the e-bike rentals. They’re complimentary and it’s such a great way to explore Laguna and cruise through the flower-lined streets straight toward Heisler Park. Easily one of the dreamiest rides in town and one of our favorite parks in the entirety of California.
Once you get there, park the bikes and take a stroll along the coastal trail. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the beauty of Laguna! The area offers numerous picnic spots and tables, making it an ideal place to have lunch and enjoy a relaxed meal in the midst of nature.
If you’re an arts lover, a visit to the Sawdust Festival is a must. The artisan marketplace offers a wide variety of beautiful handmade items, features live music on most days, and includes a cozy dining area where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Tickets are $12, and since the festival only runs during certain times of the year, be sure to check the schedule before you go. It’s the perfect spot to discover local creativity and enjoy a lively, artsy atmosphere.
Shake Shack and Golden Hour at Victoria Beach
For dinner, make a stop at the iconic Shake Shack located on Pacific Coast Highway. Don’t be intimidated by the long line of cars waiting to park; it actually moves pretty quickly.
After grabbing your favorite burger and fries, take a scenic drive down the coast to Victoria Beach. This location is well-known for its fairytale tower, a charming sight that seems taken right from a storybook, making it the ideal way to conclude your evening by the sea. Please be aware that parking on PCH is required to reach the beach. Be prepared for a long walk down with several stairs and changes in elevation.
Day 3: Slow Morning + Views
Slow Wake-Up at Hotel Joaquin and Crescent Bay Park
Start your day slowly with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. It’s included with your stay, so take full advantage. If you’re up for it, squeeze in one last swim to soak up the ocean vibes. Be sure to visit Crescent Bay Park, a peaceful place with beautiful ocean scenery and famous palm trees along the cliff. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the hotel and is the perfect way to end your trip.
Before you head out of town, be sure to visit Wild Strawberry Cafe. They are known for their Nutella lattes and freshly baked pastries—definitely a great way to boost your spirits.
And that’s a wrap on your dreamy Laguna Beach getaway! From the quaint boutique accommodations to the stunning coastal vistas and hidden local gems, Laguna easily captures your heart and makes you think about your next trip.
Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach
Although I’ve included several suggestions in this post, I want to conclude by highlighting a few additional dining spots you might want to explore if you have extra time in Laguna:
- Laguna Coffee Company
- C’est La Vie (ocean view)
- Urth Cafe
- MoonGoat Coffee
- The Loft (ocean view)
- Nick’s Laguna Beach
- Las Brisas (ocean view)
- The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
If you’re looking for more activities in Laguna Beach beyond this itinerary, you might want to try tide pooling at Treasure Island, hiking at Top of the World, exploring art galleries along Pacific Coast Highway, or kayaking at Fisherman’s Cove.
If you loved this Laguna Beach itinerary and want to keep exploring the Golden State, be sure to check out my full collection of California guides and my Ultimate San Diego guide linked below:
Happy travels, and until next time!
XX,
Courtney
Leave a Reply