Weekend in Laguna Beach: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

Planning a weekend in Laguna Beach? You’re in for a real treat! This coastal town is the perfect spot for a laid-back getaway. From breathtaking beaches to great food and art, there’s plenty to explore.

Whether you want to relax by the ocean or discover some hidden gems, this 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time. Get ready for a weekend filled with scenic walks, delicious dining, and unforgettable sunsets!

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are a couple of different ways to reach Laguna Beach:

• From LAX (Los Angeles International Airport):

Laguna Beach is about a one-hour drive south of LAX. Take I-405 South to CA-73 South (a toll road) and then exit onto Laguna Canyon Road (CA-133). If you prefer a scenic route, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers breathtaking ocean views.

• From John Wayne Airport (Orange County):

For those flying into John Wayne, it’s only a 30-minute drive via CA-73 South, making it a more convenient option. The proximity also means less time in traffic and more time enjoying the beach!

PRO TIP: If you want to avoid toll roads, skip CA-73 and take the freeways instead. While it might take a little longer, the drive through Laguna Canyon offers a scenic introduction to the area.

Once you’ve arrived, check in to your hotel. Laguna Beach has a variety of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets.

Here are a few top picks:

• Montage Laguna Beach:

Montage Laguna Beach is a luxury resort that offers sweeping ocean views, a world-class spa, and fine dining. If you’re looking for a lavish experience with stunning sunset views and high-end amenities, this is the place to be.

• Laguna Beach House:

A stylish and more affordable option, Laguna Beach House is located just a short walk from the beach and local attractions. The hotel features modern amenities and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good choice if you are looking for comfort without the high price tag.

• Capri Laguna on the Beach

Capri Laguna on the Beach is a picturesque oceanfront hotel that provides a tranquil escape with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Located along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, this boutique hotel features a variety of room options, including studios and suites with private balconies or patios.

GOOD TO KNOW: Capri Laguna on the Beach offers a complimentary continental breakfast and has a convenient beachfront location with direct access to the sand.

PRO TIP: I appreciated the boutique atmosphere and personalized service that sets Capri Laguna apart from larger, more commercial accommodations.

After checking in, take some time to unwind with a stroll along Main Beach. The wide, sandy shoreline is the heart of Laguna Beach and the perfect place to start your weekend.

You’ll find a boardwalk with benches, tide pools to explore, and iconic lifeguard towers. Walk north toward Heisler Park if you’re in the mood for some scenic cliffside views.

View of Main Beach in Laguna Beach 

PRO TIP: The north end of Main Beach is quieter, ideal for laying out a blanket and soaking in the views. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a playground nearby and plenty of space to play.

Main Beach in Laguna Beach 

As the sun begins to set, head to Las Brisas, a popular Mexican seafood restaurant located right above Main Beach. Known for its beautiful ocean views and fresh cuisine, it’s a perfect spot to relax after your travel.

Las Brisas in Laguna Beach 

PRO TIP: Be sure to make a reservation, as it can get busy, especially on weekends. Grab a table on the patio if possible and enjoy the sound of the waves as you dine on seafood tacos or ceviche.

GOOD TO KNOW: Their margaritas are highly recommended, especially the Spicy Mango Margarita.

Start your Saturday with a healthy and delicious breakfast at Urth Caffé, located in the heart of Laguna Beach.

Known for organic coffees, teas, and farm-to-table dishes, this is a great spot to fuel up before a day of exploring. Try their signature Spanish Latte paired with avocado toast or their breakfast burrito for a filling start to your day.

Delicious Breakfast at Urth Caffé

PRO TIP: Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends. The outdoor seating is a lovely way to enjoy Laguna’s morning breeze.

After breakfast, make your way to Heisler Park, which is only a short walk from Urth Caffé.

The park runs along the cliffs above the beach and offers spectacular ocean views. It’s one of the most scenic spots in Laguna Beach, with pathways that meander through gardens, public art installations, and plenty of lookout points.

GOOD TO KNOW: There are stairways leading down to several small beaches below the cliffs, including Rockpile Beach and Diver’s Cove. If you’re up for a little adventure, take a detour and explore these hidden gems.

Staircase from Heisler Park Leading to the Beach 

For a bit of culture, head to the Laguna Art Museum, located just a few minutes from Heisler Park.

The museum features contemporary art that focuses on California artists, making it a unique stop for art lovers. Exhibits change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see.

PRO TIP: The museum isn’t too large, so you can easily enjoy it in about an hour or so, leaving plenty of time for other activities.

After your morning of exploring the park and museum, head to Nick’s Laguna Beach for lunch.

This popular spot offers a mix of American comfort food and lighter California fare, like their famous fried chicken sandwich or grilled fish tacos.

Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich at Nick’s Laguna Beach 

GOOD TO KNOW: The restaurant is located downtown, just a short walk from the museum, and provides a cozy atmosphere for midday dining.

Spend the afternoon strolling through downtown Laguna Beach, where you’ll find a variety of unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

Laguna is known for its artist community, and many of the galleries feature local work.

Be sure to check out the Wyland Gallery, which showcases the famous marine life artist’s work, or pop into one of the many small independent shops to find something special to take home.

For Saturday dinner head to The Deck on Laguna Beach. This oceanfront restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, casual atmosphere, and stunning views of the Pacific.

Located right on the sand, you can enjoy dishes like ahi tuna poke, grilled swordfish, or their famous lobster roll, all while listening to the sound of the waves.

PRO TIP: The Deck is a popular spot, so be sure to make a reservation in advance, especially for outdoor seating to catch the sunset.

After dinner, take a short walk to Heisler Park to watch the sunset.

Located just a 10-minute stroll from The Deck, this cliffside park offers breathtaking ocean views and is a perfect spot to wind down your evening.

With its well-maintained paths, scenic overlooks, and peaceful setting, it’s a great place to reflect on your day as the sun dips below the horizon.

View from Heisler Park at Sunset

Today you will be exploring Crystal Cove, so for Sunday breakfast near Crystal Cove, a fantastic option is Zinc Café & Market in Laguna Beach.

This local favorite offers a vibrant breakfast menu with a mix of healthy and hearty dishes.

You can enjoy items like their famous frittatas, avocado toast, or breakfast burritos, all in a charming and laid-back setting.

Zinc also has a lovely outdoor patio, perfect for soaking in the morning sun before heading to Crystal Cove.

Zinc Café & Market in Laguna Beach 

After enjoying your breakfast at Zinc Café & Market, it’s time to head over to Crystal Cove State Park.

Crystal Cove State Park spans over 3,900 acres of pristine wilderness and includes 3.2 miles of coastline. It’s one of Orange County’s largest open spaces and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Crystal Cove State Park 

Crystal Cove is also home to the Historic District, a collection of 46 rustic coastal cottages that date back to the 1920s and 1930s. Many of these cottages have been restored and can even be rented for overnight stays.

The park offers 18 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The coastal bluffs provide scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the ocean, making these trails a favorite for hikers and photographers alike. For a moderate hike, try the El Moro Canyon Loop, a 5-mile trail with ocean and canyon views.

Crystal Cove State Park 

The beach itself is wide and sandy, perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.

The northern section of the beach is known for its excellent tide pools. Visit during low tide to explore these natural aquariums filled with sea stars, anemones, crabs, and small fish.

GOOD TO KNOW: There is a day-use fee of $15 per vehicle to enter the park.

After a morning of hiking or beachcombing, treat yourself to lunch at The Beachcomber Café, located right on the sand in the Historic District.

PRO TIP: Try their famous coconut macadamia pancakes or fish tacos for a quintessential California beach meal.

GOOD TO KNOW: The restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends, so making a reservation ahead of time is recommended. The parking lot is located up the hill, but there’s a shuttle that can take you down to the café if you don’t feel like walking.

After lunch, you can choose to spend a little more time at Crystal Cove Beach or head back to downtown Laguna Beach for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

If you haven’t already, stop by The Gelato Paradiso for a sweet treat before you leave.

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