I am California dreaming about Laguna Beach Attractions! I have visited this city twice including this past winter and both visits left me in awe! It is a quaint town with beautiful ocean views and a thriving art scene. The architecture is unique accompanied with palm tree lined streets. Look up to view million dollar homes in the hills or look down to view them along the ocean. Go shopping in one of their many designer boutiques or eat at restaurant with romantic ocean views. Laguna Beach has it all and is located in Southern California in Orange County. It is a mere 1 hour drive from Los Angeles and 1 hour and 20 minutes from San Diego. If you are in one of those areas I recommend driving there to experience these Laguna Beach Attractions. I will admit, I first drove there from Los Angeles many years ago because I was watching the reality show on MTV about Laguna Beach High School students. It was a really good show! However, TV does not do this area justice. You must see it with your own two eyes to believe it!
Self Walking Tour of Laguna Beach:
It is easy to do a self walking tour or bike along the paved paths along the beach as well as strolling through the quaint streets in town. Sightseeing along the walking trails will reveal many sculptures, beautiful palm trees and even retirees taking in some rays.
There are several ocean front restaurants for your dining pleasure as well. Watch the paddle boarders out in the ocean, the volleyball players on the beach as well as children running in and out of the beach caves.
Dining in Laguna Beach:
After you have done your walk along the beach and some sightseeing take a break for a delicious meal at Nick’s Laguna Beach! It is located at 440 South Coast Highway. Nick’s serves up California comfort fare in a contemporary atmosphere. I dined on the front patio which allowed for partial beach and ocean views. It was truly one of the best lunches I have ever had! Try the fried deviled eggs and the mile high fish sandwich served with their signature slaw!
Art Scene and Architecture in Laguna Beach:
While walking and driving around town I was drawn to all the artsy tree lined streets and unique architecture. From the fire stations to the post offices to the churches were initially unrecognizable. Everywhere I turned had a quaint, clean and polished feel.
Be sure to stroll along the tree lined streets in town and visit the many art galleries. If you love art be sure to visit the Laguna Beach Art Museum. There are also many designer boutiques if you would like to shop.
I drove up to Laguna Beach High School and looked down at ocean views! It is still hard to believe anyone can get work done here. lol As I mentioned in my St.Simon’s Island post-I have a fascination with trees and the palm trees in Laguna Beach ranged in so many sizes and shapes.
Pacific Mammal Center:
Before the day ended I drove to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. This was my first visit to a place like this and it was touching. The marine center rescues, treats and releases mammals specifically seals and sea lions. They treat them for illnesses such as pneumonia, malnutrition and infections. They actually have an ICU-intensive care unit for these mammals!
Points of interest in Laguna Beach:
Points of interest in Laguna Beach include Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Canyon Winery, Table Rock beach and Crescent Bay point park. There is now a free weekend trolley service along Coast Highway. For more information on visiting this area and taking in these beautiful Laguna Beach attractions please visit their website.
So have you been to Laguna Beach? If so share your thoughts with us! I hope to return and spend more time here including visiting the winery! The picture below reflects how I wish to spend my time retired in Laguna Beach 🙂
N.S.W.
Love these recommendations. I plan to go back to California in 2016 because my 2013 trip was all about Hollywood and celebrities. I didn’t see the ocean!
Hollywood is fun but definitely go back for the beaches and the views!
I used to watch that show too! LOL. I’ve always wanted to go to Laguna Beach. I love Cali beaches so much and can’t wait to get back on the west coast.
I do too! And Im glad Im not the only one who will admit to watching that show! lol
I’ve never been, but it looks like my kind of place. And that mile-high sandwich? Yum! I love the beach and palm trees, so I’d feel right at home in Laguna Beach. Would love to visit some of the art galleries, too.
Thanks Alli! It really is a lovely town with so much to see and do!
I used to watch the show too. Gorgeous place. Cali is full of gems. Awesome pics!
Thanks Holly1 And I agree about California!
Nadeen, I always love reading about your travel experiences. I think I mentioned before that I’ve never been to CA but it’s definitely on my bucket list. Laguna Beach looks amazing and the food looks so yummy. I LOVE seafood!
I love seafood too! Thank you and I definitely recommend putting California on your bucket list!
I told you on FB how much I am an inner Cali girl at heart! I cant wait to visit Cali again and I promise I will make it a point to go to Laguna Beach…it looks beautiful!
You definitely should! It is beautiful!
Wait..you had me at fried deviled eggs…what the what??? I’ve been to San Diego and Los Angeles a few times and didn’t realize Laguna beach was so close to both. I will definitely add it to my list the next time I’m out on the West Coast. Thanks!
Hi Christine! Yes it is is an easy drive from either place! Those eggs were soooo good!!
I’ve always wanted to visit Laguna Beach as well. Looks oh so beautiful and your experience makes me even more interesting. The beaches and views look incredible.
Thank you Adanna! I love it there!
I have been wanting to visit Laguna Beach since tht show aired! Planning a trip to Cali soon to visit my sister. Hoping I will get to go! That food looks amazing!
Thanks Artney! On my first trip I went just because of the show! Lol. I hope you make it there!
I love California but I’ve never been to Laguna Beach and now I have to GO! Nick’s and those fried deviled eggs are the only reason I need. I travel for food! Thanks for the tips!
Christina I will travel for food too! lol. Thanks for reading!
Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Did you say fried deviled eggs?!?!?! What! Now come on, it’s bad enough I have yet to make it to Cali but now I’m missing out on fried deviled eggs. I must be crazy. The San Diego Zoo is on our must visit list so let me add a drive to Laguna Beach to that trip. I’m all about the beach, art, beautiful Palm trees and food.
MJ those are all great reasons to go! I love exploring California and yes those deviled eggs were so good!
Laguna beach is absolutely beautiful!!! I’ve never been. Nick’s fried devil eggs looks interesting and delicious at the same time. The beach looks relaxing and inviting and the art looks like an outdoor museum. After reading your post I want to go!!
Thank you Lashonda! It is beautiful! I hope you get to visit!
Thanks for the dining suggestion! I only made it to Laguna last year, and I was completely lost after on what to eat! I definitely plan on going in the summer 🙂
When you go definitely check out Nick’s! Everything was delicious!
I love California! I visited Laguna Beach about five years ago so I’m overdue to return. Love all the pictures!
Thank you Carin! I hope to make it back there soon as well!
I live 30 minutes away and I absolutely love Laguna! However, I only go once every couple years because the parking situation is awful there. I’ve been itching to go back soon so I will definitely take your eatery recommendations with me!
Great Linda! I am sure you will like it!