Must Do’s in Laguna Beach
Welcome to Laguna Beach.
Crescent Bay Point Park
Laguna Beach, California. One of the most picturesque and dreamy places in the U.S.
About an hour south from Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is a gem filled with over 20 gorgeous coves, beaches, galleries, and small businesses. I was surprised by the amount of people who didn’t know where and what it was. In the four full days we had there, we went hiking, explored the little village, saved money on Ubers and used the free public trolley system (big vibe), visited four different beaches, and almost died trying to have a siren core photoshoot by some rocks and dangerous waves.
It was worth it though, the pictures turned out great.
I think what’s most telling after a trip is when you ask yourself if you’d spend the money to go again. Needless to say, four days was far from enough. As a matter of fact, I don’t know if there is an ideal number of days because me personally, I’d live there if I got the chance.
Here’s a list of things you MUST do if Laguna ends up on your travel bucket list:
Visit the Most Dreamy and Otherworldly Beaches
We spent a lot of time at Crescent Bay Beach since it was a four minute walk from our stay. Crescent Bay Inn was extremely affordable, clean, and provided amazing service.
Table Rock Beach and Goff Island Beach in particular blew me out the wata.
Table Rock gave The Little Mermaid (obviously in the best way), while Goff Island gave majestic and otherworldly. If I had to pick a favorite it would definitely be Goff Island, even though I almost died there. Although the weather was sad the day we went, I think the sole fact that my friend and I cried over being there at all is a pretty big indicator that it had the biggest impact on us.
Beaches that we didn’t swim at, but believe are still worth the visit if you have the time to include: Heisler Park, Wood’s Cove, and Three Arch Bay. All of which are within 10-20 minutes of each other and are easy to find.
The best part about our time in the OC was essentially having the beaches to ourselves. We visited towards the end of May when temperatures are usually in the 70s. However, I would recommend waiting until mid June after all the sad spring showers have passed through.
As previously mentioned, we used the free public trolley system for transportation and spent zero money on Ubers/Lyfts, so make sure to take advantage of that during your visit. You can track the trolleys on their routes and call for ETA’s .
2. Breakfast and Lunch at Urth Caffé
Urth Caffé was our go to for breakfast. We ate there twice.
From pastries to omelets to sandwiches to coffee. Their menu was extensive, but not to the point where it overwhelmed you or only a few things were good. Everything we tried was immaculate and there were options for everyone.
Pros:
Affordable; average breakfast cost $9
Gluten free and vegan options
Huge portions
Cute and homey indoor and outdoor seating
Amazing staff
Cons:
You’ll have to pick between 5-8 things you really want off the menu (make sure you get the brunch potatoes and try the honey vanilla latte HOT.)
3. Hike to the Top of the World
Take a trolley up to Alta Laguna Park and hike up to the Top of the World to watch the sunrise or set. Sit and take in the views and the smell of the flowers. Make sure to watch out for mountain lions too.We didn’t see any, but we were extremely loud and our defense plan was to get down on all fours and bark in case we did come across one.
We went on a foggy day so we couldn't see much, but it was still well worth it.
Tip: Pack some sandwiches and make sure you have walking shoes on. Also, be ready for all the “fellow hiker” head nods and smiles.
4. Visit Galleries and Explore Shops in the Village
On our first night we ordered pizza and enjoyed it at Crescent Bay Park. While we took in the views and enjoyed our pineapple pizza (I don’t want to hear it babe), we made friends with a local. The woman who was from Austria told us about how she was an au pair for a family over 30 years ago in Laguna. She met a man while there and when she moved back to Austria, he went with her and lived there for 20 years. After a while, they moved back together.
Oh how I love talking to strangers.
She gave us tips on where to go and told us about Goff Island and the old town, which is the best place to buy souvenirs, marvel at architecture, and enjoy delicious food.
5. Enjoy the Best Gelato in the U.S at Gelato Paradiso
I saw Gelato Paradiso all over TikTok and almost didn’t go.
Thankfully my friend dragged me out of bed at 8 pm on our last night to catch a trolley down to it before it closed. Tiktok was right, the gelato was heavenly and worth the 20 minute wait. Luckily the shop is tucked into a cute little alley called Peppertree Lane and is a beautiful place to wait while you salivate as the people who already got their gelato pass by.
6. Dinner at Mama D’s in Newport Beach
Although Mama D’s isn’t in Laguna, it’s the best and most memorable dinner we had while in the OC. I cannot and will not ever gatekeep!
12/10 food, 12/10 service, and 12/10 overall experience. So good I forgot to take pictures (so sorry).
We devoured the free bread and oil and I demolished the Ricotta Stuffed Shells in their famous pink sauce. Our amazing waiter did a toast with us and pointed us to the best bars in the area. I’m getting excited just thinking about this establishment. There’s another location in Corona Del Mar too. Please go!
Places we didn’t get to eat at but will next time:
Husky Boy Burgers (Near Crescent Bay)
Ruby’s Diner (Near Table Rock Beach)
Las Brisas (Heisler Park)
Number Three Restaurant (Heisler Park)
Although we ended up coming during the worst possible week weather wise, the trip was well worth it. Laguna, I love you.
Oh, also, here’s a video of me being delusional and going up to a guy who I thought may be my soulmate just because he was admiring the beautiful view from the Crescent Bay Point Park with his dog and I would’ve loved to say I met my man at a park in Laguna Beach.
(He had a girlfriend)
(I was also practicing my rizz lowkey)
