Laguna Beach is a small coastal town located in Orange County, California that is a fun day trip from Los Angeles. One day in Laguna Beach makes for the perfect escape from the hot summer weather and has a very laid-back vibe.
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History of Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach was first inhabited in the early 1900s. Shortly after, the city became a sanctuary for artists, surfers, and hippies. Laguna Beach is known for its wealth of art galleries, crystal stores, and surf spots.
In the ’70s, “The Christmas Happening”, a free open-air concert later called “Woodstock West”, hosted tens of thousands of peace seekers. The peaceful influence of the ‘70s peace movements can still be felt today in Laguna Beach.
The rest of the world discovered this Southern California gem in the early 2000s due to the MTV show “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County”. After its airing, Laguna Beach quickly became a world-class destination.
When to Spend One Day in Laguna Beach
The best time to visit Laguna Beach is in July or August. The weather can be unpredictable in the early summer, as Laguna Beach is affected by “May Gray” and “June Gloom”. During those months, overcast skies are expected, and temperatures tend to be a bit cooler.
In July and August, you can count on clear skies, sunshine, a slight ocean breeze, and a perfect 75–80°F pretty much every day. If you are planning on catching some waves during your trip, you can find the warmest water temperatures in July. The average water temperature is around 67°F.
This makes July and August the perfect time to spend one day in Laguna Beach for swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers alike.
How to Get to Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is located between Los Angeles and San Diego. You can reach Laguna Beach from other Californian towns via the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), the 405 Freeway, or Toll Road 73. The closest exit to Laguna Beach is Highway 133.
If you are flying into California, the closest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), located in Santa Ana. You can also fly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to find the best rates on tickets.
The drive from SNA to Laguna Beach is about 24 minutes while the drive to Laguna Beach from LAX is about one hour and thirty minutes. There is no easy way to get to Laguna Beach via public transportation, so it is best to either rent a car or use a rideshare app. However, when you get to Laguna Beach, transportation is quite easy.
Transportation in Laguna Beach
Moving about Laguna Beach is enjoyable and seamless thanks to the free Laguna Beach Trolley. During the summer, Laguna Beach has a trolley route that will take you essentially anywhere in the town. The trolley operates from June 24th to Labor Day.
The hours of operation are as follows:
- Monday–Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Sundays: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You can find trolley stops up and down PCH on either side of the road, which are indicated by a blue sign. You can expect to wait around five to ten minutes at any given stop for the trolley. You can also track the trolley in real-time using the Laguna Beach Trolley Tracker App.
Where to Stay in Laguna Beach
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Laguna Beach hotels here!
The artistic influences woven throughout Laguna Beach make it home to some of the most unique hotels. Whether you are looking for a luxurious oceanfront resort or a boutique hotel with character, Laguna Beach has a place for you to stay.
Here are four hotel recommendations for any budget that are perfect if you want to extend your one day in Laguna Beach.
Best Overall Hotel: Hotel Laguna
Hotel Laguna is a historical landmark located in the heart of Laguna Beach. This hotel has a long history with the town. In the 1930s, it became favored by many celebrities. Hotel Laguna has recently been renovated and is more beautiful than ever.
The hotel features an oceanfront sushi restaurant and a beach club. Even if you don’t end up staying at Hotel Laguna, it is a great place to have dinner on the sand!
Best Boutique Hotel: Laguna Beach House
Laguna Beach House is a vintage surf-themed boutique hotel just north of Laguna’s downtown area. The hotel is less than a block from the beach and has a pool and spa on site. There are a variety of rooms to choose from, including a room with a coastal view, a pool-view room, or a room with a private patio. Laguna Beach House is the perfect place to stay if you want to feel the essence of Laguna Beach!
Best Budget Hotel: Seaside Laguna Inn
Seaside Laguna Inn is the best budget hotel located steps from the beach. You can even hear the waves crash from your room! This is a great place to stay if you are only planning on spending a night or two in Laguna Beach.
Best Luxury Hotel: The Montage Laguna Beach
The Montage Laguna Beach is a world-famous beach resort situated on top of a bluff in Southern Laguna Beach. The hotel features two outdoor pool decks, three restaurants, and a 20,000-square-foot spa! The Montage is beyond impressive and includes everything you need and more for a luxurious stay in Laguna Beach.
Things to do During a Day in Laguna Beach, California
One day in Laguna Beach is a good amount of time to discover the surface layer of what Laguna Beach has to offer. Depending on what your interests are, the perfect day in Laguna Beach will look a little bit different.
Laguna Beach is home to many unique restaurants, art fairs and galleries, and beautiful beaches. Here is your guide to spending one day in Laguna Beach.
Day 1
Grab Coffee
Cost: $
Start the day off right with the best coffee in town! Every good day starts with a cup of coffee and perhaps a stroll on the beach. Laguna Coffee Company and Urth Caffe are two of the best places to start off your one day in Laguna Beach.
Laguna Coffee Company is a locals-choice coffee shop. They have a variety of coffee drinks, teas, smoothies, and pastries to satisfy your morning cravings. This coffee shop is situated right on Pacific Coast Highway, making it the perfect place to grab your beverage of choice and then go for a morning walk on the beach!
The famous Urth Caffe is also a top contender for breakfast and coffee in Laguna Beach. If you are looking for a sit-down breakfast with anything from eggs and bacon to French toast, Urth Caffe might be best for you. Be prepared to wait in line, as it is a very popular spot in the summer months!
Catch Some Rays on Main Beach
Cost: Free
Now that you have had your caffeine, pack your beach bags and hit the sand. Main Beach is the most lively beach in Laguna, with volleyball and basketball courts right on the sand. It is situated in the heart of Laguna, and you can find parking just across the street.
Main Beach can get crowded in the summer so if you are up for an adventure, check out some lesser-known beaches. Either way, it is the perfect thing to do during one day in Laguna Beach.
Grab Some Grub from Carmelita’s
Cost: $$
After a long morning on the beach, you will be ready for a hefty meal. Carmelita’s has the best Mexican food in Laguna Beach and the perfect lunch stop during your one day in Laguna Beach. It is located on the corner of Broadway and PCH, directly across from Main Beach. Make sure to try the Grilled Wet Burrito!
Attend the Sawdust Art Festival
Cost: $10
The Sawdust Art Festival is tucked away in the canyon of Laguna Beach. It features the work of local artisans and musicians. The Sawdust Art Festival is a must for anyone spending one day in Laguna Beach. You can take the trolley down Broadway, and it will drop you off directly at the festival. The festival has live music, art for sale, and a snack bar in case you get hungry.
Dine on the Coast at The Cliff
Cost: $$
The Cliff is a restaurant that hangs over a cliff on the coast of Laguna. It is the best spot to have dinner at sunset! They have live music every night, which makes it one of the best nightlife atmospheres in Laguna Beach. There is a bar nestled up next to the restaurant if you want to have a fun night out after your dinner.
Grab Some Gelato for Dessert
Cost: $
Wrap up your picturesque day in Laguna Beach with a gelato from Dolce Gelato on Broadway. With many gelato options in Laguna Beach, it can be hard to choose which place is the best. Dolce Gelato is the hidden gem of gelato in Laguna Beach. Make sure to try the coconut gelato! It is the perfect way to wrap up one day in Laguna Beach.
Final Thoughts About One Day in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is the perfect day trip destination for many towns in Southern California. With a wealth of activities and attractions, you really cannot go wrong. In Laguna, it is best to remember the simple things. You may also like this Scavenger Hunt!
Take time to appreciate the crash of the waves on the coast, the action on the beach, and the golden sun as it dips down over the Pacific for the night. No matter what you do in Laguna Beach, you are sure to have a fabulous time. That is all you need to know to have the perfect one day in Laguna Beach, California!
Author Bio
Brooke Buckman is a Travel Blogger, Filmmaker, Creator, Conservationist, and Visionary based in Orange County, California. Brooke shares inspirational content on destinations in North America from Laguna Beach to Tulum, Mexico (with many more continents to come!) Brooke is inspired by world religion and culture. She believes it is her purpose to connect people around the world through her content. Follow Brooke to tag along in her journey around the world!
