The Perfect Weekend in Laguna Beach 🌊☀️

Having called Laguna Beach home on and off for the past 12 years, I might be a little biased—but I truly believe it’s one of the most magical places in the USA!! From breathtaking coastal trails and charming coffee shops to lazy beach days and boutique browsing, here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Laguna.

Friday: Ease Into Paradise

Morning: Coastal Walks & Coffee

Start your day in North Laguna with a peaceful, scenic walk through Heisler Park, where stunning ocean views are around every corner . Grab a coffee at Jedidiah Coffee or Urth Café, which also has amazing gluten-free breakfast options, and kick off your weekend in Paradise.

Choose your vibe for the rest of the morning:

• Adventure: Rent a paddle board and head out from Diver’s Cove. Paddle to Fisherman’s Cove and keep an eye out for dolphins and seals!

• Fitness: Drop in for a class at Haus of Wellness, one of the best Lagree studios in Laguna!

• Chill: Enjoy breakfast and people-watching at any of the charming cafes along Forest Avenue.

• Browse: Wander around the many shops all the way from Forest Avenue to Oak Street. Don’t miss Laguna Coast Pottery, Art for the Soul, and Tuvalu—perfect spots to discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs and beautifully curated pieces to add charm and character to your home or garden <3

Lunch Spots

• Casual Bites: Adolfos, Active Culture, Urth Caffé, O Fine Sushi, Finney’s Crafthouse, The Taco Stand, Rasta Taco, Kitchen in The Canyon

• Upscale Lunch: South of Nick’s, Alessa, Driftwood Kitchen, Neapolitan

  
  

Afternoon: Beach Time + Hidden Gems

Head to Victoria Beach to see the famous Pirate Tower—a dreamy spot for photos and beach lounging. Swim, tan, or join a beach volleyball game.

Dinner Ideas

• Italian: Alessa, Salerno

• Sushi: Seabutter, Starfish, O Fine Sushi

• Asian Cuisine: Starfish, Mandarin King, Saigon, GuRamen

• Mexican: South of Nick’s

• Steak & Seafood: Nick’s, Selanne Steak Tavern, The Deck

• Takeout Cravings: ZPizza, Mandarin King

Nightlife in Laguna

• Abha (Helen’s): Secret speakeasy vibes

• Sandpiper: Classic dive with live music

• Marine Room: A little more upscale, still vibey

• Brussels Bistro: Underground Euro dance party energy

• The Cliff: Outdoor live music + stunning ocean views

Want something quieter? Grab dessert and a decaf coffee at a patio café on Forest Ave or treat yourself to a scoop from Gelato Paradiso—you’ll smell it before you see it, trust me ;)

Seabutter Thalia Street, Beach Adolfos

Saturday: Sunshine Day

Morning: Sunrise Hikes + Farmers Market

Start the day with a scenic hike:

• Easy & breezy: Fire Trails

• Canyon adventure: Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park

• Epic ocean views: Valido Trail (South) or Dartmoor Trail (North)

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Then stroll through the Laguna Beach Farmers Market (521 Forest Ave) for local produce, flowers, and handmade goods.

Laguna Fire Trails Laguna Canyon

Brunch (all walkable from the market!):

• Anastasia Café: 460 Ocean Ave - I love their coffees and omelets - If you’re looking for an instagrammable dish order the fruit salad that comes served in a pineapple!!

• Zinc Café:  350 Ocean Ave - I love absolutely everything - so many options and you can’t go wrong with any of them. My favorite is their dirty iced chais.

• Kitchen in the Canyon: 845 Laguna Canyon Rd - such an underrated spot - their food is absolutely delicious and the coffees are unmatched - this is a bit of a drive down the canyon from the farmers market

  
  

Afternoon: Shop, Sun, Repeat

• Hit the shops on Forest Avenue. Personal faves: Tuvalu, Stitch and Feather, Hobie, Art for the Soul.

• Spend time at your accommodation, a local hotel through Resort Pass, or at the beach

• Spend the afternoon at the beach doing whatever activities fill you - I love laying in the sand tanning with a good book and good company. Some of my favorite beaches in Laguna are

Favorite Beaches & Nearby Eats:

• Crescent Beach → Jan’s Health Bar, Asada

• Diver’s Cove → Urth Café, Las Brisas

• Table Rock Beach → Coyote Grill, Neapolitan, Papa’s Tacos, Abha

• West Street Beach → Same great spots as Table Rock!

Dinner & Nightlife:

Refer back to Friday’s dinner + nightlife list & try a new combo! If you still haven’t made it to Starfish, it’s a must!

Sunday: Slow Down & Soak It In

Morning: Wander + ExploreStart your day with a neighborhood walk or a beach stroll. I personally love exploring the streets of a neighborhood admiring houses, views, and pretty flowers/landscapes.

If you don't know where to start your walk, park in any of these cross streets and wander through the neighbors, you won't be disappointed!

• Diamond Street & Ocean Way (North Laguna)

• Catalina Street & Brooks Street (Central Laguna)

• Monterey Street & Catalina Avenue (South Laguna)

  
  

If you’re a reader, check out my little free library google pin guide. 

Coffee Spots I Love: Bear Coast, Zinc, Heidelberg, Jedidiah

Lunch:For the best tacos ever stop at a family owned staple in Laguna, Adolfos. The shrimp tacos are life-changing.

After lunch you can squeeze in one last beach day. If you are in more of a shopping mood, head towards Oak street for more boutique shopping. My favorites are Laguna Exchange, The Shop, Twig, Business & Pleasure - if you have room for second lunch or a sweet treat, stop at Active Culture for a bowl, frozen yogurt, or smoothie

Afternoon:

Unwind at the beach, or treat yourself to a dreamy poolside afternoon with ResortPass one last time. Then pack up with a sun-kissed glow and full heart.

Dinner (last hurrah!):Revisit a favorite or try something new - treat yourself as you cheers to a beautiful weekend in Laguna Beach