Last updated on May 23rd, 2026
Looking for fun things to do in Laguna Beach with kids? I’ve got you covered!
Located about 70 miles north of San Diego, Laguna Beach is one of Southern California’s most stunning destinations and a great destination for a beach getaway.
A visit to this idyllic coastal town can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be. There are so many amazing Laguna Beach things to do with kids; it is literally one of my favorite places in Orange County!
From the many beaches to its low-key downtown area, water activities, and art galleries galore, you’ll find it easy to spend a few days in this charming beach town. I’ve created this guide to help you find the best fun, memorable, and family-friendly Laguna Beach things to do.
Things to Do in Laguna Beach with Kids
Laguna Beach is in a word – iconic. Besides being absolutely breathtaking, there are so cool activities you can try. Here’s a guide to the many wonderful things to do in Laguna Beach with (or without!) kids, from a Southern California local who visits often.
To make planning your visit even easier, we’ve broken this list down into two sections: coastal experiences and things to do downtown.
Beaches, Nature & Coastal Experiences
1. Spend Time at the Beaches in Laguna Beach
If you are visiting Laguna Beach or anywhere along the coast in Orange County, you’re going to want to spend some time at the beach! We’ve spent plenty of time at the shore and I can say from personal experience that Laguna Beach is one of the best and most scenic areas to enjoy the surf and sand.
Laguna Beach has some of the most picturesque beaches in all of Southern California. With seven miles of coastline, spending time at the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Laguna Beach with kids.
Bring your chairs and a beach blanket and find the perfect spot to lounge in the sun and play in the waves. Its gorgeous cliffside location makes the beaches of Laguna Beach one of the most scenic spots to spend a day.
Main Beach is probably the most popular beaches in Laguna Beach, as it is located right in the center of town. As is the rule of thumb with most of the area’s beaches, get there early for your best spot at finding good parking.
Laguna Beach is an ideal swimming destination. First of all, there’s almost always calm water to be found at one beach or another. Second, the bodysurfing breaks are some of the best in the nation. And third, the city’s lifeguards are well trained, rigorous, and happy to guide visitors. It’s a pretty wonderful combination for anyone eager to swim.
Laguna Beach Beaches
Here is a list of beaches in Laguna Beach with links for more information about each one!
- Aliso Beach
- Agate Street Beach
- Brooks Street Beach
- Christmas Cove
- Cleo Street Beach
- Crescent Bay Beach
- Diver’s Cove
- Fisherman’s Cove
- Main Beach
- Moss Cove
- Mountain Street Beach
- Oak Street Beach
- Picnic Beach
- Rockpile Beach
- Shaw’s Cove
- Sleepy Hollow Beach
- St. Ann’s Beach
- Thalia Street Beach
- Thousand Steps
- Treasure Island
- Totuava
- Victoria Beach
- Woods Cove
All Laguna Beach beaches are open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Some of the more popular family-friendly beaches in Laguna Beach include Aliso Beach, Main Beach, Picnic Beach, and Treasure Island Beach.
Thousand Steps Beach is also wonderful, but as the name suggests there are a lot of steps to get down to the sand, so probably best to avoid if you have a stroller or a lot of gear.
Traveling with furry friend? Laguna Beach is dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed on city beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. in the summer season, and all day the rest of the year.
You also might want to check out Crystal Cove State Beach, on the north end of town up Pacific Coast Highway, bordering Corona del Mar and Newport Beach. With its expansive, white sand beach and endless ocean views, Crystal Cove State Park is one of the most beautiful places on the Pacific coast and our personal favorite beach in Laguna.
2. Try Out Ocean Kayaking
Laguna Beach offers many options for open ocean kayaking tours, for all levels of expertise. I was surprised by how easy it is to row on the ocean and also by how many young kids were doing it. The calm waters of Laguna Beach are ideal for kayaking in the sea.
La Vida Laguna also offers both kayaking and surfing lessons and rentals.
Traveling with young kids? Special kayaks let little ones sit safely in the middle while two grown-ups (or an older sibling) do the paddling. You can also try out stand-up paddle boarding, skim boarding, or surfing.
3. Stroll Through Heisler Park
If you’re looking for one of the most scenic (and easy!) ways to experience Laguna Beach with kids, head to Heisler Park. Perched on the bluffs just above the shoreline, this beautifully maintained park offers paved walking paths, grassy picnic areas, and panoramic ocean views at every turn.
Heisler Park is especially great for younger kids thanks to its wide paths and open spaces where they can safely roam. Along the way, you’ll find public art installations, benches for taking in the view, and staircases that lead down to nearby coves if you want to explore further.
It’s also one of the best places in Laguna Beach for a casual picnic; grab takeout from downtown and enjoy lunch with a view. Heisler Park is an ideal spot for families who want to enjoy the coastline without committing to a full beach day.
Another bonus? The park is centrally located and within walking distance of Main Beach and downtown shops, making it an easy addition to your day.
Throughout May and early June, you can enjoy Sunset Serenades at Heisler Park Rockpile Amphitheater. Held on Friday evenings, these free outdoor concerts combine live music with stunning ocean views and colorful sunsets over the Pacific.
4. Go Snorkeling in Laguna Beach
Snorkeling is one of the most underrated (and memorable) things to do in Laguna Beach with kids – especially for families with older children or teens. Thanks to its clear water and protected marine areas, Laguna Beach offers some of the best snorkeling in Southern California. You’ll find calm coves, rocky reefs, and an abundance of marine life, including bright orange garibaldi (California’s state fish) and sea stars.
Some of the best snorkeling spots include Shaw’s Cove, Treasure Island Beach, and Crystal Cove State Park. These areas are part of marine protected zones, which helps preserve sea life and makes for a more vibrant underwater experience.
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For beginners or families with younger kids, sticking close to shore on a calm day is key, and always check conditions before heading out.
If you don’t have your own gear, it’s easy to rent snorkels, masks, and wetsuits locally. Outfitters like La Vida Laguna offer rentals as well as guided snorkeling and kayaking tours, which can be a great option if you’re new to the activity or want a more educational experience.
5. Explore the Laguna Beach Tidepools
One of the most interesting things to do in Laguna Beach is check out the tidepools. The shoreline is dotted with them!
Tidepools are a habitat for tiny marine life, including shore crabs, snails, anemones, sea stars, and other creatures. Kids will love observing these wonderful creatures in their natural environment.
But remember, the tide pools are protected wildlife habitats, so please don’t touch! (Photographs however are totally encouraged and make great souvenirs.)
Where can you find the tidepools? You’ll often be able to spot them on the beach at Treasure Island, Main Beach, and the Heisler Park area. Find out more about tidepool ecology at the Laguna Ocean Foundation website.
6. See the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach Pirate Tower
Tucked along the sand at Victoria Beach, the Pirate Tower is one of Laguna Beach’s most unique and whimsical sights – and it’s a huge hit with kids. This 60-foot stone tower looks like something straight out of a fairytale or pirate adventure, making it a fun “hidden gem” to seek out during your visit. It’s one of those spots that feels a little magical.
Originally built in the 1920s as a private staircase to the beach, the tower now stands as one of Laguna’s most photographed landmarks. While you can’t go inside, you can walk right up to it and explore the surrounding beach area.
Keep in mind that access to Victoria Beach requires a bit of effort, including a walk down from the residential neighborhood above, so it’s best suited for families with older kids or those comfortable with stairs. Visiting at low tide is ideal, as it gives you more space to explore the beach around the tower. If you’re up for a little adventure, this is a truly memorable stop.
7. Visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Say hello to seals and sea lions at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. This sanctuary and rehabilitation center is family friendly. Kids will love learning about the sanctuary’s ocean creature residents. Most of the seals and sea lions here are eventually released back into the wild.
8. Go Whale Watching
If you want to get out on the water, consider taking a whale watching cruise, another family friendly activity in Laguna Beach. Many of the best tours leave from nearby Dana Point. If the timing is right, whale watching is one of the best things to do in all of Orange County!
Whale watching off the coast of Laguna Beach is exceptional, and you will likely see gray whales in the winter, as well as dolphins! Gray whale migration reaches its peak from November through April and giant blue whales and finback whales from May through mid-October.
9. Take a Hike or Visit Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
When you’re ready for a break from the beach, take a hike at Laguna Canyon. This inland wilderness area is just minutes inland from the coast, and has lots of trails for all age and skill levels.
One of the best spots to hike and enjoy Laguna’s scenic vistas and natural landscapes is Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, a 7,000-acre wilderness park on the way to Laguna Canyon. The park offers lots of trail options for mountain biking, hiking, and even horseback riding.
Start off at the Nix Nature Center, and hike your way up to incredible views of bluffs and ocean vistas. You’ll find family friendly activities and workshops on the weekends at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Arts, Culture & Downtown Activities
10. Check Out the Local Arts & Dining Scene
One of the things Laguna Beach is famous for is its thriving art scene. There are more than 100 art galleries in downtown Laguna Beach, as well as many lovely shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels, all within walking distance of the beach.
Granted, kids may not love exploring the art galleries in town, but popping into one or two is a nice way to add a little culture to your family’s beach day!
Be sure to explore the Laguna Art Museum, which happens to be California’s oldest museum. The Laguna Art Museum not only showcases great art, but is focused on the unique history of Laguna Beach and art in California.
End your day exploring downtown Laguna Beach with dinner or a cocktail overlooking the ocean. There are an endless number of great restaurants in town and along the waterfront.
11. Go to the Pageant of the Masters
When it comes to unique Laguna Beach things to do, nothing is more iconic than the Pageant of the Masters.
One of the most unique productions in the world, the Pageant of the Masters re-creates famous works of art. It comes every summer to Laguna Beach, as part of the Festival of Arts. Watch art come to life right before your eyes in an outdoor amphitheater under the stars. For tickets and information, visit foapom.com.
12. Ride the Free Trolley
Here’s a wonderful perk you’ll find in the summer months! Laguna Beach offers free rides aboard the open-air Laguna Beach Trolley. Not only is the beach trolley convenient for getting around town, but it is fun, too!
13. Visit the Laguna Beach Butterfly and Fairy Garden
Looking for a hidden gem that younger kids will absolutely love? Stop by the Laguna Beach Library and explore the enchanting Laguna Beach Butterfly and Fairy Garden. This whimsical 1,800-square-foot garden is filled with tiny fairy houses, miniature scenes, flowers, and charming details tucked throughout the landscape.
If you are visiting Laguna Beach with kids, it’s a peaceful and imaginative stop that feels like stepping into a storybook!
The Butterfly and Fairy Garden is a great option for families with toddlers and younger children. Since it’s located right by the library, it’s also an easy activity to pair with story time, browsing books, or simply enjoying a quieter part of Laguna Beach away from the beaches and crowds.
14. Enjoy an Ice Cream Cone
What visit to a beach town is complete without an ice cream cone or gelato? Laguna Beach is known for its handmade gelato, and you can find it at many shops within walking distance to the beach. So grab an afternoon snack on your way back to the car or your hotel.
15. Visit the Laguna Beach Certified Farmers’ Market
If you’re visiting Laguna Beach on a Saturday morning, make time for the Certified Farmers’ Market downtown. Held weekly from 8 a.m. to noon at the Lumberyard parking lot, this popular community market is a fun way to experience the local side of Laguna Beach while picking up fresh food and handmade goods.
Local farmers and vendors sell everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to fresh flowers, baked breads, honey, gourmet snacks, and organic juices. It’s a great place to grab food for a beach picnic or simply stroll through while browsing the colorful booths.
The market operates rain or shine and is conveniently located within walking distance of many downtown shops, restaurants, and beaches.
Best Time to Visit Laguna Beach with Kids
Laguna Beach is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking to have!
Summer is the most popular season, and for good reason – warm weather, swimmable ocean temperatures, and the return of the free trolley make it an easy and fun time for families to explore. This is also when you’ll find iconic events like the Pageant of the Masters, along with a lively, energetic atmosphere throughout town.
Just be prepared for larger crowds and limited parking. (It’s an unfortunate truth and I’d be remiss not to say it twice!)
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in the fall – this is a bit of a hidden gem season in Southern California. September and October often bring some of the warmest water temperatures of the year, fewer crowds, and clear, sunny days. It’s an ideal time for beach days, tidepooling, and outdoor exploring without the peak summer rush.
Winter and spring also have their perks. Winter is prime time for whale watching, with gray whale migration passing right along the coast. Spring offers blooming wildflowers in the surrounding hills and comfortable weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
No matter when you visit, Laguna Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and family-friendly fun that makes it worth the trip any time of year.
Laguna Beach California at Christmas
I wanted to include a special section on Laguna Beach during the holiday season, because most people don’t think of visiting a beach town in December. But it is one of our favorite times to visit! Laguna Beach has tons of holiday offerings, events, and restaurant specials during the holiday season.
On weekends in November and December, trade the sand for snow at the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival. Shop for handcrafted gifts and art, and experience three entertainment stages, photos with Santa, winter themed art classes and demonstrations, a petting zoo, puppet shows, falling snow, carolers and more.
Catch a holiday show at the Laguna Playhouse, check out holiday decorations and Christmas trees on the beach, and don’t miss the Surfboard Menorah on display in Main Beach during the eight nights of Hanukkah. If you are visiting Orange County at Christmastime, make sure Laguna Beach is on your itinerary!
Final Thoughts: Visiting Laguna Beach with Kids
Laguna Beach is one of those rare destinations that truly offers something for everyone. Whether your ideal day includes relaxing on the sand, hiking coastal trails, or discovering the local art scene, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your itinerary.
Spending time in Laguna Beach is truly one of the top things to do in Orange County with kids. Its laid-back coastal vibe combined with its natural beauty makes it an easy and enjoyable place to visit with kids of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer coastal getaway, Laguna Beach is a destination that delivers. With a little planning, you’re sure to create lasting family memories along this beautiful stretch of the Southern California coast.
Save These Laguna Beach Activities for Later!
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