Laguna Beach Travel Guide: Main Beach, Views & Cafés
A Resort as Beautiful as Paradise: Laguna Beach
When you hear “beach” in America—or in California—what spots come to mind?
Even just around Los Angeles, there are countless famous and popular beaches like Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu.
For Beach Feature Vol. 4!! we’ll introduce Laguna Beach, an ultra-popular shore in Orange County, right next door to Los Angeles!
1. What Is Laguna Beach?
Laguna Beach was once called “Lagonas” (“lakes”) by the Indigenous peoples, and today it’s a coastal city in Orange County, California.
It sits about an hour’s drive (roughly 53 miles) south of LAX along the coast and, thanks to its safety and beautiful cityscape, is a popular resort area among the well-to-do.
Orange County may feel less familiar than Los Angeles County, yet Anaheim—home to Disneyland and Angel Stadium—is actually one of the cities located in Orange County!
2. The Busiest Spot: Main Beach
Main Beach is the liveliest area of Laguna Beach and draws the most visitors!
Despite the buzz, it’s still less crowded than well-known beaches like Venice or Santa Monica, so you can relax in comfort.
Whether you swim in the ocean, play with your dog on the sand, lie on the lawn, or sit on a bench reading a book—there are countless ways to enjoy yourself!
My top tip is to watch the sunset while enjoying a gelato from nearby Dolce Gelato!
Eating rich, delicious ice cream against a stunning backdrop is an unforgettable experience.
The area is also packed with souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés, so you’re sure to discover a new favorite spot!
3. Top of the World — A Hilltop View Over Laguna Beach
This hidden-gem park lets you take in Laguna Beach from high up in the hills!
The dramatic name “Top of the World” is as unique as it is fun.
There’s a trail that’s perfect for a walk or a bike ride, just about an eight-minute drive from Main Beach!
The park also has restrooms, so you can linger as long as you like with no worries.
4. Ocean-View Restaurant: The Cliff Laguna Beach
With countless high-rating Google reviews, this restaurant lets you enjoy delicious food on the terrace while gazing out over a stunning beach!
I tried the staff-recommended fish tacos: juicy fish packed with fresh veggies and a rich, flavorful sauce—an unbeatable combo.
On a clear day, sipping freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice while overlooking the beach is highly recommended!
Weekends can be especially crowded, so it’s best to join the waitlist online in advance for peace of mind.
5. Picturesque Victoria Beach
A hidden gem known only to insiders, Victoria Beach lies about 2.2 miles south of Main Beach!
It features a mysterious “Pirate Tower,” now a favorite photo spot.
You can capture incredibly stylish shots here, so if you have extra time in Laguna Beach, be sure to stop by!
6. Perfect for a Stroll! Treasure Island Beach
This is another hidden-gem beach, and—as you can see in our Instagram photos—its pristine shoreline is truly captivating!
A well-maintained walking path makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll around the area.
If you head down to the sand, you can even climb the rocks and explore during low tide!
Because it’s relatively uncrowded, you can enjoy a relaxed beach walk at your own pace!
See our Instagram post for breathtaking shots of this peaceful beach paradise!
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7. Organic Café: Urth Caffé Laguna Beach
Urth Caffé is a hugely popular chain with multiple locations, and the Laguna Beach branch is also a must-try!
Here you can enjoy organic coffee and delicious dishes.
This time I ordered the French toast: fluffy slices topped with refreshing fruit, luxuriously rich cream, and plenty of crunchy walnuts—truly decadent and delicious!
The sweetness wasn’t overpowering, and I polished it off in no time!
Check our Instagram for mouth-watering photos of this amazing French toast!
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8. Beachside Café: Lost Pier Cafe
Lost Pier Cafe, located about 3 miles south of Main Beach, lets you dine while enjoying the sweeping beach views right in front of you!
The must-try dish is the Tuna Poke Bowl—generously drizzled with a mildly spicy mayo that’s downright addictive!
The salad, loaded with fresh veggies, features pickled onions whose sweet-and-tangy kick adds a delightful accent and tastes fantastic.
Be sure to stop by before or after your beach adventures!
See our Instagram post featuring this incredible poke bowl and oceanfront dining experience!
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9. In Conclusion
Laguna Beach is packed with hidden gems, delicious restaurants and cafés, and stunning shorelines!
While bustling beaches like Santa Monica or Venice are lively and fun,
if you prefer a leisurely beach stroll, I recommend adding Orange County’s beaches to your travel list!
Be sure to discover your own favorite beach or spot.
Orange County has many other attractive beaches, too—check out the rest of our posts on Instagram!
Follow us on Instagram @frontier_ecodrive for more hidden gems and travel inspiration throughout Orange County!
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