Family-Friendly Things to Do in Laguna Beach
Last updated on August 31, 2026
Looking for the best things to do in Laguna Beach, California?
Located in Orange County, Laguna Beach is one of Southern California’s premier destinations. With its beautiful beaches and myriad of kid-friendly activities, Laguna Beach is a great place to visit on a family beach vacation.
From the many beaches to challenging hiking trails, water activities and art galleries galore, you’ll find it easy to spend a few days in this charming beach town. Visiting Laguna Beach is truly one of the top things to do in Orange County.
Here are the best things to do in Laguna Beach, from a Southern California local who visits this beautiful coastal destination often.
10 Top Laguna Beach Activities
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! As a Southern California local, 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 Laguna Beach beach, as it is located right in the center of town. As with most of the area’s beaches, get there early for your best spot at finding good parking.
Some of the more popular family-friendly beaches in Laguna Beach include Aliso Beach, Main Beach, Thousand Steps Beach, Picnic Beach, and Treasure Island Beach. 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. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
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, starfish, and other sea 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. Check Out the Local Arts 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.
7. Enjoy Pageant of the Masters
When it comes to things to do in Laguna Beach, 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.
8. 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.
9. 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, especially for younger travelers.
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. Kids will love imagining pirate stories and adventures while you snap a few memorable photos.
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 in Laguna Beach.
10. 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.
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.
The laid-back coastal vibe of Laguna Beach 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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We lived in Laguna Beach for most of 2020 and LOVED it. I loved having the kids there; we met so many great people and had easy access to art… it’s EVERYWHERE! I loved being somewhere that incorporated art so much in its culture and daily life. This is a great list; so excited to go back… hopefully for good! -Linzey @thefamilyfuntour