A weekend in Laguna Beach

Pick the weekend by the tide

The tide decides the order of Saturday and Sunday, so look it up first. NOAA publishes predictions for Newport Bay Entrance at Corona del Mar, about 7 miles up the coast and the nearest prediction station on its list. Laguna Ocean Foundation gives the level each pool needs: 2.5 feet or lower at Goff Island, Heisler Park, Shaws Cove, Treasure Island and Crescent Bay South, and 2 feet or lower at Crescent Bay North and Wood’s Cove. Its general guide says to aim for a low tide below +2.0 feet.

Put the lowest tide of the weekend on whichever morning it falls and swap the days below if you need to. If surf is high or a “Rocks closed” sign is up, skip the pools that day. The tide pools guide has the rules, and the city says the pools are part of the state’s marine protected area, so take nothing.

Thursday evening: the Art Walk, if it is a first Thursday

When the weekend starts on the first Thursday of the month, the First Thursdays Art Walk runs from 6 to 9 p.m. along Coast Highway and is free. Laguna Art Museum waives general admission during the same hours. The Art Walk page lists the stretch it covers. In 2027, the first Thursdays of March and April are March 4 and April 1.

Saturday morning: Treasure Island and Goff Island

Start south of downtown. Treasure Island Beach sits below Treasure Island Park, reached by ramps and stairs, and city parking is at the Wesley Drive garage and the surface lot beside Coast Highway. Laguna Ocean Foundation lists Treasure Island and Goff Island among its tide pool sites, with access to Goff Island from the ramp at the end of the park trail. If harbor seals are resting there, stay back at least 150 feet.

Check in with a lifeguard when you arrive. Marine Safety lifeguards work every day of the year, and the city says not every beach has one at all times.

Saturday midday: Main Beach and the boardwalk

Main Beach is farther up Coast Highway, on the trolley’s route. A boardwalk runs the length of the beach, with restrooms and showers at both ends. Heisler Park’s tide pools can be reached by the stairs in front of Las Brisas or by walking along Main Beach, per Laguna Ocean Foundation, so a low tide that runs into midday fits here.

Saturday afternoon: the galleries

Walk or ride to the galleries. The art galleries guide names the stretches along North Coast Highway and in the Village, and the shopping guide covers the districts. The city’s Coastal Route trolley connects North Laguna, downtown and South Laguna.

Saturday sunset: Heisler Park

Heisler Park is a bluff-top park on Cliff Drive. City parks close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., so there is time after dark. Look up the sunset time and arrive early; the sunset spots page lists other places that face the water.

Sunday morning: Shaw’s Cove and Crescent Bay

Head north. Shaw’s Cove has stairs from Cliff Drive opposite Fairview Street, and Laguna Ocean Foundation lists both its north and south sides at 2.5 feet or lower. Crescent Bay is reached by a ramp and stairs from Cliff Drive at Circle Way, and the city lists restrooms and outdoor showers there. Its north side needs the lower tide, 2 feet or lower. Wear shoes with grip: the city warns that rocks are dangerous and waves have swept beachgoers off their feet.

Sunday midday: the museum and the Village

Laguna Art Museum at 307 Cliff Drive is open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It has no parking lot, so use the Cliff Drive meters or arrive by trolley. For lunch, see restaurants in the Village.

Sunday sunset: Crescent Bay Point Park

Crescent Bay Point Park is the bluff overlook at the end of Crescent Bay Drive, open from 5 a.m. to midnight according to the city. The sunset spots page lists it with the other places that face the water.

Where to eat

For meals between the stops, see the breakfast and brunch, coffee and bakeries and oceanfront restaurants pages.

Getting around and parking

Park once and use the free trolley. On the city’s schedule for September 8, 2026 to June 25, 2027, the Coastal Route runs Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., every 20 to 30 minutes, with live tracking in the Laguna Beach Transit app. After June 25 the summer schedule applies; see the trolley guide. The parking guide covers lots and meters.