Laguna Beach on TV and film

What this page covers, and what it leaves out

Laguna Beach shows up in two kinds of sources: records of films and shows made here, and the city’s rules for making new ones. This page uses the Laguna Beach Historical Society, NBC Los Angeles, MTV’s own show page and the city. It does not name private homes or street addresses, and it does not comment on people. Where a production’s filming spots are not in a reliable source, this page lists none.

Early films

The Historical Society’s timeline has a section called The Movies, in the 1910s. It records that a film called False Colors was shot in Laguna Beach in 1914, and the same entry names later productions and performers, among them Robinson Crusoe, Baby Peggy, Errol Flynn and Mary Pickford. The society gives no filming locations in that entry, so none appear here. For the town’s history before and after those years, see the history page and the landmarks page.

MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County

NBC Los Angeles says the series ran on MTV for three seasons, from 2004 to 2006, and followed its cast through high school in Laguna Beach. MTV’s own show page, as archived in 2015, carries episode guides for seasons 1 to 3. The Historical Society’s timeline records the same show, noting that local high school students were featured in it in 2004. NBC adds that The Hills, a spin-off, ran on MTV from 2006 to 2010.

In September 2025 the Roku Channel announced a two-hour reunion special, and NBC Los Angeles reported in April 2026 that it would premiere on April 10, 2026, with a present-day return to Laguna Beach.

None of these sources lists where episodes were shot, and this page does not either. People live in the houses and use the streets of this town, so a fan visit is best kept to public places such as Main Beach, whose boardwalk and sand are open to all. The beach has its own page with parking, hours and rules.

Rules for anyone who wants to film

The city’s Film & Photography Permits page (this page uses the version captured on October 4, 2026) says permits are required for motion picture, video and professional still photography on city property: parks, beaches, streets, sidewalks and buildings. The city does not issue film permits for private property or for County, State or School District property.

The city offers two permit types:

• Professional Still Photo Permit. For limited, single-camera shoots such as engagement photos, weddings, family portraits and holiday cards. As of October 2026 the fee is $100 for two hours, plus $50 for each added hour. From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend these permits cover only 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to sunset. The rest of the year they run from 7:30 a.m. to sunset, and none are issued after sunset. Applications must arrive at least two business days ahead.
• Commercial Photo Permit. For commercial photo, video and motion shoots. As of October 2026 the application fee is $150, plus a daily use fee the film permit page lists at $680 and the fee schedule effective July 1, 2026 lists at $715. The application lists several insurance requirements that must be met before a permit is issued, and it must reach the city at least three weeks before filming. The city does not issue commercial film permits from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The city says it does not currently offer a permit for engagement or proposal set-ups or luxury picnics. Applications are accepted Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays, and the page lists (949) 715-1104 for still permits and (949) 497-0716 for commercial permits. Fees and seasons can change, so confirm them with the city before you plan a shoot.

The city’s page does not say whether casual video on a phone needs a permit. If you are unsure, ask the permit office. Rules on drones are separate; see the beach rules page.

Films you can see in town

Laguna Beach also hosts the Coast Film & Music Festival, which presents adventure and documentary films and stories. The 2026 edition ran from October 16 to 25, with three nights of Irvine Bowl concerts on the closing weekend, and the festival had not posted 2027 dates when this page was checked. The festival describes its events as taking place across Laguna Beach. The event page covers passes and parking.

Outside festival dates, indoor options for a wet day are collected on the rainy day page and the performing arts page.