Laguna Beach is a premier destination in California, its coast lined by luxurious hotels and resorts. This beach town is frequented by vacationers, especially during summer when the Pacific breeze is most welcoming. Imagine laying down on the beach with the crashing sounds of the waves singing some sort of lullaby as the sun shares its warmth. If that’s not pure bliss, it might be heaven.
Though famous for its posh resorts, this seaside city is not all about expensive destinations. Having a sunkissed Californian vacay is for everyone, after all. Here’s how to enjoy an escapade in Laguna Beach without breaking the bank.
Planning The budget-friendly Visit to laguna beach
This Orange County town is accessible via the Pacific Coast Highway 1 – driving on this scenic route is a tour on its own. Laguna Beach is just 25 minutes away from John Wayne Airport, making the paradise easy to reach. Summer is peak season, so it's recommended to visit the place after Labor Day and as winter and spring approach.
- The visitors center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Metered parking is enforced daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dogs are allowed on city beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from June 15 to September 10, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sept. 11 to Jun. 14.
Where To find an affordable stay in laguna beach
Many hotels dot the city, and some cheapskates might have a field day looking for affordable ones. Fret not! For those with a tight budget, here are some hotels to consider.
Art Hotel Laguna Beach
This hotel is perfectly located along the North Pacific Coast Highway, so visitors can expect spectacular ocean views when staying here. It’s near popular destinations, especially Crescent Bay Beach. Art Hotel Laguna Beach is like the center of paradise.
- Depending on the season, room rates range from $200 to $250. They have pet-friendly rooms (single king bed, balcony-side, two-queen bed).
- Check-in time is 3 p.m., while check-out is 11 a.m.
- The hotel offers a free walking tour for guests and free trolley services around town.
- The hotel also has electric bike rentals.
Laguna Beach Lodge
Just five minutes away from Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach Lodge is a home away from home. Visitors should expect magnificent views of the sea when booking a visit and enjoy its modern rooms that spell relaxation.
- Depending on the season, room rates range from $299 to $429. They have king-bed rooms with ocean views.
- Check-in time is 4 p.m., while check-out is 11 a.m.
- The hotel boasts of its standard deep cleaning to ensure the safety of the guests.
- It has a heated saltwater pool, and they are proud of their fast Wi-Fi (but who needs that in paradise?).
Tides Laguna Beach
Affordability is the name of the game in Tides Laguna Beach, and comfort is not sacrificed even with their cheap price tag. Located three blocks away from Main Beach, this downtown hotel is all about budget and beauty.
- Depending on the season, room rates start from $149. They have 21 queen-bed, king-bed, double-bed, and extra-long-bed rooms (some pet-friendly).
- Check-in time is 3 p.m., while check-out is at noon.
- Each room has its own unique decoration, while others have a kitchenette.
Places To Visit in laguna beach that are affordable
The whole town is a tourist attraction, but here are some landmarks that are filled with sunkissed surprises.
Crescent Bay Beach
Whatever the season, it’s always busy on this beach. It’s the perfect spot to hang ten or just enjoy the sights and sounds of the splashing waves. The beach is famous for skimboarding and body surfing, or body whomping, as the locals call it.
- Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- During low tide, beachgoers can check out tide pools. They should keep their eyes peeled for some critters.
- When the swell is inviting, tourists can try surfing or bodyboarding.
- When the water is mellow, anyone can busy themselves underwater with snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddling are perfect for laid-back visitors who still want to break a sweat.
Diver's Cove
Another destination that offers sandy surprises, the Diver’s Cove –if not yet obvious – is a scuba diver’s and snorkeler’s best friend. This 300-meter-long downtown beach is not short on wonders.
- Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Divers are in for a treat because underwater, they can meet some sea stars, purple urchins, lobsters, garibaldis, kelp bass, and other marine friends.
- When the waves are high, tourists can try their hands at body surfing or bodyboarding.
- Kayaking and tide pool watching is perfect bonding moments in this cove.
Treasure Island Beach
No pirates here, only treasures. It’s a beachcomber’s office space, thanks to its long stretch of beach. Treasure Island Beach is famous for its pristine sand Up north, the rock outcroppings that block the waves create a perfect spot for snorkeling.
- Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- The area is manned by Montage Resort staff, so tourists should expect quality service and clean amenities.
- Tourists can visit Treasure Island Beach Park at the southern end of the beach.
- Beyond the large rock, outcroppings lie the Middle Man’s Cove, a hidden beach perfect for some 'me time.'
Aliso And Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Located in the nearby Laguna Niguel, this park is a mish-mash of natural wonders: a grassland, coastal canyons, and a riparian zone. Wherever the eyes look, it’s pure bliss.
- Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.
- This wildlife sanctuary has scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean, a perfect view while hiking, biking, picnicking, or horseback riding.
- The place is brimming with wildlife like sycamores, the endemic hummingbird sage, coyotes, bobcats, steelheads, and more.
Main Beach
As the name suggests, Main Beach is where the party is. This iconic destination is the most-visited in the city and is dubbed as a "must visit" beach, not just in the state, but in the country. Here, it’s not always about the place, but the people.
- Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Aside from the usual body surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, SUP, scuba diving, and snorkeling, tourists can also busy themselves with basketball and volleyball.
- There's a grassy park for some picnics, a boardwalk for those who want to break a sweat, and public art installations for the creatives.
Things To Do in laguna beach that won't break the bank
Aside from the usual beach activities, tourists can also enjoy hiking and biking in some of the area's outdoor destinations, like the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Museums and art galleries also welcome those with a creative soul. How about a wellness tour for some zen? Another must-do is whale watching, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the family.
Thank you, Laguna Beach, for being there. From the city proper to its outskirts to the Pacific, this town is all about sunny surprises. Starting the day and capping it off in this Californian paradise is always filled with memories – even on a tight budget. People can complete their bucket lists in Laguna Beach.