5 Ways to Tour Laguna Beach; Five for 5

Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do in Laguna Beach. This fifth and final story will be about how to tour Laguna Beach.

FLAVORS OF LAGUNA BEACH

On this two-hour culinary walking tour, you will literally get a taste of Laguna Beach and see why our beachside town is becoming a foodie destination. The Flavors of Laguna tour is a MUST DO for both locals and visitors. Along with the fantastic food you get to sample, you'll receive a mini history lesson on one of the oldest cities in Orange County. Each tour is different and Flavors of Laguna will gladly customize a tour for your group. Read more about this tasty tour here. 

Need to Know:

Flavors of Laguna

949-464-8830

Year-round tours available

On Facebook 

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING TOURS

See Laguna Beach's most spectacular residents, our marine mammals, on a whale/dolphin watching tour. Since Laguna is a protected marine environment, our shores are teeming with sea life like no other spot in Southern California. In fact, we have the highest population of dolphins off our coast than anywhere in the US (more than Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean combined!) While on the tour, you're almost guaranteedto see dolphins, sea lions, and may even get a look at some of the more elusive whales or sunfish (read more about these huge prehistoric looking fish here). Tours are family-friendly and run year-round, but if you want to maximize your chance of seeing the whale migration, book your tour between May and October for the Blue Whales and November through April for the Gray Whales.

Need to Know:

CaptainDave's Dolphin & Whale Safari 

DanaWharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 

NewportLanding 

Prices vary

LAGUNA BEACH WALKS

Want to get some exercise, see the sights and learn about Laguna Beach?  Laguna Beach Walks will give you all that, and more.  Janelle Naess, a local resident, tour guide and founder of Laguna Beach Walks, will escort you and your group around Laguna Beach during her two-hour walking tour. She provides interesting historical facts throughout the tour as you see historical landmarks and breathtaking sights and pieces of public art. Laguna is filled with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Need to Know:

Laguna Beach Walks

949-533-0889

Be sure to book your tickets in advance

On Facebook 

LA VIDA LAGUNA KAYAK TOUR

See Laguna from its most stunning vantage point, the Pacific Ocean. Your tour will begin with a lesson from a trained professional before you push off from Fisherman's Cove to explore the coastline. On your tour you'll be treated to sweeping views of hidden coves, the abundant life in and around a kelp forests and even a colony of sea lions on Laguna's famed Seal Rock. Tours are just over an hour and are suitable for kids as young as three. La Vida Laguna also offers paddle board and surf lessons, bike rentals and customized eco adventures.

Need to Know:

La Vida Laguna

949-275-7544

On Facebook

LOCA (Laguna Outreach for Community Arts)

Tour Laguna Beach in a non-traditional way; through your paintbrush and easel. Laguna Outreach for Community Arts, also known as LOCA, is a unique non-profit organization that advocates hands-on art education for all ages. Through a network of dedicated volunteers and artists, LOCA offers several mini art retreats for all ages and skill levels. From one-day programs exploring tide pools (http://lagunabeachinfo.blogspot.com/2011/04/art-sea-adventure.html) and using water colors to paint sea stars, to weekend retreats exploring art through a variety of mediums, LOCA offers something for everyone.

Need to Know:

LOCA

Easy to book online 

Custom retreats available

On Facebook 

By Anne-Marie S.

5 Outdoor Activities to do in Laguna Beach; Five for 5

Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do in Laguna Beach. This fourth story will be about some of the outdoor activities to enjoy in Laguna.

MAIN BEACH FUN

Main Beach is the hub of activity with people passing by on the boardwalk and relaxing on the beach. Main Beach is truly the heart of Laguna and offers several FREE and fun activities. Pick up a game of basketball on the courts that are steps from the sand, or jump down in the sand and enjoy a game of beach volleyball. Skip down to the water's edge and swim or body surf in the refreshing Pacific Ocean. Whatever youchoose, Main Beach has something for you.

Need to Know:

Parking along PCH and Ocean Ave. Make sure to have money for meters

Beach is open 5am to 1am year round

CANYON HIKES

Laguna has more than 20,000 acres of land designated as a wildlife sanctuary. The preserved land is in and around the canyon, off Highway 133, and stretches out nearly to the shores of the Pacific. Here you can find thousands of miles of trails to explore that transport you out of the ‘city feel’ and into a diverse wilderness oasis. The Laguna Canyon Foundation sponsors a variety of guided hikes that cover topics from how the indigenouspeople of the area lived, to the native horticulture and animallife found in the area.

Need to Know:

Laguna Canyon Foundation

Recommended $2 donation

Parking $3

For full listing of events and to RSVP click HERE.

SURFING AND PADDLE BOARDING

It's no secretthat Laguna Beach has an amazing coastline that draws millions of visitors each year to its shores. One of the most popular activities is grabbing a board and harnessing the pour of the ocean for a thrilling ride. On any given day, you’ll see surfers, body boarders, skim boarders and paddle boarders in the water. Laguna Beach is home to the innovation of skim boarding back in the ‘20s when lifeguards used driftwood to skim and jump the waves. With many coves offering calm waters, Laguna Beach is a popular spot for paddle boarders. If you'renew to the sport of surf, there are several local companies that offer lessons and board rentals.

Need to Know:

SUP 

La Vida Laguna 

For a rundown of the best surf, paddle, skim boarding spots click HERE. 

 SNORKELING AND DIVING

Get below the ocean’s surface and take a dive into its depths to view sea life. In the early morning hours, you'll often see local scuba divers at Diver's Cove, named such for the excellent diving spot. Another popular spot is Cleo Street Beach that has a shipwreck 200 yards offshore that divers enjoy exploring. Treasure Island with its unique rock formations and tide pools is another fantastic spot for snorkelers.

Need to Know:

Be sure to check tide tables and water conditions before heading out.

Beaches are open 5am to 1am year round

MOUNTAIN BIKING

With a myriad of trails that traverse the changing terrain of Laguna, mountain bikers have found a reason to keep returning to Laguna Beach. From the highest point at 'Top of the World,' attracting downhill bikers to the steep climbs, coupled with the rocky terrain of El Moro, which entice  expert cross-country riders. Willow and Big Bend are popular staging areas for the beginner to intermediate rider. No matter the trail you choose to ride, you'll surely be treated to gorgeous canyon and ocean views.

Need to Know:

Check OC Parks for trail conditions and information

Remember bikes must yield to hikers on all trails.

By Anne-Marie S.