Laguna Beach Outdoor Activities: Fun Ways to Play Together

Laguna Beach, California, offers a scenic escape in Orange County. The city sits between Los Angeles and San Diego, providing an ideal place for escaping the bustle of the big city. Plus, miles of beaches and protected wilderness provide visitors different places to enjoy these Laguna Beach outdoor activities. Scroll to learn more and find things to do.

Laguna Beach Outdoor Activities: Plan a New Adventure

Visit the Parks

Laguna Beach has dozens of parks and natural areas to explore, however two top the list.

Heisler Park is a large oceanfront park that provides access to beaches in Laguna Beach, including Main Beach and Picnic Beach. Visitors are welcome to hike and walk, see gardens, and spend time with loved ones. Other amenities include grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and greens for lawn bowling. Heisler Park also showcases art sculptures and has benches for photo ops.

Another top park in Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park measures over 2,400 acres of natural beauty. In fact, it’s one of the largest areas in Orange County that has open space with over 3 miles of beaches. Those visiting Crystal Cove State Park have several outdoor activities from which to choose, including mountain biking, scuba diving, swimming and surfing. Additionally, on-site guides host hikes, tidepool walks and educational info. For a piece of history, visit Crystal Cove State Park’s historic district, which features a seaside colony that dates to the 1930s.

Ride the Waves

Ever wanted to learn how to surf in Laguna Beach? Check out California Surf Experience, a top-rated surf school that offers overnight camps, lessons and private guides. Their focus is to provide a great experience while learning to ride the area’s famous waves.

California Surf Experience welcomes beginners to experts. The two-hour beginner lesson suits singles and couples. Experts can book the all-day surf adventure. In addition, California Surf Experience welcomes all ages and large groups, but please call ahead to ensure availability. Each lesson includes a beginner surfboard, wetsuit and bottled water.

Eco Tours

Those not ready to surf should check out La Vida Laguna. The company offers daily lessons and tours in Laguna Beach, including ocean kayak tours, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and walking tours and hikes.

Among the most popular eco-tours in the area, La Vida Laguna’s kayak tours last 1.5 hours and suit anyone who can swim. For something different, try a two-hour SUP lesson. Guests can sit, stand, kneel, and gently paddle their way to a sea lion sanctuary. All equipment is provided.

Sightseeing Tours

Hoffy Tours has provided fun, educational tours in California for over 30 years. Hosted by local resident, Bill Hoffman, the company has three tours for those interested in Laguna Beach sightseeing activities.

The 90-minute walking tour spotlights downtown Laguna Beach, Heisler Park and the Main Beach Boardwalk. Or enjoy a comfortable van ride on the 2.5-hour coast tour. This option covers more sites, such as Treasure Island Park and Crystal Cove State Park. The three-hour tour explores Nix Nature Center, Pacific Marine Mammal Center and Main Beach.

All guests receive bottled water, souvenir books, maps and guides to take home.

Laguna Beach Walks

Another locally owned tour option is Laguna Beach Walks, which offers free self-guided walks in Laguna Beach. Ideal for those short on time, Laguna Beach Walks has free maps and suggestions for the top stops in the area. Self-guided areas include Heisler Park, the downtown walk, fitness walk and hip district. The tour is so popular it ranked as the free tour everyone should take in Laguna Beach.

Feast Laguna

Love food? Then don’t miss Feast Laguna. This food tour ranks among the best Laguna Beach outdoor activities for adults over 21 and families with adolescents and teens.

Visitors will experience 3.5 hours of rich flavors, sample some of the best restaurants in Laguna Beach and learn history. The tour stops at several partner restaurants and includes a local guide. Tastings consist of smaller portions, and each person receives five to six tastings per tour. Adult-only and family-friendly options available.

ZOOMARS

Located 20 minutes from Laguna Beach, ZooMars offers old-fashioned fun in a safe environment. The attraction houses a large petting zoo, mini train, gem panning, playgrounds and pony rides for young children.

Even better, ZOOMARS is affordable. With a focus on farm animals, kids can meet ponies, llamas, pigs, goats, cows, alpaca and horses. Once children see animals, they can ride a train and pan for treasures, such as rubies and shark teeth.

Interested in visiting soon? Find a spacious Laguna Beach vacation rental.

Main photo: Jeffrey Eisen