Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Laguna Beach with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Laguna Beach on the map
📍 Where Laguna Beach is
Laguna Beach sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~11 mi / 17 km). It's roughly 44 mi (71 km) from Downtown LA and 67 mi (108 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Laguna Beach
Heisler Park & Laguna Tide Pools
Clifftop gardens above protected coves with some of the most accessible tide pools in OC, plus a marine-life refuge. The park is named for Howard Heisler, whose Laguna Company bought this stretch of coast from the Irvine Company in 1905, and it now sits within a protected marine reserve where touching or collecting sea life is prohibited. Look for hermit crabs, anemones, and the occasional octopus in the rocks below the bluffs.
Free (paid street parking)
Aliso Beach Park
A flat, sandy cove with a creek mouth kids love to dam and splash in, plus fire rings and a playground steps from the water. Aliso Creek runs across the sand into the surf here, though the water can carry runoff after rain, so it's best for dam-building rather than swimming. The city added wood-burning fire rings on the sand in recent years, making it a popular sunset bonfire spot too.
Metered parking
Main Beach Park
Downtown Laguna's central beach — sand volleyball courts, half basketball courts and a playground right on the boardwalk, steps from the shops and restaurants on Forest Ave. Since 1955, it's hosted the Laguna Open, the oldest beach volleyball tournament in the world, and the playground's climbing structure is modeled after the city's landmark lifeguard tower next door.
Free beach; metered/paid parking nearby
Treasure Island Beach & Montage Tide Pools
Manicured bluff gardens and a ramp down to a gentle cove with rich tide pools — accessible, beautiful, and free to enjoy. The beach takes its name from the 1934 film adaptation of "Treasure Island," which was filmed on this stretch of coast, and it now sits just below the Montage Laguna Beach resort. Tide pools here hold starfish, hermit crabs, and sea anemones, though collecting anything from them is prohibited.
Free (paid garage)Farmers markets in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Certified Farmers' Market
Year-round market in the Old Lumberyard lot by City Hall — great produce before a beach day.
Festivals & annual events in Laguna Beach
What Laguna Beach is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Hospitality Night & Tree Lighting (Laguna Beach)
Downtown closes for a holiday block party with school-band and community performances, crafts in the Peppertree Lot, an art market, cider and cookies, and Santa lighting the tree at 6:10pm. Santa then hears kids' wishes at his Beach House from 6:30–9pm. Tip: streets close at 3pm, so use the free trolley, which runs 4–11pm.
Free
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
The Sawdust grounds in Laguna Canyon reopen for winter weekends as a handcrafted holiday village with artist booths, craft demonstrations and seasonal music. Separately ticketed from the summer festival.
See site for admission (ticketed)
Aladdin & Yasmin's Winter Wish (Laguna Playhouse holiday panto)
The Lythgoe Family's holiday panto retells Aladdin with pop songs, comedy and big dance numbers at the Laguna Playhouse (606 Laguna Canyon Rd). Family Holiday Party pre-show events are offered on opening day. Tip: the page does not list per-show times, so check the ticket portal for matinee slots.
Ticketed; prices on Laguna Playhouse site
The Adventures of Tortoise & Hare (Lightwire Theater)
Lightwire Theater tells the classic fable with glowing electroluminescent-wire puppets and music, suitable for all ages. Three Family Party pre-show events run around the performance. Tip: the site lists only the Family Party start times, so confirm show times when you buy.
Ticketed; call 949-497-2787 or see site
Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade
A volunteer-run parade of nearly 60 years through downtown Laguna Beach with school bands, scout troops, classic cars and local honorees. About two hours, street-only.
The 59th annual (Mar 14, 2026) has passed; 2027 not yet posted
Sawdust Art Festival
A woodsy Laguna Canyon village of 200+ artist booths with glassblowing demos, hands-on art classes, and kids' activities under the trees.
Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters
A juried fine-art show paired with the famous 'living pictures' Pageant where actors recreate masterpieces — a uniquely SoCal night out.
Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival
A Laguna Beach Chamber tasting event where dozens of local restaurants serve small plates alongside live music. A ticketed evening food festival, better suited to adults than young children.
Local restaurants in Laguna Beach
Husky Boy Burgers
Old-school 1950s roadside drive-in with burgers, tacos, and shakes.
Orange Inn
80+ year roadside cafe famous for date shakes and beachy breakfasts.
Zinc Cafe & Bar
The original 1988 Zinc — a vegetarian favorite with a garden patio.
Adolfo's Mexican Food
Family-owned counter-service Mexican gem for quick burritos.
Lost Pier Cafe
On-the-sand cafe at Aliso Beach with fish and chips and breakfast burritos.
Starfish Laguna
A chef-owned neighborhood spot blending California coastal and Asian flavors in downtown Laguna.
The Stand
A longtime local vegan counter (since 1975) with wholesome wraps, bowls, and smoothies kids can graze on.
Gelato Paradiso
Tiny alleyway gelateria making small-batch Italian gelato and sorbetto daily, a beloved Laguna dessert stop.
Local shops in Laguna Beach
AMENAH
Boho-chic boutique with ethically sourced clothing and exclusive artisan collaborations.
The Salt Horse
Sustainable, organic artisan goods that support local farms and the California community.
Art For The Soul
Gallery-shop of one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, and stone pieces, much by local artists.
Laguna Supply
Lifestyle shop carrying locally made pottery and one-of-a-kind goods.
Laguna Coast Pottery
Working pottery studio and shop with handmade ceramics and a ceramics-for-everyone ethos.
Tuvalu Home
Corner home-decor shop with driftwood furnishings, coffee-table books, pillows, and candles.
Simple Laguna
High-end men's and women's clothing specializing in Italian and German brands.
Fawn Memories
Quirky gift shop full of accessories, stationery, and colorful keepsakes.
Main Beach Toys
Independent toy store steps from Main Beach.
2Bella Boutique
Curated ready-to-wear in soft palettes and fluid lines.
Seasonal & outdoors near Laguna Beach
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Laguna Beach.
More Orange County family guides
Laguna Beach family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Laguna Beach with kids?
Family favorites in and around Laguna Beach include Heisler Park & Laguna Tide Pools, Aliso Beach Park, Main Beach Park and Treasure Island Beach & Montage Tide Pools. Our guide lists 4 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Laguna Beach?
Yes — free family spots near Laguna Beach include Heisler Park & Laguna Tide Pools and Treasure Island Beach & Montage Tide Pools. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Laguna Beach?
Local, family-friendly spots in Laguna Beach include Husky Boy Burgers, Orange Inn, Zinc Cafe & Bar and Adolfo's Mexican Food, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Laguna Beach guide cover?
Our Laguna Beach family guide includes 4 things to do, 8 local eats, 10 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Book Laguna Beach tours & tickets
Bookable via Viator · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)Bookable experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and tours in Laguna Beach — reserved through Viator.
Free cancellationLaguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings
Free cancellationLaguna Beach Backroads Electric Bike Tour
Free cancellation1.5 Hour Surf Lesson in Laguna Beach
Free cancellationLaguna Beach Kayak Tour with Sea Lion Viewing
Where to stay in Laguna Beach
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Laguna Beach on one map — then book on your favorite site.