Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Laguna Beach with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
📍 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.
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.
Metered parkingTreasure 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.
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.
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
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.