#nabtravels: 24 Hours in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is right next to Newport Beach so if you’re in Southern California driving the coast or passing through Orange County on your way to San Diego you should definitely consider stopping at this iconic city. If you only have 24 hours to explore, here’s a list of everything you should do…

where to go

Heisler Park is absolutely beautiful. It’s picture perfect everywhere you turn. The flowers, the palm trees, the clear blue ocean. This park made me fall in love with Laguna. My only complaint is the parking. It’s hard to find and when you do find it you have to pay for it.

Treasure Island Park is just as beautiful and a little quieter than Heisler Park (also no free parking). There are lots of walkways at both the parks so you can keep yourself entertained for hours. Plus, both offer a great workout!

If you can only go to one beach, make it Victoria Beach. There’s an ancient looking lighthouse structure named the Victorian “La Tour” Tower. Built in the 1920’s, La Tour, also called the Norman House, was made for California Senator William Edward Brown as a retreat from his Beverly Hills home. At the foot of the tower is this circular area that used to be a pool. It’s a very, very cool spot and definitely somewhere you should go while in Laguna Beach.

what to do

If you’re a surfer like my other half Pat, you can skip Victoria Beach and head to Salt Creek, which apparently is the best for surfing near Laguna Beach. Luckily for those of us who don’t surf (me) there’s a little trail/walkway that you can explore while your beach buddy is surfing.

My main goal while in Laguna Beach is always to get the most Instagrammable shots possible, which is super easy to do. You literally just drive down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and pull onto a side street on the beach side and you’ll get a great shot.

If you don’t like the beach, there are plenty of other things to do like checking out Main Street which is filled with the cutest boutiques or drive up Laguna Canyon Road for some of the most unique art galleries and hiking trails.

where to eat

Skyloft – This is a place we keep coming back to because of the ambiance and delicious food. You cannot go wrong here.

The Deck – The epitome of that “Laguna Beach vibe”. The Deck hits every mark. The menu changes frequently but I love the Capellini Pasta with Jumbo Maine Scallops and Grilled Mexican Shrimp. It’s just as good as it sounds. However, if you have a lot of dietary restrictions (gluten sensitivity, vegetarian, etc.) your options are limited at The Deck.

where we want to eat

Nick’s – Apparently Nick’s is a poppin’ spot for the RHOC so I have to try it eventually!

Rooftop Lounge – A swanky rooftop restaurant overlooking the ocean? Yes please!

Have you ever been to Laguna Beach? Comment below your favorite spots!