Sandcastles, salty sea breezes, sea creatures, history, and delicious food – how can you leave the kids at home when you come to Laguna Beach? There are plenty of things you can do that are fun for the whole family. Here are just a few ideas to get you out of your hotel room and into the Southern California sun.

Heisler Park
375 Cliff Dr.

You’ll find this oceanfront park stretched along the Cliff Drive Bluffs all the way from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove. Landlubbers will appreciate the walking trails, gardens, and lawn bowling greens, while mini-mermaids and mermen will enjoy its beach and tide pools. There are plenty of barbeques and picnic tables, so pack some grub and stay the day. Lose yourself in the breathtaking ocean views from practically every area of the park.

Crystal Cove State Park
8471 Pacific Coast Hwy.

Another great place to get lost in Laguna is Crystal Cove State Park. Wake up early: the park opens at 6 a.m. and closes at sunset. Admission is only $15 per vehicle, so hop in the car, park in the Lower Moro lot, and simply walk through the tunnel to get to the sandy beach. Or take advantage of the shuttle from the parking lot to the beach. The kids will gladly spend all day here, so pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant when you’re hungry. Don’t forget to check out the creatures in the tide pool during low tide. Restrooms and showers are also available. Get out and soak up those California rays.

La Vida Laguna
1257 Pacific Coast Hwy.

After lying around looking at the beautiful water, you’re going to want to get in there. La Vida Laguna offers surf lessons, kayak tours, and paddleboard tours to get you acquainted with the gorgeous Pacific. You can also learn stand-up paddle boarding (otherwise known as SUP), hiking, and biking, so there’s plenty for everyone to do – even those who don’t want to get wet.

You don’t often have the opportunity to kayak with the sea lions and dolphins or paddle board in calm coves. To really appreciate Laguna Beach, consider this a must-do on your list.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center
20612 Laguna Canyon Rd.

Seeing marine animals in their own habitat is amazing, but contributing to their rescue and rehabilitation is even better. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sea animals back into their own habitats. It is completely free to visit this amazing place, although they do take donations, which they use to conduct research and educate the public.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is open to the public between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day)

Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.

The Pageant of the Masters is offered at Laguna Beach’s Festival of Arts. Although it is probably best for kids over 8 years old, it’s still worth checking out and exposing them to a bit of art and history after a long day at the beach. Offered only in the summertime, there’s a nightly show at 8:30 that will transport you back in time for 90 minutes. People are amazed as characters are transformed into living pictures to recreate classical and contemporary artwork. When else can you get the chance to see Da Vinci’s apostles mingling with Paul Gauguin’s Tahitian women?

Laguna Beach Trolley

Free transportation around Laguna Beach? Yes, please! Download the “Visit Laguna Beach” app and click on “Trolley/Bus Tracker” for specific route information and real-time trolley locations. Even if you have nowhere specific to go, the kids will love seeing the sights via trolley.

Feast Laguna

Feat Laguna tours are a simple way to solve family disagreements based around the question, “Where should we eat?” Engaging three-hour tours let you see the best of Laguna while fueling your bellies with amazing food. If you have budding foodies in your family, jump on the ferry and head to Balboa Island for a walking tour of this man-made island while sampling its culinary offerings. You can also sample the best flavors of Downtown Laguna with an entertaining tour.