How to Have Fun in Laguna Beach Without Spending a Dime

Laguna Beach has a reputation for luxury, but you don’t need a big budget to enjoy this beachside destination. 

As a local who grew up here and knows every part of this SoCal town, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Some of the best experiences in Laguna Beach won’t cost you a dime. Laguna Beach offers endless opportunities to explore, unwind, and immerse yourself in its natural beauty for free. 

From tide pools full of marine life to hikes with amazing views, let me show you 10 amazing (and completely free!) ways to enjoy my hometown.

10 Free Things to Do in Laguna Beach

Here is the quick list (scroll down to see much more about each):

1. Explore Tide Pools: Head to Main Beach, Shaw’s Cove, or Crescent Bay to discover tide pools filled with starfish, anemones, crabs, and more. It’s like stepping into a natural aquarium!
2. Walk Heisler Park: This oceanfront park offers excellent views, picnic spots, and outdoor art. Wander along the pathways, and don’t forget to take a photo at the famous gazebo overlooking the Pacific.
3. Hike Top of the World: For the best views of Laguna Beach and beyond, hike or drive up to Top of the World. You can connect to various trails or simply take in the scenery.
4. Pacific Marine Mammal Center: This educational center offers a chance to learn about rescued seals and sea lions. It’s free to visit, though donations are welcome to support their care.
5. Tour Art Galleries: Laguna Beach is an artist’s haven, and many galleries and studios, especially along Coast Highway, welcome visitors to browse their exhibits for free.
6. Visit Treasure Island Beach: This beach is a local favorite. It is next to the Montage Resort and features tide pools, soft sand, and rugged cliffs. Pack a picnic and soak in the views.
7. Ride the Laguna Beach Trolley: The free Laguna Beach Trolley is a convenient way to explore the town. Offering stress-free transportation, it’s a fun and easy way to experience Laguna without worrying about parking or traffic.
8. First Thursdays Art Walk: On the first Thursday of every month, enjoy free entry to art galleries, live music, and artist meet-and-greets during this evening event.
9. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: This park is a hiker’s paradise with miles of trails through canyons and ridgelines. Many trails are family-friendly and feature native plants and wildlife.
10. Public Art Around Town: Laguna Beach has an impressive public art collection, from murals to sculptures. Download the free self-guided public art map and create your own walking tour.

Let’s take a look at each option with a bit more detail:

1. Explore Tide Pools

Exploring the tide pools in Laguna Beach is an activity that’s fun for all ages. It’s an adventure that combines discovery, nature, and a bit of mystery. 

When my kids were younger, heading to the tide pools felt like going on a scavenger hunt. They’d race to find the first starfish or spot a tiny crab hiding in the rocks. For me, it was about more than the sea creatures. I loved that we were outside, breathing in the ocean air, surrounded by the beauty of Laguna Beach.

Even though my kids are older, I still find myself drawn to the tide pools. There’s something grounding about standing on those rocks, looking into the water, and spotting marine life. My favorite tide pools are on the north side of Main Beach, easily accessible and full of life.

Before you go, check the tides. Some tide pools can be dangerous during high tide, so low tide is the best time to go. And trust me, wear sneakers or sturdy sandals. The rocks can be sharp, and I’ve learned the hard way that flip-flops won’t cut it! 

Remember that this is a fragile ecosystem; always admire sea life without disturbing it.

2. Walk Heisler Park

Heisler Park is the heartbeat of Laguna Beach’s northern coastline, offering views, well-manicured pathways, and a relaxing vibe. 

I often see wedding parties posing for photos in the famous gazebo. People have been doing this my entire life, and it always makes me smile when I see the happy couples posing with my hometown’s famous Main Beach in the background.

When my boys were younger, they participated in Laguna’s Junior Lifeguard program, which meets on the grassy lawn near the amphitheater. I’d sit nearby, watching them practice their drills before they headed down to one of the many beaches accessible from Heisler Park. 

Sometimes, I’d stay for the free summer concerts that take place there. There’s nothing like listening to live music with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.

Heisler Park’s pathways are perfect for a nice walk and connect Main Beach to smaller, hidden coves and bays. I love to stop along the way to watch the surfers at Rock Pile Beach from the cliffside trail. 

Sometimes, I pack a picnic and settle on one of the benches or grassy spots to soak in the scenery.

3. Hike Top of the World

If you love hiking, you can’t miss the trails that begin at Top of the World. 

It’s a special place for me, not only because of the breathtaking views but also because it’s where I attended elementary school as a kid. While the area has grown with more homes near the trailhead, the scenery hasn’t changed. It’s still as stunning as ever.

Every weekend, my husband and I head to one of the many trails in and around Laguna Beach. Top of the World is our favorite starting point. The city has done an excellent job maintaining the park there, complete with ample parking, restrooms, and benches to enjoy the views before setting off.

What I love about hiking from Top of the World are the endless options. Some days, we choose a loop trail that brings us back to where we started. Other times, we hike down into town, grab a coffee or bite to eat, and take the free Laguna Beach shuttle back to our car.

And every once in a while, we go all out and end up in another town entirely. It’s amazing how interconnected the trails are. Top of the World is the perfect gateway to Laguna Beach’s stunning wilderness. 

4. Pacific Marine Mammal Center

For an up-close look at some of Laguna Beach’s most beloved marine life, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is a must-visit. 

This nonprofit rescues and rehabilitates seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals that are sick, injured, or stranded. Visiting the center is free, although donations are appreciated to help support their life-saving work.

As a Laguna Beach local, I’ve stopped by the center many times over the years, and it’s always a good experience. It’s fascinating to watch these adorable creatures recover. The volunteers and staff are incredibly passionate, sharing stories about each animal’s rescue and rehabilitation journey.

This is the perfect stop if you are searching for free things to do in Laguna Beach with kids. They’ll love seeing the animals up close while learning about ocean conservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The center is a very short drive from downtown Laguna and offers a meaningful way to connect with the local environment.

Due note that PMMC is currently closed as it undergoes a major expansion project. They hope to reopen summer of 2025, but check the website for updates.

5. Laguna Beach Art Galleries

Laguna Beach has a long history with art, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its culture is by exploring the local galleries. The galleries along Coast Highway and beyond are open to the public and free to explore.

As a Laguna local, I’ve spent many afternoons wandering through these galleries. Each one has its own personality, featuring works ranging from landscapes and contemporary abstracts to sculptures and photography. It’s like stepping into different art museums without the admission fee.

One of my favorite things about Laguna’s galleries is the opportunity to chat with the artists themselves. Many galleries host meet-and-greets or live demonstrations, especially during events like the First Thursdays Art Walk (more on that later!). 

It’s fascinating to hear about the inspiration and techniques behind their work. Every now and then, the artists are working on their next project as I walk into their studio. They are always so “chill” and are happy to explain what they are working on or their craft.

Don’t be shy about stepping in, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Most galleries are welcoming, and their staff are happy to answer questions or share recommendations for other must-see spots. 

Browsing the galleries is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon and connect with Laguna Beach’s artistic soul.

6. Treasure Island Beach

When it comes to Laguna’s breathtaking beaches, Treasure Island Beach is a must-see. Since I live nearby, I visit this beach most often. It’s truly beautiful, below dramatic cliffs and large bluffs, making it feel like a private paradise.

In the summer, you’ll find me here almost daily. Some days, I take an ocean swim. Other days, I pack a touristy beach chair and settle into the scene with a good book. Evenings are just as nice when I stay for the sunset, watching the sky light up with hues of orange and pink before I walk home.

Treasure Island Beach is alive with activity, but it never feels crowded. Kids are always running around, building sandcastles, or exploring the tide pools. Dolphins frequently make appearances just beyond the breakers, and sea lions love to sunbathe on the massive rocks at the northern end of the beach, right in front of the Montage Hotel. 

It’s a place that offers something special every time I visit.

7. Laguna Beach Trolley

One of the simplest and most scenic ways to explore Laguna Beach is by hopping on the free Laguna Beach Trolley. This bright blue trolley system runs through town and along Coast Highway, making it easy to navigate without worrying about parking or traffic.

I often take the trolley on my weekend adventures, especially when my husband and I finish a hike that ends in town. Instead of doubling back to our car, we simply hop on the trolley and enjoy a relaxed ride with ocean views. It’s such a fun and stress-free way to get around, and you can’t beat the vintage vibe of the trolleys themselves.

For visitors, the trolley is a fantastic way to see more of Laguna Beach. You can stop at Main Beach, Heisler Park, Treasure Island Beach, and dozens of other key locations. During the summer months, the trolleys run more frequently, and the routes extend to nearby cities like Dana Point.

The Laguna Beach Trolley makes the journey part of the adventure, and you can avoid circling around town and trying to find parking spots!

8. First Thursdays Art Walk

If you’re in Laguna Beach on the first Thursday of the month, the First Thursdays Art Walk is a must-do! This free event allows visitors to explore the town’s galleries and studios while enjoying refreshments, live music, and the chance to meet the artists themselves.

As a local, I always look forward to this evening. It’s a great way to connect with Laguna’s art community and see new exhibits, sometimes before they’re even officially open to the public. I enjoy looking through the galleries, meeting the artists, and soaking in the creativity that fills the streets during this free event.

The Art Walk is also an excellent opportunity to discover fun places in Laguna Beach. Whether you’re an art collector or just curious like me, it’s an enjoyable way to experience the town’s creative culture. 

And since it’s free to attend, it’s a perfect way to spend an evening without breaking the bank.

9. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

If you’re planning to hike in Laguna Canyon, the Nix Nature Center is an excellent stop before you hit the trails. 

Located in the heart of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, this free, informative center offers details about all the hiking trails in the region. It has engaging displays about local wildlife, geology, and the diverse ecosystems within Laguna Canyon.

I’ve visited the Nix Nature Center countless times, both on my own and with my family. The volunteers and rangers are always happy to offer recommendations based on hiking preferences. I’ve found their advice invaluable, especially when choosing between trails that range from easy, flat paths to more challenging routes with steep elevation changes.

During my hikes through Laguna Canyon, I’ve spotted wildlife, including deer, who wander the area. Every trail offers its own unique beauty. The Nix Nature Center is a great starting point for any hike in the area, giving you everything you need to enjoy the outdoors safely.

10. Admire Public Art

One of the things I love most about walking around Laguna Beach is how public art seems to appear around every corner, often in the most unexpected places. 

Sometimes, I’ll find something I haven’t noticed tucked away in an ivy-flanked alley or a stunning sculpture right next to a public bathroom. There’s always something new to discover.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out on a walk, and suddenly, I’ll spot a piece of art that I swear wasn’t there the last time I walked by. Laguna’s commitment to public art adds so much character to our town, and I love how it is part of the everyday scene.

I highly recommend taking some time to wander the streets, looking for art in unexpected places. You never know what you’ll find, but that’s part of Laguna Beach’s magic.

A Local’s Guide to Free Activities in Laguna Beach

So, there you have it. Ten free things to do in Laguna Beach, California, will help you experience the best of the town without spending a dime. 

Whether you’re looking for hidden art, exploring tide pools, or hiking the trails, there’s always something free to uncover in this beautiful town. And trust me, even as a local, I still find myself stumbling upon something unexpected every time I head out for an adventure. 

So grab your flip-flops (or hiking shoes) and sense of adventure, and enjoy these free things to do in Laguna Beach!