While Surf & Sand is hard to leave, Laguna Beach offers a variety of attractions and events for you to take advantage of, including:
• Surfing & body boarding
• Stand up paddle lessons
• The beach right outside your door
• Boutiques & galleries
• Acclaimed art festivals
Looking for something a little farther afield? Dana Point offers abundant southern California events opportunities for sailing, sport fishing, jet-skiing and whale watching. Mission San Juan Capistrano features 10 acres of gardens, fountains and historic structures. The Temecula Valley Wine Region features over 35,000 acres of rolling hills and vineyards plus 30+ wineries open their doors for tours and tastings.
NOTE: Local attractions change all the time, but our concierge team are always the most in-the-know. Give them a call and they will be glad to help you coordinate your activities or answer any questions you may have. Contact our concierge at 949.497.4477.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse our beach resort packages to save money when you book!
| Attractions | Directions | Distance | |
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South Coast Plaza
This collection of over 250 upscale stores and boutiques is Orange County’s largest shopping mall. www.southcoastplaza.com |
3333 Bristol Road, Costa Mesa, CA Exit hotel turn left onto PCH |
20 miles 25–30 min |
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Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
Dana Wharf offers daily sportfishing and whale watching trips. Our trips are fun for the whole family and we welcome beginner and novice anglers and whale watchers! An ocean of adventure awaits you at Dana Wharf! www.www.danawharf.com |
Exit hotel, turn right onto Pacific Coast Hwy. End at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Dr Dana Point, CA 92629-3018 |
7 miles 12 min |
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Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari
Captain Dave’s Dolphin Safari offers daily trips to see dolphins & whales not far off Dana Point. Watch and interact with the frolicking dolphins & whales year-round. www.dolphinsafari.com |
Exit hotel, turn right onto Pacific Coast Hwy. |
7 miles 12 min |
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OC Wildlife
VISIT THE HIDDEN TREASURES IN ORANGE COUNTY ON A ½ DAY TOUR THROUGH PARADISE. Offering five ½ day tours: Two Ecotours–wildlife & beach tours, An art tour with optional wine tasting, a beach coastal & shopping tour or an Orange County tour. Light walking. Tours include transportation, educational guide, bottled water and snack. www.ocwildlifebeachtour.com |
Laguna Hills, CA We pick up at most resorts in Orange County. |
9 miles 20 min |
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Disneyland
From the charm of Mainstreet, U.S.A. to the whimsy of Mickey’s Toontown, explore eight fantastic “lands” of nostalgia, color and delight. www.disneyland.com |
1313 S. Harbor Drive, Anaheim, CA. 92802 Turn RIGHT onto Pacific Coast Highway |
25 miles 35 min |
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Fashion Island
Featuring Orange County’s only Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus along with nearly 200 specialty shops, a vast array of restaurants and cafes, cinema and Venetian Carousel. www.shopfashionisland.com |
Exit hotel, turn left onto Pacific Coast Hwy. |
9 miles 20–25 min |
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Balboa Island
Spend a day on this man-made island walking around the beautiful boardwalk, boating, biking, shopping, or lounging. www.balboa-island.com |
Go north on PCH |
10 miles 20 min |
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano was the seventh California mission, founded in 1776. Every year around March 19, people gather here to watch the return of the swallows to Capistrano. missionsjc.com |
31414 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 |
10 miles 20 min |
| Surfing
Catch a wave on some of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches. Ask the concierge about equipment rentals or lessons for beginners. |
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| Bike Trails
Explore one of the trails in Aliso / Wood Canyons Regional Park. You may catch a glimpse of wildlife such as bobcats, snakes and hawks. www.biketrails.com/alisowood.html La Vida Laguna Bike Rentals |
To La Vida Laguna |
.2 miles 5 min walk |
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Legoland
Legoland California is built for real family fun with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions everyone can enjoy. california.legoland.com |
Head southeast from S Coast Hwy |
25 miles 35 minutes |
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Kayaking
Guided ocean-kayak tours suitable for beginner and experienced paddlers, including trips to Seal Rock, a sanctuary to sea lions, pelicans, gulls and cormorants. La Vida Laguna |
To La Vida Laguna Turn left our of hotel onto South Coast Hwy and walk for .2 miles |
.2 miles 5 min walk |
| Art Festivals
Art festivals occur throughout the year in Laguna Beach, from summer’s Festival of the Arts/Pageant of the Masters to the Sawdust Art Festival’s celebration of local artists to the Art-A-Fair juried exhibition and the Laguna Dance Festival. www.pageanttickets.com lagunabeachinfo.com |
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Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institute has become nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history programs and offers both on-shore exhibits and ocean expeditions. www.ocean-institute.org |
Exit hotel, turn right onto Pacific Coast Hwy. |
7 miles 11 min |
| Catalina
Catch a ferry at Dana Point, Newport Beach, or Long Beach Harbor for the trip to the island of Catalina. See go scuba diving, explore the town of Avalon, take a glass-bottom boat tour or explore the island in your own golf cart. www.catalina.com |
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| Golfing
There are many renowned golf courses within a short drive from the resort, including executive and championship courses. Ask the concierge to recommend the perfect course for you. www.playocgolf.com |
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Heritage Walk and Tours
Take a “self-guided” tour of the bungalows and cottages of Laguna’s historic homes located in North and South Laguna. Discover the charm of Laguna’s eclectic neighborhoods and panoramic views by jumping on the city bus for a “Self-Guided Tour”. Maps and brochures are available at the Laguna Beach Visitors Center. |
9 miles 21 min |
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| Hortense Miller Garden
Established in 1959, the garden covers 2.5 acres of an upper slope area of North Laguna. See more than 1,500 plant species, a natural history and horticultural library. Docent led tours. Advance reservations required. No children under thirteen. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. hortensemillergarden.org |
Turn left our of hotel onto South Coast Hwy |
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Knott’s Berry Farm
Visit America’s first theme park. What was once an actual berry farm is now 160 acres of world class rides, unique family shows and one of a kind attractions. Enjoy a huge variety of thrill rides suitable for Guests of all ages. www.knotts.com |
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA Go north on PCH |
30 miles 40 min |
| Queen Mary
Come aboard the legendary Queen Mary. Book the Behind the Scenes Guided Tour of the historic ocean liner and World War II troopship, and see restored areas that have been under wraps since the final voyage in 1967 www.queenmary.com |
1126 Queens Way Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802 |
45 miles 50 min |
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Aquarium of the Pacific
Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Meet more than 12,500 animals as you explore sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. www.aquariumofpacific.org |
Go north on PCH |
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