There are a lot of things to do in Laguna Beach, and a lot of them can be done while on a budget, or even for free. I love spending the day in Laguna Beach whenever I have the chance, and if you’ve ever been here before you probably understand why this is my favorite beach city in Orange County.
Even though it is a smaller town, Laguna Beach has so much to offer. Laguna has some of the best beaches in Orange County, the food is great, there are a bunch of art festivals and galleries, lots of hiking trails, plus its not as touristy and crowded as beaches in LA.
I love finding budget-friendly things to do wherever I go out because they seem to be more worthwhile. Give me some fresh air and a great view and I’m a happy camper!
Whether you plan to visit Laguna Beach for the day or the weekend, I’m sure you will find many things on this list that you will enjoy!
Here are 10 things to do in Laguna Beach, California for less than $20!
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1. Crystal Cove State Park
Cost: $15 for all-day parking
Hours: 6am to sunset (Historic District open until 10pm)
Explore the many miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, lounge at one of the most gorgeous beach sections in Orange County, or see a piece of history by exploring the historic district.
You can also enjoy camping, picnics, or try one of the on-site restaurants: The Beachcomber or The Shake Shack.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in Crystal Cove State Park
2. Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Cost: $3 for all-day parking
Park Hours: 7am to Sunset
Parking Lot Hours: 8am to 5pm
One of the reasons I love Orange County so much is because there are so many great places to hike! Hiking is such a great way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, and it won’t even feel like exercise when you are distracted by such amazing ocean views that can be found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Check out the award-winning Nix Nature Center to learn more about the park and suggested routes. Or you can head out on your own using this map. Hike any of the trails with the “scenic overlook” icon for some great views over Orange County.
Read more: 11 Easy Hikes in Orange County with an Amazing View
3. Get in the Water
Cost: Up to $20 per hour
Who wouldn’t want to jump into the gorgeous waters of Laguna Beach?!
Head to a place like Laguna Surf & Sport or Main Beach Toys to rent some beach toys! Laguna is a great place to swim since the waves are typically small and boats are not in the area. Take advantage of that and try a boogie board or something to have a little fun in the water.
Read more: 8 of the Best Beaches in Laguna Beach
4. Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
Cost: $9, plus off-site parking
Hours: This festival is not open year-round so be sure to check the website for more information.
If you are visiting Laguna Beach for a short amount of time and you are only able to squeeze in one art activity, let this be the one. You will find lots of paintings, jewelry, pottery, leather goods, hand blown glass, and more at this super cute outdoor festival.
The festival also offers workshops to teach you how to make a few of these things! Food, wine, and live music are also available on-site.
Read more: Visiting the Sawdust Art Festival
5. Festival of Arts
Cost: $10 weekdays/$15 weekends, plus off-site parking
Hours: This festival is not open year-round so be sure to check the website for more information.
Laguna Beach is the art mecca of Orange County, so if you are visiting for the first time it might be worth checking out some galleries, exhibits, or festivals. Take a walk through this popular festival, the Festival of Arts, where the work of over 100 local Orange County artists is on display.
6. Laguna Art Museum
Cost: $7
Hours: Monday-Tuesday & Friday-Sunday 11am to 5pm. Thursday 11am to 9pm. Closed Wednesday.
I know, another artsy thing to do, but I told you Laguna Beach is an ART MECCA.
Spend a day at the Laguna Art Museum admiring the work of only California artists. The museum also has special events such as art walk days and art-making studios. Details can be found on their website.
7. Happy Hour
Cost: Up to $20
Happy Hour doesn’t get any better than this…great food & drinks, good people, and amazing ocean views. There are so many great food & drink options in Laguna, and many of them have happy hour specials.
Here are a few options for Happy Hour in Laguna Beach:
8. Try the Local Beer
Cost: Up to $20
These two brothers from Laguna Beach are on a mission. A mission to pursue their passion for brewing craft beer, and at the same time promote local artists and provide guests with the unique Laguna Beach experience. And they must be doing well. The Laguna Beach Beer Company has recently expanded
Swing by to try one of their 14 brews with unique names that have something to do with Laguna Beach! Ask the bartender what they mean; maybe you will even learn something new about the area!
9. Grab a Gelato
Cost: Up to $20
There is a place in Laguna Beach that makes fresh gelato every day. A place tucked away in this outdoor “hallway”, kind of like it’s a secret, hidden place. A place where you can smell the waffle cones through that hallway. A place that might have a line all the way out the door, through the hallway, and onto the street.
That place is Gelato Paradiso and I definitely recommend it! Be prepared to wait in line, it is quite popular! I love going here and then taking a stroll through Main Beach to watch the sunset!
10. Check out the Classic Cars at Ruby’s Auto Diner
Cost: Up to $20
Hours: 7am to 9pm
Take a ride by the Laguna Beach Ruby’s Auto Diner to check out some classic old cars. And since you are there, you need to get a burger and a shake of course!
I love Ruby’s. I love Ruby’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Take your pick and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as me. But one thing you must do: try a Ruby’s Classic Shake! So yummy!
The Ruby’s in Laguna Beach is pretty cool not only because they have classic cars parked outside, but also a rooftop dining area with ocean views!
I hope this gives you a bunch of ideas for your Laguna Beach itinerary, and if not, head on over to my other post that includes 12 free things to do in Laguna Beach!
Do you have any favorite things to do in Laguna Beach that I should add to my list?
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Amazing post!
The classic cars at Ruby’s Dinner has my heart💗 That’s definitely one place I would visit atvthis beach!
Right?! I love the classic diner, and Ruby’s got it perfect with those cars! Thanks for your comment Sandra!
Thank you for highlighting all these pocket friendly attractions. Who said having fun was expensive?
Exactly! Thanks for reading 🙂
Thank you for sharing. WOW!!! It doesnt really need to be expensive to enjoy Cali:)
That’s exactly what I wanted to share…that it’s totally possible to enjoy California on a budget 🙂
It’s been some years since I’ve been to Orange County – thanks for sharing your love of Laguna beach – next time I’m in that part of the world I’ll have a ready list of things to do!
I’m so happy to hear that you have been able to enjoy some time in the OC. Hope you get to visit again one day. Thanks for your comment Karletta!
That’s a cool topic! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I haven’t been to this place yet but now I know what to look for when I visit. Thanks 🙂
Perfect! Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy California!
Since I lived in Orange County for many years, I’ve done several of these things but I should be able to say I’ve done them all. My goal is to encourage people to get out and explore their own city. My favorite place in Laguna Beach was always the patio at Hotel Laguna, which I just googled and see it has been closed for more than a year. So sad.
That’s also what I like to do. It is surprising how many OC locals tell me they never heard of a place I am showing them, but that’s why I like to blog! I want to encourage people to get out and explore and just enjoy the little things that might just be right around the corner 🙂
The place is so amazing! Loved the pictures. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ Interested in doing collabs? xx
Hi Tiffany! Thank you for your comment! Regarding collabs, that’s possible, send me an email 🙂