Things to do in Laguna Beach

Our most recommended things to do in Laguna Beach

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a whale-watching adventure off Newport Beach, CA and look out for a variety of whales, including humpback whales and blue whales. Observe marine life in the wild and admire the Newport-Laguna coastline. On these year-round cruises off Newport Beach, many whale varieties are regularly seen including the giant blue whale (summer and fall), finback whale, grey whale (winter and spring), minke whale, and humpback whale. Several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life are typically spotted on the excursions as well. The cruises depart from Newport Harbor, located in the heart of Orange County, which is just a short drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. Each cruise is a unique experience as you may never know what you might encounter. A recent cruise encountered a pod of more than 30 killer whales, including adults and their young, making for a whale watching adventure of a lifetime. The cruises enjoy a 96 percent success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin.

Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

Head out on a whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Newport Beach. The waters surrounding Newport Harbor offer deep nutrient-rich waters that attract all types of marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every trip has the opportunity to see whales or dolphins. Look out for giant blue whales (during the summer and fall months), finback whales, gray whales (winter and spring months), minke whales, humpback whales, several types of dolphin (including giant rizzo dolphin over 14 feet in length), seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Most whale-watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are incredibly calm. The captain and crew have backgrounds in marine biology and can provide details about the marine creatures, environment, and ecosystems.

Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

Take a 2-hour dolphin and whale watching tour from Newport Beach. Cruise in an open boat that offers 360-degree views from anywhere onboard, allowing everyone a to have close encounter with nature. Admire the stunning coastal landscape and look out for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.   Board a custom-built RIB, perfect for whale watching. The boat has a maximum capacity of 15 people, giving each passenger a piece of the action. See dolphins come almost close enough to touch. The boat can travel at speed and cruises up to 14 miles from port to ensure the highest success rate of animal sightings.

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Set sail on a 50-foot catamaran yacht in search of wild marine wildlife on this cruise from Newport Beach. Enjoy the 360 degree walk-around deck that ensures that you never miss a moment with the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for giant blue whales, humpback whales, and pods of dolphins. Board the ship and set sail from the landing. Get up close to different whales and discover facinating details about these creatures from your naturalist guides that are eager to share their knowledge with you. Let your captain take you to places where the whales are more active to increase your viewing chances. Head to the front of the ship and look for bow riding dolphins which will glide just below your feet on one of the dual bows. Feel the excitement of watching these playful creatures frolic in their natural environment. End your tour at the meeting point where it began.

Newport Beach: Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise

Newport Beach: Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise

The waters surrounding Newport Harbor are deep and nutrient-rich, attracting all types of marine creatures. Cruises typically see a variety of whales including giant blue whales (during the summer and fall), finback whales, grey whales (in the winter and spring), minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Each cruise is a unique experience in that you never know what you might encounter. The Laguna Beach coastline lies just to the south of Newport Harbor and is some of Southern California’s most beautiful coast. The grey whales are commonly seen in this area. Most whale watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are very calm allowing whale watchers to fully enjoy the amazing viewings. Our primary whale watching ship is 65 feet long, and has a large upstairs sundeck, wrap-around outside seating, snack bar, and indoor seating with large windows. The ship was purpose-built for viewing marine life. Plenty of other amenities guarantee a very comfortable and exciting trip. Captains and crew members are well-versed in marine biology and are incredibly knowledgeable about marine creatures, environment, and eco systems.

Temecula: 4-Winery Tour with Tastings and Lunch

Temecula: 4-Winery Tour with Tastings and Lunch

Explore the beauty and flavors of Temecula Valley Wine Country with Grapeline Wine Tours, delivering a seamless and unforgettable journey through Southern California’s most celebrated wine region. Our thoughtfully curated itinerary includes visits to four exceptional Temecula wineries, where you’ll enjoy included tasting flights that highlight the area’s rich diversity of varietals and styles. Possible stops include well-loved favorites such as Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Somerset Vineyard & Winery, Bel Vino Winery, Lorimar Vineyards, Akash Winery, Falkner Winery, Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Peltzer Winery, South Coast Winery, Wiens Family Cellars and Wilson Creek Winery, among others. Travel in comfort aboard a deluxe touring vehicle, guided by a friendly, knowledgeable driver/host who brings local flavor to your journey with insights, wine wisdom, and seamless logistics. Midday, indulge in a gourmet picnic lunch, set among scenic vineyard backdrops. Choose from one of eight delicious entrée options, freshly prepared and packed with flavor: Temecula Menu Options #1 Chicken Caesar Salad #2 Mediterranean Chicken Salad #3 Eggplant Caprese Sandwich #4 Turkey Club Sandwich #5 Classic Italian Sandwich #6 Artisan Cheese & Deli Plate #7 Roast Beef Sandwich #8 Viva Chicken Wrap All meals include a chewy Ghirardelli triple chocolate brownie and bottled water. Sandwiches are served with a house side salad. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, escaping for the day, or exploring Temecula for the first time, this all-inclusive wine country tour offers the perfect blend of world-class wine, beautiful scenery, and unmatched hospitality. Let Grapeline make your wine tasting adventure effortless and unforgettable.

Superior 2hr Private Whale & Dolphin Watching Newport Beach

Superior 2hr Private Whale & Dolphin Watching Newport Beach

Welcome to East Meets West Whale Watching, where the thrill of exploration meets the serenity of nature in Newport Beach, CA. Founded by Captain Nick in 2016, our mission is to deliver an unrivaled whale and dolphin watching experience. Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach, we are fortunate to be in one of the world's premier destinations for observing a bountiful variety of whales, dolphins, and marine life YEAR-ROUND. At East Meets West, we invite you to share in our passion of the ocean. As pioneers in the industry, we take pride in being the newest, fastest, and safest small capacity whale watching vessel in Newport Beach, with all tours limited to just 6 persons. Captain Nick's dedication to providing a superior experience led us to develop a vessel that goes beyond the ordinary. Private group tours are our specialty. Our 2021 26’ commercial built fiberglass catamaran is equipped with super comfortable suspension seating, offering 360-degree viewing, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the breathtaking marine spectacle. We take you further than others, allowing you to witness more whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Imagine getting so close that you can almost pet the dolphins, creating memories that will last a lifetime. To enhance your comfort, we've incorporated an exclusive SeaKeeper gyro vessel stabilizer, reducing side-to-side movement by up to 92%. This innovative technology nearly eliminates motion sickness, allowing you to focus on the beauty of the ocean without any distractions. Embark on a journey with East Meets West Whale Watching and let us redefine your expectations of marine exploration. Join Captain Nick for an unforgettable experience where East truly meets West in the realm of awe-inspiring nature.

Los Angeles: Best Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Los Angeles: Best Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Discover the best of Orange County's stunning coastline on this full-day beach tour from Anaheim. Start your adventure at Laguna Beach, where you'll spend 30 minutes walking along the picturesque paths of Heisler Park, perched atop the cliffs. Enjoy easy access to the beach and tide pools, taking in the pristine rocky coastline. Next, embark on a scenic 20-minute drive to Newport Beach Harbor and the Balboa Fun Zone. Here, you'll have 3 hours to explore the sights, shop, rent bikes, or relax on the beach. Enjoy lunch on the pier or at one of the many cafes in the area. For an extra treat, take a quick ferry ride to Balboa Island or opt for a 45-minute harbor cruise to see sea lions and celebrity homes up close. The final stop is Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA. Spend approximately 2.5 hours enjoying the vibrant Main Street, the iconic pier, and the International Surf Museum. Whether you choose to rent a bike, boogie board, surfboard, or simply lounge on a beach chair, there's something for everyone. The tour concludes with a return to your hotel around 5:15 PM-5:30 PM.

Surf Lessons in Laguna Beach, California

Surf Lessons in Laguna Beach, California

Dive into the exhilarating world of surfing with Eli's Learn to Surf in Laguna Beach. Our expert instructors offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your technique, we provide top-notch equipment and unwavering support to help you ride the waves with confidence. Safety is our priority, and we maintain strict safety measures throughout your surfing journey. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the ocean!

Long Beach: California Coastal 30-Minute Helicopter Tour

Long Beach: California Coastal 30-Minute Helicopter Tour

Climb aboard your helicopter and depart from Long Beach to enjoy the picturesque landscape of Orange County. See the pristine shorelines of Newport Beach and Seal Beach, the dramatic cliffs of Dana Point, and the serenity of Laguna Niguel from above. Soar over the breathtaking Pacific Ocean coastline, revealing exquisite architectural residences, extravagant seaside resorts, and lavish golf resorts. Continue with stunning views of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, Balboa Island, and Laguna Beach. Watch for California's diverse marine life throughout the flight, often witnessed in the glistening waters along the Pacific Coast Highway and world-renowned surf beaches. Pass the enchanting beauty of Corona Del Mar, the untouched wilderness of Crystal Cove State Park, and the breathtaking allure of Emerald Bay along the Golden Coast. Conclude with a journey over Long Beach, showcasing modern and historic sights. Fly past the historic British cruise liner, the Queen Mary, the Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, and downtown, home to the Long Beach Grand Prix. Finally, land back at the starting point.

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What people are saying about Laguna Beach

Overall rating

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.4 out of 5 stars
(431 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Seeing hundreds of dolphins up close was an incredible experience. The crew and captain were very friendly and provided great explanations. In particular, they used a drone to locate whales and captured some amazing photos for us. The entire journey was smooth and truly enjoyable. My daughter loved lying at the front of the boat, watching the dolphins swim just beneath the surface—she seemed to be connecting with them in a special way. Thank you for giving a special experience.

5 out of 5 stars

Got to see a lot of dolphins and otaries which we were lucky to find as an heavy fog happened as we were getting on the sea. I do think they should rename the activity as the guide said themselves that they have not seen much whales lately in the area so would be better to say sea life watching or something to manage expectations. It’s a bit expensive for what it is but the guides were really good

5 out of 5 stars

Very fun! Knowledgeable and friendly guide and driver. Interesting stops with informative small lectures at a couple of the vineyards. A fun group of people on the tour

5 out of 5 stars

Great experience with Erica and her crew! Both women were so nice and cheerful and helpful. We saw the dolphins and it was very beautiful despite the fog!

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent trip. Saw loads of dolphins and a grey whale. Very happy son too. Highlight of our stay