Laguna Beach Main Beach

The signature cove of a longtime artists' colony, framed by Heisler Park's bluff-top paths and protected tide pools. The compact downtown of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants sits right behind the boardwalk, and dozens of hidden coves dot the coastline north and south.

Practical: Parking is tight and metered; arriving early or using the seasonal trolley helps. Great for tide-pooling at low tide and people-watching at the volleyball courts.