Let’s get one thing out of the way first—the biggest pain in Laguna Beach? Parking. You will pay for parking, and then you will pay for parking again, and again, and—well, you get the idea. On this particular day, I paid for parking four separate times: at Treasure Island Beach, next to the Laguna Art Museum, in the main street area, and near The Old Pottery Place. Next time, I’m parking once and will take the trolley because Laguna is gorgeous but spread out. Sure, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) runs through it, but the coastline stretches seven miles, and those hills are no joke.

Now, onto the adventure! My goal? A full day of Laguna Beach exploration without spending a dime (minus the unavoidable parking fees).

Stop 1: Treasure Island Beach & The Montage Overlook

One of the best-kept secrets of Laguna Beach is Treasure Island Beach, a local favorite because of its secluded coves, tide pools, and pristine beauty. The best way to experience it is from the footpath in front of the Montage Resort, which offers stunning panoramic ocean views, even on an overcast day. To get there, park in the underground lot at Treasure Island Park and enjoy the sweeping coastal views.

Stop 2: Victoria Beach & the Pirate Tower

Next up—one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in all of Laguna: the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach. This hidden gem is beloved by locals for its storybook-like ambiance and secret, tucked-away feel. To get there, continue walking on the footpath in front of the Montage and you’ll hit a ramp that’ll take you down to Christmas Cove. Turn right on the sand and walk along the length of Victoria Beach. Once you hit a cliff and see the famous Witch’s House of Laguna Beach with a storybook style and vibe, climb along the base of the cliffs and round the corner and you’ll come face to face with the tower.

The walk along the sand was peaceful, and the moody weather actually made the medieval-style tower look even more mysterious. No golden-hour glow necessary—it was straight-up giving fairy tale meets moody seaside escape.

Stop 3: Art in the Wild (Local Statues & Public Art)

One of the best things about Laguna Beach? It’s basically an open-air museum. Scattered throughout the city, you’ll find unique statues and art installations, many of which celebrate the area’s artistic heritage. The “Shopper” statue on Beach Street is a must-see, paying homage to Laguna’s great shopping and unique boutiques. Walking through town and spotting these hidden gems made for a fun scavenger hunt vibe.

Beyond public art, the district is home to some of the most beautiful historic churches, offering a glimpse into Laguna’s cultural and architectural history. One highlight is Laguna Presbyterian Church, a stunning Spanish-style building with an inviting courtyard. As I strolled through Main Street, I took in both the artistic creativity and the stunning architecture, making for a well-rounded, cultural experience.

Stops 4 & 5: Browsing at The Shops at The Old Pottery Place and Laguna Beach Books – A Book Lover’s Dream

A little window shopping never hurt anyone, right? The Shops at The Old Pottery Place have that quaint, artsy charm that makes them a favorite among both locals and visitors. Home to eclectic boutiques, artisan goods, and unique finds, this stop is perfect for leisurely browsing. Parking can be tricky, but the closest metered spots are along South Coast Highway.

I could spend hours in a good indie bookstore, and Laguna Beach Books did not disappoint. This independent bookstore is beloved for its curated selection, charming atmosphere, and not-so-friendly staff. Might’ve been an off day, but one woman was complaining about parking and people crunching very loudly. She also nearly ran over my mom as we were browsing without apologizing. It’s located in The Old Pottery Place, making it an easy stop after browsing the shops.

Stop 6: The Letdown of the Laguna Art Museum

I LOVE MUSEUMS and I have been very fortunate to visit many around the world in my life, but…sigh. I wanted to love it, I really did. But with two of the main galleries closed and full price still charged for admission, I was done in 30 minutes flat. Locals usually recommend checking in advance for special exhibitions or free entry days—something I’ll definitely do next time. If you’re debating whether to visit, check ahead to see if the full museum is actually open—or save your money for something else.

Stop 7: A Scenic Stroll Through Heisler Park

No matter the weather, Heisler Park never misses. This stretch of coastline is a local favorite because of its lush landscaping, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping ocean views. The best way to experience it is to start near Cliff Drive and head north, stopping at the various viewpoints along the way.

Stop 8: Local Art Galleries

With so many independent galleries, Laguna Beach is an art lover’s paradise. Many of the galleries feature works from local artists, capturing the essence of Laguna’s coastal beauty and creative spirit. Stops included:

Pictures 1 and 2: Sue Greenwood Fine Art
Picture 3: Nicholson's of Laguna Antiques
Picture 4: LA BOTTEGA GALLERY
Pictures 5 and 6: Vladimir Kush - Kush Fine Art Laguna Beach
Pictures 7 and 8: Andrew Myers Art

Stop 9: The Old World Tibetan Door

One must-see stop is the Old World Tibetan Door, a hidden gem perfect for a quick photo op. Located near the Forest Avenue galleries, you would almost walk past it located on a nondescript building. The previous owner of this property shipped in this ancient door from Tibet and is a popular location for photos.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Low-Cost Day in Laguna Beach

While Laguna is known for its high-end resorts and luxury experiences, this day proved that you don’t need to drop big bucks to enjoy it. Next time, I’ll be skipping the parking headaches and riding the free trolley, but even with the dreary weather, this adventure was a win.

How to Spend a Free (or Almost Free) Day in Laguna Beach – Even When It Rains