Fantastic Day Trip Options for Laguna Beach Visitors

The oceanfront community of Laguna Beach is a popular location to visit for individuals desiring to have fun under the warm California sun. Along with sandy beaches, rugged bluffs and canyons entice outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a number of activities. However, there are a number of towns and cities within close proximity to Laguna Beach that are worthy of a day trip if you’re staying in the area for a few days or more.
Dana Point
The seaside community of Dana Point, a mere eight miles southeast of Laguna Beach, is where visitors regularly tour the Ocean Institute for a glimpse of maritime history and local marine life. Since 1977, the facility has been educating guests with dozens of programs that focus on maritime history and science. Some of the attractions include tours of tall ships that dock at the local harbor. The institute also hosts an annual tall ship festival and offers sailing tours in addition to whale-watching excursions. Dana Point hosts a Festival of Whales during March to commemorate the annual migration of the magnificent mammals that pass through the area during springtime.
Carlsbad
Driving forty miles or so southeast of your hotel in Laguna Beach takes you to the community of Carlsbad, which has a number of unique attractions. Visitors of all ages enjoy spending time at Legoland, where the iconic building blocks have been used to create several exhibits and rides. Guests also have the opportunity to unleash their hidden creativity by building their own various types of engineering masterpieces.Â
Floral enthusiasts make the trip to see the 50-acre Flower Fields, where a rainbow of ranunculus blooms adorn the hillside. The fields are only open for a short time in spring, so plan accordingly. The Museum of Making Music provides a look at instruments used worldwide over the centuries. The Gemological Institute of America Museum and the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum are also popular destinations.
Malibu
This famous California coastal community is a 66-mile drive northwest of Laguna Beach. The scenic drive takes travelers through canyons and over mountains along the Pacific Coast Highway.Â
Guests have the rare opportunity to see how the affluent lived by touring the Getty Villa, which was once the home of oil magnate J. Paul Getty. It now welcomes visitors to tour the estate, which houses a collection of artifacts dating back thousands of years.Â
Malibu Creek State Park encompasses more than 8,000 acres of varied and scenic terrain in which to spend quality time alone or with loved ones. Hike the trails that range from open grassy plains to lush forests and rugged mountains. After a day of fun in the sun and fresh air, you’ll be ready to head back to your hotel in Laguna Beach for some rest and relaxation
San Diego
This metropolis lies 68 miles southeast of Laguna Beach and provides history buffs with a look at the birthplace of the state with a tour of Old Town, and there are more than a dozen museums in world-famous Balboa Park. Trolley service enables guests to take a quick tour of the city to discover highlights worthy of returning to enjoy when they have more time.Â
You’re certain to find plenty of fun opportunities for day trips during your vacation in Laguna Beach. Explore this amazing region’s variety of enjoyable activities while staying with us at The Art Hotel. Whether you’re interested in touring art galleries, doing some whale watching, sipping delicious local wines, or relaxing on a warm sandy beach, The Art Hotel is the ideal place to stay. When they’re looking for a comfortable hotel near Laguna Beach, visitors make us their top choice because we offer all the amenities our guests need for a relaxing getaway, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, and in-room refrigerators and coffee. Call us at 949-593-2188 today to reserve your room.Â