6 Best Sights in Laguna Beach, Orange County and Catalina Island

Centrally located in the main town of Laguna Beach near multiple dining venues, art galleries, and shops, Main Beach Park has a fitting name. Walk along this soft-sand beach to Bird Rock and explore nearby tide pools or just sit on one of the benches and watch people bodysurfing, play beach volleyball, or scramble around two half-basketball courts. The beach also has a children's play area with climbing equipment. Most of Laguna's hotels are within a short (but hilly) walk. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise, sunset; swimming.

Off South Coast Highway at 9th Street, 1,000 Steps Beach isn't too hard to find and actually only has 217 steps. It's one of the many coves in Laguna Beach offering a long stretch of soft sand, waves, and dramatic rock formations. Sea caves and tide pools enhance the already beautiful natural spot. Walking back up to your car, you will feel like you got a good workout. Amenities: showers. Best for: snorkeling; surfing; swimming.

An outdoor amphitheater near the mouth of the canyon hosts the annual Pageant of the Masters, Laguna's signature art event. Local participants arrange tableaux vivants, in which live models and carefully orchestrated backgrounds merge in striking mimicry of classical and contemporary paintings. The pageant is part of the Festival of Arts, held in July and August; tickets are in high demand, so plan ahead.

One of the most picturesque parks in Laguna Beach, Heisler Park offers plenty of fun and relaxation. There is a picnic beach with tables overlooking palm trees and panoramic ocean views. Take the stairs down to Diver's Cove for snorkeling, scuba diving, and tide-pool exploring. Take the paved walking path along the cliff all the way to Laguna's Main Beach. There are public restrooms and outdoor showers. This is also a popular area for plein air artists to set up an easel and chair and paint for hours.

This museum displays work by California artists from all time periods, representing scenery in Laguna, and life and history of the Golden State in general. Special exhibits change quarterly.

Off South Coast Highway, Wood's Cove is especially quiet during the week. Big rock formations hide lurking crabs. This is a prime scuba-diving spot, and at high tide much of the beach is underwater. Climbing the steps to leave, you can see a Tudor-style mansion that was once home to Bette Davis. Street parking is free yet limited. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; scuba diving; sunset.