Laguna Beach is a beautiful seaside city in California with lovely weather all year round. On top of that, the area is renowned for its focus on environmental conservation and unique wildlife. This list sets out 8 fascinating attractions in Laguna Beach where you can get up close with local wildlife and marvel at some gorgeous natural landscapes.
1. Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit marine mammal rescue center and sanctuary for sea lions and elephant seals. Whether you’re an animal lover or not, the sight of little seal and sea lion pups flapping around as they undergo rehabilitation and treatment will surely melt your heart a little. Some end up there because of injuries from fish hooks, others from illness or malnutrition. Visiting the center will give you a glimpse of the real life consequences on pollution and climate change and the sobering impact on creatures which call our oceans and seas home. The center is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm for free, but donations are welcome and will go a long way in supporting a worthy cause.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Address: 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: Pacific Marine Mammal Center
2. La Vida Laguna Tours (from USD 95.0)
La Vida Laguna Tours promise to give you a rush of endorphins with their exciting activities mostly conducted out around the ocean and shore (although they do have art and culture related walking tours inland). Enjoy some truly panoramic views of craggy cliffs and pristine beaches as you take to the ocean on a kayaking or paddleboard tour. With friendly guides to take care of you the entire way, beginners are totally welcome to join in and explore the coastline! As an added bonus, you may even get to catch a sight of dolphins in the area.
La Vida Laguna Tours
Website: La Vida Laguna Tours
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Snorkeling at Crescent Bay and Shaw's Cove
Laguna Beach offers fantastic spots for diving, but don’t worry if you haven’t gotten a license! Crescent Bay and Shaw’s Cove are also amazing and easily accessible locations around Laguna Bay for a snorkeling adventure. The north side of Crescent Bay is particularly exciting as the reef extends out and then dips downward, forming an incredible underwater valley. Rays, rock fish, sea urchins, and even leopard sharks can be spotted here if you are lucky. If you swim down south you will end up at Shaw’s cove, which has some stunning reef structures, kelp forests, and schools of fish which call those home. However, please note that these are protected areas and you will have to follow certain rules posted at the entrance areas to protect the indigenous wildlife.
Crescent Bay
Address: Crescent Bay, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Shaw's Cove
Address: 999 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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4. Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove is located slightly north of Laguna Beach but is well worth the drive up. The park is massive, with canyons, miles of beaches and tide pools, an underwater park, and much more. These grounds are home to plenty of indigenous species, such as the Greater Roadrunner, the California King Snake, and the San Diego Horned Lizard. Some of the popular ways to explore the park include hiking, horseback riding, and cycling, but you can also stay overnight at one of the camping sites to see the beauty of the park at night. With such beautiful views to be seen everywhere, it’s also no wonder the park has long attracted artists, especially landscape painters.
Crystal Cove State Park
Address: Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651
Website: Crystal Cove State Park
5. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari (from USD 115.0)
Captain Dave has dedicated more than 20 years to bringing tourists around Laguna Beach’s waters to catch sight of the marvelous whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. Although you may not always see a whale, dolphins are very common in the area and encounters are generally guaranteed. You may even get to see up to hundreds of dolphins over the course of the tour. Dave’s boats also feature underwater viewing pods with clear glass walls, so you can watch the dolphins and whales frolic underwear, and not just around the surface. This is an especially great alternative for animal lovers who would like to see these magnificent species up close and in their natural habitat, instead of visiting marine mammals that have been cooped up in enclosures.
Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
Address: 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, California, 92629, USA
Dana Point Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Safari Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
6. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
The Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is a wonderful expanse of seasonal flowers and grassy meadows overlooking beaches and the calm blue waters. Deer, coyote, and rabbits are common, and bird watchers will have plenty of interesting sightings. Furthermore, numerous trails offer options for the novice to hardcore hiker, all of which boast incredible sights. The park even features some caves, but be careful of poison oak near to the Dripping Cave.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Address: 28373 Alicia Pkwy, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA
7. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Nix Nature Center is a great starting point for your adventure at the Wilderness Park. Here, the knowledgeable staff will be able to assist you in mapping your hike around the park, and you can also take the chance to use their very clean bathrooms! From there, head out to explore the picturesque Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, with its interesting rock formations, lakes, and canyons. From some of the peaks in the Wilderness Park you will even be able to see Catalina Island in the distance.
Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Address: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
8. The Blue Bell Cat Retirement Sanctuary
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
We know cats are not exactly wildlife, but sometimes they do act like it! Blue Bell is a loving sanctuary for cats whose owners are no longer around or able to take care of them. Blue Bell was founded by a generous soul named Bertha Yergat in the 1960s. During her lifetime, she provided a home to strays and ended up bequeathing her home as a permanent sanctuary for these feline friends. If you’d like to visit this huge family of cats and kind-hearted volunteers, you can arrange for a personalized tour by emailing bluebellkitties@yahoo.com.
The Blue Bell Cat Retirement Sanctuary
Address: 20982 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Sea lions, cats and whales, oh my!
If you’re looking to experience unspoiled natural beauty and learn more about amazing wildlife, Laguna Beach has all that and more. Southern California’s golden beach welcomes you!
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