7 Kid-Friendly Laguna Must-Dos with Shannon O'Neil
Born and raised in Laguna Beach, Shannon O’Neil, founder of Cargo Creative, knows Laguna. The businesswoman and mother of three kids has an eye for the funky and the beautiful, and loves reliving her childhood through her daughter’s eyes -- taking them to her favorite beaches, hikes, or just on a stroll throughout town.
We caught up with the floral genius to ask her to share her seven favorite kid-friendly Laguna hotspots...
The beaches
My top three picks would be Divers, Fishermans, and Shaws because I grew up in North Laguna and am now raising my girls on those same beaches.
Heisler Park
We are there almost every day. We walk along the coast path, stop at the whale for a performance from my three year old, and pop down to the beaches for morning and afternoon dips. We especially love coming for the sunset serenades in the spring/fall.
Lost Pier Cafe
Perfect for quick and easy food, weekend music, and outside play for the kiddos on the beach. (There’s also a playground at the other end of the parking lot!)
Sawdust Art Festival
We have an annual pass and try to visit once a week when it's open. We like to go in the morning and get some energy out before naptime. The first stop is always ceramics, followed by a visit to the little artist studio for the daily art project, face painting, and glass blowing. Before we leave we’ll usually grab a snack and dance to some local music, and sometimes, if we're feeling ambitious, we'll even stop by the Festival of Arts for some of their art projects as well!
South Laguna Community Garden
We've had a plot there for almost two years. It’s fun to tend to our plot and see the rewards of our work, but also great to explore the garden, dance on stage, and swing in the swing. Catalina Park is right up the street, serving as a great detour before or after the garden.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
An extra special spot for us because we were married there in 2015! We love coming and sitting on the patios to let the kids run around while we take in the view and enjoy an afternoon glass of wine. Look out for one of their many movie nights and music classes!
Laguna Beach Trolley
You’ll find us regularly taking laps around town. We love to cruise around and get off wherever to grab a bite somewhere or explore -- then we hop back on! The kids love the spontaneity!
Join the fun as Officer Blue, the beloved Doodle dog from Laguna Beach, hosts a dog party with his furry friends at Surf City Airstream. The event, captured by Laumea Photography, featured police-themed décor by The Picnic Style and delicious treats from Graze Craze in Laguna Hills. Guests wore aviator sunglasses and received signed copies of Blue's book, written by Victoria and Corbin Thomas.