Here's Where to Hike in Laguna Beach
While Laguna Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and artistic vibe, it has also built a reputation for its wide variety of hiking trails. Depending on the difficulty and skill set, there’s a route for everyone — and more often than not, your hike will even come complete with an ocean view!
Here are our picks for the best hikes in Laguna Beach…
Top of the World
Top of the World is one of the most famous beach hikes in Laguna due to its incredible scenery. (Mountains, check! Ocean, check!) Fairly easy with a gradual incline, the length of the trail can vary between 1.5 miles, (approx. 30 mins to an hour) and 2.4 miles (approx. 2 hours). To get there, park your car at Alta Laguna Park if you’re starting in Laguna Beach, or Canyon View Park if you’re starting in Aliso Viejo and follow the signs. One of locals’ all-time faves, this is a hike you won’t want to miss out on!
Car Wreck Trail
We’re not kidding — there really is an actual car wreck at the end of Car Wreck Trail! Steep, this hike is meant for hikers who want more of a challenge and is most easily accessed from Top of the World. (So basically, it’s two hikes in one!) And for all of you, ‘was-it-even-a-hike-if-there-wasn’t-a-photo’ people, it promises to be a great Laguna photo op that you can proudly post on your IG.
Laguna Beach Cliff Hike
Laguna Beach Cliff Hike is one of the few hiking trails in South Laguna. This trail in particular is moderate and narrow, with the total length being 7.5 miles (approx. 3 hours total). To get there, take PCH to either West Street or Catalina Street, which both merge onto Valido Road, just before Paseo del Sur. The trail begins at Valido Trail off of Valido Road before it turns into Troovet Trail. (This is another great trail with an ocean view!)
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
There is a reason why locals say Laguna Coast Wilderness Park has the best trails. For one, it is part of the Natural Community Conservation Planning Program which works with the county and local governments to protect the land’s fragile ecosystems and endangered species. And second, the park has a variable skill set from easy to hard trailheads. To get there, take Laguna Canyon Road to the Little Sycamore Canyon & Nix Nature Center staging area where you can park. From there, there are plenty of trails to choose from, depending on your skill and your difficulty level. If you like to be one with nature, this is the place to go!
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is not for the faint hearted as it’s one of the most challenging hikes in Laguna Beach, suited for experienced hikers. The hike encompasses 4 to 5 different hiking trails into one long loop. To get there, you will want to park near the Crystal Cove campgrounds and take “No Dogs Trail” to “No Name Ridge.” Where the lack in creative names lags, the scenery will more than make up for it!
Moro Ridge Road Trail Hike
Part of Crystal Cove State Park, the Moro Ridge Road Trail Hike deserves its own shoutout. The trail stretches all the way from the coast to the Toll Road, before leading you to the best part: a gorgeous beach view as you come over the hill on PCH from Emerald Bay. Classically elegant and beautifully Laguna.
Jasmine Bell is an Orange County-native teacher and writer. She is a member of O.C. Writers and writes for Coffee House Writers. She has a bachelor of arts in Creative Writing from University of Redlands. Find her on her website or on her Instagram at @jasmine.bell22.