Laguna Beach

The seven-mile stretch of Pacific coastline that makes up Laguna Beach’s scenic coves, tidepools, and beaches began as a quaint artists’ colony and seaside escape for Hollywood’s elite. Thanks to the century-old Laguna Beach Art Association and vigilant city officials, it still feels that way. While its beaches are lined with hotels, what you’ll notice are its art galleries, walkable downtown, and acres of dramatic cliffs, canyons, and hills. (Don’t miss a climb to the aptly named “Top of the World.”) With its arts and craft festivals and breezy seaside restaurants, Laguna Beach is in the heart of Orange County and easily accessible via the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs right through it.