Laguna Beach is a top-notch destination for every respectful artist and beachgoer. But after initial fuss and excitement, top hidden gems in Laguna Beach are what keeps visitors coming back for more.
Last updated: July 13, 2025
Top 7 Hidden Gems in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a crown jewel located along the Southern California Coast, between the bustling Los Angeles and multifaceted San Diego. It is incredibly beautiful, pleasantly relaxing, blissfully colorful, and surprisingly artistic. Laguna Beach entices ocean-thirsty travelers, gives shelter to local and international creatives, and inspires countless designers. Every corner of this coastal city screams for your attention.
But as locals agree, nothing can beat the charm and authenticity of the hidden gems of Laguna Beach. These little secret spots unveil the true nature of the city and its residents. Whether it is an animal hospital or another incredible beach, these hidden gems in Laguna Beach tie the unique look of the city with its history, driven purposes, and strong characters of its dwellers.
Shall we bypass Laguna’s tourist attractions and explore some of its secret sites? Here are the top seven hidden gems in Laguna Beach to start with.
READ MORE: 5 Hidden Gems along Southern California Coast (Orange County)
SOME OF THE BEST HIDDEN GEMS IN LAGUNA BEACH
1. Victoria Beach
Pictures of Victoria Beach flood the web and Instagram, making it one of the most photographed hidden gems in Laguna Beach. Rows of private residencies conceal the secluded cove from unaware tourists. Needless to say, mostly the locals reserve the right to soak up the sun, swim, skimboard, and engage in other summer activities on Victoria Beach.
How to Get: Yet to be fair to all guests of Laguna Beach, one of the most sought-after secret spots reveals itself to those that are willing to trek down some sheltered stairs. Follow Victoria Drive until you reach a concealed stairway. While some locals can access the beach from their own backyards, these steep stairs are the only way to reach the hidden sandy stretch for others, including visitors.
READ MORE: The 7 Prettiest Beaches in Laguna Beach
2. Pirate Tower
Address: 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The second secret spot claims its residency near the cliffs of Victoria Beach. The medieval-looking Pirate Tower is one of the most recognizable hidden gems in Laguna Beach. The 60-foot structure was built in 1926. Initially, the owners of the house atop the cliff used a private staircase inside the tower to access Victoria Beach. However, some design flaws that let a part of the tower submerge in the water made this secret spot inaccessible during high tide.
Today, the doors of the Pirate Tower remain closed. The historic structure, however, never ceases to attract locals and visitors that regard it as one of the most stunning hidden gems in Laguna Beach.
3. St. Francis by the Sea
Address: 430 Park Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
St. Francis by the Sea is one of the smallest cathedrals in the world and one of the most intimate hidden gems in Laguna Beach. The church was built in 1934. In 1988 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Beside its stunning shape and small size, the cathedral is famous for the National Sick Call Sets Museum located in the choir loft. A rare collection of kits and instruments used by priests and family members for the sacred rituals further entices the guests and locals of Laguna Beach. Some of the items in the church date back to the 1880s.
4. Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Address: 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is one of a few hidden gems in Laguna Beach with a strong mission of helping injured marine animals. The animal hospital (how the center’s staff refers to it) rescues stranded seals and sea lions and provides them with a safe home.
While the center takes good care of their patients, it strives to eliminate excessive interactions of visitors with their patients. Once the marine mammals get healthy again, they leave their temporary shelter and return back to the ocean.
TIP: The center runs on sponsorships and donations. There is no admission fee to visit this hidden spot with a great impact on the local community and marine life. Donations, however, are always welcome.
5. Thousand Steps Beach
Address: 31972 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
While Main Beach with its scenic cove and a boardwalk lures the visitors of Laguna Beach, locals laze at Thousand Steps Beach. Sandy shore, conical caves, sandstone cliffs… Clearly, hidden gems in Laguna Beach couldn’t look any better.
How to Get: Although the name suggests that there are thousand steps, you need to conquer only approximately 230 of them. The marvelous beach welcomes you at the end of the stair trail. You will find the intimidating stairs to this secret destination in Laguna Beach near 9th Avenue.
6. Treasure Island Beach
Address: Wesley Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
An all-time favorite of the locals, Treasure Island Beach is an untapped territory for the majority of Laguna’s guests. Tucked in behind Montage Resort, the place is one of the most accessible hidden gems in Laguna Beach. Sadly or fortunately, the oblivious visitors regard it as a private beach and steer away before getting to know any better.
Treasure Island Beach, however, screams for your attention, especially if you are after the most beautiful hidden gems in Laguna Beach. The secluded cove draws with the clear water, splendid natural tide pools, intriguing rock formations, and panoramic views.
How to Get: Just go through Treasure Island Park set next to Montage Laguna Beach, and enjoy all the divine features of this hidden gem.
7. Pageant of the Masters
Address: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unprecedented productions in the world. The show lasts 90 minutes and brings classic and contemporary works of art on the stage. Surprisingly, the entire cast consists of passionate volunteers posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original plays. The Pageant of the Masters takes place at the Festival of Arts ground. It is certainly one of the must-see secret attractions in Laguna Beach.
Read Next
- MALIBU SECRETS: Top 8 Hidden Gems in and near Malibu
- SAN DIEGO SPOTS: Off the Beaten Path: Top 13 Hidden Gems in San Diego
- LOS ANGELES GEMS: Top 10 Hidden Gems in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles
