Between Los Angeles And Carlsbad On California's Coast Is A Park With Tide Pools, Gardens, And Scenic Vistas

There's no more quintessentially California setting than Laguna Beach, a stunning coastal town in Orange County that blends old beach charm with luxurious living, made ultra-famous by a TV Guide's worth of movies and television. In Laguna Beach, it seems like the brights are brighter, the salt air's saltier, the sun's sunnier, and flavors are more flavorful. In short, Laguna's a vivid place, long home to celebrities like Bette Midler, John Wayne, and Diane Keaton, champion of historic buildings and architectural landmarks preservation. One of the city's most scenic spots is a public cliffside garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean and beaches below. Heisler Park is gorgeously landscaped with tropical flowers, coastal sage scrub, roses, and native monarch pollinator plants like milkweed varietals and coffeeberry, and it's maintained with help from a local nonprofit Pollinator Protection Fund (the area is part of the Western Monarch Trail, an epic California road trip that follows the seasonal monarch migration pattern). 

Stroll the park's manicured walking paths, past the decades-old Melaleuca tree, and gaze at the glimmering Pacific Ocean and some of Laguna's finest beaches beneath you. From Heisler Park, you can access four: Picnic Beach, directly below the park and popular with skim boarders and scuba divers; Laguna's iconic and ever-popular Main Beach; and the steep and sometimes turbulent Diver's Cove, one of Orange County's most popular dive spots.

Laguna Beach is located about 55 miles south of central Los Angeles and 40 miles north of Carlsbad, one of California's most underrated, family-friendly coastal towns with cool caves and flower fields that burst in vibrant blooms each spring. The closest airport is Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA), a hidden gem with low wait times and highly-rated amenities. You'll also likely find more flight options at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 53 miles north of Heisler Park.

White sand beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and plenty of green spaces — not to mention the incredible ocean views and vibes — are all excellent reasons to visit Laguna Beach, and Heisler Park epitomizes the best taste of it, even if you only have time for a pit stop while road-tripping up the coast. In addition to the flora and aquatic views, the park features a marine-protected with tide-pool area: Descend the steps in front of Las Brisas restaurant or approach from Main Beach, and keep an eye out for hermit crabs, sea slugs (nudibranches), anemones, and even occasionally spiny lobsters and octopuses. Laguna takes its marine conservation seriously and protects much of its shoreline and waters, prohibiting people from touching or taking living aquatic species. Heisler's not the only local park with tide pools: The hidden Thousand Steps Beach has secret salt pools and caves, a uniquely beautiful spot just 4.5 miles down the coast.

You can also grill on the built-in barbecues and picnic on the park's tables. Restrooms and lawn bowling greens round out the amenities for a perfect afternoon with family and friends — bring your own balls and join in. The local lawn-bowling club is the largest in the U.S. Heisler Park is so picturesque, it's even used for weddings and photoshoots. Don't miss the 16-foot, stainless steel sculpture of the "Breaching Whale," then look beyond it to the sea and see if you can spot live whales, migrating — May through September for blue whales, and December through May for gray whales.

In the early 1900s, what's now Heisler Park was earmarked for a hotel, ideated by local businessman Howard G. Heisler. When Heisler's funding ran out, the land sat dormant for years until the city of Laguna Beach purchased it in the 1960s. Eventually, the space was transformed into a public park, incorporating art and emphasizing nature conservation. In 1977, a time capsule was placed inside the veterans memorial in Heisler Park, presented by the American Legion. The capsule is scheduled to be opened on May 30, 2027 — in case you want to plan your visit in advance.

Since its dedication in 1984, Laguna Beach has won numerous commendations for its beauty and picture-perfect, California-coastal aesthetic. Clean beaches with crystal-clear water, a vibrant arts scene, walkable downtown, and green spaces — not to mention incredible ocean views — are all excellent reasons to warrant a visit, and if you're heading to Heisler Park, you might as well spend a night or two nearby.

Restaurants close by abound, making it easy to take a break from the beach. At the park's south end, Las Brisas is upscale Mexican with a charming patio and steps leading down to the beach, or cross Highway 1 for brunch at the ever-popular Urth Caffe. In terms of lodging, Laguna Beach boasts seven oceanfront options — more than any California city. One, right behind Heisler Park, is Laguna Shores, a cozy, three-star hotel with kitchenettes. Nearby, the newly renovated boutique Casa Loma Hotel sits adjacent to the park and Main Beach. For something truly luxurious, Montage Laguna Beach is an exquisite hotel and spa offering sweeping views of the Pacific and world-class amenities, just 3 miles south.