Laguna Beach and the the surrounding area of Orange County is home to some of the world’s finest beaches, dining, shopping and cultural events. Enjoy the beach and coves of Laguna Beach a short walk from your vacation rental or venture out to see what the rest of OC has to offer travelers.
The following guides are provided to help you plan your time while staying in your Laguna Beach vacation rental. And as always, the staff at The Retreat in Laguna is ready to offer any assistance you need - from booking reservations to helping guests with bike rentals and more!
Monthly Events in Laguna Beach
Thursday Art Walk
Downtown Laguna Beach, CA
September 6, October 4, November 1 6pm-9pm
Laguna Beach’s scenic vistas have attracted artists from all around the world. First Thursday Art Walks are a great way to experience and support all the local artists and galleries our town has to offer. On September 6, guest will be treated to a special dance exhibition in conjunction with the Laguna Beach Dance Festival.
Laguna Beach Winery Tastings
Laguna Canyon Winery Map It
September 7, October 5, November 2 6pm-9pm
The Laguna Canyon Winery has a Wine Tasting Party on the first Friday of every month! Join locals and wine connoisseurs at their Laguna Canyon location to enjoy their wines, hot food, cheese and entertainment. No reservations necessary - $30 per person. You can visit their tasting rooms in downtown or Laguna Canyon daily.
September
Laguna Beach Dance Festival
Downtown Laguna Beach, CA
September 6 - 9, 2012
Throughout town, the Laguna Beach Dance Festival hosts live performances in galleries, theaters and outdoor venues, and offers everyone a chance to take classes or lectures with master dance instructors. People come to OC from all over to be moved by national and internationally renowned companies in such intimate settings. Don’t Miss this event if you’re in Laguna Beach this weekend!
Tall Ships Festival
Dana Point, CA (8 mi) Map It
September 7 - 9, 2012
If you’re a boating aficionado, then head south on PCH to the Dana Point Harbor for the annual Tall Ship Festival. Watch from the harbor or embark on the tall ships and schooners as they set sail around the harbor engaging in a mock cannon battle at sunset. Get dressed up for the annual Charity Regatta and gala. Or enjoy live music, dance exhibitions, and other family friendly activities all weekend.
24th Annual Taste of Newport
Fashion Island - Newport Beach, CA (8 mi) Map It
September 14 - 16, 2012
It’s just a short trip north on PCH to Fashion Island for a Taste of Newport. Enjoy all the fine dining and culinary delights of Newport Beach with live entertainment. This three day food, wine and music festival has something of offer every palette - not to mention appearances by rock n roll legends, Blondie and DEVO!
Halloween Time at Disneyland
Anaheim, CA (25 mi) Map It
September 14 - October 31, 2012
The Happiest Place on Earth gets a little spookier as ghouls, haunts, and evil villains take over the Disneyland Resort. The Haunted House undergoes some dramatic changes, Space Mountain is inhabited by ghosts, and there are special Halloween Parties for kids to dress up and trick-or-treat around the park.
40th Annual Knott’s Scary Farm
Buena Park, CA (30 mi) Map It
September 21 - October 31, 2012 (select dates)
If you’re really looking for a fright, then head over to the oldest and biggest scare-fest in Southern California - Knott’s Scary Farm! There is Camp Snoopy for the kids (under 12) and throughout the park there are numerous haunted mazes, scare-zones with terrifying monsters, as well as spooky rides and shows. The regular park closes at 5pm and reopens at 7pm for a night guaranteed to scare the socks off you!
October
Vintage “Farewell to the San Juan Capistrano Sparrows”
San Juan Capistrano (13 mi) Map It
October 6, 2012 6pm - 10pm
Say ‘Farewell to the Swallows of Capistrano’ at the 16th annual Vintage Food & Wine Festival. This event is great for a ‘date night’ - join locals and bird watchers for culinary delights, wine, live entertainment, art exhibits, silent auction and casino games. Get your tickets in advance here - this popular event sold out last year!
San Clemente Sea Fest
San Clemente, CA (13 mi) Map It
October 9, 2012
Don’t miss this annual seafood festival, chowder cook-off and surf contest! At the San Clemente Sea Fest you will fill-up on seafood chowder, lobsters, clams, oysters and salt-sea air as you watch surfers ride some the most famous waves in South Orange County. There is free parking and a shuttle located at the local high school off Interstate-5 here.
Halloween at Doheny State Beach
Dana Point, CA Map It
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Everyone is welcome to check out this fun and educational all day Halloween event at Doheny State Beach. Visitors are welcomed to explore educational booths, a spooky walk, art & crafts activities, fortune tellers and more! The event is free and fun for all ages - guest are asked to donate a can or box of non-perishable food for charity.
4th Annual Boo Cruise for Kids
Dana Point, CA Map It
Date TBA (last Friday in October)
Families with children, head south of Laguna Beach where Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching give twenty-minute spooky cruises of the Dana Point Harbor on a Halloween decorated boat. Entry fee are nominal and $1 goes to a local charity.
Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie
Lantern Bay Park Map It
Date TBA (last Friday in October)
Venture south to Lantern Bay Park and enjoy some FREE entertainment at Dana Point’s Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie night! Arrive early and enjoy some kid-friendly crafts, cupcake decorating contests and costume parade. Then grab your chairs and beach blankets to snuggle up for a FREE outdoor movie and popcorn.
November
35th Annual Turkey Trot - 5K & 10K Race
Dana Point, CA Map It
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Head down to the Dana Point Turkey Trot where more than 16,000 people show up each year to run along the most scenic coastal marathon for a good cause! This year the city of Dana Point has teamed up with the US 5th Marine Regiment Support Group to help marines and their families during the holidays. You can cheer on runners, visit booths at the health and fitness expo, volunteer or register to run and earn that Thanksgiving calorie feast! *For those who are avid runners, the Turkey Trot is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event.
