THE LOBBY AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Besides being one the premier resorts in Southern California, Montage Laguna Beach is situated on arguably the most scenic bluffs in Laguna Beach. The lobby of the resort sits on the second story of the property offering up an expansive view out over the eye catching mosaic pool and the Pacific Ocean. Walk out onto the balcony to snap a picture that will make all your friends and family green with envy.

Hint: Stay awhile and have a drink at the hotel lobby bar or book dinner at the five-star rated STUDIO restaurant.

TREASURE ISLAND PARK

Treasure Island Park surrounds Montage Laguna Beach and is one of the most beautiful places to take a stroll in Laguna Beach. With sweeping views over TREASURE ISLAND BEACH, GOFF COVE and a long clear view north to Main Beach, there are endless photo ops to be found here. Try this one looking out over Treasure Island Beach.

Hint: Hold your cell phone up high to ensure you capture the full landscape in the frame. 

VICTORIA TOWER

Often called Rapunzel’s tower, Victoria Tower, conjures up stories of pirates, princesses and legends. The tower houses an enclosed staircase to the beach from a private residence up on the bluff. Needless to say, the tower is a favorite spot for professional and amateur photographers as well as locals and visitors.

Hint: Be sure to check the tide tables before your visit to avoid getting wet during high tide. This tower can only be accessed at low tide.

TOP OF THE WORLD

Named for its 360-degree view, Top of The World (ALTA LAGUNA PARK) is an epic vantage point for catching spectacular Orange County views. From one side you can look out over the canyons to the Pacific and from the other, gaze back over Saddleback Valley to Santiago Peak. In the early morning watch the fog roll in or climb up to the top in the late afternoon to watch the sun sink behind Catalina Island.

Hint: This is a great spot to get a panoramic picture. 

MAIN BEACH LIFEGUARD TOWER

Called “the window to the sea” because of its unobstructed views, Main Beach is the heart of Laguna Beach. Home to the boardwalk, beach volleyball, basketball courts and, of course, the historic Lifeguard Tower.  The hexagon shaped tower stands tall and proud on Main Beach, watching over visitors as they play on the beach. It is iconic and the subject of countless paintings and photographs. In fact, it is the most photographed location in Orange County. Grab your cell phone and snap your own photo of the tower.

Hint: The tower looks good at any time and is only a few steps away from countless restaurants and shopping in the downtown district.

HEISLER PARK GAZEBO

Heisler Park winds itself along the bluffs between Main Beach and Diver’s Cove. Here you’ll find groomed gardens, picnic areas, public art sculptures, an amphitheater and on one bluff — a gazebo. The gazebo is a great picture unto itself, but walking inside to get a view is even better. Here you can grab a fantastic picture of Main Beach and all the action going on. 

Hint: It can get busy in the Gazebo so be patient to get just right shot.  

ROCKPILE BEACH

As you wander through Heisler Park you’ll find a lot of great spots to snap a cell phone picture. Standing against the rails gazing out over Rockpile Beach as surfers surf and dolphins swim might be one of the best places to capture a memory that will last a lifetime. Rockpile is considered one of the great surfing spots in Laguna Beach and is a favorite for plein air painters to paint.

Hint: Take the stairs from Heisler Park down to the sand of Rockpile Beach for a different perspective. 

SHAW’S COVE

There’s no better time to snap a picture in Laguna Beach than at sunset. The light bathes all corners of the city with gold and the sky is painted a new and unexpected shade of gorgeous every night. Shaw’s Cove, popular with locals and scuba divers, is a peaceful place to watch the sun melt into the Pacific behind a grove of palm trees. 

Hint: Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to make sure you don’t miss it.
 
 
Did we miss any of your favorite spots to snap a picture in Laguna Beach? Let us know by showing us your pictures. As you visit us, snap pics and post. Be sure to tag us (@VisitLaguna) and use the #MyLagunaBeach hashtag so we can see how you view Laguna Beach.  
 
Photos by WES MARSALA