Laguna Beach California

It's more of a place to live than touristy things to do.
Newport Beach area is probably better for sightseeing and hanging out.
Not even sure what kind of beach access you can get at Laguna if you wanted to stay there. To stay there probably costs a small fortune.

Agreed. We’re Newport bound tomorrow for the long weekend. There’s Tons of stuff to do there.

Here is a recent thread

There is a great public beach in Laguna Beach right in town. My favorite beach is Thousand Steps beach in Laguna Nigel just 10 minutes south. Lots of good mountainbiking nearby (see my post in previous thread) and Dana Point has a bunch of boat charters/kayak rentals, etc.. There is a nice main street/downtown area with lots of art galleries, ritzy shops and such and also bars, cafes and restaurants. Laguna Beach has a more wealthy hippie vibe than other parts of Orange County which are more conservative. Newport Beach has a bunch of touristy things such as Balboa Island and is an easy 20 or so minute drive from Laguna Beach. When I lived out there Laguna Beach was my favorite town to hangout and chill.

We just got back last month

I agree with others that if you have time I highly recommend driving north on the PCH up to Newport and even Huntington.

We did a night in Huntington and walked the pier and had drinks and dinner at Sandy’s on the beach. It was awesome. Felt like I was in Point Break. Lol

The strip had a cool vibe with patio bars and live music