Here in SoCal, we are somewhat obsessed with the outdoor life, and I love the sheer variety and types of parks we have. There are beach parks, of course, with sandy shores, tidepools, watersports, scenic cliffs, etc. We have green space parks with grassy expanses, picnic and play areas, benches, trees, and sports courts and fields. And there are mountain parks with hiking trails, forests and foliage, wildlife, and stunning views. Then there are a few special places like this oceanfront park in Laguna Beach that provide a delightfully unexpected mix of all of that dotted with art, humor, and a little guided self-care. Here’s more on Heisler Park.

Heisler Park in Laguna Beach is a large oceanfront park with a tropical vibe and an unmatched combination of features and amenities that make it worth a drive to visit.
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Named after Howard Heisler who purchased the property in 1905, this is no ordinary park, and it may make you forget exactly where in the world you are.
cultivar413/Flickr
cultivar413/Flickr
There are walking trails lined with lush manicured planters and gardens, a small stone amphitheater, and a huge collection of public art. There are many cool sculptures, mosaics, and art pieces throughout the park.
cultivar413/Flickr

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There are even some humorous signs and gentle reminders to use this space for a little self-care.
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The park stretches above and along the shoreline, providing spectacular ocean views as well as access to several beaches including Diver’s Cove, Picnic Beach, Rockpile Beach, and Main Beach, with Monument Point at the center of it all.
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At several points along the park, stairways lead down to the various beaches, and there are even outdoor showers at the bottom.
The gorgeous beaches here offer a whole range of activities, from sunbathing to diving. You can play in the waves, go snorkeling, explore coves, or check out the beautiful marine life in the tide pools.
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The famous bird rock is another example of the natural features and wildlife that inhabit the park and it, along with the bluffs and rocky shoreline, inspires even more artistic expression.
on_the_go_98765/TripAdvisor

Heisler Park was voted TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award for 2023, and it is not hard to see why. Have you ever been to this oceanfront park in Laguna Beach? It is perfect for a day trip, or if you are driving some distance to visit (which you won’t regret), consider spending the weekend in this lovely, walkable coastal town. Book a comfortable room nearby, and there is even a free trolley that you can take to the park and around town! 

For related content, check out this 2-minute tour of Catalina Island:

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Heisler Park, 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA