Laguna Beach Archives

Whether you’re a Southern California local or visiting from out of town, Laguna Beach is the perfect location for a beach day or weekend trip. The white sand and blue skies are endless, the variety of beachfront restaurants is amazing, and there are thousands of classic photo opportunities. The streets here are made for strolling, window shopping, and, of course, Instagramming. Here are my recommendations on some perfect Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach, California.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. For more info, please see my affiliate disclaimer.

1. Classic Lifeguard Tower

This iconic Laguna Beach lifeguard tower was built in the 1930’s. Its perfect location and classic look make it one of the most Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach. It is no longer used as a lifeguard tower, but is still used for storage. The city actually considered knocking it down at one point, but the fact that it is one of the most photographed and painted spots in Laguna Beach kept it standing.

Located between the street and the beach, it stands out as a major photo opp with the beach in the background. There are benches situated around the lifeguard tower, perfect for sitting and admiring the view. To avoid heavy shadows like in my photo below, be sure to visit this spot in the morning or evening for the best light. Tip: Come for sunset and get some amazing colors in the sky as your backdrop!

Location of the Lifeguard Tower:

105 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Laguna Beach Lifeguard Tower: An Instagram Photo Spot — Laguna Beach Lifeguard Tower

2. Old Pirate Tower (one of my favorite Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach)

The ultimate Instagram photo opportunity lies in visiting the Laguna Beach Pirate Tower. It is a bit hidden, so be sure to check out my more detailed article on how to find it: The Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach. Located on the rocks of the shore of Victoria Beach, it looks like something right out of a fairytale, making this one of the most instagrammable spots in Laguna Beach.

Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach at Sunset. An Instagrammable spot in Laguna Beach. — Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach During Sunset

While it’s romantic to dream of it once being the stronghold of swashbuckling pirates, its history is much more tame. However, it’s a known fact that one of the former owners liked to dress up as a pirate and hide gold coins in the sand around the base for kids to discover. Tip: Visit this spot during sunrise or sunset for some photo magic.

Location of the Pirate Tower:

Here is the address for the staircase that leads down to Victoria Beach: 2705-2711 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Check my related post for more detailed instructions with photos.

Sunset Photography at Laguna Beach Pirate Tower — Sunset at the Pirate Tower

3. Art-a-Fair Building (one of the most colorful Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach)

I’ve often driven past this building on the way to and from Laguna Beach, and recently I stopped to check it out. There is a parking lot located right next door, and, as soon as you get out of your car, you’re faced with a giant colorful wall mural lining the side of the building. As you make your way to the entrance, it feels a bit like entering a rainbow wonderland. The Laguna Beach Art-a-Fair takes place annually, a summer event that celebrates local art in all forms, features local vendors, and always provides excellent food trucks.

Art-a-Fair colorful building in Laguna Beach — Entrance to the Art-a-Fair

While the inside of the building is only open to visitors during the summer Art-a-Fair, you are able to walk around the outside and enjoy the colorful murals and atmosphere. I spent some time walking around the outside and taking photos. Each wall has its own crazy and colorful pattern. I ended up taking so many photos, proving this to be one of the most Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach. I definitely plan to return during the summer Art-a-Fair.

Location of the Art-a-Fair:

777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Colorful Art-A-Fair Rainbow Building — Loving the colors and patters at Art-a-Fair

4. Colorful Staircase

Located in a shady intersection on a neighborhood street, this colorful staircase is a classic Instagrammable photo spot in Laguna Beach that you just can’t miss. With plenty of parking along the sides of the street, it is easily accessible. The staircase is very tall and will take you all the way to the top of the hill. It’s surrounded by plenty of lovely plants and succulents and I was one of the only people there. I met some nice people doing laps up and down the stairs. If I lived in the area, I would choose this place for some fitness as well! Tip: wear a color that matches one of the colors on the stairs to really make your photo pop.

Location of the Staircase:

Corner of 3rd St & Mermaid Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Colorful Staircase in Laguna Beach — Colorful Staircase

5. Angel Wings Wall Mural (one of the most traditional Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach)

Nothing says Instagram like posing in front of an angel wing wall mural. This particular mural was painted by Colette Miller, and exists on the side wall of a pizza joint. Since angel wings are impossible to pass by without stopping and giving your best pose, I consider it one of the Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach that you just can’t miss. It’s also a great photo stop to plan around lunch time so you can stop and get a good slice of pizza.

Location of the Angel Wings:

477 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, 92651

Angel Wings Wall Mural by Collette Miller: An Instagrammable Photo Spot in Laguna Beach — Angel Wings Art Mural

Equipment I Used When Finding These Instagrammable Photo Spots in Laguna Beach

Camera

Cell phone cameras are amazing these days, but if you’re looking for a good camera recommendation, I use a Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera and I love it. It’s lightweight, it has an awesome mix of settings, and includes an instant download to your cellphone for easy Instagram posting on the go.

Tripod

I recently purchased this lightweight camera tripod and I take it everywhere! It’s perfect for getting group shots or shots of yourself if you’re exploring solo. It collapses pretty easily and comes with a carrying case. There are also tripods that are compatible with cameras and phones, like this phone tripod stand. Getting a tripod is definitely an photography game changer!

Other Photography Gear

Check out the rest of my Travel Blogging Photography Gear for tips and recommendations on my favorite products.

Pin it For Later: Instagrammable Photo Spots in Laguna Beach

Looking for More Photo Spots in California?

Head to Yosemite National Park and check out these top Instagram Spots in Yosemite Valley
Check out my article on the Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, California. You will thank me for introducing you to this endless Instagram playground.
Feel like a photographer in Europe amidst windmills and vineyards while spending a day in Solvang, California.

The pirate tower in Laguna Beach is a dream come true. A real-life piece of fantasy has been sitting in Orange County and I had no idea until this past weekend. The name does not disappoint; the old pirate tower juts out of the rocks of Victoria Beach and stands tall as it takes endless hits from the crashing waves. Decorated with uneven windows, it looks like it could be a set piece in a fairytale.

Is it a Real Pirate Tower?

Sadly, it was not built by pirates. It was built in 1926 as a private staircase down to Victoria Beach by LA senator William E. Brown. Eventually the land was sold to retired naval captain Harold Kendrick, a man with an affinity towards pirate life. Kendrick was known to dress in pirate gear and entertain local children with scavenger hunts and tails of the sea. He would even hide coins around the base of the tower, making dreams of finding hidden treasure a reality.

Visitors are not allowed in to the tower today, but we can admire the outside of it and the surrounding beach. It also doesn’t hurt to have a look around the base- you never know if there may still be some gold coins lying around.

Pirate Tower Sunset Photo Spot in Victoria Beach Laguna Beach California — Running Out to See the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach

When to Visit the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach

Victoria Beach in Laguna is going to give you those notorious OC beach vibes any time of day, but I recommend going at sunset. The light becomes magical and the beach crowds dissipate. Check the local weather reports for info on the tide though, and make sure it is not predicted to be too high. The waves crash right at the rocks at the base of the tower, and you don’t want to get caught or swept out by those.

Catching the Sunset at the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach

How to Get There

The pirate tower is located in Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach, California. You will have to park on Pacific Coast Highway as there are no good parking lots nearby. It’s a popular area during the day, so be prepared and give yourself time to make some laps and u-turns during your search for parking. Once parked, you will you need to walk down Victoria Drive to the staircase that leads down to the beach. The address for the staircase is 2705-2711 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Once you’ve descended the staircase, you’ll be right on the sand of Victoria Beach. Turn right, walk a bit, and you will reach a tide pool that fills up during higher tides. Keep going past that, and you will see the pirate tower in all its glory.

Tide pool at sunset — Tide Pool by the Pirate Tower

Tips

Bring a change of clothes if you’re planning to walk up to the base of the tower. Chances are you’re going to have to wade through some waves to get there.
Bring a beach towel. Even if you’re just visiting for photos of the tower, you will need it to dry off. Also, you may be seduced by Victoria Beach and want to stay a while.
Watch your step getting to the base of the tower. There are rocks buried under the sand at the shore.

Check out the Rest of Laguna Beach

Laguna is such a beautiful beach city. There are so many restaurants with great views and endless shops to browse. Check out Visit Laguna Beach for more details.

Seagull at sunset — Seagull at Sunset in Laguna Beach

Save to Pinterest: The Pirate Tower of Laguna Beach

Photo Spot: The Pirate Tower of Laguna Beach — The Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach, California

Want More SoCal Photo Spot Inspiration?

Check out my article on finding more Instagrammable Photo Spots in Laguna Beach

Checkout my article on the Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, California. You will thank me for introducing you to this endless photography playground.