Things to Do in Laguna Niguel

Adventures Boat Rentals' sea-loving staff outfits the Newport Beach area with both self-propelled and electric-powered vessels. The Duffy-brand electric boats produce zero emissions and carry up to 12 passengers, and Adventures Boat Rentals’ paddleboards and kayaks only produce a soft squeal when passengers board. The staff also equips each rider with a map of the harbor's restaurants to find grub after their adventure.

Presented in part by Dan Clark, also known as Nitro, of American Gladiator fame, the Gladiator Rock'n Run 6K pairs an obstacle-heavy running course with post-race entertainment, including beer, music, and food. Six kilometers’ worth of collective scampering awaits participants as muscle-testing obstacles impede progress to the finish line. Those prepared to race must dance through tires, army-crawl through mud, and clamber up rope ladders to avoid barrels thrown by giant apes. The roar of spectators rings throughout the course as bystanders cheer on runners to inspire strong finishes. Gladiator Rock'n Run proceeds go toward a good cause, helping to raise money for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), an organization that provides education, support, and information to aid parents in helping their children diagnosed with autism.

On Fridays, Frank Sinatra songs drift amid skeins of yarn. On Saturday mornings, The Beatles harmonize over a community table spread with coffee, tea, and British breakfast treats. Located in Newport Beach, Knit Schtick is a meeting place for knitters of all experience levels to hone their skills in good company. In Knitting 101 classes, beginners learn basics such as how to purl and how to produce a full-body cocoon out of three feet of thread. In general classes, those who already possess a solid knowledge of knitting techniques work on individual projects, looping yarn into scarves, wraps, socks, or blankets.

The meaning of art may be subjective, but Mission: Renaissance Fine Art Classes believes that the basic, technical skills needed to create art are learnable, regardless of a student’s age or experience. The instructors at the studio, which was originally founded in 1975, illuminate the Gluck Method, which focuses on the classic rendering techniques that the great masters used on their first computers. The classes can accommodate students as young as 5, and they explore a number of different mediums—including charcoal, watercolors, and oils—while giving attendees the experience they need to appreciate art, as well as create it. Spread across 19 studio locations in southern California, attendance is capped at around six students per instructor, which allows them to offer artists more personalized feedback and more fitting nicknames.

Modest Spot Salon is a full-service salon that hosts an atmosphere framed by vintage chic decor. Stylists offer a variety of services that include cuts, color treatments, highlights, and conditioning. The salon also hosts a makeup and styling bar where groups can enjoy blow-drying and makeup application in the evening.

When Father Lasuen founded Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1775, he created the 7th of modern California's 21 missions, which were intended to serve as epicenters of Christianity and Spanish culture in the New World. The mission system fell into disarray and disrepair during the war for Mexican independence and the Mexican-American War, but San Juan Capistrano remains, standing as a relic of that era and a testament to California's historical mélange of European and Native American cultures.

The mission invites visitors to learn more about the region’s history by exploring 10 acres of preserved adobe architecture, fountains, and gardens. Audio tours give groups a unique insight into the site's stories, and rotating exhibits feature artwork as well as historical and religious artifacts from San Juan Capistrano. Hands-on activities allow guests to recreate the experience of centuries-old mission life by making adobe bricks, panning for gold, or connecting computers to dial-up modems.