The Ultimate Guide to Laguna Beach, California

About an hour or so from Los Angeles, this beachside town has been my home for the past two years. While it is a well-known destination, it still has the feeling of being very removed from busy LA and secluded from the world. With crystal blue water and rocky beach coves, Laguna Beach is the ultimate California town with tons to see and do.

Here’s the ultimate guide to Laguna Beach!

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What to do in Laguna Beach

Be prepared for lots of fun in the sun!

• Head to the Beaches: of course, you already know this one… Laguna Beach is known for its gorgeous beaches and they do not disappoint!  Skip Main Beach (often crowded!) and instead opt for Thalia Street, Victoria or Thousand Steps (also known as 9th St) beaches.
• Rent a SUP: while it’s very well-known for it’s surf spots, Laguna Beach is also a great place to stand-up paddle board. Rent a SUP at Laguna Surf + Sport for an hour or two and you’ll likely spot some dolphins (or maybe even a whale!).
• Enjoy the Arts: Laguna Beach is well-known as an artists community and hosts a number of art events.  Art Walk is the first Thursday evening of each month and the Sawdust Festival, where all the local artists showcase their work, runs all summer long.
• Farmer’s Market: while there are a ton of large and impressive farmer’s markets in California, this market (Saturday mornings) is smaller scale and laid back but don’t let that discourage you as they offer an amazing selection of local farmed produce as well as locally prepared goods.
• Hiking: head to Top of the World or Moulton Meadows and check out the hiking trails for a workout with ocean views.
• Shopping: some of my favorite boutiques for women’s clothing are: Kiska, Attu, Merrilee’s, Blue Eyed Girl and The Shop Laguna. And for men, Thalia Street Surf Shop is always a good bet.
• Heisler Park: start your day off with a morning yoga session (9:15am, daily) or take a stroll around sunset for the perfect ending to your day.
• Ride the Trolley: Laguna Beach offers free trolley service throughout most of the summer and each weekend of the year.

 

Where to Stay in Laguna Beach

Dreaming of falling asleep to the sound of waves on the shore?

• Pacific Edge Hotel: located in the heart of Laguna with waterfront views.  What more could you want?
• Laguna Beach House: right on the ocean with an easy walk to downtown Laguna!
• Surf and Sand Hotel: a local staple featuring beach-front rooms and an incredible bar/restaurant (Splashes, located right on the sand of Bluebird beach).
• The Montage: whether you’re staying here or not, pop in for a drink with a view and watch the sun go down over Treasure Island beach.
• Hotel Joaquin: located just minutes from Heisler Park and Crescent Bay beach, Hotel Joaquin offers modern rooms with a bohemian decor. Each room has a record player and hill, garden or ocean views!
• Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach: enjoy laid-back luxury with ocean views, a private beach and golf course.  Don’t miss dining at their incredible restaurant, Bourbon Steak.
• The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel: sitting atop a 150-ft oceanfront bluff, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel has some of the best ocean views in the area!

 
Where to Dine in Laguna Beach

From acai bowls to sushi to coastal Californian, here are some local favorites.

• Driftwood Kitchen: one of my favorite spots for breakfast or lunch with oceanfront views and delicious seafood options.
• The Deck: this casual spot is located right below Driftwood Kitchen at sea level.  I love coming here for a margarita and some tuna poké!
• Sapphire: brunch, lunch or dinner, this place serves delicious food, and they have a wonderful patio to sit outside and are very dog friendly.  Also stop by their pantry next door for coffee and delicious take out items.
• Selanne Steak Tavern: this upscale steakhouse is located in a beautiful beach-adjacent cottage.  For a special occasion or just a fun night out, you really can’t go wrong with this fine dining spot and its lively upscale bar scene!
• San Shi Go: delicious and fresh sushi with a fun atmosphere for groups.  Sit at the sushi bar and get acquainted with your sushi chef or sit outside and enjoy the sunset!
• Banzai Bowls: heading to the beach for the morning?  Grab a delicious and refreshing acai or pitaya bowl topped with fresh fruit on the way!
• Zinc Cafe: stop by for a coffee and avocado toast here before heading to the farmer’s market on a Saturday morning.
• 242 Cafe Fusion: located across from Main Beach, this fun sushi spot has skimboards for tables and an ocean view.  Chef Miki is one of the only female sushi chefs in Orange County and her innovative creations are like nothing I’ve ever had.  Get the truffle sashimi, you won’t regret it!
• The Rooftop: catch sunset on their rooftop for stunning views and happy hour drinks!

 

The Best Bars in Laguna Beach

Looking to hit the town?  Here are some great spots for an unforgettable night out.

• Sandpiper Lounge: this old, infamous Laguna Beach haunt may not look like much but with strong drinks, family ownership, and the best live music in town, it’s no surprise that people from all over make sure to step on the dance floor and cut loose at the “Dirty Bird.”
• The Saloon: in the heart of downtown , this old stand-up bar will take you right back to the 30’s. Locals opt for a house drink called The Pine-O.
• Marine Room Tavern: This nearly hundred-year-old former biker bar has had a recent makeover and now features nightly live acts from bands all over the spectrum.
• Mozambique: This multi-level restaurant and bar has quickly become a local staple, especially since the addition of an incredible rooftop bar. Sunday nights often feature world class reggae acts!
• The Seahorse: Located in the back of the Pearl St General Store, The Seahorse is a neighborhood beer and wine bar with a fun, quirky vibe.

 

SHOP MY BEACH STYLE