Welcome to our Laguna Beach City Guide! As we are sitting around our inflatable pools here in the Midwest, we can’t stop daydreaming about the beach. One of our favorite beach towns of all time is Laguna. Small town feel with big city offerings!
Montage Laguna Beach
Perched on a coastal bluff above the Pacific, Montage Laguna Beach welcomes guests into the heart of Southern California’s preeminent artist colony. Spanning 30 acres, the beachfront sanctuary features two outdoor pool decks, a 20,000-square-foot spa and three signature restaurants with spectacular views of the California coast. This is one of our favorite hotels in the U.S.
Pelican Hill
Sitting atop 504 acres of unrivaled coastal beauty, Pelican Hill is set apart as a world unto itself, offering a feast for the senses and a retreat for family and friends. The private Villas and Bungalow Guest Rooms & Suites are all spacious and casually elegant, with an attentive staff there to anticipate your needs at every turn. Resort amenities are designed with you in mind, providing all the comforts of home with the activities and ultimate relaxation of a vacation away.
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a coastal paradise with a playful side. Winding ocean paths lead to Salt Creek Beach, which attracts surfers from around the world and offers the breathtaking background for the hotel’s indoor and outdoor event venues. Ties to the Laguna Beach community are expressed through local artwork, expert-led eco-adventures and a display of artistic surfboards.
Monarch Beach Resort
Winner of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond and Premier Resort Gold Medal Golf among other notable distinctions, Monarch Beach Resort offers guests an unmatched escape that embodies the barefoot elegance of Southern California’s coastal lifestyle. In addition to the pristine beach, refreshingly modern accommodations, and celebrated beachside dining, resort guests enjoy warm, personalized service from our Monarch Beach Resort Hosts and unique experiences for every age and interest. Monarch Beach Resort is also home to an award-winning, championship 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and the first Miraval Life in Balance Spa outside Arizona.
Surf & Sand Resort
For decades the Surf & Sand has been a popular draw for couples and families alike. Completely refreshed in 2010, our Laguna Beach hotel pool deck has been transformed into a haven for complete escape. New modern cabanas, a wave-inspired structure, cozy chaise lounges and a poolside bar add a contemporary touch, while a scenic tile mural by a local artist further embraces the charm of Laguna Beach.
Harley
Harley is a casually elegant restaurant in Laguna Beach focused on creative, seasonal menus.
Watermarc
Small plates star at this chic New American eatery with handcrafted cocktails plus communal tables.
Javier’s
Tropical setting for upmarket Mexican fare & margaritas made with an extensive list of tequilas.
Mozambique
Upscale eatery & lounge serving South African-inspired cuisine plus wine in a colonial setting.
Nick’s Laguna Beach
Open & airy eatery serving Californian comfort fare like fried asparagus spears & blackened halibut.
A few of our other favorite Laguna Beach restaurants are…..
*The Stand Natural Food Restaurant
Dolce Gelato
Storied, family-owned parlor handcrafting gelato & sorbet in a rotating variety of original flavors.
Moulin
Parisian style café with a glass counter full of fresh pastries & classic plats du jour on the menu.
The Candy Baron
For more than 20 years, the Candy Baron family has sold more than one million pounds of Salt Water Taffy and other delicious, handmade candies.
The Orange Inn
Breakfast & Lunch Cafe in her heart of Laguna Beach “Best Coffee in Town!”
Urth Caffe
Founded in 1989, Urth Caffé is widely considered the first coffee roasting company in America to offer exclusively organically grown, heirloom coffees.
Laguna Coffee Co.
Gourmet baked goods, panini & espresso drinks made with house-roasted beans in a convivial setting.
Blk Dot Coffee
Slow-dripped Vietnamese Craft Coffee in the heart of Laguna.
The Deck
Pacific Edge Hotel’s beachside deck is a festive spot for American seafood & colorful cocktails.
The Rooftop
Bar perched on top floor of La Casa del Camino hotel offering cocktails, people-watching & views.
Skyloft
Modern venue offering upscale tavern fare, cocktails, live music & rooftop seating with ocean views.
Stateroom Bar
Handcrafted, artisanal cocktails overlooking Laguna beach.
15FiftyFive
You can visit this Laguna Beach lounge, 15fiftyfive, for bites and cocktails under the stars. With its fire pits, you can start or end the night with a cocktail, the sunset and the Pacific.
Amenah
Honest, sophisticated, perfectly curates women’s fashion boutique.
Buy Hand
Award-winning jewelry & gift store.
Laguna Supply
Chic, quaint women’s boutique specializing in fashion-forward apparel, shoes & designer accessories.
Pearl Street General
A family-owned shop offering an ever growing selection of home goods as well as wine, craft beer, and fresh prepared gourmet food.
Hiking
There is so much hiking to do in Laguna and a few of our favorite trails are Laguna Coast Trail or Top of the World.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove is one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore. So much room for activity!
Dawson Cole Sculpture Garden
Laguna is swarming with beautiful galleries! Dawson Cole has an amazing sculpture garden that is worth the visit.
Newport Landing Whale Watching
Whale watching trips daily, all year-round with Newport Landing. See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat.
Spa Montage
Spa Montage Laguna Beach is a resplendent seaside retreat nestled along the rugged California Coastline. A dry, temperate climate coupled with the majestic Pacific Ocean offers guests the healing power of nature year-round.
Like we said above, we will be sitting here in the Midwest in our inflatable pools daydreaming about when we can travel again! We hope you enjoyed reading through this City Guide as much as we enjoyed writing it. Stay safe and sane everyone!
XOXO, Moxi Events
