How to Vacation in Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a gem of a city, complete with great food, fun shopping and beautiful sandy beaches galore. With so many amenities to offer, vacationing in Laguna Beach should be a breeze. Here are a few suggestions on how to have a great vacation in Laguna Beach, California.
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Make sure you book accommodations well in advance. Especially during the summer season, rooms can sell out months ahead of time. Determine your budget, then choose a hotel. If money is no object, then the Montage, located in far south Laguna, is probably the place for you. This 5-star resort has it all, including a spa and amazing restaurants. If you'd rather spend a bit less but still crave a little luxury, then check out the historic Casa Laguna Inn in town, or settle down at the Surf and Sand Resort. For those more economically-minded souls, try the Capri Laguna or the Laguna Beach Inn. Or the Hotel Laguna is a middle-of-the-road historic hotel with a great location in the heart of town (see Resources below).
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Make sure you come to Laguna Beach on an empty stomach. As far as dining goes, Laguna Beach has it all, from casual to gourmet. A perennial favorite with locals and tourists alike, Las Brisas is a great choice for its magnificent view, tasty Mexican cuisine and outdoor fire pits. For fine dining options, look up the latest hot spots, or head to a well-loved standard, like 230 Forest Avenue or Five Feet. If you're craving Italian at a reasonable price, then try the noodles at Pasta Pomodoro. And for an ultra-casual dining experience, go to Johnny Rockets or BJ's Pizza.
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Laguna Beach is known for its art, so get ready to get in touch with your creative side. You can find art galleries all throughout town, so plan on taking a stroll. If you're in town on the first Thursday of the month, you're in luck--that's "Art Walk" night, where the galleries will stay open late and offer free drinks and nibbles. Also, think about planning your trip around the summer Sawdust Festival and Festival of the Arts. The Pageant of the Masters is a must-see event, which is art brought to life during specific dates of the festivals. The Pageant tickets sell out fast, so if you're interested, plan on purchasing in advance (see Resources below).
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Go shopping. One of the best things about Laguna is the abundance of little boutiques and shops down by Laguna's Main Street. Plan on devoting a day to just browsing through different stores, including clothing, furniture, pottery and of course souvenirs. You can satisfy your sweet tooth along the way by ducking into the candy shop or heading for a few scoops of ice cream. Put on your walking shoes, since the hills can get steep.
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Take full advantage of the gorgeous local beaches. Laguna Main Beach is probably the most popular, and known for its grassy areas, proximity to shops and beach volleyball. There's also a children's play area and tide pools. If you're more adventuresome, head to Thousand Steps Beach, a local favorite. Swimming's your thing? Try Sleep Hollow Beach, up near Legion. Or go to Treasure Island Park, which has lovely views, a children's area and public art displays (see Resources below).
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Crave a little nightlife? Laguna Beach always has something to offer. Check with locals for the latest hot spots, or hit some tried and true favorites. Want a great margarita and a fun party atmosphere to get you started? Then head to Javier's. The Sandpiper is a dive bar that's open later on weekends and sometimes has live music. The White House has been around for forever, and features live bands and reggae. Hennessey's Pub often has some action going on upstairs, and on Sundays, don't miss the live music at Marine Room, a popular biker bar.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring plenty of sunscreen and water.
Make reservations at restaurants, especially during the summer.
