Laguna Beach: Small Coastal City with a Big Punch

Beaches and so much more

Looking for an awesome California beach town? Laguna Beach may be small but it packs a big punch! With seven miles of hidden gems including: tide pools, oceanside bluffs, and sandy beaches you can’t go wrong. And, what’s more, everything is within walking distance of fabulous shopping, dining and hotel accommodations. Boasting over 20,000 acres of protected wilderness you can hike, bike and explore. Add this to the near perfect year round weather, and Laguna Beach is an unmitigated winner. Try visiting for your family’s beachside retreat or a romantic holiday.

Driving along state route 1, better known as Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), you’ll find Laguna Beach about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. PCH runs from San Diego all the way to Olympic National Park in Washington State. Exploring this scenic drive you’ll find everything from breathtaking coastal views and near-desert temperate to dense woodlands and rainforests. I’m sure you’ll agree, Laguna Beach is a sure-win to add to your bucket list.

Roll down the windows and turn up the tunes while you revel in the lustrous sunshine. The ocean breeze caresses your skin and the briny scent of ocean air mixed with the intoxicating perfume of suntan lotion bewitches you. The taste of over-ripe coconuts linger on your tongue and the aroma of sun dried tropical woods, flowering plants, and musty earth swell from the sun drenched sand and tickle your nostrils. Laguna Beach gratifies the senses.

Come for the art, stay for the ambiance

Laguna Beach is an art lover’s paradise. With a calendar full of cultural events including the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts that has showcased artists and their works for over 85 years, as well as over 100 art shops, galleries and museums; Laguna Beach is widely known as an “art colony”. In fact, the area was first settled by artists who came for the breathtaking beauty and contrasting light. If art is what you are seeking, Laguna Beach’s multidisciplinary artist community incapsulates every taste.

As you look over the shops onto the rising cliffs, you will be awe-struck by the number of beautifully crafted, old world homes with enviable views. For those who call Laguna Beach their home, as well as those who are visiting on holiday, the everchanging lighting creates picturesque moments at every turn.

Satisfy your hunger

Packed into the seven miles of this quaint coastal city you’ll find over a hundred restaurants. There’s everything from family friendly and quick-bites to elegant and black tie. Whatever your hunger level or your budget allows, you’ll find that Laguna Beach’s culinary scene will not disappoint. With so any of the restaurants being artisan, you’ll find the menus to be diverse; the food fresh and delicious. For an early morning delight, enjoy a freshly baked pastry on the deck overlooking the rolling tides at C’est La Vie Restaurant & Bakery or Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s at Greeters located at the foot of the boardwalk.

Looking for savory, cooked to perfection South African coastal cuisine and a roof-top view to die for? Add in live music and a very professional staff, and I give you Mozambique. The restaurant offers valet parking, plush interior dining, and an ambiance that makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Try the prawns or the sea bass…can you say nom nom nom? Or try the La Sirena Grill for authentic Mexican flavor and some of the best tacos you will ever eat. This tiny farm to table eatery is strongly committed to preserving the planet. Try the fish of the day tacos for a treat. Believe me, it is over the top good.

For a bit of decadence be sure to check out Peppertree Lane whose main entrance is located right off of Pacific Coast Highway. This landmark site was built in 1933 around a peppertree. As you pass through the archway you feel as though you stepped into a timeless European dream. Pick up some divine handmade chocolates and melt in your mouth truffles at the fabulous La Rue du Chocolat. Or if you’re like me and can’t resist the creaminess of artisanal Italian ice cream and sorbettos then Gelato Paradiso can’t be missed.

Kick off your shoes and enjoy the beach

As you stroll down the planked boardwalk and breathe in the lifeforce of the ocean you can feel yourself be filled with magic. For one thing, the beach brings out the best in us. It’s a huge dose of vitamin-sea. The ebbing of the tide calms our brains and allows us to simply relax. And what’s more, the brightly colored umbrellas and laughter of children at play lightens our moods. With 30 beaches and 9 coves along Laguna Beach’s coastline you’ll be hard pressed to find your favorite spot. Dog-friendly? Yep. A place you can try out stand up paddle-boarding (SUP) for the first time? Yep. Tide pools and so much more. Laguna Beach has you covered.

Shop ’til you drop

Thinking a little retail therapy is more fitting to your style? Well, take out your cash or credit card and get ready to spend! Check out the numerous cute, stylish, swank, chic and downright adorable shops to choose from. As you meander about be on the look out for an old-fashioned candy store, The Candy Baron where you can find long sought after treats; the purple storefront of Ryan’s Art for the Soul, that features whimsical clocks and gadgets; as well as charming boutiques around every corner! Each time I find myself wandering the shops, I always make a point of heading to C.J. Rose Fashion Boutique. Located in the rear of a cute alcove of shops and restaurants off of Forest Ave., the boutique never misses with my hippy gypsy style.

Put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away

Just because the sun is setting doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Hook up with friends and begin the night with drinks at The Rooftop Lounge. With one of the best views of the sunset and a happy hour that can’t be beat, The Rooftop Lounge is a sure win. Afterwards, put on your dancing shoes and head on over to a locally owned favorite for more than 50 years…The Sandpiper Lounge. Known as the “Dirty Bird“, it’s dark, loud and oh, so much fun!

Relax, unwind and call it a night

Whether you are traveling alone, with family or enjoying a romantic getaway with your significant other, choosing the right place to stay can really add the finishing touch to your trip. For the out-doorsy types, try Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park. The site has RV hook-up and non-hook-up tent sites, as well as cottages available to rent. Situated on a bluff you get front row seats to some of the most spectacular sunsets that can be found. For those with impeccable taste, perhaps the Montage with its 20,000 square foot spa and three restaurants overlooking the Pacific are more your style. And for those in between, Laguna Beach has family and dog friendly hotels, AirBNBs, and numerous spa resorts to choose from.

There’s so much to see and do in Laguna Beach that rain or shine you can be certain to enjoy it’s many treasures. I’d love to hear what are your favorite things about Laguna Beach. Leave a comment below.