Take a moment and imagine sunny beaches with breathtaking sunsets, gourmet restaurants with ocean views, fantastic outdoor hiking, a thriving art scene, and plenty of shopping in unique little boutiques all under the warm California sun. Can this paradise really exist? The answer is YES! It exists in the quaint little beach town of Laguna, located in Orange County, California. Luckily for you, we have all the basics covered, making a fantastic sunny vacation a breeze to plan.
Where: Laguna Beach, California. This small beach town is located on the coast of Orange County and within close proximity of other popular beaches like Newport and Huntington and only an hours drive from Los Angeles.
Why: Laguna beach has a thriving art scene and plenty of entertainment to provide weeks worth of fun and leisurely exploring. Regardless of your interests, Laguna Beach hosts a variety of different activities and shops to satisfy every hobby. From scenic hiking to shopping in stylish boutiques, there are endless possibilities to fill your holiday with unforgettable fun.
Stay: The Montage stands out as an ideal place to stay due to it’s five-star rating and central location. It sits cliffside to give guests an ocean view that is unparalleled.
If a more private and local experience is what you are craving, then Laguna is constantly renting out small apartments or beach homes for the weekend which can be a great alternative to a large resort.
Transportation: The local airport, John Wayne Airport, is only a shuttle ride away and the International Airport (LAX) is about an hour’s shuttle ride away. Once in Laguna, it is not necessary for any form of transportation because everything is in walking distance! If you plan on making outside trips to the local beaches in the area, then a cab or rental car is suggested. California is not exactly known for its public transportation so it is wise to pick a rental car during your stay if you are planning on traveling outside the main portion of the beach.
Outdoor Activities: El Moro is a canyon located in Laguna that offers a variety of different hiking and biking trails. The hike takes you through the gorgeous canyons and can lead to some breathtaking views. Another fun activity is kayaking or paddle boarding in the ocean. They are active ways to really enjoy the nature and great outdoor landscape in Laguna.
Shopping: Main beach in Laguna is scattered with great shops.They do not host big-name retail stores but instead have a variety of small, privately owned boutiques that can provide unique and one-of-a-kind pieces to your wardrobe. Diane’s Beachwear and Muse are two great boutiques that offer clothing that is reflective of the California-cool style in the area. Craving big name brands? Fashion Island, an outdoor shopping mall, is a ten minute drive away that has high end department stores such as Sacs Fifth Avenue and designer brand stores like Kate Spade and BCBG.
Food: The Deck is a great restaurant/lounge that sits outdoors with a fantastic ocean view. Sip on some cocktails and munch on the delicious appetizers that they serve here while enjoying a sunset at the end of a long day. Las Brisas is a popular brunch spot that offers delicious traditional brunch items and brings in a crowd on Sunday mornings. San Shi Go is a hidden gem sushi bar that is a favorite to all the locals. It has a small and cozy vicinity but has a variety of different sushi rolls and, of course, it has an ocean view.
On the weekends, there are plenty of beach volleyball pick-up games which can be fun to challenge the locals to a friendly two-on-two match. There is also an art fair on main beach that brings all of the local artists to a common area and set up shop to sell their art, sculptures, and jewelry. A trip to Laguna will provide a laid back vacation with plenty of fun activities to keep you entertained. Enjoy the California sunshine and the laid back vibe in this southern California beach town.
