Laguna Beach is one of our favourite spots along the Orange County coastline, and somewhere we’ve returned to several times for long weekends, beach escapes and the occasional music festival.
Laguna has a lovely mix of coastal sophistication and relaxed Southern California surf culture. It’s pretty, bustling and a little upscale, but still has a bohemian edge that gives it plenty of character.
We’ve visited simply to enjoy the beach and have also made the trip for the Ohana Music Festival, where we’ve seen some fantastic performances from artists including Crowded House, Eddie Vedder and Maren Morris. The festival takes place beside the ocean at nearby Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, making it a wonderful setting for live music.
Where We Stay in Laguna Beach
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
Our favourite place to stay is Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, a beautiful oceanfront hotel that feels more intimate than some of the larger coastal resorts.
I particularly love the pool area. It’s heated, feels relatively sheltered and has gorgeous views across the Pacific Ocean. It’s easy to spend much of the afternoon here without feeling the need to venture anywhere else.
The hotel has a boutique feel, with outdoor firepits and inviting spaces to sit and enjoy the ocean views. It’s quite self-contained, which is ideal for a relaxing weekend away.
Surf & Sand is a little south of Laguna’s main shopping and dining area, but getting around is relatively easy. The free Laguna Beach Trolley, with its open-air-style vehicles, stops nearby and is a convenient way to travel along the coastline and into town.
You can also walk into the centre of Laguna, although it’s a fairly substantial walk with some inclines. We’ve found it perfectly doable when we’re in the mood for a stroll, and there are cafés and conveniences closer to the hotel.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Dana Point
We’ve also stayed at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, which is actually in neighbouring Dana Point rather than Laguna Beach itself.
It’s another lovely part of the Orange County coastline and a convenient base for exploring the surrounding beaches, harbour and restaurants.
One thing worth mentioning is that hotel facilities can change. On a more recent visit, my husband arrived to discover the pool was undergoing construction and decided to check out and stay elsewhere. It’s worth checking whether any major renovations are taking place before booking, particularly if the pool is an important part of your stay.
Exploring Laguna Beach
One of my favourite ways to spend time in Laguna is simply wandering around town.
The centre has a great selection of independent boutiques, surf shops, art galleries and cafés. It’s an enjoyable place to browse for a few hours, stop for coffee and take in the atmosphere without having much of a plan.
Sur Coffee is one of the cute local coffee shops worth visiting.
Laguna feels a little more polished than some of the neighbouring beach towns, but it hasn’t lost its surf-town personality. I like that combination. It’s stylish and lively, yet still relaxed enough to spend the day in casual clothes and flip-flops.
It’s also a great base for exploring the Orange County coastline, with beautiful beaches, golf courses and neighbouring towns within easy driving distance.
The main downside is traffic. Laguna can get particularly busy on weekends, and parking isn’t always easy to find. Valet parking is common at restaurants and hotels throughout this part of Southern California, which can make things a little easier.
Where to Eat & Drink in Laguna Beach
Mozambique
Mozambique is one of our favourite places to visit when we’re staying at Surf & Sand, and it’s conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.
It’s a lively restaurant and bar with a South African-inspired menu, great food and a fun atmosphere. Downstairs can get quite energetic, particularly later in the evening, but my favourite spot is the rooftop terrace.
The rooftop has beautiful ocean views, especially around sunset, and a great bar where you can settle in for drinks before dinner.
The restaurant also has a slightly unexpected tropical feel, with colourful birds, including a toucan and macaw, at the entrance. It’s certainly memorable!
Mozambique is a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere with a little atmosphere rather than a quiet, formal dinner.
Hotel Laguna
Another place I really enjoy is Hotel Laguna, right in the heart of town.
It’s a beautiful oceanfront property with wonderful views and a lively social atmosphere, particularly on weekends. There are two restaurants, Larsen and Fin, offering different dining experiences within the hotel.
It’s a great place to visit for lunch, drinks or dinner, especially if you’re spending the afternoon exploring the town.
I always get the impression that Laguna enjoys a good Sunday afternoon session or a leisurely, slightly boozy brunch. It reminds me a little of the weekend dining culture in Sydney and London, where a long lunch can easily turn into an afternoon of drinks.
With the ocean as a backdrop, it’s a lovely way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Whale & Dolphin Watching from Dana Point
One of my favourite things to do when we’re visiting this part of Southern California is head to nearby Dana Point for a whale and dolphin watching excursion.
Several companies operate boat tours and private charters from Dana Point Harbor, making it easy to arrange a few hours out on the water.
We’ve been fortunate enough to see plenty of dolphins and whales on our trips, and it’s an experience I never tire of.
On some excursions, we’ve spotted dolphin species that look quite different from the ones we’re used to seeing, including those with unusually tall dorsal fins. I absolutely love being out on the ocean watching marine life, and these excursions have been some of my favourite experiences along the California coast.
Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Dana Point is a wonderful place to try.
Getting to Laguna Beach
The closest major commercial airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, located near Santa Ana.
From there, Laguna Beach is approximately a 30-minute drive in lighter traffic, although travel times can vary considerably depending on the time of day.
Having a car is useful if you’re planning to explore the surrounding coastline, including Dana Point, Newport Beach and other Orange County destinations.
However, if you’re staying in Laguna itself and mainly want to enjoy the beach, restaurants and town centre, it’s possible to get around using a combination of walking, rideshares and the local trolley service.
Mrs Globetrotter Tips
- Stay oceanfront if you can. Laguna’s coastal setting is one of its biggest attractions, and having the Pacific Ocean just outside your room makes a weekend here feel particularly special.
- Make use of the Laguna Beach Trolley. It’s a convenient way to explore town without worrying about finding parking.
- Book a rooftop table at Mozambique. Sunset drinks overlooking the ocean are a lovely way to spend an evening.
- Allow time to explore the town. Laguna has an interesting mix of independent shops, galleries and cafés.
- Consider a whale and dolphin watching excursion. Dana Point Harbor is nearby and offers a good selection of tours.
- Plan around weekend traffic. Laguna is popular, and the coastal roads and parking areas can become congested.
- Check hotel renovation schedules. It’s worth confirming that the pool and other facilities will be available during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Laguna Beach is one of our favourite places for a Southern California coastal weekend. We love the oceanfront hotels, lively restaurants and the ease of spending a few days enjoying the beach without needing much of an itinerary.
Whether we’re visiting for a quiet weekend or heading down the coast for live music at Ohana, it’s somewhere we’re always happy to return to.
Laguna has just the right balance of laid-back beach living and a slightly more sophisticated atmosphere, which is probably why we enjoy it so much.
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