Best places to stay in laguna beach
Best Attractions & Things to Do in Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach defines coastal beauty in Southern California. Luxurious mansions line the bluffs on the western edge of town, with big glass windows that take in the entire enchanting view. And in every direction along this coast, one postcard image after another evokes a vacation feel.
Laguna Beach is approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, making it a popular weekend getaway. This charming oceanfront town also attracts international attention thanks to its brilliant sea cliffs, expansive beaches, and an artsy community that calls the city home.
Other popular ways to spend the day in Laguna Beach include mountain hikes, downtown shopping, and the annual Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters with live recreations of famous artworks. And it’s hard to miss the landscaped paths of Heisler Park, off Cliff Drive near the Coast Highway, as this park is a must-see no matter the number of visits.
1. Heisler Park
Heisler Park is an oceanfront park full of scenic attractions and provides perhaps the most scenic stroll in all Southern California. The park’s pedestrian path meanders by public art, beautiful bench seats, and an array of blooming gardens and wildflowers, all with miles-long views across the ocean.
Several access points line the park along Cliff Drive, less than a block from the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s often one of the first places to go upon arriving in town, in part because of its surreal scenic beauty, and because it’s a launchpad for exploring the rest of Laguna Beach. Downtown and Main Beach are just a short walk south of this beautiful garden area.
Alongside Main Beach, Heisler Park also lends access to a small selection of smaller and more secluded coves. Staircases lead down to both Picnic and Rockpile Beach, on either side of the peninsula jutting out from the lawn bowling club courts. And on the north end of Heisler, a graded ramp descends to Divers Cove, a popular spot for scuba diving.
Picnic tables, barbecue grills, and art exhibitions also line the path. For more art in the area, the adjacent Laguna Art Museum displays a wide range of California artists, pairing nicely with a Heisler Park visit.
2. Main Beach Park
At the intersection of Broadway Street and the Pacific Coast Highway, Main Beach Park is an iconic oceanfront destination. It’s popular for celebrities and average tourists alike, and the beach gives a certain vibe that just feels like Southern California, especially come sunset when the surrounding hillsides full of mansions reflect the falling sun.
A boardwalk snakes along the beach, separating the open lawn space and basketball courts. The volleyball nets near this boardwalk are well-used throughout the day, and the adjacent sitting benches make the nets a spectator sport.
Other popular activities on Main Beach include laying out, beach walking, and swimming. Riptides are present just offshore, and those interested in swimming should consult with the on-duty lifeguards first.
Main Beach Park branches in either direction for more beautiful sights to see. The sand stretches for nearly a flat mile south, hitting several street accesses, and to the north, Heisler Park sits atop a bluff waiting to be explored. Plenty of local shops and restaurants of Laguna Beach are also inland in the downtown area.
3. Art & Shopping Downtown
Much of the locally sourced creativity of Laguna Beach is found in the Downtown District near the ocean. Homewares, fashion labels, and many mediums of art define this downtown area, beginning at Main Beach Park and stretching to Legion Street. It’s also the spot to wander for locally sourced restaurants and dining.
Galleries, boutique shops, public artworks, and ample local dining also extend up and down the Pacific Coast Highway. Parking is a challenge in this area at times. The recommended way to explore is the Laguna Beach Trolley. This free trolley runs throughout the year, connecting neighborhoods and downtown and providing a charming way to get around.
4. Crystal Cove State Park
The Southern California coastline is on full display at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, north of downtown. This top state park in California encompasses over three miles of sandy shoreline and thousands of acres of inland wilderness and is easily accessible from the Pacific Coast Highway.
The state park’s oceanfront property comprises seven different coves, each providing opportunities to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and explore tide pools. These beachfront areas are day-use only, with ample parking spread between them all.
Hiking is also popular at the park. The multi-use trails heading into Morro Canyon require some uphill effort, but each leads to spectacular ocean views. For further adventures, the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is adjacent to the state park’s backcountry trails, adding even more miles to explore underfoot
Camping is incredibly scenic and very popular at Crystal Cove, ranging from tent camping with a view to backcountry sites accessed with a hike. The Moro Campground supports tent and RV camping and overlooks the ocean for breathtaking sunsets atop a coastal bluff.
5. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
Pageant of the Masters is a beloved summer event in Orange County. It’s hosted by the Festival of Arts, and brings classic and modern paintings to life with live actors on stage and a full orchestra backing. These human recreated masterpieces earn the event its other nickname, the Festival of Living Pictures.
Shows run nightly throughout the summer, typically between early June and all the way through August. The large outdoor seating area surrounding the stage invites guests to spread out a blanket and get comfortable late into the summer evening. Other attractions and reasons to arrive early include the Festival Art Show featuring fine art from local California artists.
Adjacent to the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters facility, the Laguna Playhouse is another top-rated attraction providing evening entertainment. This historic theater is well known in the region for bringing in top names in talent, as well as offering a year-round selection of plays, musicals, comedians, and family-friendly performances. For budding thespians, the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre offers some limelight for young actors and actresses.
6. Victoria Beach
Victoria Beach is yet another stunning stretch of sand in Laguna Beach with some extra notoriety. It’s a stunning slice of ocean paradise and is home to the unique “Pirate Tower” affixed to a cliffside. This photogenic feature was part of the original mansion atop the cliff, allowing the owners a twisting passage to the beach.
The Pirate Tower, also known as “La Tour,” is on the north side of Victoria Beach, next to a circular man-made pool that fills with ocean water. The sand is sprawling and wide to the south, eventually connecting to Aliso Creek and Aliso Beach. Here, unlimited spots invite space to lay down the towel and enjoy the day.
As well-known as Victoria Beach and the Pirate Tower are, the sand stays relatively uncrowded for Orange County. That’s because the parking and access to the beach are difficult. It’s residential parking only at the end of Victoria Street, where a long and steep staircase leads to the beach. Non-residents need to find a spot to park on the side of the Pacific Coast Highway when visiting.
7. Pacific Marine Mammal Center
This non-profit animal center facilitates a process of rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured marine mammals. It also encourages tourists to come and learn about their resident patients.
The rescued animals comprise primarily California sea lions and Northern elephant seals and have an average length of stay of about three months until they are ceremoniously released back into the wild. Many of these animals are seen from the Visitor Yard at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, where admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
8. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
This sprawling natural space comprises over 7,000 acres of dense coastal canyon terrain. This vast expanse is a few miles inland from downtown, easily accessible off Laguna Canyon Road. Over 40 miles of multi-use trails span the oak and sycamore woodlands of the wilderness park, some leading steeply to high rocky bluffs. Some of these viewpoints include the ocean unfolding on the horizon.
Numerous trailheads access Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, including the popular Big Bend Trail, open to hiking, biking, and horse riding. There’s a small fee for parking at any trailhead. Visitors should also bring their own water. Check the trail map at the trailhead, as different trails are designated for difficulty. The red lines on the map are potentially extremely steep.
The 7,000 acres of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park are complemented nicely by other unspoiled surrounding acreage. Crystal Cove State Park is adjacent to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, as is Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, totaling nearly 20,000 acres with a sprawling network of trails to explore. Trails may be closed for a few days following rain. More information about the area is obtained at the Nix Nature Center on-site.
9. Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is a gem of attraction for several reasons. The beach itself is popular for swimming and snorkeling, protected by a protruding landmass to the north. And a large concrete graded ramp leads to the sand, ensuring access for anyone who visits.
But the real appeal of Treasure Island Beach is the landscaped parkland atop the bluff. The city and the luxurious Montage Laguna Beach co-manage this beautiful park overlooking the ocean. This postcard space includes thriving coastal plants, decorative art installations, and several benches to take in the view from.
Directly north of Treasure Island Park, Victoria Beach is home to a picturesque Pirate Tower adjacent to the cliffside. South of Treasure Island, Aliso Beach is known for its ocean activity including swimming, skimboarding, and skin diving.
10. Sawdust Art Festival
The Sawdust Art Festival is celebrating over 50 years of supporting local Laguna Beach artists. Today, this world-renowned event occurs for nine weeks throughout the summer, from late June to late August, and draws in over 200,000 visitors to Laguna Canyon every year.
The festival primarily takes place within a handcrafted village complete with sawdust on the streets. Over 200 local artists set up shop during the festival, offering a bouquet of style and mediums, many inspired by the sea. Visitors also find live music across three different stages.
The Sawdust Art Festival also puts on a Winter Fantasy holiday art festival. Lights and ornaments adorn this warm-weather event in winter, alongside over 150 artisans on display. Both the summer and winter festivals offer several different pop-up classes to make personalized pieces of art.
11. Thousand Steps Beach
Of the many different coves and beaches lining the city, Thousand Steps Beach may be the best one to visit for a workout. It’s not quite a thousand steps leading from the Pacific Coast Highway down to the beach, probably closer to 300, but it feels like a healthy grand on the way back up.
Perhaps thanks to this extra effort involved, Thousand Step Beach sees far fewer crowds than its neighboring beaches. But for Laguna Beach standards, still expect to share the sand with a few other people. There’s still ample space to spread out, though, and plenty of room for other activities like volleyball and picnics.
To the north of Thousand Steps, Table Rock Beach is the next beach over and provides a rugged coast to explore. Featuring a dynamic shoreline and abundance of rock features, Table Rock Beach has a scenic rock archway that’s possible to pass through (with caution) during extremely low tide. This tucked-away beach is not accessible from the Pacific Coast Highway and is another good spot to avoid the crowds.
12. Alta Laguna Park
Also known as the Top of the World, this hilltop public space features park amenities like picnic tables, tennis courts, and a baseball field–but it’s most popular for the views. Simply driving up to this scenic city park to catch the sunset is a fun and free thing to do.
Playgrounds, restrooms, and running water are also available at the park. Quick-changing weather can hit the Top of the World from time to time, making a rain jacket a good item to bring along.
13. Laguna Art Museu
The Laguna Art Museum is right next to Heisler Park on Cliff Drive. It offers three floors of galleries, each dedicated to California art. Though the art museum has over 3,600 items in its personal collection, the facility specializes in rotating exhibits, ensuring something new to see with each visit.
Visitors can tour the museum within an hour, though more interested patrons could spend more time. The museum also regularly hosts programs like art auctions, speaker series, and family workshops. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger.
14. Murphy Smith Bungalow
The Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow offers a colorful slice of history in the heart of downtown. The Laguna Beach Historical Society offers guided tours of this bungalow, which dates back to 1923. Today, period-authentic furniture and historical exhibits adorn the home, telling the story of Laguna’s first population boom in the 1920s.
Tours are free and are available on most Fridays and Saturdays throughout the afternoon. Volunteers lead the tours and provide further insight into the historical context. Reservations aren’t required.
15. Crescent Bay Point Park
A small hidden gem of Laguna Beach, Crescent Bay Point Park is tucked into a neighborhood off the highway and provides one of the best sunset viewing spots in the city. It Overlooks Crescent Bay Beach directly below and has railings and park benches to appreciate the 180-degree views of the coastline. And the landscaping of this neighborhood park makes for a peaceful atmosphere far from the traffic noise nearby, adding extra appeal.
16. Pacific Coast Highway
Separating the city from the sea, the Pacific Coast Highway connects numerous seaside cities and stunning places to visit up and down the California coast. Laguna Beach is a stop on one of the best West Coast road trips, and it also makes an excellent base camp destination. Other cities nearby on the Pacific Coast Highway include Huntington Beach and Long Beach to the north, and Carlsbad to the south. For easy parking and traveling on the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, the Laguna Beach Trolley is a free service offered on the weekends.
Best Beaches in Laguna Beach, CA
Beaches in Laguna Beach star on Southern California postcards. Dramatic bluff-top gardens punctuate these coastal hot spots adding a tropical appeal, with palm trees and stunning ocean views. And alongside a certain sunset glamour, all beaches in Laguna Beach offer a unique slice of paradise.
For those wanting to experience the city’s cultural buzz, head to Main Beach right across the Coast Highway from downtown. Here, celebrities and tourists enjoy amenities like volleyball nets and a winding boardwalk. Main Beach is the most easily accessible beach in Laguna Beach, and the crowds on the weekends prove its popularity.
But be sure to extend beach adventures beyond the central shore of Main Beach. Up and down the North and South Laguna coast, beaches like Treasure Island and 1000-Steps Beach live up to their names. Activities like snorkeling, suntanning, and exploring tide pools are everyday endeavors on this picture-perfect coastline.
1. Main Beach
Main Beach is the central spot for ocean activity in Laguna Beach. It’s directly across the Coast Highway from downtown, with zero elevation gain to reach the wide and sandy shoreline. This easy access and location make Main Beach the most buzzing of all beaches in Laguna Beach.
A boardwalk navigates the entire backend of the beach, separating the sand from a grassy park filled with picnic tables and benches. This park also has two popular basketball courts, a playground, and a community restroom. And overlooking the ocean from the sand, an iconic lifeguard tower at the park keeps a watch over everything.
Main Beach is a place to be seen. It’s also a lovely place to bring a cup of coffee or a picnic bought from the nearby downtown district. Surfing isn’t allowed in the summer at this already bustling park. And while visitors are welcome to get in the ocean, interested swimmers should consult with a lifeguard first about riptides in the area.
Heisler Park to the north offers a worthwhile side trip from Main Beach. For more solitude, head south on the sand from Main Beach. The beach stretches for over a mile south, touring beneath bluff-side mansions and a thinning coast. The beaches along this stretch, such as Thalia Street Beach and Anita Street Beach, assume the names of their access streets.
2. Victoria Beach
Victoria Beach is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in Laguna. It’s home to a photogenic Pirate Tower and a water-collecting pool on its northside, as well as ample room to lay out a blanket and enjoy the sand. However, despite its notoriety, it’s still a relatively uncrowded beach to explore. This quiet nature is thanks to the difficult parking and long stairway to the beach.
The stairs leading to Victoria Beach are at the end of Victoria Drive. A residential neighborhood surrounds this staircase, with no beach parking allowed. This limited parking leaves many visitors parking on the Pacific Coast Highway and making the steep walk through the neighborhood.
Make it to the sand, however, and welcome to paradise. The beach’s most photogenic feature, the 60-foot Pirate Tower, also known as “La Tour,” is a short walk north. Near the Pirate Tower, a man-made basin also collects saltwater to form a unique coastal swimming pool.
The rest of the beach south is wide and welcoming, with ample space to lay out a towel. The beach continues south approximately a quarter of a mile, offering solitude even at this well-known location.
3. Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is a true gem in the city park system. It’s co-managed by the luxurious Montage Laguna Beach, which helps maintain the beautiful bluff-top park above the beach. The most common way to access the beach is through this landscaped park and down a graded concrete ramp on the resort’s southwest side.
Upon making it to the shore, it’s hard to miss the bluff to the north. This wave-breaking landscape protects Treasure Island Beach, often resulting in calmer, clearer water that’s popular for snorkeling and swimming. It’s also a hot spot for tide pools when the ocean is ebbing.
The shore extends almost out of eyesight south of Treasure Island Beach, and it’s not a far walk to Aliso Creek and Aliso Beach. This long stretch of sand is welcoming for those that enjoy a nice long beach walk. Restrooms are available near Aliso Creek.
Take some time to enjoy Treasure Island Park on the bluffs above the beach. Mediterranean plants and palm trees line the paths of this public park, leading to benches and beautiful views. This property sits next to the five-star Montage Laguna Beach and offers a luxurious walk in a coastal paradise.
4. Aliso Beach
Aliso Beach is another widely popular beach, partly because it has on-site metered parking. This easy parking means visitors avoid descending a long set of stairs. The lack of a long staircase makes the beach popular for family outings and younger kids, as does the on-site playground.
The shoreline waves at Aliso are also popular for surfing activities, especially skimboarding. And every summer, Aliso is home to The Vic, also known as the World Championship of Skimboarding. The local and historic Victoria Skimboards hosts this renowned competition.
Aliso Creek runs right through the middle of the beach. The rough waves and runoff from the creek make for swimming conditions that are not ideal. For those wanting to dip some toes into the water, Treasure Island Beach has better swimming conditions a short walk north.
Sands Cafe at Aliso Beach offers casual fare throughout the day. They also run the reservations for the fire pits on Aliso Beach – which are a unique commodity on the Laguna waterfront.
5. Heisler Park Beaches
Heisler Park is one of the first places to visit on a Laguna Beach vacation. This oceanfront park sits above the waves, with several beautifully landscaped paths throughout. Among the park’s magnificent foliage are sculptures, gazebos, benches, and more than one beach.
The park sits between Cliff Drive and the ocean, less than a block from the Pacific Coast Highway. At its southern end, the park descends to the flat expanse of Main Beach, where the sand continues for nearly a mile. However, several staircases lead to smaller and more secluded coves throughout Heisler Park.
Among the spots to check out are Picnic Beach and Rockpile Beach, on either side of the peninsula jutting out from the Lawn Bowling Club. And on the far north end of Heisler, interested underwater explorers head to Diver’s Cove.
6. Thousand Steps Beach
Thousand Steps Beach is one of the most southern beaches in city limits, approximately five miles south of downtown on the Coast Highway. It’s a wide and welcoming beach complete with volleyball nets, tide pools, and hilltop mansions that glimmer in the sun. And as its name implies, it’s accessible by a long set of stairs.
To be more specific, it’s approximately 223 steps to reach the beach. The term “thousand steps” applies to what it feels like to climb back up this long staircase. However it feels, the result of this long staircase is that the beach isn’t as crowded as it should be for such a beautiful location.
A southern sea cave at Thousand Steps Beach does draw a lot of attention. It’s one of Laguna’s best-known caves, as it notably includes a complete walk-through to a southern beach. It’s an easy tunnel to navigate at low tide. Visitors should consult a tide chart to avoid being trapped on the south beach.
7. Crystal Cove State Park Beach
Crystal Cove State Park is three miles north of downtown on the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s one of California’s best state parks for several reasons. It’s home to bluff-top campgrounds, canyon hiking trails, and miles of beachfront. It’s also home to over 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness for those looking for a true Southern California escape.
The 3.2 miles of shoreline at Crystal Cove parallel the Pacific Coast Highway. Three primary access points lead to the beach and parking: the Pelican Point Entrance, Los Trancos Entrance, and the Reef Point Entrance. These day-use areas feature a short walk down to the beach.
The Moro Campground at the state park, one of Southern California’s best campgrounds, also features a day-use access point. It’s a steep grade to reach this separate parking area beneath the bluff-top campsites, where a scenic tunnel leads to the beach. While the entire beach area at Crystal Cove is popular, the sand is so spread out that it’s easy to find personal space.
8. Crescent Beach
This popular half-moon-shaped beach is in North Laguna Beach, less than two miles north of downtown. Its public entry point is off Cliff Drive, where parking is scarce, and many opt to park on the Pacific Coast Highway instead. It’s a popular beach, but not overly crowded thanks to its size.
And the beach is beautiful. Sea cliffs and tide pools bookend either side of the crescent, where visitors can explore with caution during low tide. The waves at the beach tend to crash onshore, lending to fast riptides. Fins are advised for those interested in swimming. These waves also make the beach popular for bodysurfing.
Crescent Bay Point Park sits atop the northern cliff above Crescent Beach. There’s no direct access between the beach and the park, but this high vantage point is worth visiting. Besides enormous views of Crescent Beach and the coastline, this bluff-top park is also a popular whale watching spot.
9. Woods Cove Beach
This small but popular beach is less than two miles south of downtown. Its access stairwell is at the Diamond Street and Ocean Way intersection, one block west of the PCH. It’s a beach best explored during low tide, as the sand disappears completely sometimes during high tide.
Low tide is also the best time to explore the beach’s northern end and the tide pools surrounding the massive outcropping known as Cactus Point. This extended peninsula is also home to a keyhole rock feature that visitors can walk through to access Pearl Street Beach.
10. Shaw’s Cove
This laid-back and smaller beach is directly north of Heisler Park. It doesn’t draw as big crowds as other beaches, but that doesn’t mean it’s not well visited. It’s a very popular spot for underwater exploring, and the crowd here tends to be scuba divers and snorkelers.
A set of stairs leads from Cliff Drive down to the beach. It’s a long set of stairs to the beach, which feel longer coming up. Often, especially on the weekends, look for someone wearing scuba equipment and follow them. If parking isn’t available on Cliff Drive, metered parking is usually available on the PCH.
The beach is well worth the visit, even without a snorkel or scuba equipment. It’s best to visit during low tide, when most of the sand is present. Low tide is also when tide pools reveal themselves on either side of the beach.
11. Pearl Street Beach
Pearl Street Beach is south of downtown and accessible from a stairway at the end of Pearl Street. The staircase leading down to the beach is more hidden than other beach access points. And with a tucked-away southern location, the beach tends to be a quieter spot to explore.
The beach is directly north of a large outcropping known as Cactus Point. During low tide, this outcropping reveals several teeming tide pools and a signature keyhole that leads to the opposite Woods Cove Beach. This photogenic rock feature also gives the beach the nickname “Arch Beach.”
Best places to stay in laguna beach
The best hotels in Laguna Beach, an affluent artist colony on the Southern California coast, are on the water and overlooking the ocean. Spanning the bluff-lined coast and bordering places like Heisler Park and Treasure Island Beach, hotels in Laguna Beach vary from romantic, luxurious accommodations to family-friendly hotels with direct access to the ocean.
Pet-friendly hotels in Laguna Beach offer space for every member of the family, and even if it’s business that brings you to Laguna Beach, these coastal hotels deliver with vacation views and ideal weather.
Literally lining the coast of Laguna Beach, the best hotels also lend access to the city’s charming downtown district, filled with numerous galleries and local shops. The annual summer festival, Pageant of the Masters, brings famous works of art to life on stage in Laguna Beach, and the best hotels often fill to capacity during this treasured event. Hotels in Laguna Beach attract celebrity and international guests alike-you never know who you’ll run into while staying here.
1. The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Within Aliso and Woods Canyon near the southern coastline of Laguna Beach, is the Ranch at Laguna Beach. It’s the serene natural atmosphere that gives The Ranch LB serious charm.
The forest canyon that surrounds the property lends to activities like cozy bonfires, challenging golf outings, and extensive garden tours. The saline pool is also a popular place to unwind at The Ranch, with abundant deck chairs, umbrellas, and poolside food service.
Accommodations at The Ranch LB include canyon rooms, creekside suites, and a stylish Treehouse with big windows and beautiful views.
Numerous dining experiences at The Ranch encourage guests to keep their vacation time spent on the 87-acre property, including the Lost Pier Cafe and the Harvest restaurant, which features locally sourced ingredients and outdoor seating.
The spa at The Ranch LB has a long list of rejuvenating services like facials, wraps, massages, and infrared sauna treatments.
2. Montage Laguna Beach
A sprawling property perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Montage Laguna Beach is one of the most sought-after luxury hotels thanks to its abundance of seaside style.
All 250-plus guest rooms and suites at the Montage overlook the dramatic ocean environment, as well as the intricately tiled Mosaic Pool, which features lavish deck chairs and well-manicured lawns.
Alongside hand-decorated rooms and suites, Montage Laguna Beach also features extravagant villas that are available for extended stays.
Three signature dining options are at the hotel, including the fourth floor The Loft restaurant that features a tastefully decorated lobby overlooking the ocean.
The 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage also overlooks the ocean, with a variety of available services like couple’s massage and a California wildflower massage. For added cultural appeal at this 4-star hotel, museum quality art is found throughout the property.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is another top luxury choice. The five-star resort is located just a few miles outside of Laguna Beach proper. It sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and caters to couples and families alike.
You’ll find a range of rooms and suites in a variety of configurations, including family rooms. Many have direct ocean views from private balconies. All accommodations are luxe, with stylish designs and custom furnishings. Book the club level if you want access to a private lounge and more spacious and airy room layouts.
The resort has a number of amenities on-site. There is beach access for guests. You’ll also find a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub on the grounds. Head to the spa if you are in need of some pampering. They offer a full range of treatments including couples massages. There is a steam room and sauna on-site.
If you are traveling with children, there is a kids’ club, babysitting can be arranged, and little ones can run off some energy on the outdoor play equipment.
4. Surf & Sand Resort
An all-inclusive resort on the water at Laguna Beach, the Surf & Sand Resort offers the perfect luxurious getaway. With every aspect of a vacation covered, from the meals to the activities and the overall experience of visiting Laguna Beach, the Surf & Sand Resort hosts visitors from around the world. It’s the stunning backdrop of this oceanfront resort that draws a crowd and requires reservations, but it’s the extra attention to detail that keeps guests coming back for years.
With a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, all 150-plus guest rooms at Surf & Sand feature private balconies with ocean views. The in-house Splashes restaurant features fresh seafood cuisine for all three meals of the day, and the 15FiftyFive balcony lounge at the hotel is lined with fire pits and ocean views.
For extra indulgence, the Aquaterra Spa at Surf & Sand Resort is well regarded as one of the best in Laguna Beach with a variety of rejuvenating services.
5. Hotel Joaquin
Guests are immediately immersed into a seaside paradise the moment they walk through the garden gate of the Hotel Joaquin. It’s consistently regarded as the best luxury hotel in Laguna Beach.
The ocean aesthetics continue from here, with coastal craftsmanship and modern decor defining the interior of this four-star hotel. Boutique accommodations at Hotel Joaquin include a collection of uniquely furnished rooms with different floor plans, some with excellent views of the ocean, and others including additional living space.
With daybeds and food service available, the pool at Hotel Joaquin is a great place to soak up some sun. Other dining options at Hotel Joaquin include a healthy complimentary breakfast with fresh items like Croque Monsieur and a smoothie-of-the-day. The inhouse Saline restaurant features seasonal Mediterranean entrees for all three meals of the day.
Hotel Joaquin also has beach experiences covered, with numerous rentals available including boogie boards, surf boards, kites, and cruiser bikes.
6. Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
Offering a sense of history with a modern touch, Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa is a collection of historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s. The Mission House building serves as the central lobby of Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, with other historic structures comprising the guest rooms and other common spaces of the hotel.
All 23 rooms of Casa Laguna are uniquely decorated with a Moroccan influence that exudes an eclectic mix of style and comfort close to the beach.
An extensive continental breakfast is complimentary at Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, including fresh-baked pastries and bread. Other Mediterranean small plates are offered throughout the day and can be ordered picnic style to enjoy at the neighboring Victoria Beach.
For extra indulgences, the spa at Casa Laguna features indoor and outdoor services, including soothing massages within view of the ocean.
8. Laguna Beach House
With a light and breezy coastal design, Laguna Beach House offers a laid-back hotel perfect for a casually romantic weekend.
Accommodations at the Laguna Beach House range from rooms with coastal views to poolside suites-some with private balconies available.
Romance is easily found at the beach, just two minutes from Laguna Beach House, with complimentary beach rentals, including chairs and umbrellas. Sunsets are the best time to enjoy the shoreline with someone special.
Between the BeautyRest pillow-top beds and soft bathrobes available in each room, relaxing comes naturally at this breezy hotel. Other amenities that encourage romance at Laguna Beach House include nightly receptions and a special “Love in Laguna” package, including truffles upon arrival.
For other couples experiences, Laguna Beach House also offers surfing, paddleboarding, and special activity packages.
9. The Inn at Laguna Beach
For romantic sunsets and cozy furnishings, the Inn at Laguna Beach features direct beach access and pillow-top beds. Rooms and suites overlook either the pool, ocean, or village of Laguna Beach, some with private balconies, and all 70 rooms provide a private enclave that is perfect for spending time away from the crowds. For an extra lavish retreat, the top-floor Distinctive Suites at The Inn feature extra space and stunning views.
Guests at the Inn at Laguna Beach are just minutes away from the sand and the surf, with stairs leading directly from the hotel to Main Beach. The stunning Heisler Park is also right outside the backdoor of the hotel.
Open to guests only, the most romantic spot to watch the sunset is on the rooftop at the Pacific Terrace lounge, which is also a great spot to enjoy the locally sourced breakfast in the mornings.
10. La Casa del Camino
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this historic hotel was first constructed in 1929. With a sense of history and elegance, La Casa del Camino features Spanish-style rooms with contemporary furniture and maximum comfort.
Offering true romantic getaways from the hustle and bustle of the city just outside the front door, La Casa del Camino also features a three-bedroom beach house available for overnight stays. The iconic Rooftop Lounge at La Casa del Camino is a signature place in the city to catch a sunset.
11. Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach
The romantic possibilities are nearly endless at the Pacific Edge Hotel, featuring standard rooms, spacious suites, and private beachside bungalows.
Overlooking the ocean and offering stunning sunsets, the Pacific Edge Hotel also features on-site dining at places like the local-favorite Driftwood Kitchen. Within walking distance of the artist colony known as Laguna Beach, the Pacific Edge Hotel also offers guests direct access to the sandy shore itself.
12. Laguna Brisas Hotel
A short walk to the ocean, this romantic seaside destination features great sunset views from an outdoor terrace. The cozy and comfortable rooms at Laguna Brisas Hotel also set the mood, especially the rooms with two-person spa tubs.
For sunsets on the beach, the hotel offers beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas. For dinner dates out on the town, Laguna Brisas is also centrally located near the downtown district, which is filled with numerous fine-dining and romantic restaurants.
13. Holiday Inn Laguna Beach
With a uniquely Mediterranean and sea breeze theme, families at this beachfront hotel enjoy everything you’d expect from this nationally recognized chain. Spacious and comfortable rooms with bright decor provide a good night’s sleep, and the outdoor pool and patio offer a great place to spend time between exploring the beach.
Numerous family attractions surround the Holiday Inn Laguna Beach, including the many shops and restaurants in the nearby downtown district.
14. The Tides Laguna Beach
For a family-friendly hotel on the water at Laguna Beach, The Tides Laguna Beach features 21 comfortably decorated rooms close to the ocean.
Family vacation experiences are made at the outdoor saline pool of The Tides Laguna, as well as at the outdoor grill and barbecue area, which is free to use for all overnight guests. The arts-inspired downtown district of Laguna Beach is located within walking distance of the hotel.
The Tides Laguna Beach is also just minutes from the beach, and the hotel features complimentary beach gear, including chairs, umbrellas, and a wide array of toys. With scarce parking throughout the rest of the pedestrian-friendly city, The Tides Laguna Beach offers guests one free parking spot with each stay.
For those looking to travel with the whole family, The Tides Laguna Beach has some pet-friendly rooms available.
15. Capri Laguna on the Beach
For an oceanfront hotel, Capri Laguna features beach and ocean-view rooms with immediate access to the sandy shore, great for family vacations. Few other hotels on the Laguna Beach coast can match the value at Capri Laguna on the Beach. Kids stay free at this 3-star hotel, and the pet-friendly policy means dogs are welcome to join the family vacation.
Numerous family favorite beaches and public spaces are within walking distance of Capri Laguna on the Beach, including the public-art-infused Heisler Park-also known as “Paradise on Earth.” The art galleries and local eateries of Laguna Beach can also be visited from the hotel within a short walk.
During the evenings at Capri Laguna on the Beach, the sunsets from the hotel’s deck seem to smolder for hours.
16. Crescent Bay Inn
Alongside more affordable value in Laguna Beach, it’s the quick access to the ocean that makes Crescent Bay Inn popular for family vacations. It’s within a five-minute walk to the sandy shores of Crescent Bay, and a regional trolley that shuttles visitors up and down the coast has a stop right outside the door of this recently renovated hotel.
A free, light breakfast comes with every stay at Crescent Bay Inn, and families often take advantage of the stay-and-play discounts that reduce admission to area attractions.
17. Laguna Beach Inn
An affordable hotel that stretches the family vacation budget further, the Laguna Beach Inn features clean and comfortable rooms just minutes from the ocean. The outdoor pool at the Laguna Beach Inn is a popular hangout for the whole family, and the complimentary continental breakfast gives everyone a good start to the day. With complimentary beach toys, umbrellas, and chairs, it’s easy to enjoy family beach time when staying at the Laguna Beach Inn.
