Hereās Where to Stay, Shop, Dine and Explore in This Quirky Beach Town
Just a seashellās throw from the neighboring city of Newport, Laguna Beach is one of Southern Californiaās gemsāa little slice of paradise, if you will. A mecca for the arts and a surferās haven for maverick chasers, this boho-chic town is the perfect coastal getaway. Known for its vibrant culinary scene and idyllic coves and beaches, itās no wonder celebrities and locals alike flock to the sun-soaked shores of Laguna Beach for some fun in the sun. Weāve put together a two-day itinerary highlighting the best and brightest corners of Laguna Beach for a laid-back weekend of eating, shopping and exploring.
DAY 1
4 p.m.
Check in at Casa Loma Beach Hotel
For the ultimate Laguna Beach retreat, Casa Loma Beach Hotel is the perfect home base. Perched on the cliffs of Main Beach, this newly reimagined 70-room hideaway blends Mediterranean elegance with California coastal charm, following a $15 million redesign by Marc & Rose Hospitality and design firms Electric Bowery, LAND, and ORCA.
Step into a lobby reminiscent of an artistās salon, where earthy tones, curated artworks, and a sculpted goddess mural set the tone for a stay that feels both refined and laid-back. Lush landscaping, handcrafted furniture, and a curated soundscapeāblending Spanish coastal melodies, Baja beach tunes, and California classicsāenhance the hotelās effortless charm.
Mornings begin with Canyon Coffee pour-over setups in thoughtfully designed rooms featuring organic, surf-inspired furnishings, SKLO vanity fixtures, and handwoven textiles. Many rooms boast private balconies or patios with sweeping ocean views, making it easy to ease into the day with the sound of the waves.
Afternoons are best spent embracing Casa Lomaās bespoke beach club experience, where guests are welcomed with Madre agave spirit cocktails and a Mediterranean-inspired menu of fresh tapas, artisanal cured meats, and coastal wines. In the evening, the terrace transforms into a vibrant social hub, perfect for unwinding with handcrafted aperitifs and old-world vintages as the sun dips below the Pacific.
Whether you’re here for a weekend of relaxation, exploration, or creative inspiration, Casa Loma Beach Hotel offers the ideal blend of history, design, and hospitalityāsetting the stage for an unforgettable Laguna Beach escape.
6 p.m.
Dinner at Splashes Restaurant
No Laguna Beach weekend is complete without a meal at Splashes Restaurant, an iconic oceanfront dining spot at Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach that just unveiled a stunning new look. Following a top-to-bottom transformation, the space now boasts sleek marble tables, elegant furnishings and a breathtaking custom sculpture that floats above the dining roomāall designed to complement the mesmerizing coastal views.
Under the direction of Chef Ron Fougeray, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients and locally inspired flavors, making every dish a celebration of coastal California cuisine. Whether youāre toasting to sunset with a sommelier-selected vintage or indulging in a decadent seafood dinner as waves crash just beyond your table, Splashes isnāt just a mealāitās an experience.
DAY 2
10 a.m.
Blk Dot Coffee
Rise and shine for day two of your Laguna Beach vacation with a morning brew! Take a 10-minute stroll down PCH, and find your new favorite bevvy at Blk Dot Coffee (famous for their Vietnamese coffee). Both the Spicy Honey Oat Latte and Brown Sugar Series are non-negotiables! Their matcha and tea selections are equally divine, as is their breakfast menu. Grab your coffee and one of their breakfast bowls before hitting the beach.
6/29
11 a.m.
Explore Laguna Art Museum
Known for its enthusiastic artist community, the Laguna Art Museum embodies the rich landscape of Laguna Beach from land to sea. The gallery houses intricate pieces praising the symbiotic relationship between nature and the human experience. Vibrant displays of sculptures, paintings and photos highlight natural elements indigenous to the region. Immersive art exhibitions include panel discussions, films and activities dedicated to preserving Laguna Beachās outdoor serenity.Ā
12:30 p.m.
Shop at Business & Pleasure Co.
Thereās something about an aesthetic beach setup that just hits different, you know? Business & Pleasure is an outdoor lifestyle brand transcending timeless classics into modern staples. Their vintage-inspired pieces are stylish yet functional. Soft, pastel fabrics embellished with creme-colored fringes recreate styles reminiscent of 1950s beach culture. Their scalloped sling chairs, fluffy beach towels and adorable striped tote coolers create an aesthetic that instantly enhances any photoshoot, resulting in adorable, Insta-worthy days on the sand.
1:30 p.m.
Sandwich From Wigz
Weāve never quite understood what makes sandwiches taste so much better at the beach, but Wigz Laguna certainly knows how to craft the perfect sando for a beach day. This new beachside sandwich shop lets guests āstyleā their sammies as wraps, melts and even open-faced toasties. The deli bears its name with pride as a cultural landmark of the local community. It specifically honors Lagunaās beloved wig emporium that once stood on the same plot.
3 p.m.
Catch Some Rays at Thousand Steps Beach
While there might not actually be 1,000 steps leading down to this hidden gem, youāll definitely get your exercise in for the day. Located on the southern point, Thousand Steps Beach has remained a wildly popular trend that Instagram and TikTok users canāt seem to get enough of. Concrete stairs lead to one of Laguna Beachās longest stretches of sand with a secret swimming pool that garnered the beach its fame. Only accessible at low tide, this paradise-like pool is well worth the trek!
6 p.m.Ā
Downtown Dinner at Oto Sushi
For a sensational seafood dinner in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, snaga. table at Oto Sushi. This new restaurant is making waves with a menu thatās as thoughtful as it is bold. Helmed by Chef Connor Mathison, a Portland transplant with a passion for sustainability and seasonality, this modern sushi restaurant in Laguna Beach delivers a dining experience that caters to purists, adventurers and plant-based eaters alike.
The menu is a playground of flavors. It offers everything from pristine nigiri and sashimi (20 options, to be exact) to smoky, flame-kissed Robatayaki Sticks like Jidori chicken and smoked mackerel. However, itās the signature rolls that really showcase Oto’s creative edge. The Tidal Viper (spicy tuna, tempura shishito) brings the heat, while the Eternal Stream (steelhead, avocado, kumquat yuzu) delivers a citrusy, umami-packed bite. Pair it all with a sake or soju-based cocktail, like the floral Dragonfly!
8 p.m.
Drinks + Live Music at Marine Room Tavern
Jam out to live music while sipping craft cocktails at this seaside tavern in Laguna Beach. Marine Room Tavern combines whiskey and serenades in an eclectic setting that embraces a montage of vintage styles. The rustic interior is accented with gothic pieces. Meanehile, oversized leather couches and cozy lighting fixtures create an intimate gathering space. Pull up a barstool and select your drink of choice for the night. Make it a trio and order their Bullet Flight for a bit of the best!
DAY 3
9 a.m.
Hike Moro Canyon Trail
Fresh air and ocean viewsāwhat better way to start the morning? Moro Canyon Trail is a 9-mile loop in Crystal Cove State Park that skims the cusp of towering bluffs. Atop the flowering cliffs, hikers are met with panoramic views of the Laguna Beach coastlinesāa sight well worth the journey. The loop is divided into four separate trails, ranging from easy to strenuous in difficulty. Each trail is divine, with a backdrop of rolling canyons draped in wildflowers (especially in the spring) and flourishing fauna.
1 p.m.
Brunch at Zinc Cafe and Market
Brekkie lovers, this oneās for you! With soulful dishes crafted in a rustic streetside setting,Ā Zinc Cafe and Market is a cherished gathering spot to connect over a nourishing meal. While the veggie-based menu is an icon of the cafeās commitment to healthy living, donāt let it fool you! They save plenty of room for indulgent pastries like their scrumptious oat cake. And as a farm-to-table market, seasonal specials are always in full swing.
3 p.m.
Shopping at AMÄNAH
Who really needs an excuse to splurge on a new fit? Step inside AMÄNAH, and itās clear that Amelia Shales and Hannah Levy (whose names inspired the boutiqueās moniker) have an eye for timeless, curated fashion. More than just a shop, AMÄNAH is a celebration of individuality. The store offers pieces designed to flatter all shapes and sizes while championing sustainability and craftsmanship.
With backgrounds in creative industries, Amelia and Hannah have cultivated a space that blends fashion, homewares and artisan-made goods, featuring exclusive collaborations with designers and makers. From hand-poured candles and locally made jewelry to ethically sourced furniture and ceramics, every item is chosen with intention.
For a personal touch, donāt miss the charm bar, where you can create a custom necklace or bracelet!
4 p.m.
Vintage Shopping at Soulshine
Tucked away behind Chakra Shack and Adolfoās Mexican Food, Soulshine is the kind of spot you stumble uponāand instantly feel like youāve uncovered a secret. This vintage loverās dream is packed with retro apparel, eclectic furniture, nostalgic art, and one-of-a-kind treasures, all curated with an eye for creativity and local charm.
Beyond its racks of throwback finds, Soulshine also showcases the work of Southern California artists. This makes this Laguna Beach shop as much an art space as a boutique. Want to dive deeper? Keep an eye on their events page for everything from vintage sidewalk sales to ceramics workshops! At Soulshine, the experience is just as cool as the finds.
6 p.m.
Drinks at The Deck
Set the vibes for the evening with pre-dinner drinks at The Deck. This beachside bar is as close to the shore break as you can get. This makes it the perfect spot to watch the waves roll in during golden hour. Live music is a staple at The Deck, accompanied by their cocktail list with a dozen signature beverages. Order the California Cooler for a refreshing blend of mint and cucumber.
7 p.m.
Dinner at Las Brisas
You wonāt find a better spot in Laguna Beach to enjoy salt-rimmed margaritas and crispy tortilla chips than Las Brisas. With elegant dining rooms and an ocean-view, wrap-around patio, itās easy to see why this restaurant is so loved. If dining inside, make sure to ask for a spot by the window! Start with a tasty appetizer, such as the corn mousse tostada. Then, move on to mains like the butter squash tamales or Scottish salmon.
9 p.m. Take Refuge for the Night
After a few craft cocktails and a dreamy dinner, head back to Casa Loma Beach Hotel and prepare for a restful nightās sleep. Drift off to the sound of the waves rolling in below and prepare to wake up refreshed at this charming boutique hotel in Laguna Beach.
