From Ocean-View Restaurants to Craft Cocktails, Head to Laguna Beach for Your Next SoCal Getaway
While Southern California is chock-full of amazing escapes, destinations and stays, no place captures the essence of the SoCal coast better than beautiful Laguna Beach. Nestled between lush canyons and crystal clear coves, Laguna has won the adoration of locals and tourists alike with its unrivaled display of both natural and artistic beauty. But what many don’t know is that this small but mighty beach town is also home to some of the best boutique hotels and resorts in the entire state. You don’t need to travel far; Laguna Beach is a premier staycation destination for these 12 reasons. Laguna Beach Staycation
Rum Social
For an upscale, boozy lunch in Laguna Beach, we recommend taking a trip to Rum Social for delicious bites and craft cocktails in an atmosphere that is equal parts evocative speakeasy and tropical escape. Order the yellowtail mini crisps, Rum Social salad and steak banh mi for a fresh and flavorful lunch. Featuring an extensive array of signature cocktails, each highlighting a variety of specialty infused rums and liqueurs, Rum Social transports its guests to the shores of the Caribbean. Whether you’re sipping on a fresh Mojito Smash or find yourself sinking into a suede booth with a Hemingway in hand, Rum Social is sure to please.
Laguna Beach Staycation
Skyloft
When in Laguna, there is no better place to enjoy Sunday Funday than Skyloft. Between ocean views and their new Summer Sundays live music series, Skyloft is the ultimate place to kick back and let loose with good tunes. That said, no rhythm and blues are complete without some delicious drinks. Keep things crisp and relaxed with the cucumber basil cocktail, or turn up the heat with a spicy cucumber jalapeño margarita. When it comes to food, what better place to enjoy fresh seafood than coastal Laguna Beach? From the lemon-cured ceviche to the ahi tuna tower, these refreshing appetizers start your meal off on a high note. For entrees, you can’t go wrong with the Chilean Sea Bass and New York steak. If you can’t make it for Sunday dinner, Skyloft also offers an incredible Sunday brunch.
Laguna Beach Staycation
The Laguna Beach House by Business and Pleasure Co.
Looking to take your beach day to the next level? Stop by Business and Pleasure Co. for everything from chic striped umbrellas to stylish swing chairs with bohemian fringe. This truly is a one-stop-shop for all of your outdoor furniture and beach picnic needs, and they even sell coolers and bottle openers so that you can bring the party to the beach with ease. The store is located right in the heart of South Coast Highway, making it easy to hit the sand immediately after shopping.
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Las Brisas
One of the many things that make Laguna so special is the renowned lineup of amazing restaurants—and Las Brisas is no exception. Located just above the blue waters of the Pacific with stunning panoramic views of the ocean, this sea-to-table staple features an inventive menu that infuses seafood favorites with authentic Latin flair. Be sure to indulge in their decadent lobster enchiladas or even stop by for brunch as their eggs Benedict is always a pleasant surprise.
Laguna Beach Staycation
The Drake
If you’re seeking a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience, we love The Drake, and you will too. This popular spot pays homage to the classic, New York-style supper clubs of ages past by providing a unique, art-deco ambiance, great contemporary American cuisine and some of the best live entertainment in the area. With a decadent menu featuring gourmet steaks and seafood, plus hand-crafted desserts and a soothing lineup of jazz, blues and R&B musicians, The Drake transports guests to another decade, allowing them to escape back in time.
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Hotel Joaquin
Paying homage to California’s Spanish roots, Hotel Joaquin is a charming boutique hotel located just above the blissful bluffs of Shaw’s Cove. With a passion for art and antiquity that permeates the grounds of this lovely hotel, Hotel Joaquin is perfect for those seeking serenity off the beaten path. The property’s proximity to the beach, hand-crafted sandalwood furniture and on-site bar and restaurant make this retreat an excellent escape for adventurers from all over.
Laguna Beach Staycation
The Deck
Taking full advantage of the pristine beaches Laguna has to offer, The Deck takes guests closer to the warm waters of the Pacific than any other restaurant in the area. This beachy oceanfront restaurant and bar specializes in seasonal seafood favorites, such as their ever-popular Laguna Cioppino, and serves up some of the most unique cocktails in the city. And with shimmering sapphire water on nearly all sides, it is almost impossible not to be mesmerized when dining at The Deck. Pro tip: go at sunset!
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Surf & Sand Resort
The very essence of charm and luxury, the Surf & Sand has been providing an unrivaled oceanfront escape for over half a century. Drawing inspiration from the idyllic coastal towns dotting the Mediterranean, the Surf & Sand is an airy, open-concept oasis. Plus, with an award-winning restaurant and over 170 rooms that each have an ocean view, it’s easy to see why this iconic spot has been praised for decades.
Laguna Beach Staycation
Pirate Tower
@localemag Have you ever been? #piratetowervictoriabeach #piratetower #victoriabeach #lagunabeach #laguna #localemagazine #orangecounty #ocdateideas ♬ Ocean Eyes – Billie Eilish
For those seeking a bit of mystery as well as a bit of history, we recommend taking a trip to Victoria Beach to see the ever iconic “Pirate Tower.” Stretching 60 feet above the sand and into the golden bluffs, this tower, believed to have once been used by pirates and surveyors alike to scout out the coastline, has been around for nearly a century, inviting guests to come explore a little piece of this shore’s history.
Saturday Farmers Market
No Saturday morning in Laguna Beach would be complete without a trip to the bustling farmers market. Located just off Broadway St (adjacent to city hall) and featuring over 40 vendors of fresh, self-grown produce, spices, honey, hummus, coffee, tea and more, walking between booths, chatting with locals and indulging in the best empanadas has never been more delightful.
Laguna Beach Staycation
Bianchi Wine Tasting
@localemag #bianchi #tastingroom #lagunabeach #pasorobles #localemagazine #orangecounty #ocfoodie #orangecountydateideas #ocdateidea ♬ Tom’s Diner – AnnenMayKantereit & Giant Rooks
What many don’t know is that, while known for its beachfront luxury, Laguna is also home to a vibrant and growing community of wine lovers and connoisseurs. New to the neighborhood, Bianchi Wine Tasting is the perfect spot to experience this blossoming part of the town’s culture. Featuring an upscale, modernized tasting room with over a dozen signature Bianchi family wines (from Paso Robles) to taste and purchase, this hidden gem is perfect for those looking to experience a different side of this ever-evolving city by the sea.
