The perfect beachside itinerary is just steps away. Lay low this season at Laguna Beach’s best spots for lodging, dinner and drinks.
Hotel Joaquin
This petite boutique hotel on Pacific Coast Highway gets its good looks from Studio Robert McKinley, where guest rooms come equipped with record players rather than TVs. Post up by the pool with a housemade spritzer, or let the staff set you up in nearby Shaw’s Cove with a picnic packed for two. hoteljoaquin.com
Check into the retro-chic Hotel Joaquin located along Pacific Coast Highway PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Montage Laguna Beach
Perched on coastal bluffs overlooking the sparkling Pacific, Montage Laguna Beach offers stunning views from its 260 guest rooms. Take a dip in the oceanfront Mosaic Pool, grab a bite at the alfresco Mosaic Bar & Grille or get pampered at the 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage. montage.com/lagunabeach
Views from Montage Laguna Beach’s guest rooms are the ultimate luxury. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Surf & Sand Resort
Beachgoers will adore the shorefront Surf & Sand Resort. Dine just steps above the rolling waves at Splashes restaurant or achieve total Zen at Aquaterra Spa. surfandsandresort.com
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
A lush sanctuary awaits at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, where outdoor lovers will discover hiking trails, a nine-hole golf course and cuisine that pays homage to California’s rich bounty at Harvest Restaurant and Bar. theranchlb.com
Driftwood Kitchen
Close enough to the ocean you could swim, Driftwood Kitchen pairs its waterfront views with stacked seafood towers and fan-favorite lobster spaghetti carbonara across daily brunch and dinner. driftwoodkitchen.com
Las Brisas
Dive into coastal California cuisine—with a Mexican twist—at this waterfront wonder. Stop by for breakfast, weekend brunch or dinner to enjoy tastes ranging from Maine lobster swimming in cilantro butter to crispy chilaquiles. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
Brunch in style with smoked salmon eggs Benedict at Las Brisas. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Oliver’s Osteria
This Michelin-recognized restaurant in the Laguna Canyon will transport you to Italy with its homemade pasta by chef Erik de Marchi. oliversosteria.com
Rebel Omakase
Embark on a culinary journey with a 16-course omakase experience at this Michelin-recognized sushi house. From baby crab to octopus to monkfish liver, each course is as beautiful as it is delicious. @rebelomakase
Sapphire
Restaurateur Russ Bendel has his fireside patio packed nightly with patrons clamoring for modern comfort food staples, including the stacked American wagyu beef burger. Daily brunch is equally popular—don’t miss the Meyer lemon creme fraiche waffles. sapphirelagunabeach.com
Selanne Steak Tavern
Tucked within a 1934 historic home, this steakhouse is the brainchild of NHL Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne and business partner Kevin Pratt. Order a rich cut of filet mignon, Orange County’s best mac and cheese, and a full-bodied red from the award-winning wine menu. selannesteaktavern.com
Indulge in Selanne Steak Tavern’s signature dish, the 38-ounce Lord Stanley PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Hotel Laguna
Elevate happy hour on Hotel Laguna’s beachfront patio. Absinthe Makes The Heart Grow Fonder packs a punch with citrus and bergamot, while Not Your Mom’s Banana Bread Recipe plays on the bakery favorite with sweet banana-infused bourbon, walnut and bitters. hotellaguna.org
Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails
Whether sipping in the banquette-framed dining room or at the upstairs cocktail lounge, Rum Social invites imbibers to venture out to uncharted waters with curated cocktails ranging from the Seafoam Margarita to the R.S. Mai Tai. rumsocial.com
Try Rum Social’s eclectic cocktail spread RUM SOCIAL PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTSHINE PR
Skyloft
This multistory staple offers scenic views from its rooftop while live bands frequent its indoor bar area. Stop by for daily happy hour from 3PM to 5PM to enjoy discounted food and beverage specials. skyloftoc.com
The Rooftop Lounge
Sunsets are best paired with a wild berry mojito at this sky-high lounge perched atop La Casa del Camino. If you’re visiting with a group, try the shareable Patrón margarita tree. rooftoplagunabeach.com
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