Weekend Getaway: Insider’s Guide to Laguna Beach, CA

Montage Spa: Pamper yourself at the Montage Laguna Beach Spa. Following your treatment, enjoy the facilities and lounge by the spa pool overlooking the ocean.

Main Beach: Walk along the boardwalk of Main Beach. You’ll encounter artists painting, lots of dogs, and you might even get to watch a beach volleyball match.

Laguna Surf & Sport Surf Lessons: Offering both private and group lessons, LS&S provides surfboards, wetsuits, and instruction for beginners to advanced surfers. The staff here are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

La Vida Laguna Stand Up Paddle: Discover Laguna’s coastline from a different vantage point through a Stand Up Paddle tour with La Vida Laguna. The company also offers kayaking and electric bike tours.

First Thursdays Art Walk: If you make it to Laguna the first Thursday of the month, partake in the free art walk celebrating Laguna’s art culture. Galleries stay open until 9 pm, and you can enjoy live music and refreshments in many of the spaces.

Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday, experience the vast Farmers’ Market featuring organic produce, baked goods, local honey, and other artisan goods.

The Shop: Stylish women’s boutique featuring swimwear, clothing, sunglasses, and more. Everything you need for a beach wardrobe!

Teressa Foglia: Offering both ready-to-wear and custom hats, these handmade pieces are works of art. Definitely pricey, but I recommend a walk through the store regardless.

Good Together House: Home goods store with curated finds, art, and antique jewelry. Perfect store when you are searching for a unique treasure to gift (or to keep)!

Rye Goods: Grab breakfast and a coffee at Rye Goods and then treat yourself to a pastry—or three! The bakery also sells wine and specialty pantry items so you can stock up on picnic supplies for the beach.

Bear Coast Coffee: For a lighter breakfast option, stop by Bear Coast Coffee and then take the steps down to Cress Street Beach.

Harvest: Located at The Ranch hotel, Harvest serves an excellent brunch utilizing ingredients grown on their own farm. Everything else on their seasonal menus is thoughtfully sourced. Enjoy outdoor dining with views of the Aliso Canyon and the hotel’s golf course.

Lost Pier Cafe: For the best beachfront view, enjoy breakfast or lunch at Lost Pier Cafe. Menu selections include breakfast burritos, poke bowls, and lobster rolls. I’m obsessed with the tortilla chips that come with many of their dishes.

230 Forest: For a sit-down option in Downtown Laguna, 230 Forest serves Coastal California cuisine. The Day Boat Scallops and Chopped Seafood Salad are two of my favorite selections.

Oto Sushi: Enjoy quality sushi at Oto, where their focus is sustainably sourced fish. The restaurant even has options to accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan guests. Daily Happy Hour is offered from 3-6 pm.

Carmelita’s: Flavorful Mexican food, margaritas made with fresh juice, and attentive service. The restaurant is conveniently located across from Main Beach.

Starfish: Located in the shopping center across from the Montage Hotel, Starfish offers Asian-fusion sharing plates and inventive cocktails.