When I think of magical places, Laguna Beach comes to mind first. This small artist’s colony is nestled between the San Joaquin hills and the majestic Pacific Ocean. A unique mix of rough and refined, beachy, but with an urban, cultured population. The people who live here are well-traveled, well-read, earthy and artistic- well, artists, really. Or at least, art lovers. Here is An Insider’s Secret Guide to Laguna Beach.
“There is no place like home, except for the beach.”
Unknown
AN INSIDER’S SECRET GUIDE TO LAGUNA BEACH
A PLACE FOR ART LOVERS
For those who love design, art, the ocean and café life, this is a haven… A juxtaposition of design aesthetic and inspired people- a perfect breeding ground for art and design.
ART
FIRST THURSDAYS ART WALK
Whether you like abstract paintings, plein-air work, hand-blown glass or jewelry, First Thursdays Art Walk is for you. This once a month event is exactly as the name states, on the first Thursday of each month year-round, most galleries in Laguna (and there are a lot) open their doors, serve wine and small snacks, and educate the public about their work. It’s a fun event for locals and visitors.
SAWDUST FESTIVAL
In celebration of Laguna’s 100th year history as an artist’s colony, the Sawdust Festival has turned from a summer event to a year round display of art and artists showcasing their work and their design process. Watch as glassblowers, painters and other artists do what they do and buy their pieces, if you really love them.
LAGUNA ART
LagunaArt.com- This gallery was started by a group of artists in 2008 and is dedicated to connecting artists with art buyers (giving artists 100% of sales). 1000 artists are represented.
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM
A small, but nice collection of work by California artists. They also have a Laguna Art Museum At Home program where artists of all ages can be inspired by the art in the museum and make works of art of their own. Still life, watercolors, textural art, sculptures.
SLEEP
MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH
This is my favorite place to stay in Laguna. The grounds are impeccable, the interiors a blend of light/bright modern Craftsman Style with enough of a nod to the adjacent beach, without being kitschy. Service at the Montage Laguna Beach is nice, too.
*Grab lunch at the poolside café, Mosaic Bar & Grille, for a beautiful view of the ocean. Although the other restaurants on the property are fancier, this is my favorite for beach views and a relaxed, but still pampering experience.
MONARCH BEACH RESORT
This resort recently underwent a major overhaul and it is a nice, family-friendly place to stay. Still luxurious, but not over the top. The suites here are spacious, with a modified beach décor.
*Attached golf course and beach-front restaurant.
HOTEL JOACHIN
This property has become an Instagram darling. Hotel Joachin is an old roadside motel turned chic, Laguna Beach boutique hotel. Each room is decorated with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and reflects the beachy vibe of St. Barths, but California-style.
*They have what they call an “Adventure House,” which is a collection of gear to enjoy the beautiful Laguna Beach outdoors; boogie boards, paddle boards, bikes, kayaks, surf boards and snorkel equipment. All equipment is included in your stay, plus a beautiful breakfast.
RITZ CARLTON
So this property is officially one or two blocks from Laguna Beach in neighboring Laguna Niguel, but it’s so close, it’s a place to consider. It’s a bit more formal than the other hotels, but still a beautiful, luxe place to stay.
EAT
ZINC CAFE
Always at the top of my list, this outdoor café is as close to a European café as you will find in the US. It is truly a gathering place for the community, with gourmet food, coffee and desserts. It took me months of going there daily to finally realize it’s vegetarian (the food is that good that I didn’t realize). Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
*Sometimes during the summer they have a live music happy hour.
LA SIRENA GRILL
This is a casual taco shack, of sorts, that serves eco/sustainable Mexican food. It’s popular with businesspeople, students and surfers alike. Pop in here for a burrito or a few tacos to either eat there (very limited outdoor seating) or my favorite, walk to nearby Main Beach to have your Mexican food while watching the sunset and people.
*The Dawson Cole Fine Art Sculpture Garden is across the street and a few doors down from La Sirena Grill. During the week, their sculpture garden is open to the public. With fountains, unique sculptures and benches, this is a perfect, peaceful place to enjoy your meal and admire art at the same time.
MOSAIC BAR & GRILLE
This is the most casual restaurant at the Montage Resort, but it is my favorite. Sit near the pool and enjoy a gorgeous view of the nearby ocean.
SHOP
ARIS
The most chic shop in Laguna. They carry ALC, Nili Notan, Frame and Beautiful People.
ARIA
Bohemian home accessories and gifts.
LAGUNA SUPPLY
A longtime favorite for jeans, sweaters and accessories. Brands: Isabel Marant, Raquel Allegra, Sundry, Mother, and A Piece Apart.
BLACK BOUGH
The cool newcomer, Black Bough has a mostly black and white color palette. Minimal decor. Very nice. Unfortunately, this store is now closed.
ROOTS the BEAUTY UNDERGROUND
The best place in town for clean, non-toxic beauty products. Brands: Indie Lee, Josh Rosebrook, One Love, and my very favorite, Tata Harper. They also have a salon.
THE GARAGE COLLECTIVE
A fun collection of bohemian, neo-hippie and vintage home accessories and clothing. Think Moroccan rugs, rattan baskets, oil paintings, mud cloth pillows, raw wood benches.
LAGUNA BEACH FARMER’S MARKET
It’s small, but it has everything you need. Organic fruits and veggies, fresh flowers, local honey, seafood, tamales and beautiful pastries. This is my Saturday morning ritual.
LAGUNA ART SUPPLY
A small, cram-packed art store with a quirky collection of new and used supplies. The owner picks up odds & ends (vintage iron locks, doll parts, Indian wood printing blocks), in addition to standard art supplies. I love wandering the store– I never know what fun thing I might find that will inspire an art project or prompt me to try a new art medium.
YOGA/HEALERS
- Yoga in the Park
- Chakra Shack
- Anjali Ayurveda
NATURE
- Walking Heisler Park
- Explore coves along the beach
- Hike El Morro
- Standup Paddle
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center
FINAL THOUGHTS
For more Southern California mini guides, see our 24 Hours in Montecito guide or our Art Day in Downtown Los Angeles.
