Thanks to new hotels and dining experiences, Laguna Beach has more to offer than ever. The oceanfront enclave is also an idyllic dupe for Hawaii and Cabo — minus the travel delays, headaches, and jetlag.
“The overall allure is the under-an-hour escapism,” says Zoe Schaeffer, who designs custom travel for high-end industry clients. “Laguna is laid-back, but also very traditional. It feels like it’s for everyone, unlike other L.A.-adjacent beach communities that can feel exclusive or insular.”
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Beachside Bliss
Blessed with near-perfect weather and Pacific views for days, Laguna has recently lured everyone from Selena Gomez, Keanu Reeves and Renee Zellweger, while Warren Buffett and Ryan Murphy have owned homes in the area.
Hotel offerings abound, but a select few steal the spotlight. Perched directly across from Laguna’s prized Treasure Island Beach and Goff Cove, Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach (from $337) is the newest luxury boutique hotel to debut. The vibe is a quaint European seaside village. Plaids and florals mingle with potted plants, grass-cloth wall coverings, and pops of green, blue and red throughout the lobby. Anchoring the cozy space is a festive bar where a complimentary daily breakfast is served. The 41 guest rooms come with amenities like T3 hair tools, New Zealand’s Antipodes bottled water, Diptyque bath products, and a nightly chocolate chip cookie delivery from Rye Goods, Laguna’s go-to organic bakery.
The pool, with its green-and-white and coral-striped loungers beckons, and the town’s best beach is just a five-minute stroll away. Poolside, guests can nibble on gourmand-approved selects like crudités or tinned fish platters from the on-site menu. When you’re ready to hit the sand, the concierge supplies all the beach day essentials — umbrellas by Business & Pleasure, oversized towels, and picnic baskets filled with epicurean nibbles are available by pre-order.
Oceanfront Luxury
Across the street from Le Petit Pali, the sprawling Montage Laguna Beach (from $995) reigns over the coastline from the neighboring bluff. This industry favorite just got a serious refresh, including a glow-up of the 263 guest accommodations and pool. They’re also kicking off the holiday season with an exclusive collaboration with red carpet fixture Christian Louboutin. Starting November 25th, holiday trees will be decked in the French Maison’s trademark red, a fashion-centric afternoon tea and a signature cocktail —all infused with the Hollywood-beloved Louboutin flair. And the hotel’s new Studio Mediterranean restaurant is now SoCal’s newest reservation to score. Formerly known as Studio and parked cliffside, the space has been overhauled — think light airy interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the coast. Newly appointed Chef Dennis Efthymiou brings heaps of his Greek island heritage to the menu, all with dramatic ocean views. Expect platters of shellfish, a knockout mezze spread with edamame hummus, and heaps of fresh seafood. With ocean views, salty air and a plate of their dangerously addictive grilled dates, you’ll swear you’re in the Mediterranean.
Mosaic Bar & Grille, the property’s al-fresco dining spot adjacent to the pool was also nip tucked. And Bouchée, a new French bakery from Executive Pastry Chef Lee Smith is expected in December.
Retail and spa therapies had upgrades, too. Whether you forgot a coverup or need to revamp your wardrobe, The Fifth Avenue Club by Saks Fifth Avenue is housed in one of the hotel’s suites. Guests and locals can book a private, complimentary session with a seasoned stylist, paying only for merchandise they wish to take home. A new treatment was also introduced at Spa Montage, SoCal’s mecca for wellness hounds, which will soon undergo a renovation. The Skin Design London Face Tight Facial by Fatma Shaheen (London’s premiere esthetician) delivers a sculpted facelift effect with radio frequency, microcurrent, oxygen blast, and their celebrity-loved Cherry Gloss Peel.
Looking for a hotel smack on the shoreline? Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach (from $795), the area’s O.G. luxury oceanfront property, attracted such Hollywood royalty as Bette Davis, Charlie Chaplin and Judy Garland. After a property-wide renovation earlier this year, the sleek minimalist design of the lobby finally allows for ocean views, and the 165 guest rooms and suites, each with balconies, feature soft ocean hues and modern oak, rattan and woven textiles. Splashes restaurant remains a hot spot thanks to its open, airy design, locally sourced menu items such as tableside lobster bisque, and prime position overlooking the surf.
Surf & Sand happens to be at the heart of the best shopping and dining in Laguna. Facing the hotel are Summer Snow and Bluebird, two designer retail havens. And a few doors north is the star fine dining attraction, Selanne Steak Tavern. Housed in an elegant 1930’s former home, VIII by Selanne, Chef Vince Terusa’s eight-course summer dining series with wine pairings by Advanced Sommelier Vito Pasquale, is extended through December.
Locally Loved Restaurants + Shopping
Asian fusion eats, tropical cocktails, and creative sushi abound at Starfish Laguna Beach. The atmosphere is lively, especially during happy hour. Don’t miss the lobster macadamia roll and wild Thai halibut in banana leaf. Head to Avila’s El Ranchito, with multiple locations, for some of the best crispy tacos around. For a more secluded setting, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is nestled in Aliso Canyon. Its on-site restaurant, Harvest, serves up California coastal cuisine with fruits and vegetables sourced from their farm.
After dinner, indulge your sweet tooth. You can’t miss South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream, as there is usually a line out front and for good reason. Their creamy ice cream bars, soft serve and frozen bananas with decadent toppings (toasted marshmallow fluff and crushed Butterfinger) are worth the wait. And there are many self-serve frozen yogurt flavors at Active Culture Natural Foods Cafe.
Some of Laguna’s most charming boutiques are just down Coast Highway. Lala: A Kerry Cassill Store is home to buttery soft, luxury Indian-printed clothing, bedding and accessories for everyone in the family. The store even has a back patio with ocean views. And, next door, Ligne Blanche is where you’ll find jewelry, housewares and their signature cotton canvas handbags oozing French savoir faire.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Sign up for THR’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.