a hometown guide to laguna, from our founder morgan. the cottages, the cafes, the canyon park, the cove with the famous tower. the places she has known by heart for years, and the ones she returns to.
weekender bag | mahjong cards | girls pajamas
where to stay
montage laguna beach set above the water with a private path to the sand. the kind of layout that makes everything easier, pool to ocean and back without thinking. ask for oceanfront, it changes the entire stay!
crystal cove cottages preserved retro cottages right on the sand, kept much as they were. rooms release thirty days in advance, so set an alarm. and book brunch at the beachcomber the same morning, worth the planning.
casa loma, laguna beach recently renovated and design-forward, right on the sand and walkable to everything. a pool and jacuzzi to fall into after a swim. smaller in scale than the montage, sharper in look.
the ranch at laguna beach tucked into the canyon, ten minutes inland from the coast. the pool, the golf course, and a farm-to-table restaurant that anchors the day. ask the front desk anything, they know the area better than most.
what to do
ride the free laguna trolley loops the town all day for free. park once at one end and skip the parking math entirely.
bluebird canyon park rock slides built into the hillside, the kind that end up in family photos. bring a picnic and plan to stay.
sawdust art festival laguna's open-air gallery, run by local makers. weekday afternoons are best, when the artists have time to talk.
laguna surf & sport the place for surf and skim lessons. especially good with first-timers and younger children. book the early sessions.
women's coverup | women's one piece | unisex rashguard | boys grey gingham boardie | girls bandeau bikini | minnow goggles | boys buttercream boardie | beach toy set
our favorite beach spots
shaw's cove the tide pool cove, easiest to navigate for younger children. low-tide morning is the way to do it. pack water shoes.
victoria beach the famous tower marks the spot. a protected cove tucked away from the main flow, best at low tide when you have the whole beach.
thousand steps more workout than beach. the steps are no joke, but the cove and views at the bottom are worth every flight.
aliso beach the family default. playground on the sand, parking that actually works, and a short walk to treasure island beach.
where to eat
zinc cafe built around the courtyard. plant-forward menu, terra-cotta floors, an unhurried pace. order at the counter and stay outside.
bear flag fish co. baja-style fish tacos off a working market counter, with poke and seafood that hold their own. order to go and eat on the beach.
la sirena grill the after-the-beach default. organic mexican, casual, with outdoor seating that handles wet bathing suits.
ahba laguna beach tucked just off the main strip, where the pace slows. wood-fired, seasonal, intentionally held back. book ahead for saturday, aim for sunset.
gelato paradiso peppertree lane's reliable scoop. sicilian-style, made fresh, beloved enough to draw a line on a tuesday. small cups travel better than cones.
south swell soft serve and scoops, a few steps off the sand. the kind of stop that finds its way into the day on its own.
unisex pocket tee | boys short | girls coverup | sandals
best local shops
lala a boutique with a real eye for selection. understated, well-edited, intentional throughout.
good together home, clothing, and objects composed like a magazine still life. you leave wanting to redo a room.
thalia street surf and sport a surf shop with art-school taste. boards, gear, and pieces selected with a real eye. worth a stop even if you aren't surfing.