Sea, Sun, & Serenity !!
A weekend in Laguna feels like pressing pause on real life—slow mornings by the sea, breezy coastal hikes, café hopping, and golden hour swims. After nearly eight years of living in Orange County, I’ve curated a go-to list of favorite spots I return to every time I’m back in town.
Laguna Beach offers no shortage of chic boutique hotels and effortlessly luxurious seaside retreats.
*Airbnb - Laguna Beach Incredible Panoramic Views 21
Laguna’s food scene blends coastal elegance with California creativity—fresh seafood, artisanal cafés, and farm-to-table gems tucked between ocean views.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Zinc Cafe & Market (California cuisine)
Kitchen in the Canyon (all day menu)
Rye Goods (local organic goods)
La Sirena Grill (Mexican)
AhbA (New American)
Sapphire (New American flare)
The B8kery by Selanne’s (bakery)
Harvest (California coastal cuisine)
Anastasia Cafe (California/French cuisine)
DINNER
Seabutter (Sushi)
Tango (Tapas)
Coyote Grill (Mexican)
Oto (Sushi)
Grazie Grazie (Pizzeria)
Oak (New American)
Miki (Sushi)
Brussels Bistro (French)
Mozambique (South African-inspired cuisine)
Gina’s (Pizza)
Selanne Steak Tavern (steakhouse)
Laguna Feast (Mexican)
Mandarin King (Chinese)
Saigon Beach (Vietnamese)
Driftwood Kitchen (seafood)
South of Nick’s (Mexican)
Splashes (American)
DESSERT
South-Swell (ice cream)
Active Culture (froyo)
Gelato Paradiso (gelato)
There’s something about an overpriced drink and a front-row seat to the ocean that just feels right.
COFFEE & MATCHA
DRINKS
This list offers a little something for everyone—from splurging at an elevated grocery store to discovering one-of-a-kind handmade treasures.
Every time I’m in Laguna, it feels like a wellness retreat—endless leisurely moments and sun-soaked days that stretch until dusk.
The Dartmoor Boat Canyon trail is my favorite hike in Laguna. It offers coastal views and moderately challenging inclines.
Goff Island beach is the perfect place to spend a full day by the sea—right in front of the Montage. You’ll have to pay for parking, but it’s worth it for easy beach access, clean bathrooms, and a scenic picnic spot up top with unbeatable ocean views.
Looking for a workout spot? Haus of Wellness offers Lagree classes, plus cold plunge and sauna sessions to help you recover.
ARTime Barro is a super cute pottery studio that’s perfect for all skill levels and makes a great group activity.
Now through the end of August, enjoy art, live music, and food at the Sawdust Art Festival.
The ideal Saturday morning starts with a visit to the farmers market, followed by a leisurely stroll through downtown.
Sunsets at Badlands Park are unmatched—an easy walking trail perched above the coast with panoramic ocean views.
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Alicia, this newsletter is so pretty! The spots you picked, the colors, the flow…everything felt so effortless and dreamy. Totally made me want to pack a bag and head to Laguna! Loved every bit of it. 💛