There are plenty of places to visit, but we think that Laguna Beach is incomparably in a class of its own. Whether you want to recharge and reset, have an adventure, or party all week – we have authentically mastered the art of variety with every type of vacation you could desire. Our town is filled with a wide collection of natural beauty, activities, restaurants, and hotels. So take that call, and get some inspiration below for different ways to spend your Spring Break.
Activities For:
Beach Bums
With miles of pristine coastline, we have space for you to explore our exceptionally unique beaches. If you’re looking for buzzing action with never-ending volleyball games and constant foot traffic, Main Beach is a staple haunt. For a bit calmer scene, we love Victoria Beach. From the iconic Pirate Tower to skimboarding, there’s as much to do here as on Main Beach, but it’s a bit more secluded due to its more private location. If you’re ready to be entranced for hours, head to Brooks Street and be mesmerized by the epic surfers that come catch waves and glide across the beautiful blue. Maybe even get inspired to take a lesson the next day on the beginners-friendly Thalia Street Beach. Unique to our town, we also have protected tide pools throughout. Create unique memories with your family and show them not only the stunning beaches but a spectrum of the rich marine life that exists underneath.
If you’re going to be on the beach all day every day, check out our article on how to have an ideal picnic while you soak in the sun and sand. For dinner, you can walk up to The Deck directly from the sand and enjoy a seafood-focused meal on their outdoor patio as you watch the sunset.
Active Adventurers
If you and your friends live active lifestyles, don’t let the name of our town deter you. The beaches are amazing, but we are blessed to also have amazing canyons, rolling hills, and hiking trails that lead to gorgeous panoramic views. Even if you just walk past our main downtown, you’ll find surprisingly steep streets throughout Laguna that showcase the terrain. We love Valido Trail right near The Ranch at Laguna Beach or Top of the World, which both have rewarding views once at the top. We don’t want to spoil it for you, but trust us when we say it will be worth the burn. To reward yourself, you can pick up and pack some delicious yet healthful goodies from Zinc Café and Market, a locally loved vegetarian spot. They sell fresh salads, sandwiches, baked goods, and even support other local businesses like the small-batch kombucha company, Blessed Booch. You can even head to Lost Bean Cafe after your hike for a refreshing and flavorful bites, and if you sit upstairs on their colorful and bright rooftop, you won’t have to give up those views you just worked so hard for.
Luxury Lovers
We won’t lie – we appreciate the finer things in life; and Laguna Beach has a lot of that to go around. This town is a shopper’s paradise, and we’re confident we’ll become your newfound favorite for high-quality, exclusive, local pieces. From a personally curated and size-inclusive women’s line at Amenah to iconic beach wear at Hobie Surf Shop, the shopping scene here is eclectic and diverse. For some more shopping inspiration, check out our piece on locally owned and adored shops in town. After a “stressful” long day of shopping downtown, unwind at one of the premier spas in town. Both the Montage Laguna Beach and The Ranch at Laguna Beach have luxurious offerings for you to choose from. Spa Montage has a large, 20,000 square-foot, state of the art facility complete with an ocean view pool. Sycamore Spa at The Ranch works to embody Laguna’s unique geography by creating treatments inspired by both the canyon and coast. For dinner, indulge in fantastic steaks and wines at Selanne Steak Tavern, a classic white-tablecloth institution with exquisite cuisine without the stuffiness of a fine dining establishment.
Art Aficionados
Laguna’s community truly began when artists escaped LA and San Francisco to Laguna Beach for creative muses from the naturally inspiring land and seascapes. Art is infused into everything this town has to offer, and all creatives will appreciate the whimsy and individuality of our small city. The Laguna Art Museum is an obvious must visit, filled with permanent collections and rotating exhibits that all feature California-based art. Stop by The Hive, a complex on Laguna Canyon Road that is brought to life with vibrant murals covering the walls. Afterwards, get lost to explore downtown and beyond, hopping in and out of the 100+ art galleries, each with their own vision and distinct collections. Even the shops within Laguna will inspire the creative within you; places like Tuvalu will make you go dizzy with delight at the impeccable interior design. As you wind down, have an equally artful dinner at 242 Café Fusion Sushi, a small Japanese restaurant owned by Chef and artist Miki Izumisawa. She beautifully plates fresh fish with uncommon sauces and toppings, creating impressively flavorful and bold works of art that are almost too pretty to eat…almost.
Party People
For those looking for plans after the sun sets, our town not only stays alive but showcases a completely different side at night. Our recommendation? Start at The Seahorse, a quirky speakeasy inside the Pearl St. General Store where you can start with some light bites and a glass of beer or wine. If you’re looking for a more low-key night afterward, you can have a casual game night and enjoy premium brews at Laguna Beach Beer Company or head to the locally cherished Marine Room Tavern to play a game of pool and listen to live music. For an all-night dancing fest, we have a myriad of excellent spots. For underground club vibes, Brussels Bistro is your spot. Skyloft, located right in the center of downtown Laguna, is a great hub with varying music from pop to rock, depending on the night. For more recommendations, check out our full list of where to go out in Laguna Beach.
Hotels:
Family Friendly
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a perfect getaway for the whole family. Once you arrive on their gorgeous property nestled into the canyons, you technically don’t have to leave. They have their own golf course, volleyball courts, pool, spa, fitness center, on-site dining, and even their own garden with produce that they use for their restaurants. It is also a spectacular and relaxing place to unplug.
Couple’s Paradise
The Montage Laguna Beach is the definition of luxurious comfort. There’s an exclusivity to this hotel that will make you and your significant other feel like you’re in your own lush world. Enjoy coffee from your room’s balcony and take in the morning ocean breeze. Lay out by their expansive and beautiful Mosaic pool. Eat overlooking some of the best ocean views in Laguna and then stroll through the immaculate property. This place simply knows how to sweep you away on a romantic getaway.
Budget Friendly
Fun, retro, and ideally located right near downtown Laguna, this is a great option for a group of friends looking for a quality place without breaking the bank. During your stay, take advantage of their coffee bar served with some light bites each morning, their nightly wine hour before heading out, and milk and cookies before bed.
For those looking for lots of beach time without the extremely high price, this is another great hotel located right by the ocean with direct beach access. The staff here will make you feel like you are part of the community at this family-owned hotel. If you’re traveling in a large group, their three-bedroom Beach Bungalow is an ideal option for everyone to enjoy Laguna Beach in what feels like your own private home.
Spending your Spring Break in Laguna Beach? Make sure to use our official hashtag #mylagunabeach for a chance to be featured on our INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK or TWITTER accounts.
