READ MORE about the hottest nightlife venues in Laguna Beach.

SUNSET SLOWDOWNS

The sunset is such a huge draw in Laguna Beach that scores of people base their whole night around it. You can’t blame them, there are few sights as inspiring as watching the ever shifting sky at the end of another beautiful Southern California day.

THE ROOFTOP LOUNGE

Unarguably one of Laguna Beach’s best sunset watching locales, this bar, perched atop La Casa del Camino hotel, provides a bird’s-eye-view of nature’s nightly display. In a fast-paced world, it’s inspiring to see the mojito-swilling crowd go still at the moment the sun dips past the horizon.

SPLASHES BAR

Surf & Sand Resort in South Laguna boasts two spots to enjoy a Laguna sunset (also the name of a specialty house cocktail). Splashes Bar is a more social spot, featuring a small plates menu, and it hangs right over the sand.

THE DECK ON LAGUNA

This open-air bar has made a name for itself with specialty cocktails, a great small plates menu, and stunning views. Fire pits help keep you warm once the sun’s heat begins to fade and mellow musical acts add to the cruisy vibe.

AFTER-DINNER DRINKS

With the sun set, Laguna Beach officially comes to life. The nightclubs are a few hours away from getting pumping and the bands haven’t tuned their guitars yet, but there are still some great choices for a mid-evening cocktail.

THE STATEROOM BAR

To add a little history to your night, walk upstairs from The Deck to the Stateroom Bar inside Driftwood Kitchen. Situated where Hollywood icon Slim Summerville once had his library, the bar does a great job paying homage to this history with old photos on the wall, a throwback aesthetic, and a series of drinks named in honor of other legendary Laguna nightspots (like the now closed Boom Boom Room).

THE SALOON

Definitely a favorite for locals, The Saloon (located along historic Peppertree Lane) feels akin to a speakeasy. Those planning a big night tend to stop in for a beer or a Piño—house infused pineapple vodka mixed with cranberry juice. A sign behind the bar shares the joint’s mentality in no uncertain terms, “Be Nice or Go to Newport.”

WINE GALLERY

With savvy bartenders and a friendly atmosphere, even a wine novice can feel comfortable talking about pinots and chardonnays in this South Laguna hangout. Like The Saloon, this spot is a locals’ favorite for that 8 o’clock drink—even for non-wine drinkers (they keep six craft beers on tap). If you still haven’t eaten, considering ordering a pizza from the wood-fired oven or a selection of cheeses and cured meats.

THE NIGHT GOES ELECTRIC

Over the past few years, Laguna Beach’s live music scene has exploded. Whether your taste skews toward reggae, rock n’ roll, or ‘80s classics, you’ve got a dance floor waiting for somewhere in town.

THE MARINE ROOM

Recently, the Marine Room has pivoted from its age-old biker bar vibe toward something younger and more hipster-infused. The whiskey selection is wide-ranging, as are the live acts going on stage every night. More and more, this is the spot where young people in Laguna Beach go to see and be seen.

MOZAMBIQUE

Though they have a great menu and a smartly curated weekly music lineup, Mozambique is best known for their Sunday reggae nights. Bands like Warrior King, Wailing Souls, and Kymani Marley have made this one of the best spots for reggae anywhere in Orange County. On Monday and Tuesday, when other bars are slow, a “Music Matters” series features Laguna legends like Nick I and Common Sense and good-vibe ambassadors World Anthem.

DANCE ‘TIL THEY START TO SWEEP

No need for explanations here, you came to dance and that’s exactly what you’ll do—until “last call” is a memory and the lights are flipped on.

BRUSSELS BISTRO

This spot is, by far, the most Euro-styled nightclub in Laguna Beach. The beats range from house to trance, the ceilings are low, and people are eager to move. This is where the 28-35 crowd hangs out on weekends—fueled by Belgian beers and Vodka + Red Bull.

THE SANDPIPER

If you’re going to have “one of those nights”, if you’re going to push it to the brink, chances are you’ll end up at the ‘Dirty Bird.’ Don’t try to take a guess at what is going on—there’s no website for this place—just show up (flip flops and tank tops are perfectly acceptable), hit the dance floor, and soak up the atmosphere of Laguna Beach’s one true dive bar.