{"id":1659,"date":"2019-11-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-15T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/main-bvxea6i-tdeoyxfdffv2e.us-3.platformsh.site\/caitlins-laguna-beach-essentials\/"},"modified":"2024-08-16T16:44:09","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T23:44:09","slug":"caitlins-laguna-beach-essentials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitlagunabeach.com\/blog\/caitlins-laguna-beach-essentials\/","title":{"rendered":"Caitlin\u2019s Laguna Beach Essentials"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

When I travel, I have a few priorities. Food is first and foremost: I need both refined upscale spots and laid-back low-key gems that reflect the location and culture. I\u2019m also a big shopper \u2013 I\u2019m a sucker for a great pair of sunglasses and all types of dresses. I also love having both fast-paced, exploratory activities and relaxing moments by a beautiful body of water. Laguna Beach represents all of this in one for me, and proves time and time again why it\u2019s one of my favorite places to visit.<\/p>\n

I won\u2019t sell it like a used car salesman, but since my first vacation here at twelve years old, to over a decade later of over twenty-five visits since, this place still feels like a special treat. Whenever I drive down PCH, I roll the windows down and let the sea breeze pull my hair back as the warmth of the sun hits my skin. My spirit lifts knowing it\u2019s about to be back in this sanctuary that has become a second home.<\/p>\n

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Memorable Meals: Where I Eat<\/h2>\n

242 Caf\u00e9 Fusion Sushi<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There are places you go to as a kid and appreciate for its nostalgic value. A place like my childhood diner is that for me. And then there are places that have been around for years and somehow, retain their star-quality and your business. 242 Caf\u00e9 Fusion Sushi is that for me. I distinctly remember taking my first bite of Chef Miki\u2019s fusion sushi when I was a mere middle-schooler. My taste buds sang, confused yet delighted at what I just put in my mouth. I felt like that course after course, uniquely satisfied at what I believed was one of the best meals of my life. Even after all these years eating at many spots around the world, this small gem nestled right on North Coast Highway remains one of my favorite restaurants to this day. Despite being open for so long, this restaurant preserves its classic charm, creative energy, and all encompassing flavorful bites that make you salivate while eating it. Every trip to Laguna Beach, you\u2019ll find me sitting at one of their skim board tables or right at the bar, ordering from the plate-shaped menus, and watching Chef Miki and her all-female staff do their damn thing.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> Scallop White Truffle Nigiri, Rainbow Clouds Sashimi, Crunchy Chili Oil on Albacore, Hot Rock Roll, Laguna Canyon Roll, Seared Miracle Tuna Nigiri<\/p>\n

Sapphire Laguna<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I love Chef Azmin Ghahreman\u2019s restaurant because it\u2019s like taking an international tour of the world through food. It feels like he\u2019s taken some of his favorite comfort foods from around the globe and then re-imagined them to perfectly fit into his passion project. He and his team put great attention to detail on every aspect of the meal \u2013 from the selection of high-quality teas to the side of Garlic Fries that comes with the Kobe Beef Havarti Cheeseburger to the thoughtful cocktails that change with each season. Most importantly, I feel Azmin\u2019s heart whenever I dine here, and every employee I\u2019ve met exudes this joy when working there.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> Brunch: A Study of Eggs Benedict (continuously changes) and Braised Pork Chile Verde, Espresso Martini<\/p>\n

Driftwood Kitchen<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Driftwood<\/p>\n

You could easily miss this place because Driftwood Kitchen lives on Sleepy Hollow Lane, a discreet street just off the buzzing Pacific Coast Highway, but that would be a mistake. The unparalleled views of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean combined with the high-caliber fresh fish make this one of my favorite casual yet classy seafood spots. The move: come here for lunch when the temperature is at that perfectly sunny, Southern California 72 degrees (which it is most days), and sit outside on their balcony. I love watching the ombr\u00e9 blue waves dance in and out, sitting in awe of the breathtaking view in front of me \u2013 one my eyes have seen hundreds of times but never tire of.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> Oysters, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Lobster Spaghetti Carbonara<\/p>\n

Urth Caff\u00e9<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I come here for the organic, specialty coffee and stay for the equally impressive Southern-California inspired caf\u00e9 cuisine. When it comes to their coffee, I almost exclusively rotate between the Honey Vanilla Latt\u00e9 and the Organic Rising Sun Boba. I know I should branch out and try one of their many other options, but when it\u2019s game time decision, I can\u2019t seem to part ways with either. Come here and hang out for a little, but be warned, they get quite busy on peak hours and weekends.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> Eggs Salmone, Panini El Diablo<\/p>\n

Zinc Caf\u00e9 and Market<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

An everyday, vegetarian-based caf\u00e9, I love coming here to sit in their garden-like patio, sip on a Lavender Latt\u00e9 (made with local lavender syrup), and people watch. Lots of local Laguna-nites (not sure if that\u2019s even a thing) come here to catch up and\/or take advantage of the outdoor seating and bring their adorable pups. I feel very \u201cSouthern Californian\u201d (I know that\u2019s a thing) whenever I\u2019m here, and I love it. One thing I always pick up before heading out: a bottle of Blessed Booch, my favorite brand of kombucha that is hyper-local to Orange County.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> Huevos Rancheros, Healthy Bowl<\/p>\n

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21+ and Over: Where I Drink<\/h2>\n

Laguna Beach Wine Gallery<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I have such an affinity for wine. I\u2019m no stuck-up, know-it-all sommelier (sorry for perpetuating the stereotype to all my somm friends \u2013 not all are like this), but I\u2019ve sipped on quite a few glasses and know a good wine when I meet one. I love visiting Chris Olsen\u2019s spot, who is so knowledgeable in all things wine, consistently educating me on new types I\u2019ve never tried, small-production bottles, and straight up superb wines from all over the globe. While I love tasting around the world in the comfort of his cozy yet modern space, the best is Chris\u2019 own wine label: Mile 216. It\u2019s consistently my favorite Pinot Noir, and I try to pick up a bottle whenever I\u2019m in town.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> any of their Wood Fire Pizzas<\/p>\n

Skyloft<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

My first choice for happy hour and rooftop drinks, Skyloft has it all: great vibes, drinks, plates and music, all sandwiched in between Laguna\u2019s canyons and coastline. I\u2019m a bourbon girl and stay ordering their Bourbon Mimosa (Knob Creek, St. Germain, Citrust, Basil, with a float of Prosecco), a cocktail perfect for any time of day.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> Their brunch Loco Okimoto \u2013 this is one of the best indulgent, ultra-comforting dishes made with garlic sticky rice, grilled SPAM, beef patty, fried egg, tomatoes, red onions, brown gravy and au jus. It\u2019s technically only on their brunch menu, but if you ask nicely, they\u2019ll make it for you during one of their other services.<\/p>\n

Laguna Canyon Winery<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Before heading towards the water, I love making a necessary pit stop at Laguna Canyon Winery to taste their wide variety of wines. They pick grapes from Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and bring them down south to create distinct blends in their urban winery space.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> Sonoma Valley Trevini Super Tuscan Red Blend, Napa Valley Semillon<\/p>\n

Laguna Beach Beer Company<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Admittedly, I\u2019m not a beer person. I appreciate it, but it\u2019s never my preference when looking at a drink menu. Laguna Beach Beer Company changes my mind about that. Walk into their industrial, arcade-like space, grab a board and pick four of their hand-crafted brews for a fun and unique tasting flight. They consistently debut new releases and guest appearances, so it\u2019s a bit hard to pin down a favorite. BUT they do have a core lineup, and I really enjoy their Main Tower Pilsner and Ruby St. Grapefruit IPA.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong> The Lop Kombucha Beer and Orange Crush Cream Ale<\/p>\n

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I Don\u2019t Just Eat & Drink: Where I Hangout<\/h2>\n

Heisler Park<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When I want to spend time alone and stroll, I go to Heisler Park. It\u2019s a perfect place to meander parallel to the beach. I cherish the times I see older couples walking along or an artist painting the oceanfront view. I usually walk along to the end, ending up at Main Beach, the most popular and busiest in town. Across the street, I\u2019ll wander along Forest Avenue. If I\u2019m in the shopping mood, I\u2019ll be downtown for the rest of the afternoon.<\/p>\n

Treasure Island Park<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Explore<\/p>\n

The name fits this location \u2013 Treasure Island Park feels like its own little island of lush, green plots of land that extend all the way out, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. When I want to show friends Laguna\u2019s gorgeous views, this is where I take them; it\u2019s crawling with photo opportunities meant for the \u2018gram. It\u2019s also conveniently located right next to Montage Laguna Beach<\/a>, one of my favorite resorts. After spending some time in the sun, I almost always walk over to relax in the Montage lobby and grab a drink or coffee \u2013 also another prime pictorial opportunity. I gush about this hotel a lot, but it breathes relaxed luxury. Always has, probably always will. If it matters to any of you, it also happens to be one of Justin Bieber\u2019s favorite hangout spots. I\u2019ve never seen him here, but at least you can say you have the same taste.<\/p>\n

Brooks St. Beach<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I love surfing. . . but I\u2019m not very good at it. I took one surfing lesson in Hawaii, and I did so well, I arrogantly thought I was a natural. I mean it was truly next level: I was riding a wave, jumped and rotated my body to the opposite side and landed it. I took another in Malibu, and I couldn\u2019t catch one wave. I may try again one day, but my ego is bruised. With that being said, I come to Brooks St. Beach to watch people surf and get lost in their harmonious movement with the waves.<\/p>\n

Pearl St. Beach\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Pearl St. Beach is low-key spot that makes me feel like a local. I normally visit to watch the sunset and listen to the soothing sound of crashing waves \u2013 both natural phenomena that don\u2019t seem to get old. I\u2019ll let you know if they ever do, but I can\u2019t help but appreciate the bigness of the world we live in and all the beauty within it, especially in this blessed little pocket of the planet. (Photo by laguna_beach_scenery on Instagram).<\/p>\n

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Some Standout Dishes:<\/h2>\n

While they may not be on my overall list, there are places I believe are worth the visit for these specific banging dishes done just right:<\/p>\n