Laguna & Newport Beach
Surfers outside a beach hut in Laguna Beach, California, January 1970. (Slim Aarons, Getty Images)
Orange County is a region in Southern California. It's known for Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort, a huge complex of rides, restaurants and shops. Cities with surf beaches include Huntington Beach, with its surfing museum. Newport Beach's boat-filled harbor sits opposite Balboa Peninsula. Laguna Beach has tide pools and oceanfront Crystal Cove State Park. Here is our guide to Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Orange County, California.
STAY
MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH The Laguna Beach location, perched on a coastal clifftop overlooking the Pacific, is particularly memorable. It's the kind of place that's perfect for both family vacations (it's great for keeping littles occupied) and romantic getaways. Each of the 250 guest rooms feature Craftsman-style architecture, dark, stately furnishings, and make the most of the views. The property is so pretty you won't really want to leave, so it's easy to alternate between the three restaurants, all of which cull ingredients for their menus from the resort's expansive garden. Almost everyone comes here for the 20,000-foot-spa, which is most certainly worth it if you're in need of R&R. Tip: If you book a treatment as a non-guest, you have access to the gym and (less crowded) spa pool. 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; montage.com/lagunabeach
THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH Tucked in a canyon about a five-minute walk from the beach, this ranch-like resort has bit more word-of-mouth appeal. Here you'll find a bit of everything to keep you entertained and totally relaxed—from a nine-hole golf course, beach volleyball court, a pool, spa, and an amazing farm-to-table restaurant (think: Laguna's version of Calamigos Ranch in Malibu). It's worth giving a shout-out to the extremely knowledgable staff, whose happy to keep you posted on what's happening when you're in town, including gallery tours and tips to the best hidden surf spots. 31106 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; theranchlb.com
CASA LAGUNA With its design-forward decor (the colorful, textured interiors throughout are punctuated by gorgeous mosaics) and relaxed vibe, this twenty-three-room hotel checks all the boxes for the perfect long weekend in a small, low-key oceanside setting. Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is behind the considered Moroccan and Spanish accents, which pay tribute to the architectural integrity of the original 1920's building—think: clawfoot tubs, intricate tilework, and a mix of velvets and well-worn leather furnishings. In the morning, a light continental breakfast is served from 7-10:30 a.m. in the dining room (homemade pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice). For those looking for a little bit of pampering, a new indoor/outdoor spa features a fairly straightforward menu of reflexology, hot stone massages, and Swedish massages with views of the Pacific in the distance. 2510 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; casalaguna.com
THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL This 504-acre property features ocean views from practically every room and restaurant. There are several ways to stay here: For a romantic getaway, check into one of the resort-style rooms or private bungalows (stand-alone suites with ocean-view balconies); for a longer stay, families will appreciate the private three- and four-bedroom villas where everyone shares a living room and kitchen. Villa guests have access to a private pool, restaurant, and fitness center. To add to the thoroughly considered accommodations, the concierge will set up a picnic, beach chairs, towels, and everything needed (ride included) for a day spent at Crystal Cove. 22701 Pelican Hill Rd., Crystal Cove; pelicanhill.com
RITZ-CARLTON LAGUNA NIGUEL Situated on the bluffs of Laguna Niguel, overlooking the Pacific, has all the creature comforts you'd expect from a big Ritz-Carlton—luxury spa, multiple restaurants, top-notch service—but in a quiet setting with quick access to Salt Creek Beach. The restaurants here are solid (Raya is open all day and serves up Latin-inflected dishes, while 180blũ has the prettiest water views and live music on Fridays and Saturdays), as is the spa, which offers reflexology, beach stone, and couples massages. Bonus: It's super kid-friendly, making it an easy weekend escape for families. 1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Monarch Beach; ritzcarlton.com
HOTEL JOAQUIN Between the Pacific Ocean and the San Joaquin Hills, this fashionable adults-only hotel has an airy restaurant with bohemian decor and a terrace. There's also an outdoor pool and a bar. 985 N Coast Hwy; hoteljoaquin.com
THE PEARL LAGUNA A week-long holistic retreat on the beach, The Pearl offers guests a luxurious way to detox and decompress with daily hikes, yoga, and restorative massage, as well as introductions to new practices like Tai Chi or chakra balancing. After a week of clean eating, days full of exercise, quality time in nature, and lots of sleep, you'll leave here feeling lighter in every sense of the word. 21095 Raquel Rd., Laguna Beach; thepearllaguna.com
DINE | DRINK
NOBU There are now thirty-two outposts of Nobu—and they draw a devoted tourist-y crowd—but the Newport Beach location, tucked into the charming Lido Marina Village, is worth braving the crowds. The two-story waterfront design is stunning—and to cap off the incredible service Nobu is know for, there's a boat valet, which makes the experience a bit more indulgent. 3450 Via Oporto, Balboa Peninsula; lidomarinavillage.com/nobu
DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN & STATEROOM BAR Always packed and with patio seating overlooking the ocean, Driftwood Kitchen is a staple for Sunday brunch. Look for a pretty consistently solid menu featuring Crab Benedict, blueberry pancakes, and the Beach Burger—heartily topped with bacon, chipotle, cheddar, and tomatoes. 619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach; driftwoodkitchen.com
BEAR FLAG FISH CO. The NY Times may have deemed the fish taco as the unofficial fast food of Laguna, but that's doesn't mean they're all equal. This restaurant-market hybrid continues to impress us with theirs—Baja-style with the freshest catch and house-made slaw. Also on offer: incredible poke, chowder, seafood plates, and one of the best grilled seafood sandwiches we've had. Get here early and be prepared to wait—but trust: it's worth it. (Or if you're looking to cook, head to the market section for the daily seasonal catch and a few lemons, then head home to make the perfect meal.) 3421 Via Lido, Balboa Peninsula; bearflagfishco.com
FARMHOUSE This farm-to-table restaurant is situated on more than seven acres of greenery inside Roger's Gardens—fitting, given the menu concentrates on locally-sourced produce. Chef Rich Mead serves up a mix of excellent salads and seafood for lunch and dinner. It's particularly festive around the holidays and, thanks to its popularity amongst locals, requires a bit of pre-planning to secure a reservation. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar; farmhouse.rogersgardens.com
ZINC CAFÉ AND MARKET We've been fans of Zinc since it first got its start Orange County before expanding to other locations (there are similar outposts in Corona del Mar and DTLA). Like its sister locations, the Laguna Beach space is bright and airy making it a great spot for a low-key breakfast or lunch meeting—it's also perfect for carry-out. Go for the salads (tri-colore and avocado), baked goods (scones, croissants, and gluten-free muffins), and wood-fired pizzas (margherita, funghi, pesto). 350 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach; zinccafe.com
THE CRAB COOKER We're all about fresh, no-frills seafood (charcoal broiled shrimp and scallops on a skewer, Maryland-style crab cakes) and this Balboa Peninsula space is consistently a go-to when we've got out-of-town guests to entertain. Place an extra order of king crab legs with lots of fresh lemon and butter. (Trust.) Photo: Megan Converse. 2200 Newport Blvd., Balboa Peninsula; thecrabcooker.com
SELANNE STEAK TAVERN The fact that we're not big red meat eaters doesn't deter us from a night out here. Chef Joshua Severson delivers classic American dishes, including an excellent Jidori chicken, plenty of fresh veggie sides, and pretty delicious mac 'n cheese. The adjacent gourmet shoppe next door offers a good mix of made-to-order favorites from the chef. 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; selannesteaktavern.com
THE BEACHCOMBER Located right in the sand of Crystal Cove Beach, this authentic seafood restaurant has been a coveted spot for locals and visitors since it opened back in 2006 largely thanks to its beachside cottage setting and nostalgic 1950's California vibe. To get there calls for a bit of a hike from the parking lot to the beach, but it's worth it once you get to the underpass tunnel, which is decorated with local children's art. When you arrive, the to-die-for ahi tuna tacos are the thing to order. Bonus: there's a pretty great bar—the Bootleg Bar—attached. 15 Crystal Cove, Crystal Cove; thebeachcombercafe.com
GELATO PARADISO This teeny Laguna Beach gelato shop is consistently marked by a line that stretch well beyond its adorable alleyway storefront—no matter the time of day. The good news? It's worth the wait: their gelato, which comes in all the traditional Italian flavors plus dozens of fan favorites like cookies-and-cream and salted caramel, is made onsite, in small batches, using time-honored Sicilian recipes. The elaborate gelato cakes make great hostess gifts (but secure yours in advance, as they tend to sell out). There are also locations in Newport Beach and San Diego. 448 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; gelatoparadiso.com
RUBY’S CRYSTAL COVE SHAKE SHACK An OC classic, Ruby's has been serving up the best burgers, to-die-for milkshakes, and killer clam chowder since the early 1980's when Doug Cavanaugh and Ralph Kosmides opened their first location on Balboa Pier. Several southern California locations followed, including this Crystal Cove shake shack location, which is a local favorite for grabbing a burger and fries after a day at the beach. 7703 E. Coast Hwy., Crystal Cove; crystalcoveshakeshack.com
BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA Chef Amar Santana has rapidly gained a following in the OC culinary world since the 2011 opening of his namesake restaurant. A Dominican Republic native and longtime New Yorker, he infuses a mix of the two worlds in both his menu and space: the food is worldly and inventive, from potato pierogi to grilled quail, and the space is a nod to industrial New York with dark wood and rustic concrete. And the team is pretty serious about their wine. It's fun to score a seat at the chef's table to get a look into what's happening in the kitchen. 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach; broadwaybyamarsantana.com
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS Thanks to an incredibly driven and talented artistic community, Pageant of the Masters has long been an OC tradition that's gained global recognition. Actors pose as art subjects to literally bring well-known works of classic and contemporary art to life on the stage. It's both mesmerizing and magical to see the unparalleled effort—and attracts art enthusiasts in droves. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach; foapom.com
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM This museum originally came to fruition in 1918 as the Laguna Beach Art Association, where local artists met in a rustic cottage. A decade later, after a successful fundraising run, the arts collective moved the works into a custom-built gallery—a building that still exists today within the newest structure. All the art on display comes straight from California talent. 307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach; lagunaartmuseum.org
DUFFY BOAT RENTALS Renting one of these electric boats is easily one of the best ways to enjoy the coast, particularly right around sunset. They can fit up to twelve people, which makes this a perfect activity for families and visiting friends. It's beautiful to see the houses lining the Newport Bay—a point-of-view otherwise unattainable by foot or car. The best time to sail is during the annual Christmas boat parade. 2001 W. Coast Hwy., Costa Mesa; duffyboats.com/electric-boat-rental
SHOP
MARIAN PAQUETTE Bold colors, richly textured fabrics, one-of-a-kind chains and clasps, and vintage detailing make Marian Paquette’s handmade bags perfect for anyone seeking to stand out in Southern California’s sometimes monotonous sea of sartorial instincts. Paquette leans on a handful of signature styles (clutches, classic top-handle bags, and foldable crossbody styles) but constructs each bag in her eponymous shop from fabric sourced from France, Morocco, or Italy. Sumptuous velvet in poppy brights, intricate embroidery, and detailed beadwork make every piece unique. (Custom bags can be commissioned; the shop also creates ottomans and pillows on request.) 1504 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; marianpaquette.com
ROGER’S GARDENS What originally began as a humble Costa Mesa gardening center back in 1965, Roger's Gardens has grown over the past five decades to be one of the country's most well-known landscaping, gardening, and florist companies. Having been located in its current Newport location since 1975, it's become a destination for visitors seeking incredible plants and flowers, authentic pottery, gifts, and furniture. Best yet: The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and Farmhouse, a local farm-to-table restaurant, is situated in the middle of the gardens' gorgeous grounds. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Big Canyon; rogersgardens.com
THALIA SURF SHOP This unique shop, located on Pacific Coast Highway, is a nod to Laguna's rich surf history by offering a trusted mix of clothing and gear (most of which is from independent brands) that exist solely for the sport. The team is knowledgeable and friendly, so if you're in the market for a board, or simply want to learn more about surfing, this is a good resource. It's also an unexpected goldmine for retro surfer tees, vinyl records, and art books. 915 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; thaliasurf.com
LAGUNA SUPPLY In a small, light-filled boutique owners Laura Hart and Dana Marron apply a strong sense of what OC women want to wear to their edit at Laguna Supply. Look for breezy Isabel Marant prints, Ulla Johnson dresses, and Nili Lotan trousers, plus made-in-LA Janessa Leoné hats and Rachel Comey shoes. Equal parts beachy and upscale, you can just as easily find something here for the beach as you can for a night out. 210 Beach St. Space, Laguna Beach; lagunasupply.com
SUGAR PAPER Known for its modern and beautiful letterpress stationery, Sugar Paper also does great holiday cards, wedding invitations, and monogramming. The tiny shop (with a sister location in the Brentwood Country Mart) also offers cards and paper goods from Rifle Paper Co., Kate Spade, and more—and they can wrap any gift (just bring a box) while you wander around Lido Village. 3431 Via Oporto, Balboa Peninsula; sugarpaper.com
ALCHEMY WORKS Alchemy Works is the brainchild of LA-based husband-and-wife duo Lindsay and Raan Parton. The industrial-style shop doubles as a gallery and events space, so there’s lots of room to peruse the hand-picked apothecary pieces, letterpress prints, and indie-designer accessories, including Heidi Merrick velvet bodysuits, Janessa Leoné hats, Clare V clutches, and Grace Lee jewelry. Also sharing the space is a Warby Parker shop-in-shop and a Blacktop coffee counter. The original location is in DTLA. 3408 Via Oporto, Balboa Peninsula; alchemyworks.us
JENNI KAYNE Staying true to the brand's minimal, warm aesthetic, the Jenni Kayne Newport location is decidedly the most beachy of the designer's six outposts: floor-to-ceiling white offsets the bleached wooden platforms resulting in a clean, light-filled, inviting boutique. Look for the collection's greatest hits (velvet mules, cozy cashmere, silk blouses) along with finds from The Great, Acne, and Santa Maria Novella. 3450 Via Oporto, Balboa Peninsula; jennikayne.com
A’MAREE’S A’marees originally opened in the 1970’s in a modest retail space and has since moved to a stunning waterfront location, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private dock. Around town, everyone seems to know the family behind the boutique—Nancy Brown and her daughters Dawn Klohs, Denise Schaefer, and Apryl Schaefer—for their impressive edit of Alaïa and Céline, plus jewelry by Marc Alary. The ladies also stock some pretty incredible art. 2241 W. Coast Hwy., Costa Mesa; amarees.com
Photo: Surfers outside a beach hut in Laguna Beach, California, January 1970. (Photo by Slim Aarons/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)