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Travel, Travel Guides

MGD Guide: Laguna Beach

Travel
June 18, 2021

We’re keeping things semi-local for today’s MGD travel guide and sharing all of our favorite spots in Laguna Beach. Just a short drive down the coast from our Orange County interior design studio is a popular summer spot for travelers and locals alike, known for beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and some seriously ‘gram-worthy boutique hotels. From where to stay and where to eat to the best MGD-approved beaches in the area, keep reading for our comprehensive Laguna Beach travel guide!


Where to Stay in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach House - The MGD Log
Laguna Beach House / Link

Laguna Beach House is a fun, colorful, surf-culture inspired property. It’s walking distance to Main Beach and is one of the more affordable boutique options in the area!

Hotel Joaquin / Link

Hotel Joaquin is always one of our go-to spots to stay in Laguna Beach. The rooms are all so chic, and the ocean views are just stunning. Our favorite room is the Auric – The patio is so good!

The Ranch - Laguna Beach Travel Guide
The Ranch Laguna Beach / Link

The Ranch is another great family-friendly hotel option in Laguna Beach. It’s a beautiful property with an amazing pool – But, it’s not on the beach, so keep that in mind if you decide to book!

Casa Laguna - MGD Travel Guide
Casa Laguna / Link

This Spanish-style property is full of beautiful details and sweet courtyards around every corner. Splurge for the one bedroom suite or bungalow for the chicest couples’ getaway!

Montage Laguna Beach Pool - The MGD Log
Montage Laguna Beach / Link

You can never go wrong staying at the Montage Laguna Beach. It’s family-friendly, and on one of the most iconic beaches in Southern California!

Crystal Cove Cottages - The MGD Log
Crystal Cove Cottages / Link

These rental property-style cottages are right on the water, and are perfect for a group getaway! Pro tip – They book up quickly, so reserve in advance!



Where to Eat in Laguna Beach
Steakhouse Laguna Beach - The MGD Log
Selanne Steak Tavern / Link

For a good steakhouse in the Laguna area, look no further! Selanne is located in a historic home on Pacific Coast Highway, and has a never-ending wine list – Count us in!

Driftwood Kitchen - The MGD Log
Driftwood Kitchen / Link

This seafood-forward spot in Laguna Beach has hands-down the best ocean views of any restaurant in the area.

Where To Eat - Laguna Beach Travel Guide
Nick’s / Link

Nick’s is a Laguna Beach classic, and they serve some of the best California comfort food around.

South of Nick’s / Link

If you’re in the mood for Mexican food – and who isn’t always down for chips + guac – head to South of Nick’s instead!

La Sirena Grill / Link

For our favorite casual Mexican food spot, head to the downtown location of La Sirena Grill.

Gelato in Laguna Beach - The MGD Log
Gelato Paradiso / Link

According to Mindy, this is the “only” gelato spot in Laguna Beach. We’ll take one glowing recommendation to go, please! Expect a wait, but it’s so so worth it.

Zinc Café / Link

Zinc is one of our favorite spots in Laguna Beach, and home to Mindy’s go-to iced tea! Their grab-and-go salad bar also makes the perfect beach day snack.

Mexican Food in Laguna Beach - The MGD Log
Carmelita’s / Link

Head to Carmelita’s for just plain delicious Mexican food in Laguna Beach. While you’re there, you have to order the flautas!

Where To Eat - Laguna Beach Travel Guide
Kitchen In The Canyon / Link

A little ways off the main drag, head to Kitchen In The Canyon for a delicious breakfast and lunch menu!

Broadway / Link

If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier for dinner, head to Broadway by Amar Santana.



Where to Shop in Laguna Beach
Garage Collective / Link

This community shop in Laguna Beach has the best selection of local artisan home goods, decor, and jewelry. Bonus – The prices are more affordable than you’d think!

Laguna Supply / Link

Laguna Supply is one of our go-to clothing boutiques in Laguna Beach for something new! They carry all of our favorite labels, and we guarantee the shop itself will make you smile.

Business & Pleasure Co. / Link

One of our favorite spots for beach day finds just opened a retail location in Laguna Beach. It’s a must-visit for the cutest beach chairs and umbrellas around!

lala / Link

lala is Kerry Cassill’s lifestyle boutique and bedding shop. It’s always on our list when we’re looking for fun printed bedding picks!

North Menswear / Link

North Menswear is the perfect place for something for the man in your life. We love their selection of mens clothing and shoes!

Huit Laguna / Link

This small ceramic shop owned by an interior designer is a must when you’re in Laguna Beach! We’re always finding fun new pieces every time we stop by.

Good Together House

Head to Good Together for California craftsman-inspired home goods. Expect ceramics, gardenware, and one-of-a-kind furniture and textiles.



What to Do in Laguna Beach
Hiking in Laguna Beach - Laguna Beach Travel Guide
Hiking

Laguna Beach is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in Southern California. If you’re ready to lace up your shoes, our favorite hikes are El Moro and Top Of The World.

Saturday Farmers’ Market

If you’re in town on the weekend, don’t miss Laguna Beach’s Saturday Farmers’ Market! We can’t ever resist picking up fresh treats and produce.

Sawdust Art Festival - The MGD Log
Sawdust Art Festival / Link

If you’re visiting Laguna Beach during the summer, don’t miss the Sawdust Art Festival every July and August!

Spa Day at Montage Laguna Beach - The MGD Log
Spa Day / Link

For a more relaxing getaway vibe, book a spa day at the Montage Laguna Beach. We love to sit by the spa pool and take in the picturesque views. Tip: Arrive early and grab breakfast at the Loft. They offer complimentary banana bread and we’re still thinking about it.

Laguna Beach Trolley - The MGD Log
Ride The Trolley / Link

The trolley is a fun (and free!) way to get around town while you’re in the area. It’s cute, too!



Best Beaches in Laguna Beach
1000 Steps Beach - The MGD Log
1000 Steps Beach

The tide pools at 1000 Steps Beach are a must-see while you’re in Laguna Beach!

Treasure Island Beach - The MGD Log
Treasure Island Beach

Down a long concrete ramp from the Montage hotel is Treasure Island Beach – One of our favorite weekend spots!

Fisherman's Cove - The MGD Log
Fisherman’s Cove

This small beach spot feels like a secret, and locals love it for that reason.

Table Rock Beach - Laguna Beach Travel Guide
Table Rock Beach

Table Rock is the perfect sandy beach in a deep cove in South Laguna.

Surf Beach in Laguna Beach - The MGD Log
Thalia Beach

This spot is most well-known for being the best place to surf in Laguna Beach. If you’re looking to catch a few waves while you’re in town, here’s your spot!

Crescent Bay Beach

Crescent Bay is a popular spot on the North End of Laguna, and is fittingly named, since the sandy beach makes a perfect quarter mile crescent shape on the coast.

Shaw's Cove Laguna Beach - The MGD Log
Shaw’s Cove

Shaw’s Cove is a laid back spot where locals head for swimming and scuba diving.

Crystal Cove State Park - The MGD Log
Crystal Cove State Park

This state park off PCH is home to some beautiful beach spots – Over 3 miles of uninterrupted sand. Yes, please!

We hope you enjoyed our Laguna Beach travel guide – We know we enjoyed putting it together. Bookmark this post for the next time you’re in South Orange County, and let us know in the comments your favorite spots we should add to our list. For more California travel content a little further north, check out our San Luis Obispo travel guide and Santa Barbara guide. Thanks for following along!

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