Laguna Beach has had my heart for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Orange County, I came here with my family on countless weekends to play in the surf, wander art festivals, and linger until the sun slipped below the horizon. Decades later, it still gives me that same feeling.
I’ve watched this little beach town evolve over the years, but what makes it special hasn’t changed. Laguna has managed to hold onto its artistic soul and laid-back spirit. There are no big hotel chains or cookie-cutter experiences here. Instead, you'll find locally owned boutiques, galleries showcasing California artists, winding staircases that lead to hidden coves, and neighborhoods that each have their own personality.
What I love most, though, is how Laguna invites you to slow down. I always think I’m stopping for a quick coffee or one little errand, and somehow I end up watching the surfers, wandering my favorite shops, discovering a new artist, or stretching lunch all the way into sunset. That’s the magic of this place.
Opening Flea Style and The Original Hat Bar here feels incredibly full circle. I’ve dreamed of opening a California store for years — though our VP threatened to quit if I actually did! — and it’s absolute kismet that it happened in the town I loved so much as a kid, just steps from where I spent so many summers. It makes every visit feel even more meaningful. (Read about how it all came together here.)
Our tiny, 500-square-foot boutique is tucked inside one of Laguna’s most beloved historic buildings, just a stone’s throw from the ocean. We’ve filled it with coastal-inspired vintage finds and, of course, The Original Hat Bar. Fun fact: the Hat Bar itself came from a shopping trip to Round Top, Texas, and the mosaic mirror immediately reminded me of the colorful mosaic art you’ll find all over Laguna. I bought it long before this store was even on the horizon, and somehow it feels like it was always meant to end up here.
When you’re planning your visit, be sure to bookmark these hotels, restaurants, beaches, shops, and local favorites. They’re the places I return to year after year, and I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with them, too.
EAT + DRINK
Orange Inn
703 South Coast Hwy.
This cottage cafe has been around forever, and it’s one of my favorite breakfast stops. I always order the ham and cheese croissant — warmed, please! — but the date shake is the house specialty. The exterior is just as charming as the food, with flowers spilling out of window boxes, and if you’ve got your pup, there’s a walk-up window to make things easy. Feeling festive? Don’t miss the mimosas to go.
Laguna Coffee Company
1050 South Coast Hwy., Ste. B
My favorite vanilla latte in town happens right here, and I love lingering on the cozy side patio under the cafe lights. It somehow feels like Paris meets the California coast.
Carmelita’s
217 Broadway St.
If I’m craving Mexican food downtown, this is usually where I end up. The fajitas never disappoint, the margaritas are delicious, and the location couldn’t be better for strolling around afterward.
Sapphire
1200 South Coast Hwy., Ste. 101
I think this is the best date-night restaurant in Laguna. The patio is beautiful, especially in the evening, and I’ll never not be convinced that theirs is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches anywhere.
Husky Boy
802 North Coast Hwy.
Every beach town needs an old-school, drive-in burger joint, and this is ours. The kids and I like to park the car; order cheeseburgers, fries, and Cokes; and pretend we’re part of a bygone era before phones ate first.
Las Brisas
361 Cliff Dr.
Some places are more about the view than anything else, and Las Brisas is one of them. This Laguna institution sits high above the ocean, and I recommend going before sunset, so you can linger on the patio. Order a margarita, settle in, and watch the coastline light up.
Urth Caffe
308 North Coast Hwy.
If you’re in the mood for something healthy, this is the spot. Be prepared to wait — the line wraps around the building most days — but people absolutely love it. The cottage setting is part of the charm and the lattes are absolute eye candy. Seriously, how do they do it?
The Drake
2894 South Coast Hwy.
If your evening isn’t over after dinner, head here for espresso martinis and live jazz. It’s cozy, lively, and has the best people-watching.
SHOP
Twig of Laguna
1045 South Coast Hwy.
My friend Susan has an incredible eye, and her boutique is full of unique clothing, home decor, jewelry, and vintage-inspired treasures. I never leave empty-handed.
Lala
1145 South Coast Hwy.
Perched above the ocean, Lala is the kind of place where you lose track of time browsing beautiful textiles, block-print fabrics, globally sourced home decor, breezy clothing, and one-of-a-kind finds. Pro tip: Don’t skip the sale section.
Tuvalu
295 Forest Ave.
If Anthropologie and Laguna Beach had a baby, this would be it. I love browsing the candles, books, artwork, jewelry, and home accessories. Even if you’re just looking for a creative spark — and not a hand-woven basket or a coffee table book — it’s worth stopping in.
Laguna Beach Surf & Sport
1088 South Coast Hwy.
This is a real-deal surf shop, where locals get their gear and surfers hang out after a session. I have their signature trucker hat in just about every color — they make the best souvenirs. And if you’ve forgotten your bikini or board shorts, or suddenly decide it’s time to learn to surf, this is exactly where I’d send you.
DISCOVER
Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Dr.
One of my favorite things about Laguna is how deeply it embraces creativity, and this little museum is a perfect example. It focuses exclusively on California artists, which feels so fitting. Afterward, just wander down the street and you’ll stumble into some of my favorite boutiques.
Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
My parents took me here when I was a girl, and now I get to take my daughter, Landry. She and I have seen just about everything they stage — from holiday productions to ballets and anything in between. I love keeping the tradition going every time we visit.
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Laguna in the summer, the Sawdust Art Festival is an absolute must. Over time I’ve collected artwork from so many of the artists here, and walking through it feels nostalgic every single visit. I love wandering the winding paths, discovering someone new, grabbing a bite to eat, and soaking up all the creativity.
Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
I’d argue that Pageant of the Masters, which overlaps with Sawdust Art Festival, is the crown jewel of the summer in Laguna. It’s unlike anything else you’ll experience anywhere: Historical masterpieces that normally hang on walls in museums come to life in a blend of art, music, and theater in a star-lit amphitheater. It’s magical, and if you’re visiting when it’s happening, move it to the top of your list.
Take a Hike
Laguna is hilly, which means the views are next level. I tend to just hike around my neighborhood, but one of the most famous spots is Top of the World. The name really says it all. You climb high fast, and suddenly you’re looking out over the coastline in the most breathtaking way. It’s such a good reminder that Laguna isn’t just beachy — it’s dramatic, wild, and beautiful from every angle.
Beach Hop
One of my favorite things about Laguna is that every one of its 26 beaches has a little bit of a different vibe. Venture down one of the wooden staircases tucked between neighborhoods and explore a few different coves along the 7-mile stretch of sand. The “best” beach depends on what you’re looking for. Some beaches are favorites for surfers; others are better for families. Main Beach is one of the most famous beaches in all the land. Pro tip: Check the tide schedule before you head out; high tide can completely change the experience.
SNOOZE
Laguna Surf Lodge
825 South Coast Hwy.
If you’re looking for a boutique stay with loads of personality, this is my pick. It feels like someone bottled up the best parts of the ’70s and gave them an update. Grab a drink around a fire pit at sunset, don’t miss the groovy glass-enclosed pool, and soak up the ocean views that are pretty much everywhere you turn.
Surf & Sand
1555 South Coast Hwy.
Think of this as Laguna Surf Lodge’s glam big sister. It’s one of the more iconic hotels in town, and I especially love dining at Splashes, where you practically sit on the water. If you’re celebrating something special — or just want to splurge — this is such a fun place to stay.
