With a history spanning nearly 2000 years and a future just as promising, Laguna Beach has distinguished itself as the ultimate year-round destination along the Southern California Coast. A charming village lined with quaint, tree-lined streets set against the magnificent backdrop of the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Laguna Beach welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world to bask in its sun-drenched sands and revel in its rich, artistic heritage.
With an attitude both casual and sophisticated, Laguna Beach has long been a favorite destination for both gilded Hollywood celebrities and vacationing families alike. Since the days of Chaplin, Bogart and Garbo, stars have flocked to Laguna Beach as a respite from the hectic pace of LA and many actually made it their home by the sea. Although these days you're more likely to spot a CEO than an Oscar® winner, celebrities still come to stay and play along Laguna Beach's pristine coastline.
In contrast to its quaint stature and village atmosphere, Laguna Beach and its surrounding communities boast a large number of world-class resorts, restaurants, art galleries museums and festivals such as the world-renowned Pageant of The Masters, Festival of Arts and the Sawdust Festival. More than ever before, Laguna Beach is experiencing a boom in the hospitality industry, with numerous lodging options available to fit every need and budget. In fact, Laguna Beach has more oceanfront hotels and resorts than any other beach community along the Southern California Coast, making it the perfect place for a seaside getaway. In the past three years alone, two magnificent AAA Five-Diamond resorts have opened here to international acclaim.
Since its grand opening in February of 2003, Montage Resort & Spa has quickly become the place to see and be seen for the beautiful people and those who can afford to love them. Perched above a dramatic coastal cliff commanding unparalleled views of the Pacific, Montage Resort & Spa attracts the hottest Hollywood celebs and pleasure-seekers from all over the world. Gourmands take note; Montage has three incredible dinning venues ranging from poolside casual at Mosaic, to elegant culinary perfection at Studio, the resorts signature restaurant. Already the toughest table in town, Studio has achieved near cult status among locals and foodies in the know. To be sure, Montage Resort & Spa is a legend in the making.
Already a legend for the past fifty years is the Four-Star, Four-Diamond, Surf & Sand Resort. Sitting directly on a stretch of white, sandy beach, this luxury oceanfront hotel welcomes guests with spacious rooms all with ocean view and private balconies. The Surf & Sand Resort's oceanfront restaurant Splashes provides the perfect setting for sunset cocktails or intimate oceanfront dinning. In addition to the Surf & Sand Resort, three other noteworthy oceanfront hotels offer visitors to Laguna Beach a variety of amenities and activities.
The historic Hotel Laguna sits directly at the town's popular Main Beach. Located in the heart of the village, Hotel Laguna is the town's first hotel dating back to the 1920's and offers oceanfront accommodations at affordable prices. Be sure to visit the hotel's oceanfront bar for drinks and award wining seafood at the hotel's restaurant called Claes. Commanding the north corner of Main Beach is the quaint Inn at Laguna Beach. This 70 Room boutique oceanfront hotel offers complimentary breakfast and has direct access to Hiesler Park, one of Laguna Beach's most popular oceanfront attractions. The Inn at Laguna Beach also sits next door to Las Brisas, the world-famous Mexican restaurant which offers fine outdoor dinning and cocktails and the best views of the Pacific.
Just south of Main Beach is Vacation Village, a popular oceanfront resort that offers large suite accommodations with kitchens at extremely reasonable prices. The Laguna Beach Vacation Village is perfect for families and has long been considered the best value along the Southern California Coast. Another great family resort in Laguna Beach is the beautiful Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Club. Tucked away in a dramatic coastal canyon, this rustic retreat offers large suites with kitchens and the only golf course in Laguna Beach. The Aliso Creek Inn is also home to the legendary Canyon Lodge restaurant. Formerly known as Ben Brown's, the Canyon Lodge has been serving hearty, home-style meals and potent cocktails to devoted locals and travelers alike for generations.
For Old-World Spanish charm and an intimate feel, don't miss La Casa Del Camino, a small boutique hotel located in the heart of the village. Just steps to the beach and within walking distance of all Laguna Beach has to offer, La Casa Del Camino welcomes guests with warm hospitality in the European tradition. Another great boutique hotel in Laguna Beach is the Laguna Brisas Spa hotel. With just 66 rooms, each with in-room jacuzzi for two and complimentary continental breakfast, the Laguna Brisas Spa Hotel is quickly becoming the hotspot for budget conscious travelers in the know.
Laguna Beach is also home to award-winning Bed and Breakfast's that have been charming visitors for decades. Consistently voted the Best Bed and Breakfast in Orange County, the Casa Laguna Inn sets the standard for hospitality and intimacy. Boasting historical Spanish charm, this lovely B & B serves deluxe cooked-to-order breakfasts by the pool in a lush, tropical garden setting. For those seeking a bit of New Orleans right here along the Southern California Coast, don't miss the Eiler's Inn. Located on the Pacific Coast Highway right in the village, Eiler's Inn has a beautiful courtyard ambiance and is a bit of the French Quarter without the Mardi Gras atmosphere.
On the southern tip of Laguna Beach there is a fabulous neighborhood of luxury resorts and multi-million dollar homes known as Monarch Beach. This lovely stretch of sand is anchored by two massive spa resorts, proudly standing across from one another as if to guard the gates of this exclusive community. The new Five-Diamond St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa has been the talk of the town since its opening in 2000. The very definition of decadence, the St. Regis boasts luxurious rooms and suites, a highly acclaimed spa, a PGA caliber golf course and the areas only private beach club. The signature restaurant at the St. Regis is called Aqua and has garnered several awards for its creative cuisine and seafood preparation.
Across the Pacific Coast Highway from the St. Regis Monarch Beach on the oceanside of the highway is the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. The Ritz has been consistently regarded as the epitome of elegance for nearly twenty years. The resort towers over Salt Creek Beach nearly 100 feet and has direct access to the sand. For those who want traditional luxury and superior service, look no further than the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.
Just south of Laguna Beach in the picturesque harbor town of Dana Point sits the Blue Lantern Inn. Situated high above the boat harbor on a majestic like coastal cliff, the Blue Lantern Inn commands and receives incredible views of the serine ocean while offering guests a variety of luxurious accommodations and a delectable yet modest daily breakfast. Just across the harbor from the Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point is the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Elevated above the harbor and Doheney State Beach nearly one hundred feet, this magnificent resort is widely regarded as the most romantic spot along the Southern California Coast. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort is also a tremendous value, offering deluxe accommodations and resort amenities in an incredible location at moderate prices.
Source: http://www.lagunabeach-california.com/ |
