Laguna Beach Travel Guide Summer 2022

Laguna Beach, California is a quaint beach town nestled along the gorgeous mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean. Apart of Orange County, this area is full of beautiful views and hidden gems. I visited for the first time in March and have been back twice since—once for my 21st birthday and once last week for a fun little weekend getaway.

I just shared a recap of the outfits I wore on my last two trips and decided today was the perfect time to sit down and share the rest of the details. Today I’m breaking down our itinerary— sharing where we stayed, what we ate, things we did, and more. For reference, we visited in the prime busy season, June.

WHERE TO STAY

Laguna Beach Lodge (book here)

I’ve stayed at the Laguna Beach Lodge every time I’ve come to Laguna because it’s just that good. This adorable hotel is just one block from the beach, meaning you can see the water from the property. Each room is decorated a little differently with the cutest throw pillows + crisp white linens.

The rooms are rather spacious and even have small cooking areas with dishes, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. They are also fully equipped with two dining chairs and a mini table to eat at which is perfect if you’re thinking about booking an extended stay.

The bathrooms here are beautiful with white airy spaces and the most amazing natural light for getting ready. Each room also has a blow dryer and a steamer which I find myself using each time we stay.

You also get two Tommy Bahama beach chairs and an umbrealla which is so convenient. I’m always so grateful to not have to pack my own. Plus, Tommy Bahama ones really are the best.

There is no main entrance or lobby here, just individual rooms where you can walk right up to the door. This also means that once you walk out of the door, you’re greeted with lots of greenery and gorgeous landscaping. I really love hotels like this as they feel very intimate and are very quiet. This hotel also has contactless check-in/check-out and digital room keys.

I love love love it here and would definitely come back a fourth time, haha.

TRANSPORTATION TO/WITHIN LAGUNA BEACH 

Laguna Beach, part of Orange County, is just over an hour’s drive from my home base in Beverly Hills. It is a very reasonable weekend trip, especially if you’re within the area.

Laguna itself is a smaller beach town, however, it’s still several miles long. You’re within walking distance from the beach–in fact, you’re just a block away which is ideal if you want to run to and from the room to the water. However, it was a bit further from the restaurants and shops we visited. For that reason, it’s nice to have a car if you’re staying for a few days. Parking can be tricky but there are lots of meters so bring your quarters!

WHAT TO PACK

You don’t need too much when headed to the beach for the weekend. Sharing a few staples I always pack when going to Laguna for the weekend below. In case you want some outfit inspiration, I’m sharing ten outfit ideas complete with links in this blog post.

• Bathing Suits: It’s summer; pack a swimsuit (or three!). If you’re anything like me, you’ll be by the water most of the day.
• Jeans: In case you haven’t caught on, California gets brisk in the evening, especially being by the water. I find myself almost always reaching for longer pants when I come to visit Laguna. Most places are rather casual here so jeans will work just fine.
• Linen Button Up: I simply cannot travel without one of these it seems. I have a few of them that I cycle through—tossing them over bathing suits or wearing them buttoned with shorts for a little downtown stroll.
• Sunscreen: The sun is so strong here so make sure you bring some SPF to lather up!
• A Beach Bag: Make sure you bring a bag that can get sandy for all of your beach day essentials. I’ve been using a simple Princess Polly tote as my beach bag for weeks now!

Where To Eat

The eats are one of the best parts about Orange County. There are so many good spots to check out here!

Hotel Laguna- The Larsen 

This restaurant is a 10 on the chic scale, chosen by none other than Jules. Typically I wouldn’t pick something this pricey but the atmosphere here is hard to beat. Nestled right above the water with the most insane views, you’re partially paying for ambiance here. Plus, it was my birthday dinner so something a little fancier was perfect.

I got their cheeseburger and french fries which were both delicious. The girls surprised me with a little birthday cookie and ice cream which were amazing. That sea salt on top is to die for!

✈ Menu // Directions

Ginas Pizza

I was in a time crunch for lunch so swung into Gina’s Pizza to grab a quick slice. You’re welcome to sit down and enjoy a full pizza or even sandwich from here, but many people stop in and order at the counter. It takes 5 minutes for your slice to cook and it comes out piping hot. The slice was gigantic and super cheesy—just the way I like!

✈ Menu // Directions

Wild Taco 

There are so many cute restaurants and shops around the downtown area. We went to Wild Taco for dinner one night and it was delicious. This type of restaurant is typically what I go for, especially after a long beach day. Shorts and a tee vibe, if you know what I mean. I got their shrimp burrito bowl and it was amazing. So many good flavors and their creamy chipotle mayo was the perfect touch! Our waiter was incredibly friendly too which made me like this place so much more. Definitely would stop in again!

✈ Menu // Directions

CinCin Parlor

The last time we were in Laguna we went to the most romantic dinner spot, Rumari. This chic Italian restaurant recently opened a parlor right next door and we stopped in for dinner + drinks. This spot was magical and unlike any atmosphere I’d ever seen before. With an old Hollywood interior and the most incredible live entertainment (who played every song we requested) this spot was unmatched.

I splurged and got the filet and it was one of the best I’ve ever had out. Mixed with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans—this is my kind of meal! 10/10 would recommend—especially if you’re looking for a good date spot.

✈ Menu // Directions

Stella’s Serious Italian

For our last meal in Laguna, we stopped in Stella’s Serious Italian, one of my sweet follower’s family restaurant. This was the cutest spot complete with ocean views. We had the nicest waiter who chatted with me all night about what life in Florence will be like when I study abroad.

Not to mention, the food was amazing. We chowed down on garlic bread before diving into their lobster + shrimp ravioli and pesto gnocchi. Both were delicious. I highly recommend getting something with shrimp as it was some of the best I’ve had. Of course, I had to wash it down with a chocolate desert. We left here smiling + stuffed!

✈ Menu // Directions

What To Do 

If I’m being honest, I come to Laguna to sit in a beach chair from 9-5. In the evening I’ll shower, change, get dinner, and then call it a night. There is something about this spot that allows me to relax like no other destination— it feels less like “traveling” and more like “vacationing” here if that makes sense.

On the last two trips I took here, I read on the beach, walked through the lagoons, and played mermaids in the water… all. day. long.

Oh, and we also had a cute little picnic before dinner one night complete with wine, cheese, crackers, and grapes. Such a fun thing to do while the sun sets and an amazing photo opportunity.

Although Laguna is a quaint beach town, there are still so many cute shops and restaurants to stop in downtown. Lots of surf shops, home decor, and even a few popular favorites like Free People. I highly recommend popping in and out of them all one afternoon while getting your daily ice cream cone!

WATCH THE WEEK

Want to see my trip to Laguna + get the inside scoop on all these photos? Check out this vlog and hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out on more travel content coming your way soon.

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As always, these travel guides have brought me the utmost joy. I am so grateful for the chance to explore new areas while capturing their beauty for you all! Traveling has truly made me fall in love with content creating in a whole new form. I’m off to La Jolla this weekend so I should have another mini guide coming your way soon. Stay tuned!

With love, McKenz

Latest Post: Weekly Wrap Up #25 2022
Related Post: 10 Outfits To Wear On Your Trip To Laguna Beach, CA
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