One of my first weekend getaways, when I moved to Los Angeles decades ago, was to drive about 80 minutes south to Laguna Beach, a rather isolated seaside resort town that makes the hustle and bustle of Southern California a distant memory. Known for its beautiful coastline, annual Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters, the city’s history is dotted with painters, photographers, writers, and filmmakers.
Being a baby boomer, I immediately fell in love with the creative, bohemian vibe that permeates the city and has also captured many wealthy people who now call Laguna Beach and the surrounding hills, home. I also fell in love with the “Candy Baron” a sweet tooth lovers’ paradise. With barrels and barrels of everything from saltwater taffy to gummies and sours, it’s chocolate that makes my mouth water. Remember SkyBars, chocolate Necco wafers, or Mallo Cups – classic candies that bring back fond childhood memories? Every time I would visit Laguna Beach, the “Candy Baron” was my first stop. And so it was on my most recent drive south to Laguna.
After nibbling on my chocolate finds – and the occasional candy corn – an outdoor activity such as the 1000 Steps Beach was in order. I counted – there are about 200 steps but after the first 50, it might as well be 1000. But with the right plan and energy, there are many options of outdoor activities that deserve to be experienced with so beautiful views and nature around. You can find outdoor sports gear at Globo Surf and have a great experience exploring the area in a different way.
A smaller stretch of sand than nearby Aliso Beach or Crystal Cove, it feels more intimate and I’m not competing with surfers and families. Dotted along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), are many small art galleries featuring local artists and some from students attending Laguna College of Art and Design. I always enjoy a leisurely stroll, occasionally stopping in a few. This time I went into the vast Steven Lucas Fine Art Gallery. While not on PCH, this gallery is a must if you’re into fine international artists and bronze sculptures. Another favourite is Kush Fine Art that not only showcases beautiful works of art but creative jewelry as well.
I could spend a full day along Forest Avenue shopping but usually have to cut it short with an impatient husband standing by with his dwindling ice cream cone. But my sojourn wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Casual Laguna, a gorgeous boutique where I can always find relaxed James Perse tees and J Brand jeans. On my recent excursion, I picked up a gorgeous cashmere poncho.
On my usual rotation of restaurants is breakfast at The Orange Inn right on the coast highway. As anywhere in California, parking along PCH is challenging, but there are plenty of parking lots off the main street. Park it and leave it. The city has a trolley route and buses that can cart you around. The Orange Inn is worth the effort with their homemade muffins and cinnamon rolls along with a great robust coffee. If you must have your eggs to start the day, combine it with their french toast. Delish!
There are as many Mexican eateries in Laguna as there are surfers, paddle boarders and scantily clad beach bodies. After a long day out in the sun enjoying the beach and walking, I wanted a nice sit-down dinner. The Montage hotel has two wonderful dining areas – The Loft and The Lobby. Before heading to The Loft, I ordered an umbrella drink while hubby had a bourbon in The Lobby to watch a picturesque sunset. And though Laguna Beach is a great day trip, we decided to make it into a relaxing weekend getaway and found The Montage had a few rooms available. I just happened to have packed an overnight bag.
