It’s no secret, we love exploring our beaches and are slowly but surely checking every Southern California coastal city off our list! Laguna Beach is one of our favorite beachside towns for a lot of reasons, but mostly the hidden gem dinner spots, private sandy coves, and sunsets that rival any other. Insider secret: traveling to Laguna Beach in the colder months is just as beautiful without all of the hustle and bustle of the summer tourists! Before you book your getaway, make sure you read our guide on where to stay & where to enjoy the best meals in the OC.
Where to stay:
La Casa Del Camino: This boutique Laguna Beach hotel sure made us feel right at home. With live music and happy hour in the lobby bar every night, and some of the best dining in town right on the hotel grounds, it sure made it hard to ever leave the property! The Spanish style resort kept its historical design throughout the lobby and hallways, but each ocean-inspired room was individually renovated by top designers, making you feel like you’re in the heart of California. Not to mention, right out the back door are stairs that lead to your own (almost) private sparkling beach where you can watch the waves roll in for hours at a time!
Where to dine:
Photo via Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen: Man, did we die and go to food heaven! You can tell this restaurant is built on a passion for food. Each plate had such exquisite flavors that had you wanting to savor every bite. The staff is friendly & inviting and the atmosphere is lively yet comfortable! If you happen to visit be sure to try the Parker House Rolls & Pork Belly Bites. Being from the East Coast, we had high expectations for their Crab Cakes but we are happy to report they were the best Crab Cakes we have ever had. Yes, we said it! We will be visiting this coastal restaurant again and again.
The Rooftop Lounge: Clear skies and sunshine are an everyday forecast in Laguna Beach, and there’s no better way to soak it up other than perched up above La Casa Del Camino at The Rooftop Lounge. Known for their impressive hand-crafted fresh cocktails (hello, mango mojito!), this spot will bring your brunch or happy hour to a whole new level – literally. We recommend sharing a few appetizers, Chef Craig Connole’s creative flair is too good to choose just one!
Kya Bistro Bar: This restaurant’s sophisticated Mediterranean shared plates were truly one of a kind! Located inside of La Casa Del Camino, you have the ambiance of the lively bar and live piano. Each plate is carefully crafted with fresh, local flavors making it tough to choose exactly which dishes to settle on. We must say – the local-sourced seafood here is the best of the best! Our favorites? Hands down, the Blackened Scallops & Risotto and Lobster Mac and Cheese.
Fly ‘N’ Fish Oyster Bar & Grill: We couldn’t help but round out our trip at one of our all-time favorite lunch spots. This ocean-to-fork restaurant is just steps away from the Newport Beach Pier and is conveniently located right on the energetic boardwalk providing the best people watching experience! You can’t visit this spot without getting a half-dozen Fresh Pacific Oysters, some New England Clam Chowder and a refreshing glass of wine. Also, make sure you don’t skip out on the Wild Alaskan Cod Fish Tacos! Come hungry 😉
If you’re looking for another easy SoCal destination, check out our travel guide to San Diego! Cheers to a fabulous staycation! Where are your favorite places to visit in Laguna Beach?
Looks like such a fun staycation! Adding all these delicious restaurants to the list 😉