Why Honeymoon in Laguna Beach
Laguna feels less like a resort and more like a small town that happens to have spectacular beaches. You can walk from your hotel to dinner, browse galleries along Coast Highway and find a quiet cove for an afternoon swim. The coastline is protected as a series of marine reserves, which keeps the tide pools full of anemones, sea stars and crabs.
The town has a long arts history. It began as an artists' colony in the early 1900s and still hosts the Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters each summer, where performers recreate famous paintings as living pictures. The surrounding hills hold thousands of acres of protected wilderness with trails and ocean views. For two people with different energy levels, the mix works: one can surf or hike in the morning while the other reads by the pool before you meet for fish tacos.
When to Go
July through October is the best time for beach days. Air temperatures are warm, often in the high 70s to low 80s. The ocean reaches its warmest, usually in the upper 60s to low 70s in late summer. September is a favorite: summer crowds thin after Labor Day, yet the weather stays warm.
May and June bring the marine layer that locals call May Gray and June Gloom, when mornings are often cloudy and cool. It usually burns off by afternoon, but beach days can be hit or miss.
Winter is mild, typically in the 60s, with occasional rain. It is too cool for most people to swim, but hotels are cheaper, sunsets are often clear and it is prime time for gray whale watching, roughly December through April. Summer weekends are the busiest and most expensive period, especially during the Festival of Arts season.
Where to Stay
Laguna has several beachfront and clifftop resorts. The Montage Laguna Beach sits on a bluff above Treasure Island Beach, with a large spa and a pool facing the ocean. Surf and Sand Resort is right on the sand, with rooms that face the water. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is set in a canyon a short walk from the ocean, with a more rustic, relaxed feel and a nine hole golf course.
For something unique, the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Crystal Cove State Park, just north of town, are restored historic beach cottages rented through the state park system. They are very popular and book quickly when reservations open.
If you want more space or a lower price, look at smaller inns and boutique hotels along Coast Highway or vacation rentals in the hills. South of Laguna, Dana Point has larger luxury resorts on the bluffs, including the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
Romantic Things to Do
- Walk the clifftop path through Heisler Park at sunset, past gardens, benches and views of the coves below.
- Explore tide pools at low tide at Crescent Bay, Shaw's Cove or Treasure Island Beach, touching nothing and taking nothing.
- Find Victoria Beach and its stone tower, a local landmark rising from the sand.
- Kayak or paddleboard along the coves, often with sea lions and dolphins nearby.
- Hike the trails of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park or Crystal Cove State Park for ocean views from the ridges.
- Spend an evening at the Pageant of the Masters in summer, followed by a late dinner in town.
- Take a whale watching cruise from Dana Point: gray whales in winter and spring, blue whales in some summers.
- Ride the ferry from Dana Point to Catalina Island for a day trip.
Getting There and Around
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is the closest, about 25 minutes away, with nonstop flights from many US cities. Los Angeles (LAX) has more international and long haul options and sits about 1 to 1.5 hours north depending on traffic. Long Beach (LGB) is another option.
A car is helpful for exploring beyond town, though parking in Laguna is tight and metered in summer. Many hotels charge for parking. Within town, the free Laguna Beach Trolley runs along Coast Highway, especially in summer, connecting beaches, restaurants and the festival grounds.
Once you are settled, you can walk to many coves, cafés and galleries. Rideshare is easy to find for dinner nights. Pacific Coast Highway can get congested on summer weekends, so plan longer drives for weekdays or early mornings.
Food and Drink
Laguna's food scene is casual and coastal. Expect fresh fish, fish tacos and plenty of patio dining with ocean views. Brunch and sunset drinks are local rituals. Many restaurants along Coast Highway have decks facing the water.
For a special dinner, choose a restaurant with a view of the sunset and book a window table. The resort restaurants at the Montage and Surf and Sand are popular for celebrations. In Crystal Cove State Park, the Beachcomber Café sits right on the sand next to the historic cottages; it is a good stop for breakfast before a walk on the beach.
Coffee shops, bakeries and juice bars line the village streets. The town has a good mix of Mexican, Italian and Californian restaurants. Wine bars and tasting rooms feature California wines. Dress is casual everywhere, even at nicer restaurants, though resort dining rooms lean toward smart casual.
Honeymoon Tips
Check the tide charts. The best tide pools and some coves are only easy to reach at low tide. High tide can cut off beaches or strand you below cliffs.
Rip currents are common, so swim near lifeguard towers, which are staffed in summer at most main beaches. If caught in a current, swim parallel to shore until you are free. Shuffle your feet when wading in warm months to avoid stepping on stingrays.
Bring layers. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. The marine layer can roll in fast. Use reef safe sunscreen; the sun is stronger than it feels when there is a breeze.
Parking fills quickly on summer weekends, so walk, ride the trolley or use rideshare when you can. Book popular resorts, Crystal Cove cottages and festival tickets well ahead.
