Laguna Beach, what to do
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Laguna Beach, what to do
I will be heading to Laguna Beach next week for a last minute girls trip. I have traveled to California numerous times, but not very familiar with this particular area. I lived in the Huntington area as a child, but really only remember Doheny Beach from this area. Recommendations on things to do, and restaurants would be great.
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We love Laguna Beach.
There's a very nice paved pathway above the ocean that stretches pretty far. It's a gorgeous walk, day or night. It might be called Heisler Park. It was right behind our hotel, the Laguna Cliffs Inn.
http://www.pacificahotels.com/lagunacliffsinn/location
On that path, there's a nuevo-Mexican restaurant with gorgeous views. Dinner there was not that good, but they have a wonderful breakfast buffet.
On Tuesdays, it's half-price day to take a whale-watching cruise from Dana Point, which we really enjoyed.
http://www.zerve.com/DanaWharf/BluWhale
Lots of art galleries, cafes, and boutiques to investigate in town, too.
If I've forgotten anything, my trip report should still be available here.
There's a very nice paved pathway above the ocean that stretches pretty far. It's a gorgeous walk, day or night. It might be called Heisler Park. It was right behind our hotel, the Laguna Cliffs Inn.
http://www.pacificahotels.com/lagunacliffsinn/location
On that path, there's a nuevo-Mexican restaurant with gorgeous views. Dinner there was not that good, but they have a wonderful breakfast buffet.
On Tuesdays, it's half-price day to take a whale-watching cruise from Dana Point, which we really enjoyed.
http://www.zerve.com/DanaWharf/BluWhale
Lots of art galleries, cafes, and boutiques to investigate in town, too.
If I've forgotten anything, my trip report should still be available here.
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Newport Beach is fairly close, too. Really no need to leave Laguna/Dana Point, but if you do, the Crab Cooker there is an institution. Fabulous scallops, shrimp, lobster cooked over an open fire.
Inexpensive for what you get. The place is funky and interesting. And very popular. Metered parking in back. Newport pier across the street.
Inexpensive for what you get. The place is funky and interesting. And very popular. Metered parking in back. Newport pier across the street.
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These are tips I received from Weekender:
"Also, Las Brisas restaurant, which is at the southern end of the park and a local institution, is fun and a great place for afternoon cocktails.
http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/
Another place is Javier's which is up the coast a few miles at the Crystal Cove Promenade. I never miss going when I am out there.
http://www.javiers-cantina.com/"
On my thread
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...m#last-comment
"Also, Las Brisas restaurant, which is at the southern end of the park and a local institution, is fun and a great place for afternoon cocktails.
http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/
Another place is Javier's which is up the coast a few miles at the Crystal Cove Promenade. I never miss going when I am out there.
http://www.javiers-cantina.com/"
On my thread
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...m#last-comment
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Spent some time in Newport and Laguna Beach over Christmas. I loved Laguna Beach!
The best meal of the trip was at Nick's Laguna Beach. Excellent food, service and drink. I will go back for the Blackened Halibut Sandwich and Blood Orange Cosmo. Make a reservation if you decide to check it out. http://nicksrestaurants.com/nicks-laguna-beach/
The best meal of the trip was at Nick's Laguna Beach. Excellent food, service and drink. I will go back for the Blackened Halibut Sandwich and Blood Orange Cosmo. Make a reservation if you decide to check it out. http://nicksrestaurants.com/nicks-laguna-beach/
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Thanks to all for the input! I am ready for a fun week relaxing and soaking up the environment!
I will hit Las Brisas ( I love restaurants with a great view!) And The Crab Cooker sounds like it's right up my ally. Nick's could be fun as well!
Sounds like a beautiful, and fun area.
I'm off for some girls time at the beach!
I will hit Las Brisas ( I love restaurants with a great view!) And The Crab Cooker sounds like it's right up my ally. Nick's could be fun as well!
Sounds like a beautiful, and fun area.
I'm off for some girls time at the beach!
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If the evenings are comfortable, the outdoor patio at Las Brisas has the best view in Orange County. The outdoor menu is casual, but an excellent experience.
The beach is very walkable from Laguna up to Corona Del Mar.
The restaurants in the marina at Dana Point are local fare and fun.
Short drive up to Fashion Island Mall at Newport Beach.
In the same area, the walk around Balboa Island is less than two miles, but a scenic experience with waterfront homes and boat traffic. Balboa has a couple of great breakfast and lunch spots.
The beach is very walkable from Laguna up to Corona Del Mar.
The restaurants in the marina at Dana Point are local fare and fun.
Short drive up to Fashion Island Mall at Newport Beach.
In the same area, the walk around Balboa Island is less than two miles, but a scenic experience with waterfront homes and boat traffic. Balboa has a couple of great breakfast and lunch spots.
#10
My favorite things were -
Shopping at Tuvalu and wandering the shops around it
http://www.tuvaluhome.com/lbp/
Breakfast at the beach dive, Orange Inn
http://www.orangeinncafe.com/
A little bit up the road, beachside dining at the Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
http://www.thebeachcombercafe.com/_c...ex-apple2.aspx
We wandered a bit, waiting for the table to be ready, and found the house from Beaches. Very cool.
Shopping at Tuvalu and wandering the shops around it
http://www.tuvaluhome.com/lbp/
Breakfast at the beach dive, Orange Inn
http://www.orangeinncafe.com/
A little bit up the road, beachside dining at the Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
http://www.thebeachcombercafe.com/_c...ex-apple2.aspx
We wandered a bit, waiting for the table to be ready, and found the house from Beaches. Very cool.
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Las Brisas (owned by the El Torito chain) is in the building once occupied by the historic Victor Hugo Inn, a movie-star hangout in the 40's and '50's. That stretch of beach is "my" beach as I spent most of my teen years getting sunburned on that beach.
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Brenkjtravel -
Are you aware of the festivals that are going on in Laguna Beach right now.
Sawdust Festival, Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters.
http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/
http://www.foapom.com/
Traffic is going to be really, really heavy coming and going to / from Laguna Beach. Just don't want you to be surprised by the traffic. Especially going North to Newport Coast, Newport Beach, etc. Coming back to Laguna in the late afternoon / evening can be very slow. So, as long as you have notice and realize this you won't be surpised.
I commuted from Laguna to Newport Beach for several years and always dreaded this time of year. Especially after work on the drive home through Laguna. So be prepared and have your 'potty break' before getting in the car to make the drive back to Laguna.
The good news is that since you are stayin IN Laguna you'll have a parking space. You'll also be able to walk to the Festivals. Walk to lots of restaurants. It's a great place to stay and visit! Oh, there's also a shuttle in summer. Just remember it's subject to traffic.
The commute to / from the South is usually much better than the North.
http://www.visitlagunabeach.com/list...-Trolley/1616/
Are you aware of the festivals that are going on in Laguna Beach right now.
Sawdust Festival, Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters.
http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/
http://www.foapom.com/
Traffic is going to be really, really heavy coming and going to / from Laguna Beach. Just don't want you to be surprised by the traffic. Especially going North to Newport Coast, Newport Beach, etc. Coming back to Laguna in the late afternoon / evening can be very slow. So, as long as you have notice and realize this you won't be surpised.
I commuted from Laguna to Newport Beach for several years and always dreaded this time of year. Especially after work on the drive home through Laguna. So be prepared and have your 'potty break' before getting in the car to make the drive back to Laguna.
The good news is that since you are stayin IN Laguna you'll have a parking space. You'll also be able to walk to the Festivals. Walk to lots of restaurants. It's a great place to stay and visit! Oh, there's also a shuttle in summer. Just remember it's subject to traffic.
The commute to / from the South is usually much better than the North.
http://www.visitlagunabeach.com/list...-Trolley/1616/
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