Laguna Beach, what to do

Old Mar 6th, 2014, 08:35 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Brenkjtravel is offline  
Old Mar 6th, 2014, 08:53 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Tabernash2 is offline  
Old Mar 6th, 2014, 09:19 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm bookmarking because I'm interested in this area too.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Mar 6th, 2014, 10:04 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Tabernash2 is offline  
Old Mar 6th, 2014, 10:08 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
Tabernash2 is offline  
Old Mar 6th, 2014, 10:11 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry to keep hogging your thread! Las Brisas is the 'nuevo Mexican' restaurant I mention above. As I said, the brunch was phenomenal. And the view!
Tabernash2 is offline  
Old Mar 6th, 2014, 11:08 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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/
wtm003 is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2014, 07:47 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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!
Brenkjtravel is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2014, 10:08 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
stumpworks73 is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2014, 11:03 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 82,683
Received 46 Likes on 17 Posts
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.
starrs is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2014, 03:37 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
azzure is offline  
Old Jul 30th, 2015, 05:47 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Bookmarking
LM3682 is offline  
Old Jul 30th, 2015, 05:42 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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/
elizzie4000 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
krowe
United States
13
May 24th, 2010 07:27 PM
DebitNM
United States
31
Jun 6th, 2009 07:53 PM
JerseyGirlinAZ
United States
4
Feb 12th, 2009 12:02 PM
maria_so
United States
10
Nov 23rd, 2007 02:33 PM
sayko
United States
20
Oct 28th, 2007 01:15 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -