xx

Marie, I'm very interested in your recommendations but your typos prevent me from understanding some of them. What is the deal with the sawdust and where should the parents go while the kids walk in it? The potm?

Susan

POTM = Pageant of the Masters, more info in the thread above.

Marie, thanks for the good tips! I don't think my kids are old enough (7 and 8) to walk around by themselves, so still on the fence about bringing them to the POTM. But we will be a big group of adults with just the two kids so perhaps we can rope some babysitters into watching the kids by the pool or beach while husband and I check out the Sawdust Festival. Also, my husband is remembering from his childhood something about Balboa Island Fun Zone? Is that close by and something we would enjoy? And the ladies in our group are eyeing the French 75 Champagne Bar and Bistro which looks to be across the street from Capri Laguna. Any word on it? Thanks, Marie!

Lynn

One of my favorite places to eat Mexican food is the Coyote Grill. It is in South Laguna on the beach. There is outside seating. Very good food - reasonable prices. Great grilled fish. Wonderful breakfasts.

Another good place to eat is in Corona Del Mar which is just north of Laguna Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway. The name is Bandera - great food.

Someone mentioned the Cedar Creek Inn. Just had lunch there. Very good food - you'll enjoy it. Get there early for outside seating.

Another fun place - the Aegean which is very close to Main Beach across the street from the Laguna Beach Hotel. It has wonderful Greek food, dancing, and a very fun atmosphere.

Have a wonderful time.

c

I'd second the recommendation for Javiers - one of my favorite spots for Mexican food in the area. And Las Brisas is a great choice for a birthday celebration.

Balboa Island is definitely close enough for an afternoon with the kids. It's just up PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy) - when you reach Jamboree in Newport Beach, just take a left onto the island. You can park your car on this side and then just take the small ferry across to the fun zone.

Right near the fun zone is an area for boat tours through the bay. They're worth taking and aren't that expensive (maybe $7 or $8 per person). They're relatively small boats and should appeal to both younger and older members of your group. One of the tours takes you by John Wayne's old house, as well as many other expensive beach estates.

BJ's Pizza is a good choice for Chicago style pizza. And be sure to enjoy a Balboa Bar ice cream while you're there.

Fashion Island is right there at PCH and MacArthur (right before you hit Jamboree). It's an upscale outdoor mall and offers movie theaters, good restaurants (Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and PF Changs) and an outdoor water fountain that is popular with kids to run through on a warm day.

And if any of you are into cooking, be sure to check out the Sur La Table (the chain out of Seattle) store in the new center just across from Fashion Island.

I think you'll find that Laguna Beach is a good vacation spot to appeal to many ages. And the Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Festival are both worth a visit.

kam

The Balboa Fun Zone would be a great place to take kids as well as adults. It's a bit old fashioned--carousel, go carts, scarey rides, bumper cars etc. but they also have minature golf, a ferris wheel, and cruises around the harbor. I would suggest not on a weekend.

cheryldina

I also live in Laguna and Marie's reply was right on. The Capri is a bit musty and run down, but it is a great location right on the beach. The other reasonable hotel that's pretty nice is the Best Western Las Brisas...it's not right on the beach but across the street. But, you are probably fine at the Capri.

I also think the kids migt enjoy the POTM. If you like exposing them to art and explaining how they are real people posing and it looks like real paintings and sculpture - I think my 8 yr old niece would love it, but you know your kids best. It is nicer to be closer in, but any tickets as opposed to missing it are good. Bring or rent binoculars so you can scrutinize better!

By the way, Splashes is a great restaurant, but just the bar is incredible at the Surf & Sand. Just go to sit and have a drink - it's our favorite. French 75 is great, but very pricey. Another couple favorite local restaurants of mine...Sundried Tomato Cafe and Rumari.

Hope you have a great time!

LaurenSKahn

If the adults in your party are interested in an adults night out, I suggest French 75 as an excellent restaurant, but you can expect to pay about $60 a person without tip if you just have a main course and dessert. I was taken to that restaurant by friends during my recent home exchange in Long Beach.

I would not suggest the restaurant for children. It is too expensive and kids are generally better satisfied with more straightforward food.

Chele60

Coming in with another vote for Las Brisas! I live in Orange County, love visiting Laguna, and haven't had a bad meal there, ever.

Not sure how much the kids will get out of the Sawdust Festival, but they do have quite a few activities (hands on art projects) for the kids to enjoy. It's a nice place to stroll around, but not worth an entire day. Lots of shade makes it an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Be prepared to find some unusual things there - I go almost every year, and find some new and interesting item to take home!

Balboa Fun Zone is certainly doable, and kids of all ages will like it.

Not sure about the POTM. I've never been, but I know people rave about it every year. And most take their kids, so...

Sorry, can't give you any info on hotels as I only day trip there.

As far as Main Beach in Laguna is concerned, it's not very big and gets very crowded. It's a lot of fun to hang out at, though. If you want to absorb some of this "color", I'd get there early. There are other beaches along Laguna that are quieter, but Main Beach is not to be missed.

Have fun - it sounds like you will!