I live in San Diego and I am taking my 2 1/2 yr old son & mom to Disneyland for 2 days (this Wed & Thur), but on the drive up thought we would stop at Laguna Beach. I have never been there. I don't plan on swimming, but walking along the beach, making picking up some shells (if there are any?) & having lunch somewhere. Where 'exactly' should I look for parking, I looked at a map & the beach looks long/big, and where do you recommend for lunch, just pizza or burgers? Also, should I take the Hwy 1 all the up from San Diego (Del Mar)? Thank you for any info!

Megan, I would suggest Ruby's Diner on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach for lunch or dinner. It's reminiscent of the 1940's and there's vintage cars on display. They serve burgers, salads, and the like and they're very good. They make really good shakes and floats and desserts, too. They also have a children's menu (although it's probably for 3 and older) and a senior citizen's menu. It's a fun place with something to please everyone on the menu.

BJ's Pizza is a good choice for a casual lunch in Laguna.

Parking can be tough, so you really can't plan ahead too much. There is a parking structure near downtown, but can fill up quickly.

Don't plan on finding too many shells on the beach.

You won't have to worry about parking if you eat at Ruby's. I knew someone who worked there and it is a good family place.

Parking can be beastly but it is not impossible but you will need to feed the meter.

If you park just south of the Surf & Sand Hotel there is a beach access for a nice walk on the beach. If you can manage low tide there is a walkthrough arch in the rocks about 2 blocks south of this access. There are tidepools for the little ones with hermit crabs, anemones etc.

For lunch I would suggest the Penguin which is about 5 blocks north of the Surf & Sand. It's a classic, very low key and they always have something on the menu kids like burgers, malts, etc.

If you can't manage lowtide there is always the playground on the beach down at the center of town but parking there is abysmal.

Have fun.
L

There are atleast 3 Ruby's that I can think of in San Diego County, so I don't think that this would be anything special for Megan and her family.

Try Penguin Cafe at 981 S Coast Hwy. There's free parking in the rear and had good burgers.

Dana Point and Corona Del Mar are two good OC beach areas for finding tide pools which would appeal to your son.

bj's pizza on the main drag if really, really good (but they have them in san diego too). take #5 up if you want quick...pch will be rather slow but very pretty (but don't you already know this if you live in sd!!!).

Thank you everyone for the info! Actually, I've never driven on the 1. We haven't been to any of the 'beach cities'. Went to Santa Monica last week with the in-laws, but took the 5. How long do you think it would take on the 1? My mom would really enjoy it. I can pick it up at Del Mar, and just keep going, right? We won't be in any hurry, check-in at Disneyland isn't until 3pm. I'll keep my eyes open for the restaurants for lunch. They all sound great. I've only been to Ruby's once, and not been to BJ's.
Thanks again to everyone for the info & recommendations.

I like BJ's pizza a lot but found my nephews hated it and haven't liked it any better as they have gotten older. If you are trying to find something a 2-1/2 yr. old will like think I would pass on BJ's. My nephews do like Ruby's and that kind of place.

What is BJ's pizza like? Believe it or not, my son likes CPK with pepperoni, mushrooms & sausage! But, he likes Papa John's & Chuck E Cheese pizza, too.
Thank you for any more info.

if your check-in isn't until 3 then take hwy 1 up. you can pick it up in san diego, exit #5 on genesse ave. you will have to cut back over to #5 at oceanside to go through the "check point". then i think it's the next exit you can get back on hwy 1 - dana point / laguna beach exit. it will take you about 1 hr 45 minutes.

OK, I think I will go halvsies, take the 5 past Camp Pendelton, then the 1 "Beach Cities". Heading out to get mom at the airport now, then going north tomorrow morning. I appreciate all the help.

BJ's Pizza is Chicago style. My nieces and nephews range in age from 2 to 18 and they all love it. The Hula one with canadian bacon and pineapple is their favorite. I think if he likes CPK, he'll like BJ's.

Just wanted to report on our trip. We took the 5 past the check-point, then got on the 1 for awhile. We ended up at Aliso Beach, we could see the beach & the big parking lot as we came over the hill, so that's where we pulled in. It was beautiful. The waves were crashing in on the rocks & a few people were 'surfing' from the beach as the waves came in. We weren't hungry yet after a big breakfast, so just ate at the hotel when we checked in. Thanks alot for the helpful info.

Glad to hear that you had a good time. You're really going to have to make time to visit Laguna Beach! And be sure to take your son to Ruby's down in San Diego and try BJ's Pizza since they have them in your area as well.