Malibu or Laguna Beach
 

I'm going to spend the weekend in and around LA and was thinking instead to go to Malibu or Laguna Beach. Which should I go to? I know nothing about Laguna Beach and how it compares to Malibu. Any advice is very appreciated.

Malibu is about 40 miles or more north of L.A. and other than the beach there is very little to do.Laguna Beach is better located for things to do as far as shopping, restaurants, etc. but is also more crowded.I would also assume that Laguna Beach has a much broader choice of hotels.

Thanks for your opinion twelveoaks. I do like the peaceful quiet of Malibu and sitting at a restaurant such as Geoffrey's on the ocean at sunset but I'm sure there are plenty of similar places in Laguna Beach..Any recommendations if I do go to Laguna?
I should say I'm also considering Hermosa beach....

Hi again, if it's peace and quiet you desire than I would not go to Laguna as it can be very crowded especially on weekends and the traffic on PCH can be annoying. I lived in the L.A. area for 55 years and never saw anything special about Hermosa but that comment is sure to arouse some opinions.

If you want to experience the Charm of Laguna but want a little piece and quiet try the Surf and Sand Resort. It is off the Main drag and offers that calm serenity you are looking for...did I mention the hotel is located right on the beach??!! I would give good 'ol Laguna a try. Lots of cool shops and restaurants too.

Hill
www.edufire.com

Peace and quiet in Hermosa? Not likely.

Laguna Beach is much more touristy than Malibu because it caters more to the tourist crowd. There is a bigger selection of hotels in Laguna (Malibu residents resist hotels being built & want it to stay a quiet enclave). You see more celebs in Malibu as everyday citizens. Laguna has more art. Malibu has gotten a lot more terrific highend shops in recent years, with more being built. There's that wonderful hotel in Laguna...I've forgotten the name but you could easily find it online.

The Montage?

Thanks for all of the great feedback. I think I'll go to Laguna for one night before my event and then spend the weekend in Malibu. I'm more into laid back than touristy but this way I'll spend time and see both.