On the beach in Laguna Beach?
Oct 1st, 2001, 10:23 AM
#21
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Oh, Nancy, I'm so glad you found a room at Surf & Sand because I was going to post earlier and tell you that it really is worth the money, but didn't think you wanted to hear that. We stayed there a few years ago and really loved it. It's one of my top 5 all time favorite hotels. I hope you love it there.
Oct 1st, 2001, 11:36 PM
#24
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Nancy, you made me laugh out loud because I'm NOT impressed with Starbucks either; would rather have "real" coffee! Anyway, Laguna Beach is just one gorgeous place, and you should drive around as much as you can, not just the Pacific Coast Highway, but some of the "North/South" roads as well such as Alicia Parkway and a few other "parkways" parallel to that one (you'll see them on your map), Laguna Canyon Road, even have dinner one night at the Ritz-Carlton! Anyway, hope you'll post a trip report upon your return!
Oct 2nd, 2001, 07:46 AM
#25
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Nancy -
Congrats ! You will not be disappointed at the Surf & Sand.
There are a couple of breakfast spots in town you may wish to consider. The Cottage is a landmark, up the hill [slightly north of downtown on Coast Hwy - kitty corner to the Laguna Art Museum]- pretty basic food. Another is The Greeter [?] right next to Main Beach - have not been there in years - probably pretty basic ala The Cottage.
Most locals have a cup of coffee and something to eat at one of the outdoor bakery / cafes in town. One of the most popular is Cafe Zinc on Ocean Avenue about 1 1/2 blocks up from Coast Hwy. in downtown Laguna. Another is Heidelberg Bakery on Coast Hwy on South Coast Hwy. Both have abbreviated breakfast menus, however, offer good coffee and outdoor seating.
If you have an opportunity to make a request at The Surf & Sand, have them get you a room on a higher floor. You do not want to be on the same floor as The Splashes restaurant due to hallway noise of those visiting the restaurant.
Have a great time.
George
Congrats ! You will not be disappointed at the Surf & Sand.
There are a couple of breakfast spots in town you may wish to consider. The Cottage is a landmark, up the hill [slightly north of downtown on Coast Hwy - kitty corner to the Laguna Art Museum]- pretty basic food. Another is The Greeter [?] right next to Main Beach - have not been there in years - probably pretty basic ala The Cottage.
Most locals have a cup of coffee and something to eat at one of the outdoor bakery / cafes in town. One of the most popular is Cafe Zinc on Ocean Avenue about 1 1/2 blocks up from Coast Hwy. in downtown Laguna. Another is Heidelberg Bakery on Coast Hwy on South Coast Hwy. Both have abbreviated breakfast menus, however, offer good coffee and outdoor seating.
If you have an opportunity to make a request at The Surf & Sand, have them get you a room on a higher floor. You do not want to be on the same floor as The Splashes restaurant due to hallway noise of those visiting the restaurant.
Have a great time.
George
Oct 2nd, 2001, 04:38 PM
#28
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Nancy,
We stayed at the Surf and Sand last week for only one night (quick trip from L.A.), but had a great time. We had an ocean front room in northern-most building, (the one that is only 3 stories), as oppposed to the one which Splashes is in. It was very quiet at night, just the sound of crashing surf. We had an excellent dinner at Splashes. We arrived about 15 minutes before sunset and had an outdoor table right at beach level. Try to get there early as these ones go first. For lunch we walked north along the beach (at low tide) about a 1/2 mile to the Beach House restaurant. Have a great time!
We stayed at the Surf and Sand last week for only one night (quick trip from L.A.), but had a great time. We had an ocean front room in northern-most building, (the one that is only 3 stories), as oppposed to the one which Splashes is in. It was very quiet at night, just the sound of crashing surf. We had an excellent dinner at Splashes. We arrived about 15 minutes before sunset and had an outdoor table right at beach level. Try to get there early as these ones go first. For lunch we walked north along the beach (at low tide) about a 1/2 mile to the Beach House restaurant. Have a great time!
Oct 2nd, 2001, 10:52 PM
#29
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Thanks too Kam and Russ. I think I am in another building, and I think it is the one above Splashes. I will ask for a high room like George suggested.
I will try all the restaurants rec. too.
I'll diet when I get back, this trip is for a much needed R&R.
I will try all the restaurants rec. too.
I'll diet when I get back, this trip is for a much needed R&R.
Oct 3rd, 2001, 08:16 PM
#31
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Nancy, the surf is SO ROUGH in that area of the Pacific Coast. I can't imagine being able to snorkel anywhere, not to mention that the water is very cold. But, hopefully someone more familiar with the area can enlighten you more.
By the way, we ate at Splashes at Surf & Sand and had an excellent dinner there. Also ate breakfast at their outdoor restaurant with glass walls (cant' remember name) for breakfast. One member of party celebrated her birthday that day, and we casually mentioned it that morning. They brought complimentary mimosas to our table for her birthday - very nice touch!
By the way, we ate at Splashes at Surf & Sand and had an excellent dinner there. Also ate breakfast at their outdoor restaurant with glass walls (cant' remember name) for breakfast. One member of party celebrated her birthday that day, and we casually mentioned it that morning. They brought complimentary mimosas to our table for her birthday - very nice touch!
Oct 3rd, 2001, 08:48 PM
#32
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Steph is sooooo right! The water was so cold that I just ran in and ran out a couple times, 67 degrees I think. Don't think tropical. I have never seen the water calm enough to snorkel. This is more of a surfing/body surfing area.
By the way, we had breakfast on our balcony, which was very romantic. Have fun!
By the way, we had breakfast on our balcony, which was very romantic. Have fun!
Oct 4th, 2001, 08:26 AM
#34
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Nancy- We stayed in Laguna a couple years ago at a Holiday Inn (of all places). It was NOT your regular Holiday Inn, It was more like something out of New Orleans styl center garden courtyard. It was across the street from the Ocean, but you are soooo close to some really great beaches it doesn't matter what side you stay on. We had a King Suite on the upper level that was in the 250 range (we were traveling with 3 boys) so I'm sure you can get something in your range.
Oct 4th, 2001, 08:50 AM
#35
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Hi Nancy, second the restaurant recommendation for the Sorrento Grill, it's excellent but not inexpensive. You'll need reservations. Also recommend Partners Bistro, but I haven't been there in a couple years since I moved away. George, as a LB resident you should know that the Sawdust Festival ends after Labor Day. LB is usually pretty busy with local & not local tourists every weekend, not just summer (when it's nuts). Snorkeling will be out, but you might enjoy renting a seadoo at Dana Point Harbor or going whale watching (check on season). You'll have a great time!
Oct 4th, 2001, 09:35 AM
#36
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Nancy,
snorkeling is sometimes wonderful and sometimes so so or terrible depending on surf conditions. Shaws Cove or Diver's Cove will be your best places. These are So. Cal's most popular shore dive spots and almost all dive shops do their SCUBA classes in Laguna. Dive reports for 10/4 list poor conditions. vis. 4 - 6 feet. However, in Oct. the water is cold. If the air is as hot as it's been this week, you'll enjoy it anyway.
snorkeling is sometimes wonderful and sometimes so so or terrible depending on surf conditions. Shaws Cove or Diver's Cove will be your best places. These are So. Cal's most popular shore dive spots and almost all dive shops do their SCUBA classes in Laguna. Dive reports for 10/4 list poor conditions. vis. 4 - 6 feet. However, in Oct. the water is cold. If the air is as hot as it's been this week, you'll enjoy it anyway.
Oct 16th, 2001, 02:03 PM
#37
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Hi all, back at home, refreshed and renewed.
Short report: Surf and Sand was so beautiful, I am really glad I ended up staying there. The room was in the Seaview Bldg. and had a balcony overlooking the pool, sand and sea. Very nicely decorated inside and out with sliding floor t ceiling shutters over sliding glass doors. Glad I asked for a high room, as lower floors are next to dining room and pool. The staff was first class. Note: $15 valet parking fee a night. Only negative is the room service breakfast: $34.00 for two, incl. greasy potatoes and lukewarm coffee, but it was on time. Restaurants of note: Splashes Restaurant at Surf & Sand. Good dinners, fairly high priced. Nice area for drinks right above the sand.
French 75 restaurant right across the street, very good, very trendy and very beautifully decorated with a bar/lounge. First class.
C'est la Vie: In Laguna town, nice little balcony in back over looking grassy area and sand. A little over priced for dinner, but tasty. Noticed locals had coupons for dinner discounts.
Sundried Tomato: nice little indoor/outdoor cafe in town. Reasonable for area and good portions.
Thai Brothers: great food, reasonable. Thanks George!
Coyote Cafe: So. Laguna, indoor/outdoor, great fish tacos, bit of a view. Can park on the street.
The best dinner of all was at Aegean Greek Restaurant at 540 So. Coast Hwy.
Excellent Greek food and lively entertainment, dancing waiters etc. and a view of the sunset.
Drove to Corona del Mar to Fashion Island, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point.
Thanks to all of you who helped us have such a wonderful time.
Short report: Surf and Sand was so beautiful, I am really glad I ended up staying there. The room was in the Seaview Bldg. and had a balcony overlooking the pool, sand and sea. Very nicely decorated inside and out with sliding floor t ceiling shutters over sliding glass doors. Glad I asked for a high room, as lower floors are next to dining room and pool. The staff was first class. Note: $15 valet parking fee a night. Only negative is the room service breakfast: $34.00 for two, incl. greasy potatoes and lukewarm coffee, but it was on time. Restaurants of note: Splashes Restaurant at Surf & Sand. Good dinners, fairly high priced. Nice area for drinks right above the sand.
French 75 restaurant right across the street, very good, very trendy and very beautifully decorated with a bar/lounge. First class.
C'est la Vie: In Laguna town, nice little balcony in back over looking grassy area and sand. A little over priced for dinner, but tasty. Noticed locals had coupons for dinner discounts.
Sundried Tomato: nice little indoor/outdoor cafe in town. Reasonable for area and good portions.
Thai Brothers: great food, reasonable. Thanks George!
Coyote Cafe: So. Laguna, indoor/outdoor, great fish tacos, bit of a view. Can park on the street.
The best dinner of all was at Aegean Greek Restaurant at 540 So. Coast Hwy.
Excellent Greek food and lively entertainment, dancing waiters etc. and a view of the sunset.
Drove to Corona del Mar to Fashion Island, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point.
Thanks to all of you who helped us have such a wonderful time.
Oct 17th, 2001, 10:05 AM
#40
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Yes, it is a breath of fresh (sea breeze) air.
I forgot to mention on Thursday nights Laguna sponsors Art Walk where the art galleries stay open late and the trolley is free to use to visit galleries all over town. Wine, cider and sweets are served at most galleries and some of the artists are on site.
I forgot to mention on Thursday nights Laguna sponsors Art Walk where the art galleries stay open late and the trolley is free to use to visit galleries all over town. Wine, cider and sweets are served at most galleries and some of the artists are on site.
