Laguna Coffee Co: This is one of Bobby’s favorite coffee shops. Go a few times and you’ll quickly get to know (and become!) one of the locals. Catch the live jazz music on Saturday mornings if you can! (@lagunacoffeeco)
BLKdot Coffee: This coffee shop is every bit as hip as it is good. From their specialty drinks (the sea salt coffee is our favorite!) to their drip coffee, you really can’t go wrong! Oh, grab an avocado toast while you’re at it. It’s delish! (@blkdotcoffee)
Bobby’s pick: Flat White
Alli’s pick: Iced Sea Salt Coffee
Breakfast
Cafe Anastasia: Arguably the most underrated breakfast spot in Laguna Beach. Healthy options that are affordable, beautifully presented, and quick. It makes for a perfect brunch spot with friends! (@anastasia_laguna)
Bobby’s pick: Eggs Anna
Alli’s pick: Eggs Laguna
Heidelberg Cafe & Bistro: This place has been a local favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why. Simple breakfasts that are hearty and flavorful. Throw in some mouth-watering pastries and you’ll be needing a nap in no time!
Bobby’s pick: Original Eggs Benedict
Alli’s pick: Eggs & Toast
Lunch/Dinner
Laguna Beach is our go-to date night spot, so we tend to rotate through each of the restaurants listed… We promise you’ll love them all!
Driftwood Kitchen: Make a reservation for a patio seat, and try to plan your dinner to time the sunset. You’ll be so enamored by the views that you’ll almost forget about your food! ALMOST. We’ve tried just about everything on Driftwood Kitchen’s menu and it’s all amazing. But if there’s one thing you MUST get, it’s an order of the Parker House rolls. Just do it. They’re life changing. (@driftwoodkitchn)
Bobby’s pick: Grilled Swordfish
Alli’s pick: Butternut Squash Gnocci
South of Nick’s: We are obsessed with this modern Mexican restaurant. So much so, that we celebrate every Christmas Eve there! (No joke, we really do!) Hands down our favorite chips and salsa and margaritas. (@southofnicks)
Bobby’s pick: The Pork Carnitas. Every. Time.
Alli’s pick: The Stacked Chicken Enchiladas
La Sirena: After a long day at the beach, there’s nothing we crave more than La Sirena. It’s a casual, order-at-the counter Mexican food spot that has a mouth-watering salsa bar. (And a dog-friendly patio too!) (La Sirena on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Carnitas burrito
Alli’s pick: Grilled veggie enchiladas
K’ya: This tapas-style restaurant has a special place in our hearts, it was our go-to spot when we first started dating! Their menu is extensive and fun to mix & match. (Start with some pre-dinner cocktails at the rooftop bar, then head downstairs for dinner after!) (@kyabistrobar)
Our picks: We like to switch it up every time - but we ALWAYS get the truffle fries!
Broadway: The cocktails at Broadway are a work of art. They change their menu seasonally, and every time we’re blown away by their creativity and knowledge of their craft. Pull up a seat at the bar, order some fries (or brussel sprouts!) and watch the bartenders do their thing! (@broadwaybyamarsantana)
Tell them what you like, and they will create a masterpiece!
Rooftop Lounge: A stunning view of the ocean isn’t the only thing going for this famous Laguna Beach spot - their mojitos are amazing too! Get there early though, it fills up quick! (@rooftoplounge)
Alli’s pick: Mojito
Bobby’s pick: Citrus and Rye
Royal Hawaiian: If you love Hawaii and you love boozy, cheesy Hawaiian cocktails then you HAVE to check out the Royal Hawaiian! It’s on the more expensive side, but the presentation and instagrammable vibes make it worth it! (@royalhawaiianlb)
Marine Room: Stiff drinks, friendly locals, and live music on the weekends - the Marine Room has been the “it” spot in Laguna Beach for years, and it isn’t going anywhere. (@marineroomtavern)
Inn at Laguna Beach: We’ve stayed at this little Inn three times now, and every time we fall in love with it more. This little Inn boasts a big view, so make sure to spend a little more for an ocean-view room. You won’t want to leave your balcony! (Only for the hosted wine hour, and the evening milk and cookies in the lobby!) It’s dog friendly, too! (@innatlb)
Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa: This boutique hotel is just as stunning in real life as it is in the pictures! We love the architecture, the decor, the pool, the cozy breakfasts… we could go on and on. They have dog friendly rooms with patios, that are perfect for furry friends! (@casalagunahotel)
The Ranch Laguna Beach: Tucked away in the canyon, The Ranch is one of the best-kept secrets of Laguna Beach! The rooms are beautiful, the golf course is secluded and offers stunning views as it meanders through Laguna Canyon, and the restaurant is delicious! (@theranchlb)
Montage Laguna Beach: This iconic Laguna Beach hotel is definitely the most expensive option, but it’s easy to see why. If you have the money to spend, splurge on a room at The Montage. If nothing more than for the pool, the views, and the celeb-spotting! (@montagelaguna)
Sawdust Art and Craft Festival: Depending on the time of year, you can spend an afternoon shopping unique handmade goods from local vendors. Sawdust also offers a vast array of different art classes - from pottery, to glassblowing, jewelry making, screen printing, and more! We did a watercolor class not too long ago, and LOVED it! You can find out more about their classes and the schedule here.
Beach time: Pack up your sunscreen, towel, and a book (you can grab one at Laguna Beach Books), and head to the beach! We love Victoria Beach for their iconic “Pirates Tower” (that looks more like a castle tower), and their lively tide pools when the tide is low. It’s a little bit of a hike to get to, but that typically means there’s less crowds. Treasure Island is another favorite of ours, as its picture-perfect white sandy beaches are prime for laying out. Plus, it’s close to the Montage in case you want to treat yourself to a glass of bubbly! And if you want to be close to the Laguna Beach hustle and bustle, or play a little volleyball, Main Beach is where the party’s at!
Explore under the sea: if you’re down to get wet, go to Laguna Sea Sports and rent snorkel gear! Treasure Island Beach, Shaws Cove, and Fisherman’s Cove are three of the best spots to snorkel - and no matter the season you’re sure to see wildlife. Keep an eye out for Garibaldi!
Catch some waves: If you’re feeling more adventurous, go surfing or paddle boarding! La Vida Laguna offers daily tours and lessons, and they’re friendly team will have you feeling like a pro in no time. All you have to do is know how to swim, and they’ll handle the rest. Make sure to keep an eye out - you might spot some dolphins or sea lions!
ABSOLUTELY.. Laguna Beach was made for pups! Most everywhere in Laguna Beach is accomodating to dogs. The Laguna Beach Dog Park is one of our favorites, and The Cliff restaurant has the cutest little doggie menu! These days we can’t go to Laguna Beach without bringing Sally!