Laguna Beach

Why Laguna Beach for a Bach Trip

Laguna Beach is the bach trip for groups who want California coast aesthetics, tide pools, cliffside cocktail bars, and a vibe that splits the difference between artsy and beachy. The town has 30 plus art galleries, seven miles of coastline broken up into intimate coves, and a downtown small enough to walk in 15 minutes. The bachelorette circuit here favors groups in their 30s who want a beach weekend with character; less party than Palm Springs or San Diego, more polish than Newport.

The right group is one celebrating someone who would rather watch the sunset from a cliff with a glass of wine than do shots on a pool deck. Bachelor groups exist but lean coastal-relaxed.

Where to Base Your Group

Stay in central Laguna Beach (between Heisler Park and Aliso Beach). Walking distance to galleries, restaurants, Main Beach, and the cliffside bars. Hotels: Hotel Laguna (oceanfront, historic, recently renovated), Inn at Laguna Beach (cliffside boutique), Surf and Sand Resort (oceanfront, every room has a balcony). For groups, oceanfront vacation rentals through Stay in Laguna Beach; expect $700 to $3,000 per night for a six-bedroom with ocean views.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

Best months: April, May, September, October. Marine layer (morning fog) is at its lowest, water is at its swimmable warmest. Summer is busy but pleasant. Winter is mild but the water is too cold for most. Avoid the Pageant of the Masters / Festival of Arts (July through August, lodging triples), Memorial Day weekend, and Labor Day.

The Day Scene

Tide pool walks at low tide (Crescent Bay, Treasure Island Beach, Heisler Park) for the photogenic California coast experience. Beach time at Main Beach (the central one with volleyball) or the more secluded Thousand Steps Beach. Open-air kayak tours through Laguna Sea Caves with La Vida Laguna. Surf lessons via Laguna Surf School. Gallery walking tour through the downtown art district. Spa day at Spa Montage (Montage Laguna Beach, the upscale option). Crystal Cove State Park for hiking the bluffs (15 minutes south).

The Night Scene

The Rooftop Lounge at Casa del Camino has the iconic ocean-cliff sunset. Skyloft is the upscale rooftop with Pacific views. The Marine Room Tavern is the dive option. Hotel Laguna's bar has been the local hangout for 70 years. Most bars close by midnight; the energy is more cocktail-and-conversation than dance-and-club.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

The Cliff Restaurant for the iconic ocean-view dinner. 230 Forest Avenue for the upscale-modern dinner. Mozambique for the South African-influenced casual dinner. Brunch: The Stand for the vegetarian classic, Las Brisas for the cliffside Mexican brunch. Casual: Taco Loco (the surfer favorite), Rasta Taco (food truck institution). For coffee: Bear Coast Coffee or Moulin.

Pro Tips

Parking in Laguna Beach is the worst part. Use a rental shuttle or Uber. Treasure Island Beach (at the Montage) is technically public but accessed through the resort; just walk in. Festival of Arts week (July) doubles lodging costs but the vibe is special. The drive from John Wayne Airport (SNA) is 30 minutes; from LAX, 90 minutes with traffic. And Crystal Cove State Park's beach cottage rentals book a year in advance but are the cheapest beachfront stays in the region.