TV shows that made Laguna Beach famous as a holiday destination
Any twenty-something year old adult has most likely heard of Lauren Conrad, recent star of one of the most popular television shows in the past few years, The Hills. Go back a few years and she was the breakout star of arguably MTV’s hottest TV show, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.
The show followed around the drama of teenagers living in affluent Laguna Beach. Their drama was not much different from those of other young teens, aside from the fact that they lived in beachside mansions and drove around luxury cars. Each Laguna Beach episode was narrated by Lauren Conrad in Season 1 and Kristen Cavallari in Season 2, and showed audiences around the world the beauty and desirability of living in this coastal city.
The Laguna Beach cast was followed around in a reality setting, showing them going to restaurants, shopping at boutiques or hanging out at the beach. It was here that millions of people began to see Laguna Beach for its shopping destination or amazing beaches. While MTV Laguna Beach show got more popular, so did the city as a tourist destination. The economy began to increase with more and more people visiting the same shops and restaurants they saw their favorite characters visit.
Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County is not the only show to create a buzz for Orange County. Since “The OC” appeared on Fox in 2003, people have been seeing the glamour, money and beautiful people that call cities in Orange County their home. New reality shows were filmed in Orange, including the Bravo franchise starter The Real Housewives of Orange County. This reality show centered on people that lived in the exclusive Orange County community, Coto de Caza. These individuals showed millions of viewers all the high end shopping, dining and lifestyle pleasures that the OC has become known for.
So whether you watch MTV Laguna Beach or Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County, chances are you have seen the beauty of Southern California as only the rich know how to live it. Due to the popularity of these shows, more producers and television companies want to use Laguna Beach and its surrounding cities as the setting for reality TV, movies, TV shows and much more. With each new show, hotels get booked, shops make profits and restaurants get more customers. In any economy, the benefits of Laguna Beach as a holiday destination for fans or those in the industry are very important.
Casual Dining in Laguna Beach
While it’s nice to get out and go somewhere fancy for dinner, something about staying in a beach city implies casual, breezy and comfortable. Casual does not need to be fast food or room service, since many restaurants in Laguna Beach offer an exceptional meal in a causal setting. For dinner in Laguna Beach, grilles and cafes offer delicious steaks, seafood, and pasta on outdoor patios as a perfect way to view the colorful sunset.
At the Sundried Tomato Café in Laguna Beach, guests are treated to fresh, organic American cuisine at any meal. On their dinner menu, selections include marinated top sirloin, three cheese and farfalle pasta, roasted pork tenderloin and Atlantic salmon among many others. Like many other casual dining locations, the Sundried Tomato Café also serves specialty sandwiches and burgers and an eclectic choice of starters to share with friends and family.
For a juicy Laguna Beach steak dinner, check out 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant and Bar. This restaurant takes casual dining to a whole other level, with starter plates featuring specialties like Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp, Crab cakes, Mustard Rubbed Baby Lamb Chops and Hoisin BBQ Duck just to name a few. Satisfy that steak desire with the Flatiron Steak Salad, Filet Mignon or New York Steak all cooked to perfection paired with a fancy twist to common side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, gorgonzola Mac and Cheese or sweet potato fries.
A favorite in the city, Nick’s Laguna Beach serves American casual dining at its best. Affordable yet not lacking in quality, Nick’s is where to go when you are looking for an amazing rib dinner or burger, or even a fancy meal like filet mignon. Salads, starters, sandwiches and seasonal favorites all create a perfect dinner in Laguna Beach.
Lumberyard Laguna Beach is located in a historic building in the heart of downtown. High quality American food with great service keeps customers coming back for more. Chicken, steak, fish and BBQ ribs are all just some of the choices on the menu. As with many of the other restaurants and cafes, the Lumberyard has their own wine list to help pair any meal with a perfect glass of wine.
For dinner in Laguna Beach, going casual is doesn’t mean missing out on quality, service or ambiance, but rather getting delicious food at an affordable price with a cozy atmosphere or perfect outdoor table.
Location of Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach California is a quaint little seaside village located in Orange County. It is also home to some of the most pristine and secluded beaches, coves and natural habitat to wildlife and foliage in Southern California. Laguna Beach has plenty of attractions to keep anyone busy, including premiere shopping destinations, diverse cuisines and art galleries. The location of the city has been the home to reality TV including the popular MTV series, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.
There are similar places to Laguna Beach in California in terms of attractions and destinations on the beach, including Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and beautiful Santa Barbara. What sets Laguna Beach apart from the other cities is the cozy feeling of a seaside community that contains character, history and variety of scenery from canyons to soft, white sandy beaches.
Centrally located from most cities in Southern California, Laguna Beach ca is only a short car ride from Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as the Inland Empire which is home to Riverside, Palm Springs and other desert communities. For those living outside the area, John Wayne Airport is only minutes away. The airport serves Orange County, and has plenty of public transportation options to make a trip to Laguna Beach.
During the summer months thousands of people descend on the city of Laguna Beach California to check out the world famous art festivals including the Sawdust Festival and Pageant of the Masters. Local artists as well as those internationally show off their work and creativity for all to enjoy.
The location of Laguna Beach, being right on the coast offers a spectacular view to many of the hotels in the city. Most hotels feature an ocean front view, perfect for catching a colorful sunset each night of your stay. There are a wide range of accommodations to visitors, including luxurious resorts like the Ritz-Carlton or bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, vacation rentals and much more.
Laguna Beach California is a quintessential vacation destination. From the mild year- round weather to dozens of shops and restaurants, visitors come back time and again to enjoy the beauty and ambiance in this picturesque city. From perfect sandy beaches to build a majestic sandcastle to an outdoor patio to enjoy dinner and a sunset, Laguna Beach is ideal for any vacation, honeymoon or weekend getaway.
Italian Restaurants in Laguna Beach
It goes without saying that pizza is a favorite food in America, and there is no better way to finish off a day at the beach than with a hearty Italian meal. Whether you are looking for a classy sit-down restaurant or a causal pizza joint Laguna Beach has plenty of choices. Anyone who has already been to the city knows Laguna Beach restaurants feature delicious meals, incorporating fresh ingredients into every dish.
Te Amo Ristorante has been in the Laguna Beach area since 1928 and is recommended by high-class hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and The Montage Resort and Spa. Its décor is modeled after a charming villa in the heart of Tuscany with its heavy textiles, ornate light fixtures and frescos, murals and paintings. The menu features Italian/Mediterranean cuisine with favorites like homemade pasta, fresh fish, duck, lamb and veal. Compliment your delicious Italian dinner with a glass of wine from the extensive wine list.
Located in downtown Laguna Beach, Sorrento Grille and Wine Bar has made its home in the city for twenty years. The casual dining Laguna Beach restaurant features a bistro atmosphere and wine list to enjoy with the meal. A perfect place to join friends or family for dinner, Sorrento Grille serves food tapas style, which means that each person orders a small plate and shares it around. Italians are known for sharing good food, and at Sorrento’s there will be plenty of trading, swapping and stealing going on around the dinner table. Menu items include shrimp scampi, gnocchi, ravioli, stroganoff, soups and salad among many others.
For a perfect pizza Laguna Beach offers Gina’s Pizza and Family Style Pastaria. Casual dining at its finest, locals and visitors alike know how delicious the pizza is at Gina’s. You can create your own pizza with favorite toppings, or you can select one of Gina’s favorites such as the Messina Fire Chicken, Barbacoa Chicken, Maui Mamma or Pesto Pizza among others. As tasty as the pizza is, there are also other options like baked ziti, ravioli, manicotti, penne or spaghetti pasta.
No matter what you are in the mood for, Laguna Beach restaurants satisfy any palate. With over 40 restaurants in the city, with cultural diverse menus to classic American cuisine, finding a bite to eat is tasty, delicious and affordable.
Bed and Breakfast in Laguna Beach
Not everyone enjoys going to big resorts or hotel chains when they go on vacation, and anyone travelling to Laguna Beach will have quite a variety of Bed and Breakfasts to choose from to create a relaxing and private vacation.
One popular Laguna Beach bed and breakfast is Casa Laguna. For those looking for the coziness of a bed and breakfast but with all the amentias of a large hotel, Casa Laguna Inn & Spa has many suites to choose from that feature luxury and privacy. Kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, balconies and large bed allow visitors to feel home away from home. Want to bring your furry friend along? Casa Laguna allows all pets as long as they are well behaved and current on their health requirements. Greeted upon arrival with a pet welcome kit, the hotel staff also provides information on pet services and pet friendly dining choices in the area. Built in the 1920’s Casa Laguna was once a private residence, which now offers guests exceptional coastal views and a cozy home ambiance. Breakfast is comprised of natural ingredients, harvested and grown or caught locally for the freshest tastes.
Another ideal Laguna Beach bed and breakfast, The Carriage House is a landmark to the city. This country style B & B was built during the early 1920’s, and offers six individually designed suites for comfort and privacy of their guests. Each suite features a sitting room, both one and two bedrooms as well as a private bathroom. As a welcome gift, The Carriage House offers California wine and fresh fruit in the suite of your choice.
Each suite has comfortable furniture, with various ambiances such as Home Sweet Home, Mockingbird Hill, Mandalay, Lilac Time, Green Palms, and Primrose Lane to offer memories and unique accommodations during your stay in Laguna Beach. Enjoy breakfast each morning in the dining room, or out in the courtyard. Granola, Muesli, yogurt and family baked recipes are sure to give you a full stomach to go out and explore or relax around the city. Ideally located in Laguna Beach, The Carriage House is within walking distance to many of the shops, restaurants and most importantly the coves of Laguna Beach.
For a one of a kind experience, plan a stay at one of the many Laguna Beach bed and breakfast locations for that private and luxurious getaway.
Mexican Restaurants in Laguna Beach
With California being so close to Mexico, it is no wonder their delicious food is found up and down the coast, especially in Laguna Beach. Most everyone loves Mexican Food, between the favorites of tacos and burritos to dishes with an authentic Mexican flair and in Laguna Beach choices for food are plentiful, just like the serving sizes.
One of the best places for dinner is the Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant Laguna Beach. Since 1979 Las Brisas has been serving up dishes including seafood, chicken, and beef with the flair of the Mexican Riviera. Mexican seafood favorites like Camarones, Ceviche de Pescado are featured on the menu, along with regional classics like sopas, enchiladas, asada, pollo and tacos. No Mexican dinner is complete without a margarita, and Las Brisas serves up signature margaritas named after beaches found in Laguna.
El Cortez is a casual dining restaurant that offers all of the Mexican favorites including Chile Colorado, Arroz con Pollo, Carne Asada and Tampiquena, as well as tamales, Chile rellenos, enchiladas, fajitas and plenty of seafood choices. Burritos are created with carnitas, beans and cheese, fish, chicken or asada leaving something for everyone to enjoy.
For a quick bite during a fun-filled day, stop by Taco Laco on South Coast Highway. Outdoor sidewalk seating allows guests to eat their fish tacos with sea breeze in their face, and this casual favorite is low cost and high on flavor. This location is also frequented by people coming and going from the beach, and locals who know how delicious the food tastes. Menu choices include earthy Mexican food, like spicy lobster tacos, chicken nachos, and Ceviche complete with fresh fish and shrimp. These meals paired with an ice cold beer and a view of the beach and you are definitely living like a Southern Californian.
Chain favorites like Baja Fresh Mexican Grill or On the Border Mexican Grill offer great service, good food like tacos, burritos, soups, salads, fresh made salsas and affordable prices. For unique twists on old favorites, visit any of the Mexican restaurants in Laguna Beach. With its fresh seafood selection, California and Mexican fusion and traditional authentic cuisine, everyone is satisfied after a good meal.
When you visit Laguna Beach, be sure to stop in any of the Mexican restaurants before or after a day at the beach, but don’t forget to leave plenty of time for that siesta!
Seafood restaurants in Laguna Beach
For a city on the ocean, it’s only natural there be plenty of seafood in the city of Laguna Beach. Whether you are looking for a sit-down restaurant to savor the catch of the day, or pick up a few fish tacos on the way to the boardwalk there are many delicious choices for lunch or dinner.
Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant might not sound like it offers seafood, but it actually is quite known for their selection. Perched above the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant has been a landmark to the city since 1938. Along with their authentic cuisine, guests are treated to the panoramic scenery of the California coastline. Las Brisas served fresh seafood, in addition to chicken and beef plates, all created with the flair of spices and seasons from Mexico’s western coast. On the dinner menu, seafood favorites include Ceviche de Pescado, Picadillo de Atun, Calamar con Limon y Ajo and Camarones.
Wahoo Tacos is a favorite to locals and visitors alike. Easy to grab on the way down to the beach or a quick bite during a shopping excursion, this seafood Laguna Beach location has something for seafood lovers and then everyone else. Taquitos with fish, chicken, carnitas or carne asada or nachos with shrimp are just some of the appetizers with a twist, featuring casual favorites with seafood flair.
Kings Fish House is the one stop shop for anyone who loves seafood. Appetizers include Ceviche, fried Calamari, Mussels or Clams and the entire menu is devoted to every kind of seafood imaginable. Sushi platters and seafood combos with crab, shrimp, clams and oysters are available for people who like to share. For seafood Laguna Beach style, this is the place to go.
Another great seafood restaurant in Laguna Beach is the Crab Zone Restaurant. This place is perfect for any couple of large group where not everyone eats seafood, since the menu also features chicken, steak, and vegetarian entrees, as well as sandwiches and salads. Clam Chowder, King Crab Legs, Cajun Blackened Fish and other Cajun inspired favorites like Gumbo are all on the menu.
For anyone looking for a perfect seafood Laguna Beach restaurant, they don’t have to look far. Laguna Beach offers some of the most diverse cuisines in California, but all meals are deliciously and freshly made.
Overview of inns in Laguna Beach
Finding an Inn at Laguna Beach is simple because the city is home to many accommodations of different styles. Whether you’re looking for a Spanish Mediterranean boutique style Inn or one perched upon a seaside bluff on the idyllic California coastline, these oceanfront getaways allow visitors (and that means you!) from around the world to relax and enjoy the beauty of Orange County.
One of the most popular inns found in the beachside city is the Inn at Laguna Beach. Located directly on the main beach of the city and just a short walk away from the quaint downtown ambience, this Inn features 180° views of the Laguna Beach coastline, as well as some of the most beautiful surf and sand in Southern California. Break out the sunglasses and enjoy! Downtown Laguna Beach features restaurants, shops and a variety of art galleries for anyone who loves shopping. Affordable and charming, the Inn at Laguna Beach features oceanfront rooms as well as a complimentary continental breakfast, feather beds, daily newspaper and a refrigerator in each room. In addition to luxurious amenities, guests are offered the use of beach towels, chairs and umbrellas to enjoy down on the sand.
Another inn Laguna Beach destination is the Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, located on South Coast Highway. First built in the 1920s, the Casa Laguna Inn & Spa has been voted “Best in Orange County” by the Orange County Register for nine consecutive years due to its luxury and comforts. The Inn features various suites and deluxe rooms with courtyard or ocean views. Rooms have amenities such as pillow top mattresses pillow top mattresses, luxurious robes, refrigerator and complementary high speed internet. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available for spending the day in the California sun.
For those who want to stay at a more quaint location, the Mediterranean Boutique Inn on South Coast Highway is affordable, yet still has all of the luxurious amenities as bigger hotels. Just steps away from Woods Cove, one of the most beautiful beach spots in Southern California, the Mediterranean Boutique Inn is a perfect getaway from the hassle of a big city. Accommodations include deluxe breakfast, ocean views, and even offer the use of full service bungalows for those with larger groups.
Visiting one of Laguna beaches Inns offers a wide range of comforts and amenities, as well as beautiful surroundings everywhere you turn in the city on the beach.
Enjoy Luxury Hotels on the Beachfront in Laguna Beach
Known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Laguna Beach luxury hotels capture the casual atmosphere of a beachside city, and pair it with the unmistakable luxury that Laguna Beach is synonymous with. With its premiere shopping destinations, variety of dining options and many art galleries featuring the work of Laguna Beach locals or artists from around the world, the city has its share of luxurious beachfront property, perfect for lavish getaway or special occasion.
In true Laguna Beach luxury, hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort have spectacular ocean views to pair with their elegant amenities. The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa is a Mediterranean style palace, with ocean views and a private beach. Tennis courts, 18- hole golf course, fitness center, luxurious spa and multiple outside pools with cabanas are all part of the hotel features. Rooms offer guests Italian linens, marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, large flat screen TVs and designer bathrobes.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in neighboring city Dana Point is featured on a secluded bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and views of Catalina Island. Casual for a beach community, yet sophisticated as the Ritz-Carlton should be, the luxury hotel features a spa, nearby golf course, tennis courts, gym and picturesque sandy white beach. The hotels guest rooms feature amenities such as minibars, large flat screen TVs, marble bathrooms and luxurious toiletries. A constant feature on World’s Best Hotel Lists from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines, the Ritz-Carlton is also on the pathway of the California Grey Whale migration trail, where guests can often see them swimming by between the months of January and April.
Located in the center of Laguna Beach, the Surf and Sand Hotel is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. With its own private stretch of beach and contemporary California décor, this hotel is a Laguna Beach luxury staple. Featuring pools, a gym, tennis court and spa aside from the luxurious rooms with ocean or harbor front views, the Surf and Sand Hotel is casual yet still provides the amenities for a world-class getaway.
While Laguna Beach luxury hotels might be a little more expensive than the everyday common hotel, the amenities and accommodations give each visitor impeccable views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean, as well as the city of Laguna Beach itself.
Best Breakfast in Laguna Beach
Plan to arrive hungry! One of the most important meals of the day, there are plenty of options for breakfast in Laguna Beach. Whether you’re looking for the traditional pancakes or omelettes, or something especially tasty like chorizo, potatoes and eggs there is something to satisfy anyone’s appetite.
One delicious way to start the day off right is at Coyote Grill, where customers can get their breakfasts with the flair of Baja Mexico. Huevos Rancheros, Chicken Machaca, eggs and fresh tortillas are just some of the choices featured on the menu. Top off a delicious breakfast with an ocean view patio to start any day off on the right foot.
For more traditional breakfast with the everyday classics like omelettes and eggs, The Cottage is as cozy as it sounds. Located in an old house close to the beach, this one time residence offers customers home-style cooking among Victorian style vintage decor. The landmark restaurant has called Laguna Beach home for over 35 years, offering the locals home-style breakfast every day of the year.
Las Brisas is a legendary restaurant that features breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch with its authentic Mexican Riviera cuisine. A part of Laguna Beach since 1938, Las Brisas overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has been considered a landmark for many decades. The breakfast buffet menu runs Monday through Saturday, and includes fresh baked goods, omelettes, Belgian Waffles, crepes, eggs Benedict and fresh fruit.
Considered to be the best breakfast Laguna Beach has to offer, Nick’s Laguna Beach Restaurant on South Coast Highway features all of the great American breakfast choices, including unique omelets, traditional café specialties, far from average oatmeal and early morning cocktails. Located in the heart of the city, Nick’s features a beach chic atmosphere as well as an outdoor patio. From the décor to food, Nick’s Laguna Beach Restaurant is a local favorite, with good reason.
Get up to enjoy the early morning sun and breakfast Laguna Beach has to offer. From everyday favorites to dishes with regional flair, there is something everyone is sure to love. Be sure to sit out on the outdoor patios to not only eat breakfast in fresh coastal air and sunshine, but also people watch in a cozy community city like Laguna Beach. Once breakfast is over, stroll down to the boardwalk to dip your feet in the water or even catch a wave in true Laguna style.
