Glow Guide to LAGUNA
Laguna Beach, a dreamy and small coastal escape in Orange County, is one of our favorite spots to go to when we need a quick getaway from LA.
Having access to the California coast is really one of the gems of living in LA. Laguna Beach, just a short drive from Los Angeles, is a great little escape known for its cute town filled with many art galleries, sunshine, coves and beaches. Here are some of our favorite GLOW spots not to be missed.
Casa Laguna // On our most recent trip here, we stayed at this cute boutique hotel & spa nestled on a lushly landscaped hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Remodeled by Martin Lawrence Bullard, the hotel boasts Moroccan and colorful vibes, with beautiful outdoor areas filled with bouganvilla. There is a heated pool, sauna, and spa on the premises, as well as an all-day cafe throughout the hotel until 7pm.
Cafe 242 Sushi // A hidden gem of a sushi spot, Cafe 242 is for people in the know. Lines start to build up around 6pm, so be sure to get there on the early side if you want to avoid super long waits. The menu is HUGE and everything is super delicious; this is for the creative sushi lover types, with delicious sauces and awesome combinations to be amazed by. The Laguna Beach roll is bomb.
Gelato Paradiso // This is definitely the best gelato spot in Laguna, and there’s almost always a line! It’s worth it though — all of the gelato is made in-house with tons of amazing traditional and creative flavors to choose from. They also let you taste as many as you want, which is always fun! Highly reccomend getting a cone and going to town.
La Rue Chocolate Shop // If you’re a chocolate lover, this is your spot. La Rue is the perfect chocolate shop with every type of chocolate creation imaginable. Everything is made from scratch with the best of ingredients. Don’t miss the peanut butter chocolate kiss and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Poler // Every outdoor essential you need is housed in this cool shop. Poler Outdoor Stuff makes gear for people that are travelers, couch surfers, regular surfers, skateboarders, snowboarders, bicyclists, parents, kids, car camper. Go in and explore the shop for yourself.
Pearl St General Store // This cute general store serves Verve coffee and a great array of snacks. Pearl St. General is a family-owned and you can really tell that everything they house is hand-picked. They also sell wine, craft beers, and freshly prepared gourmet food, great for a beachside picnic.
Sapphire Restaurant + Bakery // This restaurant + bakery + gourmet food shop is one of hte best spots to get some refined yet delicious food. Their takeaway shop is even equipped with a cheese fridge — also, another great spot to get snacks for the beach!
Nuance Interior Design Shop // A home and lifestyle wares shop, this boutique created by interior designer Lisa McDennon is artfully curated. You can find some awesome blankets, beauty products, crystals, and a wide array of decorative items for the home.
Active Cultures // Come here for the best froyo in Laguna, as well as smoothie bowls and more. Started by a local family determined to offer their community a healthy food alternative, you can really see the love and care put into offering Laguna GLOWY food.
Laguna Coffee Co. // The Laguna Coffee Company is a micro-coffee roaster and indy coffee shop in Laguna Beach, that grinds their coffee on site daily. Local to a T.
Beaches / Surf / Hikes // Main Beach features tide pools and a boardwalk leading to the paths and gardens of nearby Heisler Park. Aliso Beach Park is a popular surf spot. The waters off Crystal Cove State Park are designated as an underwater park. Trails meander through coastal canyons in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.