Where We’ve Been: Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach is a place that has been on my list for quite awhile and yes I will admit I first heard of it because of the early 2000’s MTV reality show with the same name (which also weirdly seems to be coming back around in popularity now that it’s on Netflix). It’s funny because my brain didn’t totally reconcile being in the same places featured on the show. It’s like young me watching the high school drama exists totally separate of adult me’s physical experience. Nevertheless the town’s charm and sparkling oceans were just as accurate years later. 

We added a stop in Laguna after spending time in LA, which I would recommend since it’s an easy drive about one hour south. (Or you can fly into John Wayne Airport in Newport which is the neighboring town). You probably only need a few days or a weekend to explore - it’s a sleepy beach town so our main agenda was relaxing and venturing to the small downtown. 

I can’t say enough good things about our heavenly stay at the Hotel Joaquin. It’s a quaint resort with only 22 rooms and in 2016 was gut renovated and redone with inspiration from St. Barths and southern California beach culture. We loved being surrounded by the neutral room decor, the texture of the hand cut bathroom tiles and soaking up the sunsets on the patio or sitting by the fire. And I haven’t even mentioned the pool! We spent a few hours each day here, stretched out on the daybeds with tasty mezcal margaritas. It feels like you’re in your own secluded backyard, making Hotel Joaquin the perfect seaside escape.

Click for the full list of where we stay and what we eat and drink in Laguna Beach!