Home is where the palms are - that's our philosophy, anyway. We're a sunkissed SoCal brand and we consider ourselves lucky to have beautiful Laguna Beach as our backyard! The views, culture, and grinds can't be beat. We firmly believe everyone should visit at least once in their lives, so we're sharing our top local faves with you. Roll the windows down and come through!
BITES:
Zinc Cafe & Market
Start your day with breakfast on the shady patio at Zinc. The avocado toast is insane, and their lavender latte is the stuff of dreams. Their patio is dog-friendly, so if you're anything like us, you'll opt to sit out there just to admire all the fur-babies. Try to go early as it can get pretty crowded on weekends! And be sure to stop into their market section, which has speciality foods and delish pastries (take home a lemon pecan cookie, you won't regret it).
The Stand Natural Foods
You'll find The Stand tucked just off PCH on Thalia Street, and it's just that - a stand. Walk up to the window and you'll find a huge menu with tons of vegetarian (and vegan) options. We recommend ordering any sandwich on their garlic rosemary sourdough bread - it's to die for. Get it to go and head down to Thalia, a popular surf spot, to enjoy the view while you grub!
Eva's Caribbean Kitchen
Eva's is a hidden gem - literally! Driving down PCH you might miss the little yellow house tucked behind scores of lush banana palms. But step inside for one of the best meals - and the best service - you've ever had. Eva herself is there each night cooking up fine Caribbean dining, and she's happy to give you recommendations or her personal twist on a dish! Try the spicy prawns to start, and be sure to order some rum - she has hundreds of varieties.
SIP:
The Seahorse
We're suckers for a bar with cute decor, but even more than that we love a place with history - and the Seahorse is a Laguna legend. It was a secret "speakeasy" for the gay community back in the 1940s, then became a retail space, and decades later it's been reopened as a welcoming watering hole for all! The friendly crew will put on a record for you while offering up wine, beer, and elevated bar food.
Marine Room
A longstanding local fave, the Marine Room is the place to go for live music and dancin' the night away. It's gone through some changes over the years but remains a fun place to head for a night out with your girls. If you're a whiskey woman (and if you're not, well, you are now because this place will bring it out) you'll be in heaven!
The Royal Hawaiian
This is another local fave that closed down and came back bigger and better. Serving up Hawaiian fare in a tiki-chic environment, The Royal Hawaiian is the perfect spot to spend a warm summer night. There's usually fun live music that'll make you feel like you've been transported to Waikiki. Get the Lapu Lapu for a delicious tropical (adult) beverage.
SWIM:
Woods Cove
Skip Main Beach and head to smaller, more local beaches in Laguna. Woods Cove is our favorite for swimming and lounging. The waves tend to be more mellow here than other beaches, and the rock formations make it ideal for snorkeling. Located off PCH and Diamond Street, you'll find plenty of free street parking just to the south (a rarity in the area).
Treasure Island
There's something for everyone at Treasure Island. Located next to the elegant Montage Resort, this beach is still open for the public to enjoy its amenities. Families will rejoice that there are bathrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic benches galore. The cove offers a pretty calm swimming experience, and whales have frequently been known to stop by and hang out in these waters!
Victoria
You've probably seen Victoria Beach on Instagram and didn't even know it! It's famed for its circular "pool" structure and fairytale-like tower (a structure built by homeowners long ago for beach access). The pool itself is just a semicircular concrete wall that fills up at high tide, but it certainly looks impressive from a drone! There are also volleyball courts if you're so inclined.
SHOP:
The Shop
Yes, the Shop is one of our retailers, but we love it for lots of reasons! Capturing the perfect young beach-chic vibe, you'll probably find it hard to leave without buying something. Enjoy the ocean breeze blowing through the doors as you browse a mix of high-end and surf industry brands. Be sure to stop by during a trunk show - they throw super fun events!
Molly Brown's
Molly Brown's is another staple swim retailer in Laguna - and yes, you can find a new L*Space suit here! They have a huge variety to choose from, and the staff is known for their helpfulness and expertise in swimwear. Located in the heart of downtown on PCH, you can head right over to the beach afterward to enjoy your new bikini.
Roots Beauty
Roots is a unique and beautiful shop offering organic beauty essentials. The sweet staff will take their time helping you find the perfect non-toxic face serum, shampoo, or nail polish. They also offer an organic salon where you can get a new 'do without all the fumes. If you live out of state, don't worry - they'll ship your faves to you so you can have them year-round.
Those are just some of our local faves here in Laguna Beach. If you're located in SoCal, head over for a fun Saturday afternoon. And if you're out of state, be sure to add Laguna to your Cali bucket list.
See you on the beach!