Weekend Trip ~ Laguna Beach

L.A.'s infamous 'June Gloom' is fast approching but before it gets here, one of my dear friends Samantha (who is also the author of the amazing blog - ThingsSammyLoves) has asked me to help her plan a quick, dog-friendly trip to Laguna Beach. So Sammy (and everyone reading) here is my ideal weekend jaunt, to one of SoCal's last under-developed beach communities.

Originally founded as an artist's getaway, Laguna Beach retains it's cool artistic edge, with nice galleries, good food and lots of fun summer arts festivals (including the kickin' Doheny State Beach Blues Festival on the 21st). It has some of the OC's nicest beaches, so be sure to stay at The Pacific Edge Hotel, where you'll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Pacific. This adorably hip hotel has two key elements 1. A beach front property and 2. a dog friendly policy (at no extra charge!). It's surfer spirit and bo-ho beachy style is divine and with rooms starting as low as $169 a night, this hotel is quick trip perfection. 

Give Me Something More:   I could easily spend a weekend next to one of the hotels 2 pools, or strolling up and down the main beach, but for those of you who are a bit more adventurous here is my list of Laguna Beach Must Do's:  

~Go Kayaking: Check out the world famous coastline during a 2 hour guided eco-tour at La Vida Laguna. They'll outfit you with everything you need, except a swim suit, for $75.  If paddling isn't your thing... they'll also rent surfboards, snorkels and sups.

~Eat Out:  For those of you who like to eat organic, check out Zinc Cafe they have  a nice selection of everything organic and a menu that will be kind to our Summer waist lines. Also, be sure to have a hearty breakfast, preferably after a morning surf, at Las Brisas Restaurant. Chow down on their famous $15 breakfast buffet that includes a design your own omelet bar (Note: it is $39 for Sunday Brunch, but that includes unlimited glasses of bubbly).
~Go For A Walk (ing Tour): Head to the Visitors Center and pick up a map for your self-guided walking tour of the historic bungalows, cottages and homes built by some of the OC's earliest residents.

Get Me There: Roughly an hour south on the 5, Laguna is the perfect distance to get away...without being far away.

Fingers crossed that this weekend trip will be some... ThingSammyLoves ! 

xo!