Laguna Beach {Family Vacation}

Check out all the beauty and fun Laguna Beach has to offer! This post is sponsored by The Ranch at Laguna Beach. All opinions, stories, and images are my own.

We just got back from a little mid-week road trip down south to Laguna Beach in Orange County, CA. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a fun new Laguna Beach resort that’s just opening after a major renovation. They invited me to come visit, so my mom, little girls, and I made it a 3-generation girls’ trip! California is so diverse, and though I have lived here my whole life, I always enjoy exploring its different towns and landscapes.

Laguna Beach was so beautiful that I took lots of pictures. So grab a cup of tea and join me on our adventure. Let’s look at where to stay, play, and eat in Laguna Beach.

STAY

Where we stayed in Laguna Beach

The Ranch at Laguna beach was perfect for our group of 4 between the ages of 6 and 65. Our two bedroom cottage suite was spacious and gave us plenty or room to relax.  Two beautiful bedrooms, a living space with sofa bed, two bathrooms, and a dining room area. My mom said the beds were the most comfortable hotel beds she’s ever slept in, and she has done a lot of traveling.

I love the design and decor at the ranch. It has that California beachy rustic vibe I love, and everything is fresh and clean. I really would love all of the fixtures in my own home. The walls are covered with art from local Laguna Beach artists.

The Ranch is conveniently located next to the best beaches, restaurants, and shopping, but tucked away into the canyon away from the hustle and bustle. The pool and golf course are perfect respites from the crowds of downtown Laguna Beach. I saw some very yummy looking cocktails go by at the pool too. 

My favorite thing about the Ranch at Laguna Beach is the kids’ programs. From Peter Rabbit restaurant dishes to the Junior Rangers kids camp, they have made sure the littlest guests are happy. We saw groups of junior golf campers excitedly saying they had seen deer on the golf course. I kept thinking the Ranch at Laguna Beach would be so perfect for golf loving families, as parents could golf in the mornings while kids learn and play at the kids camp.

Junior Rangers Kids Camp runs through September 5, and has a different theme ever day, Monday through Saturday. As we were at the Ranch on Friday we got to experience the Birds of Prey. This little rescue owl was the cutest thing ever and his handler was wonderful with the kids. We learned so much about these birds just from a few minutes of listening.

When we visited, the main restaurant was still under construction, but I can tell it will be beautiful. The view from the main and temporary restaurant is of the lovely Ben Brown’s golf course.

PLAY

What to do in Laguna Beach

To me, Laguna Beach is all about art, beaches, and classic California living. We were treated to perfect 80 degree weather that stayed warm into the evenings. They sky was blue and from almost anywhere in Laguna Beach we were able to get a peek of the ocean.

BEACHES

No visit to Laguna Beach would be complete without a beach day. Many beaches have great tide pools when kids can search for sea critters. We spent one day at Woods Cove Beach, pictured above. I was surprised by how clear the water was. My girls loved finding little crabs in between rocks. Surfing, SUP, and kayaking are all available in Laguna Beach too. I would have loved to take a paddle board yoga class if I had more time. There are beautiful walking paths all along the water, perfect for a sunset stroll or morning run.

ART

Laguna Beach started out as a small artist’s colony around 1900 and the town celebrates art to this day. Practically every block has a charming art gallery or garden shop to peruse. During the summer there are several big art festivals. We spent a few hours perusing the different vendor’s shops and listening to live music at the Sawdust Festival. The Sawdust Festival has been running for 50 years and my mom has fond memories of hanging out there as a teenager. We loved watching the creation of a beautiful vase during a glass-blowing demonstration. Not only are there artists selling their creations, kids can create their own art, including pottery thrown on a wheel.

SHOPPING

One of my favorite things to do on vacations is just wander. We loved looking around the shops in Laguna Beach. We stumbled upon a home decor shop I just loved called Tuvalu. My mom and I swooned over all the beachy rustic throw blankets, candles, homewares, and especially the carved wooden mermaids. Coincidentally, I found out that this store did the interior design for The Ranch at Laguna Beach!

EAT

Where to eat in Laguna Beach

Homemade energy bars were waiting for us in our suite at the Ranch, which was so appreciated after a long drive. These bars were peanut buttery, flaky, and delicious. I’ll have to try to recreate them here at home!

Urth Caffe has been on my list of must-try restaurants for a long time. As it’s name implies, this earthy restaurant focuses on beautiful, sustainable, organic ingredients. And their lattes are simply gorgeous!

Have you ever been to Laguna Beach? Let me know if you have any recommendations to add in the comments!

Big thanks to the Ranch at Laguna Beach for hosting us.