Hotel at a Glance: Laguna Beach Lodge

You can walk to the ocean from this laid-back hotel in Laguna Beach, one of Southern California’s most idyllic destinations. Stroll just five minutes to Treasure Island Beach to see marine life such as sea urchins and crabs in the tide pools or to watch the sun set over the Pacific.

• Each room comes with conveniences such as microwaves and mini fridges.
• Stay entertained with free WiFi and TVs with HBO.
• Swim or sunbathe at the outdoor heated pool, which is surrounded by recliners and palm trees.
• Start the day with a complimentary continental breakfast.

Laguna Beach, California: Seaside Art Community with Cliffside Mansions and Tide Pools

Laguna Beach is located about an hour south of Los Angeles, just off the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Fringed by picturesque bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this gorgeous resort city is widely known as an affluent seaside community, thanks in part to the MTV reality show Laguna Beach. The Orange County city has its fair share of elaborate mansions, high-end boutiques, and upscale restaurants, but what sets Laguna Beach apart is its artistic scene.

In typical Southern California fashion, visitors are drawn to the shores of the city’s Main Beach, where they spend days lounging by the ocean and playing volleyball along the boardwalk. Toward the beach’s north end lies Bird Rock, a towering rock formation where seabirds often gather. When the tide ebbs, you can spot sea slugs, octopi, red urchins, and sea cucumbers swimming in the tide pools around the rock.

Dating back to the 1920s, the city’s artistic community is set mainly in the Laguna Village neighborhood. Here, you can see public artwork, watch artisans working in their studios, and browse art galleries. Fingerhut Gallery has an impressive collection that includes paintings by Picasso and quirky sculptures made by Dr. Seuss. The Laguna Art Museum collects California art dating back to the mid-19th century, from pastoral paintings of the Sierra Nevada to modern abstract art. For an introduction to the scene, drop by the First Thursdays Art Walk, which takes place along the Pacific Coast Highway on the first Thursday of each month.