Laguna Beach, California ~ With Spring Break just around the corner for many students and families across the USA, many are asking me for recommendations for a fun escape they can do that doesn’t require going abroad. Well, here’s one of my #throwbackthursday or #forwardfriday California favorites that I love visiting again and again–LAGUNA BEACH!
With beautiful weather, postcard-perfect beaches and numerous hotel offerings, this is the ideal destination for students on spring break, a romantic couples’ getaway, girls get together, a family staycation, or a warm retreat for snowbirds craving to escape winter’s chill.
Here are some of my tried and true Laguna Beach activities that even Southern California locals enjoy doing on a regular basis:
LET YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE SHINE
Be an Artist for a day! Workshops welcome visitors and locals (from novice to advanced) to create a unique art piece to wear or share. Two-hour sessions led by a professional artist take place Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Spring Workshop Schedule: Coloring with Fire, an Introduction to Enameling on Metal (Friday, March 11 and Friday, April 29, 2016). Cost: $95; Watercolor Keep-scapes: (Saturday, April 23, 2016). Cost: $95; and Glass Mosaic: (Saturday/Sunday, March 19 and 20, 2016. Cost: $130. All materials and supplies are provided. Takes place on the Sawdust Art Festival grounds. www.sawduststudioartclasses.com
First Thursdays Art Walk. April 7, 2016 – Takes place from 6-9 p.m., with more than 40 galleries participating around town. Enjoy artist receptions, demonstrations, refreshments and live music. Free trolley service runs throughout the evening, and the Laguna Art Museum is open free of charge from 5-9 p.m. www.firsthursdaysartwalk.org
Take a Self-Guided Public Art Tour – Laguna Beach has more than 80 pieces of public art throughout town that were designed and created specifically for the community. Discover the many murals, statues, sculptures and benches with a Public Art Map that can be picked up at the Official Visitors Center, located at 381 Forest Ave. Or, view a digital map on your phone by visiting www.visitlagunabeach.com/things-to-do/art-culture/public-art/.
Laguna Art Museum’s Kids’ Art Studio, March 20, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. Create artwork based on an exhibition on view at the museum. Free for children with accompanying adults with museum admission; walk-in basis. http://lagunaartmuseum.org/education/kids-art-studio/
FOR THE BUDDING MARINE BIOLOGIST
Explore Tide Pools – View amazing marine life hidden just below the waves. Laguna Beach boasts impressive tide pooling opportunities, giving you an up-close look at various sea creatures from sea stars and hermit crabs to anemones and coralline algae. Pick up an illustrated brochure at the Official Visitors Center, 381 Forest Ave., to help you identify the sea life you might spot. Download the Visit Laguna Beach app to view the current tide schedule. www.visitlagunabeach.com/things-to-do/outdoors/tide-pools/
Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises – The whale watching off Laguna Beach is exceptional with year-round opportunities. View gray whales in the spring. Finback whales, minke whales, humpbacks and several species of dolphin might also be spotted. Fun Fact: The dolphin population off Laguna’s coastline exceeds more than that of Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean combined! For whale-watching/dolphin excursions: www.newportlanding.com; www.dolphinsafari.com; www.danawharf.com
Tour the Pacific Marine Mammal Center – the only facility of its kind in Orange County for pinnipeds stranded along 42 miles of Southern California coast. It is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation and release back into the wild of marine mammals. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. www.pacificmmc.org
STAY FIT WHILE ENJOYING THE CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE
Rent bicycles then tour the charming village or the backroads. Riding maps and tours available for all skill levels. www.lagunabeachcyclery.com. Take a 7.5 mile guided bike tour (for groups up to eight) exploring the downtown, quaint neighborhoods and canyons, with views of the Laguna coastline. www.lavidalaguna.com
Embark on a guided two-hour kayak eco-tour to explore hidden coves, beaches and kelp beds, and view sea life up close. Single and tandem kayak tours available through La Vida Laguna. Great for families! www.lavidalaguna.com
FOR THE CRUISERS IN THE FAMILY
Hop aboard and ride the free weekend trolley to get around Laguna Beach. Service hours: Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Trolley Information: (949) 497-0766; www.visitlagunabeach.com/trolley
Download the official Visit Laguna Beach app and use the “Trolley Tracker” function to access real-time trolley information.
WHERE TO STAY
OUR TOP PICK, since our ESCAPESEEKER mantra is #luxury, MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH (Advance Warning, the impeccable staff makes going home really tough!)
Here are a few current MONTAGE PACKAGES:
“Experience California” Luxury Coastal Picnic Experience
This experience allows guests to indulge in a picnic that showcases the best coastal views and cuisine in Southern California. The day starts with a private helicopter tour of the Southern California coastline, followed by an afternoon picnic atop a cliff catered by renowned Montage Laguna Beach chefs. Guests will end the day with more culinary artistry at Montage Laguna Beach’s oceanfront, signature restaurant, Studio, with a private dining experience and a visit from Studio’s Executive Chef Craig Strong. The following morning, guests will end their adventure with a Coastal Shores Stone Massage at Spa Montage. Pricing begins at $2,845; available April 1-June 15, 2016.
Award-winning STUDIO restaurant where Executive Chef Craig Strong and his exquisite California culinary artistry reigns supreme.
Spring Getaway – Montage Memories Package
Enjoy one night’s accommodations in an oceanfront guest room with access to all resort amenities, plus one $60 breakfast credit at The Loft or In-Room Dining and complimentary valet parking. A complimentary 45-minute photo session captures your stay, with a $50 print credit included and no sitting fee required. For more information and to reserve your stay, click here. Just for Kids! During your stay, children are invited to Paintbox (ages 5-12) & Paintbox Petite (ages 2-5). Activities include cookie decorating, tie dye, egg hunt, petting zoo and more. To view the Paintbox activities calendar click here. For more information and to make a reservation for your child, please call (949) 715-6005.
Family Fun Package
Bring the entire family for the ultimate getaway. They’ll take care of breakfast and entertainment for the kids while you relax and enjoy the sweeping panoramas of the Pacific. Includes: One night’s accommodations in an oceanfront guest room; one $60 dining credit for breakfast at The Loft or In-Room dining; complimentary half-day Paintbox admission for one youngster ($70 value); and access to all resort amenities. Rate based on availability. Additional restrictions may apply. Valid through Dec. 31, 2016. www.montagehotels.com
For additional hotel packages, visit www.VisitLagunaBeach.com.
ABOUT LAGUNA BEACH
Laguna Beach is Southern California’s premier coastal destination located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, and along the southern coast of Orange County. Known as home to hundreds of local artists, and set amid 20,000 acres of wilderness, Laguna Beach is primarily served by John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA) located just a short 20 minutes drive away.
Here’s to #blissful, #endless #escapes…and remember, no matter where you go, be the kindest person you know.
Making Memories is what it’s all about.
With love,
Mel aka The ESCAPESEEKER
