Laguna Beach: Been There, Haven’t Done That
Laguna Beach is one of Southern California's premier coastal destinations, nestled between seven miles of hidden and scenic coves and majestic canyons. This beach town overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is known for a mild, year-round climate, environmental preservation, rich surfing history and culture, and a thriving artist community. Laguna Beach was settled in the 1870s and officially became a city in 1927 and though the current population is only about 23,500, the city welcomes nearly three million tourists annually.
On a recent trip, we collected a few "local-certified," can’t-miss highlights for you to explore during your visit. We invite you to share your local experiences and discoveries with us by tagging #boutiquehost.
Victoria Beach
This is what California dreams are made of. Victoria Beach is a long white sandy beach south of Victoria Drive in Laguna Beach. The majority of this southwest-facing beach lies in front of the private gated Lagunita housing development with many uber-mansions built right up to beach level. Public beach access isn’t necessarily easy to fine—for a reason—but if you can get yourself to 2713 Victoria Drive, you’re in the right spot.
One of the most unique and mysterious landmarks of this Southern California beach is the tower that stands at the base of a cliff. The structure, known as “La Tour” (french for tower), is a 60-foot castle-inspired tower. It was built at the same time as the house at the top of the bluff, in 1926, and was used as a way to get from the house to the beach below, which is a beautiful stretch of sand on Victoria Beach. The tower is made of poured concrete with an ocean stone foundation and cone-shaped roof made of shingles. Several narrow window openings in the tower wall allow light to pass through to the wooden spiral stairway inside.
The house at the top of the cliff, known as the “Norman House” due to its Norman-style architecture, is itself a landmark of Laguna Beach. It was built for California State Senator William Edward Brown and his family, and used during summers and holidays as a retreat from their Beverly Hills home.
See For Yourself: Walk to the north end of Victoria Beach, where you will find a rock outcropping at the base of the cliff. Continue walking north, around the bluff and over the rocks and past another section of sandy beach. You will reach the pool first, which sits in front of a modern staircase. The tower stands directly to the north of the pool. Please note that the tower is privately owned. You may walk up to it, but do not try to enter or climb on it.
Top Of The World
This scenic lookout offers arguably some of the best views in Laguna Beach. Alta Laguna Park is here, as well as a trailhead for Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Remember, heading down from the Top of the World right from the start means you have to climb back up at the end! The park is open from 7 am to sunset (the parking lot closes at sunset) and parking fees are $3 per vehicle per day—a bargain if you ask me.
We choose a 7.1-mile loop hike that starts at the parking area at the Top of the World. Before starting the main hike, we recommend heading up Carolyn Wood View Knoll for some breathtaking panoramic views (look for the sings in the parking lot). The knoll is actually the site of a 3-million-gallon underground water reservoir!
When you head back down the knoll, take a right and traverse the edge of the knoll heading north, staying right until you reconnect with West Ridge Trail. Take a left onto West Ridge Trail to head north. At about 0.9 miles, turn right onto Mathis Canyon Trail; this trail descends, somewhat steeply, into the canyon.
At the junction with Wood Canyon Trail, take a left to head north; follow this north to the northernmost area of the park. Take a left onto Cholla Trail at about 4.4 miles and ascend the steep trail to the ridge. Take a left onto West Ridge Trail and follow it all the way back to the trailhead. Though this hike may push you physically, you will be mightily rewarded along the way.
Walk This Way—Through Thalia Street We Go
Begin your journey by grabbing a coffee from Laguna Coffee Company and start walking up Oak Street all the way to Temple Terrace. Turn left as you walk by St. Catherine of Siena and continue right to Thalia Street and up on Temple Hills Drive for a neighborhood walk. My attention and eyes are glued to the meticulously manicured yards, striking architecture of each home and a friendly neighbor whom I encountered on my uphill walk. I truly had to pause to smell the roses, admire the landscape-covered succulents, and devour the myriad home designs—everything from modern to Cape Cod-style. Once you get to the windiest corner curb on Temple Hills Drive, keep an eye out for an parrot bird cage (if you don’t spot it, you’ll definitely hear it!).
On your way down, I recommend taking Anita Street. Once you have reached S Coast Highway and Thalia Street, there’s a street-end path straight to the beach, which features magnificent homes perched on the cliff. Once you’re ocean side, take a deep breath and let the waves kiss your feet as you continue your walk down the beach.
Crystal Cove State Park
One of Orange County’s largest open spaces and natural seashores, the Park offers 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and an offshore underwater area. Located off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cover is open from 6:00am until sunset, with the Historic District area remaining open until 10:00pm (parking does require a fee).
The Historic District is built around an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages, originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930s and 40s, nestled around the mouth of Los Trancos Creek. The cottages are available for overnight rental and include studios, one- and two-bedroom houses, and hostel-style dormitories. Prices range from $185-260/night for houses, and hostel-style rooms start at $37; reservations can be make up to seven months in advance. Click here for more information and reservations.
Whether or not you opt to stay the night, you should also check out Beachcomber Café, another iconic Historic District location. The restaurant is in a restored beachfront cottage, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. Order anything from Mahi Mahi spring rolls to the “Real Deal” clam chowder to prime filet mignon for dinner—whatever your preference, you’ll find something to devour at Beachcomber.
