Laguna Beach Hotels and Restaurants
It's hard to find a more relaxing place than Laguna Beach and Dana Point. These are my favorite places to stay and eat while you are there!
Hotels
I have been spoiled by staying at some of the most beautiful hotels in Laguna for conferences, so these are my top two.
Montage Laguna Beach
The Montage grounds are stunning, there is not a bad view from any room on this amazing property! The hotel has two beautiful pools, a hot tub, an outdoor restaurant overlooking the ocean, and the incredible bar/sitting area when you first enter. It is pristine and an excellent example of a relaxed Californian vibe luxury hotel. It is the first hotel I have seen where they had a hawk on grounds and walked around by a keeper, to keep Seagulls and other birds from bothering the guests. The fitness center has floor to ceiling glass slider doors that open up and give it an indoor/outdoor vibe. The spa has its hot tub, steam room, and sauna, pool and relaxation room, that I definitely took advantage of during my stay! It is definitely not a cost efficient hotel, and the rooms are not cheap, but if you can splurge it is definitely worth the price! If you can't swing it, I would recommend stopping by the restaurant for lunch or having a drink overlooking the ocean at the lobby bar.
Ritz Carlton Dana Point
The Ritz is a beautiful property perched on top of a cliff overlooking a beautiful beach and ocean always packed with surfers. The property is gorgeous; the views are stunning, the gym and spa are fantastic. It is open, airy and the perfect example of a beach hotel. The beach chairs and towels are provided at the bottom of the cliff included in your stay. The fresh flowers in the lobby and the hallway leading to the lobby bar are such an exquisite touch. One of my favorite things to do at this hotel is to run or walk the paths that connect the Ritz to the Monarch golf course and the houses surrounding the beaches. It is a beautiful well-maintained trail and a great place to get views. It is definitely a bit of a splurge to stay here, but the service makes it an impeccable experience!
Favorite Restaurants
Chart House- The chart house is a nicer steak and seafood restaurant that has an incredible view of the Dana Point Pier and is perched on a cliff. The dress is anything from dressy to casual.
Nicks- Nicks is located in downtown Laguna and has a phenomenal breakfast-brunch menu. The bloody mary's are to die for, the portions are significant, and the atmosphere is fantastic. The dinner menu is just as excellent, and it is located right in the heart of downtown Laguna.
EnoSteak- EnoSteak is located in the Ritz and is a fantastic steakhouse with a modern but elegant feel. Try the Mac and Cheese, and end with a nightcap at the 180BLU bar, where you can sit outside and breathe in the Pacific Ocean Views!
Maestros- If you go here for anything, you must try the butter cake. It is quite possibly the best dessert I have ever had, it honestly melts in your mouth. The steak is phenomenal, the lobster mashed potatoes are out of this world, and the wine list is pages long. Reservations are recommended!
Tommy Bahamas- Great food, decent prices, fantastic service and located right in the heart of downtown. Try to get a table by the window for great people watching and views of the Pacific. Coconut shrimp is their specialty.
I would love to hear some of your recommendations!