Laguna Beach Like a Local: Inside the Oceanfront Luxury of Surf & Sand Resort

The vertigo hit almost instantly.

Perched on the eighth floor, peering over the railing within my premium ocean suite at the Surf & Sand Resort, it took a few minutes to acclimate. The height was staggering, while also providing a panoramic view of Laguna Beach’s legendary coastline.

Deep breaths, deep breaths.

Luckily, the rhythmic sound of ocean waves, slapping the shore, and nearing the building with an incoming high tide, served as a soothing balm for the dizziness. Soon, I was content. I was seeing my hometown from a brand-new vantage point, having grown up in Laguna Beach, but never once staying at the Surf & Sand Resort. And so, I graciously accepted a little staycation – less than a mile down the road from my childhood home.

The view, once the wooziness wore off, was stunning. I know these beaches like the back of my hand, but seeing them from this point of view was something else entirely. Who needs a TV – although the room was, of course, equipped with a flatscreen the size of a Pollock painting – when you can sit on your oceanfront patio and watch the sun slowly creep towards the horizon?

What followed was 48 hours of beachside bliss – from fine-dining, to pool-lounging, to beach-strolling, and zombie-staring at the endless horizon. Here’s everything you need to know when visiting Laguna Beach, and specifically, staying at the iconic Surf & Sand.

Where to Stay

Nestled directly on the shoreline, the Surf & Sand Resort is the ultimate upscale sanctuary for a classic Southern California coastal getaway. Unlike hotels separated from the sand by busy roads or boardwalks, this iconic property positions you so close to the Pacific that the sound of breaking waves acts as your personal soundtrack. Every single one of the 167 guest rooms and suites features a private balcony with completely unobstructed ocean views.

Beyond the stunning accommodations, the resort boasts a spectacular lineup of premium amenities. Guests can lounge by the beachfront pool, book custom ocean-inspired treatments at the Aquaterra Spa, or rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a flawless day on the sand.

When it comes to on-site dining, Splashes Restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Serving fresh, locally sourced Mediterranean-coastal cuisine, the restaurant features glass panels that sit just above the surf line, offering a dramatic, fine-dining experience. For a more casual vibe, the adjacent Splashes Bar serves craft cocktails and small bites perfect for watching the sunset over the horizon.

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Where to Surf

Laguna Beach’s dramatic, rugged coastline is a geological wonderland, packed with hidden coves, rock ledges, and stealthy reef breaks. While many of these moody nooks and crannies are fickle or dependent on highly specific tide windows—and are best left unnamed—the region offers incredible variety for visiting surfers.

If you want a guaranteed, high-performance session, your absolute best bet is Salt Creek Beach, located just a few minutes south. Salt Creek is a legendary Orange County surf hub that handles a wide variety of swells. The break features three main peaks:

• The Point: A fast, hollow left-hander that wakes up on larger south swells.
• Middles: A reliable, punchy peak offering both lefts and rights.
• Gravels: A heavy, shallow shorebreak favored by bodyboarders and advanced surfers.

With a massive grass park overlooking the lineup, ample parking, and consistent wave shape, Salt Creek provides a world-class playground without the logistical headaches of navigating Laguna’s treacherous, rocky cliffs.

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What to Eat

While the resort’s dining is top-tier, Laguna Beach’s vibrant culinary scene demands exploration. Within a short distance from the hotel, you will find an array of exceptional restaurants catering to every palate.

For a quintessential Laguna experience, head to Nick’s Laguna Beach in the heart of downtown. Known for its flawless execution of American classics, Nick’s serves up crowd-pleasers like pan-seared Chilean sea bass, prime rib dips, and a decadent warm butter cake.

If you prefer to keep your toes close to the sand, visit The Deck on Laguna Beach. It is one of the few open-air, truly beachfront restaurants in the area, specializing in fresh oysters, craft beers, and coastal cocktails.

For panoramic views of Main Beach, Las Brisas is a historic institution offering high-end, sea-to-table Mexican cuisine. Here, you can enjoy a fresh Dungeness crab omelet for brunch or fresh ceviche paired with an artisanal margarita as the sky turns pink over the Pacific.

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Extracurricular Activities

When you aren't lounging on the sand or paddling out into the lineup, Laguna Beach offers a wealth of vibrant culture and outdoor adventures. Start your morning with a scenic stroll through Heisler Park, a cliffside path lined with lush gardens, public art sculptures, and dramatic overlooks peering down into tide pools.

Art lovers will feel right at home, as the town is a historic artists' colony. You can browse dozens of independent galleries along the Pacific Coast Highway or visit the prestigious Laguna Art Museum. If you visit during the summer months, booking tickets to the world-famous Pageant of the Masters—where real people pose to recreate famous classical paintings—is an absolute requirement. Then, there’s the long-running Sawdust Festival, which is celebrating its 60th year.

For those seeking active adventure, explore the wilderness just inland. The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park features miles of rugged hiking and mountain biking trails offering sweeping ocean vistas. Alternatively, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore local sea caves, or wander downtown's boutique-filled streets for premium shopping.

There’s something for everyone in Laguna.

Check out more from the Surf & Sand Resort here.

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