Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Engagement Spots

Bobby and Alli here from Traveling Newlyweds, and we're so excited to be sharing our top ten favorite engagement spots in Laguna Beach!

 

Let's be real. Getting engaged is a BIG DEAL. You're asking your partner to spend the REST OF THEIR LIFE with you!! The future of your relationship rests in this one, pivotal, life-changing moment. But no pressure or anything.

 

This is exactly why picking the PERFECT engagement location is so crucial! It's a spot that will forever be engrained in your hearts, a spot that you'll continue to return to on anniversaries, and a spot you might even bring your kids to someday!

 

Laguna Beach has some of the most engagement-worthy places of anywhere we've ever been to. From stunning lookout spots to beautiful beaches to iconic hotels - you're sure to find the perfect location to ask those four big words... "Will you marry me?" Below are our top 10 picks (starting with southern Laguna and working our way north), and we encourage you to scope them out for yourself and decide if one is worthy of that big, life-altering moment.

 

1. Table Rock Beach: Table Rock is one of the most beautiful and iconic small stretches of beach in Laguna. It's a small, secluded cove with cliffs on both sides. There's a really great chance you'll have this spot with few onlookers. You could propose on the sand, the rock formation in the middle, or even up on the cliffs that look over the beach. You really can't go wrong in this picture-perfect location.

 

2. Treasure Island: Treasure Island is a small beach located just south of the Montage. We like this spot because it is a pristine stretch of beach, that is 100% engagement worthy. We love walking along the park above the beach, and the beach itself (complete with the coolest tide pools!) is epic as well. And did someone say celebration drinks at the Montage?!   

3. Which leads us to... the Montage: There's no denying that the Montage is one of the most beautiful resorts anywhere. The main lobby opens up to a big balcony with stunning views of the pool and the ocean. It's one of our favorite places to watch the sunset and have a glass of wine... and getting engaged there would be pretty dreamy. Why not start with surprising your significant other with a weekend here, and pop the question during the best weekend of your life?! (Until your wedding day, that is!) ;)

 

4. Ruby Street Park: This is our personal favorite. Ruby street park is truly one of Laguna Beach's hidden gems. (So don't tell too many people!!) Tucked away between two houses, you meander down a narrow path that opens to a small deck overlooking the ocean. There is only one bench to sit here, with just enough room for two. We often stop here at sunset with our fingers crossed that we have it to ourselves, and more often than not we do! If you're looking for a very intimate, private engagement location - this is it!

5. Pearl Street Beach: We love this beach. It's beautiful, easy to access, and the perfect place to take your significant other for a "causal" walk on the beach. Distract them with the amazing tide pools and then boom! You're down on one knee. They'll never see it coming!! 

6. Top of the World Park: Something different for those of you that may rather be hiking than having sand between your toes. Top of the World has an array of trails and lookouts that boast dramatic 360 degree views. On a clear day you'll feel as though you're flying - especially once you're ENGAGED!

 

7. Main Beach Park: If you don't mind a very public engagement, this very well could be your spot. We love this iconic stretch of beach, and can only imagine how epic a proposal on the boardwalk could be! Followed by engagement photos by the famous lifeguard tower?! You're welcome!! ;)

 

8. Heisler Park: Heisler park is another one of our favorite oceanfront parks. It boasts perfectly groomed gardens and lush palm trees atop a stunning, green bluff that looks down on various coves. There's a very romantic gazebo that looks over Main Beach - and on a clear day, all of southern Laguna. You can pop the question here, or if you're feeling crazy, obtain a permit and get married in the Gazebo!

9. Shaw's Cove: Small. intimate, and picturesque. This is a beach, similar to Ruby Street park, where you're off the beaten path and most likely in for a very private and secluded engagement. This would be a PERFECT spot for a romantic sunset proposal! 

 

10. Crescent Bay Point Park: Once again, another hidden gem that overlooks the ocean. Laguna is FULL of them!! Crescent Bay Point park is also lesser known and less crowded, and it provides amazing views. This is another spot where you can get engaged or get married... or BOTH!

This may be our top ten list of engagement-worthy locations in Laguna Beach, but we really have barely scratched the surface! We encourage you to take some time to explore and find your favorite spot. It may be a stretch of beach or park that we mentioned, but maybe it's something else! One of the best parts about where you get engaged is that it is YOUR STORY. 

 

Choose wisely, as it is a moment that will be remembered forever. But then again, planning a wedding can be stressful, so don't stress too much about this. Do something that fits your relationship, have fun, and savor it! And then comment below and tell us ALL about it. :)

Laguna is for Lovers

We can’t think of a better, more romantic beachside town to spend Valentine’s Day than Laguna Beach. 

 

The early morning mist, walks along cozy cottages by the sea, world class shopping, sunset cocktails, and candlelit dinners by the ocean… Laguna Beach is like a fairy tale. But very real. And very doable!! Trust us that you will win some serious points with your significant other if you plan a romantic weekend (or even a day trip) here. We’ll help.

 

Let’s start with brunch. 

Breakfast is our favorite meal, so we take brunch very seriously. The Ranch has recently opened a restaurant called Harvest, and it is AMAZING. From bourbon bacon cinnamon rolls, to fresh pressed juice, to the perfect eggs benedict… you can’t go wrong. Best part is? It’s off the beaten path. You won’t wait in long lines, you won’t feel like the average tourist, and you most likely WILL have an incredible view of the surrounding landscape. It’s our little secret… So please don’t tell too many people. ;)

 

As far as accommodations, we HIGHLY recommend staying at Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa. Do it. (And thank us later). This little boutique hotel has recently been remodeled by famed designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and it is absolutely perfect. From the colorful tiles to the cloud-like beds, to the lush, tropical grounds… Casa Laguna is a peaceful, colorful, and charming oasis - located just across the street from the beach!

 

Whether we’re on a vacation or a “staycation”, once 3pm hits we’re usually ready for a cocktail (Just us?). Tommy Bahama has our favorite cocktails (get the Sunburn!!!) complete with a relaxing, tropical vibe, live music, and shopping. That’s right - shopping! After we drink, we shop! (Probably should do it the other way around.) Regardless, we love their classic, beach-y style and comfortable designs. Last time we were there, we both walked out with a whole new wardrobe!

Spend the afternoon meandering the streets. Find a hidden gem of a cafe (and tell us about it!), explore art galleries, or relax on the beach. So many options...

 

Then there’s dinner. Driftwood Kitchen is our new date night go-to. The restaurant is a converted beach home that has an amazing vibe. Their menu is seasonal and constantly changing, so we can’t tell you what to order (unless the grilled Spanish octopus or Chilean sea bass are still on the menu). But we can tell you that it will be good. And you will want dessert. Even just so you can enjoy the ocean views a little bit longer. The Driftwood Kitchen staff does an incredible job at making every guest feel as though they are family… It’s truly a special place!

Next, walk off your food and turn up the romance by heading to Ruby Street Park. This beautiful little lookout point is a great spot to enjoy the sounds of the ocean or stargaze. It may be occupied on Valentine’s Day, but it’s definitely worth checking out. 

Still ready to rage? Or Ruby Street Park is too crowded? Head to Mozambique where chances are the dance party has already gotten started! Their live music is always incredible, and the people watching is even better. We can’t leave Laguna without popping in for a song or two… or ten!

 

There it is! A romantic, incredible day in this beautiful little town. Enjoy!

 

***BONUS***

Since it was so hard to narrow down our favorite Laguna Beach spots (and in case you have a whole weekend), here’s a few more:

 

Drinks:

The Rooftop Bar :: The BEST mojitos (and perfect for catching the sunset)! Just make sure you get there early - it can fill up fast! Maybe head here for a cocktail before dinner? It is Valentine’s Day, so you may as well splurge. 

Broadway :: These craft cocktail specialists can whip up just about anything, and their seasonal drinks are always our favorites. Not sure what to order? Have them surprise you!

 

Breakfast:

Banzai Bowls :: Our favorite acai bowls in town! (And if you've never had an acai bowl, you're REALLY in for a treat!) Bobby's favorite is the "Da Kine" and Alli loves the "Diamond Head"!

Heidelberg Cafe :: From the pastries, to the coffee, to the breakfast burritos - this longtime Laguna staple will never let you down. The patio is our favorite spot to have a cup of coffee and have a long, leisurely breakfast.

 

Lunch:

The Stand :: Healthy, fresh, and affordable! This vegetarian-lovers dream never disappoints. It’s a casual, pay at the counter kind of place - so we recommend getting your food to go and taking it to the beach for a romantic picnic!

 

Dinner:

Splashes :: Located at the stunning Surf and Sand Hotel, Splashes is literally on the beach (hence the name)! Some of the best seafood we’ve ever had has been here, and the romantic ambiance is par none. Splashes is a Valentines Day dream!

 

For a full list of all the Valentine's Day specials and events in Laguna Beach go ----> HERE.  

 

This article was originally published for Visit Laguna Beach’s Blog

Laguna Beach Winter Weekend Getaway

We recently spent an AMAZING weekend in Laguna Beach! You can follow along on the @VisitLaguna Instagram! In the meantime, here are some of our favorite photos from our time in our favorite coastal town. 

Casa Laguna is a quaint, cozy seaside hotel that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Even with the great weather, we always appreciate an intimate area to enjoy a drink with a fireplace. The room has beautiful decor, a spacious bathroom, and a nice patio where our pup Sally could relax :)

Can you believe this is January? We love southern California!

Oceanfront and candlelit at Splashes... can it get any better? 

Brunch at Harvest and dinner at Driftwood Kitchen... These incredible restaurants made sure we definitely did not leave hungry.

Lunch and a shopping spree at Tommy Bahama! Best. Weekend. Ever. 

The Visit Laguna Beach app allows you to have perfect timing on the trolley so you can make it to Mozambique in time for the rockin' live music!

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog for details on why you should spend your Valentine's Day in Laguna Beach! Ocean. Food. Romance. We probably don't need to say much more than that... but we will :) 

Magical Staycation in Laguna Beach... Can We Do This Monthly?

It’s possible that your only knowledge of Laguna Beach is based on the MTV reality show a few years back. Don’t worry, we don’t judge you. (Alli owns all of 3 seasons.) But while Laguna Beach is the famed birthplace of Lauren Conrad, it is SO much more than what you’ve seen on TV! Laguna Beach is home to some of the most picturesque beaches on the California coast, quaint hotels, scenic restaurants, and specialty shops and boutiques. If you are looking to escape to a relaxing, pampering, and dreamy beach town - Laguna Beach is it! A word of precaution: Laguna Beach is touristy. We recommend avoiding the Summer crowds, and visit in the Spring, Fall, or Winter months!

The Inn at Laguna Beach: What serves wine during sunset, cookies and milk for dessert, has stunning ocean views and is steps from the hustle of restaurants, bars, and world-class shopping? The Inn at Laguna Beach! From the location to the countless little ways their staff makes every guest feel like family, The Inn at Laguna Beach is an oceanfront gem. We highly suggest walking across the street to the neighborhood Whole Foods, buying some wine, bread and cheese, and having a picnic on your balcony. This, folks, is what dreams are made of.

Las Brisas: Located next door to The Inn at Laguna Beach, Las Brisas serves up Mexican cuisine with a coastal twist! Las Brisas has it all: oceanfront views, friendly staff, handcrafted cocktails, chips and salsa… do we need to continue?! We’ve tried several entrees on the menu and have yet to be disappointed, but our favorite is their new Chicken Mole!