SoCal is a bit like a buffet of beautiful beach towns – there are so many to pick from. But of all the options scattered along the Pacific coast, Laguna Beach has a special something. Maybe it's the artists' colony vibe. Maybe it's the cove-dotted shores. Or maybe, just maybe, it's the hotel that clings to a 50-foot bluff and oozes quiet luxury. If you’ve got 24 hours in Laguna Beach, this is how to play it perfectly.
MORNING
Wake up at Montage Laguna Beach
Montage’s flagship hotel is intentionally designed to feel like home. It’s the kind of place you visit once and decide to stay forever (the true story of one guest – now resident! – we chatted to). Roll out of bed, try to spot whales and dolphins from your window (yes, every room has an ocean view), and head to Bouchée for breakfast. It’s a modern patisserie with a real sense of place. There’s something about grabbing an iced matcha and pastry or protein smoothie and breakfast sandwich that just feels so SoCal.
Get your wellness glow on in the Fitness Center
Speaking of California-coded things, your next stop is the Fitness Center. From breathwork sessions to beach boot camps to surfing-inspired workouts, getting in tune with your mind, body, and soul is key to fitting in in the OC. For that effortless I-live-here glow, join the Pacific Glow Method every day at 10:30am. It’s 50 minutes of mindful movement and meditation on red light and near-infrared therapy mats that promote collagen production, circulation, and deep restoration. It’s incredibly gentle, so inclusive for all abilities – but you’re guaranteed to leave glowing.
AFTERNOON
Make a splash and sip spicy margaritas
You probably haven’t stopped thinking about taking a dip in Montage’s mosaic pool ever since you arrived and gazed down at it from the lobby’s balcony. So, grab your swimming gear and pitch up poolside (our pick is an ocean-facing lounger for the best of both worlds). When you stomach starts to grumble, you have two lunch options: dine al fresco at Mosaic Bar and Grille or order straight to your lounger. Whichever you choose, the catch of the day tacos and a round of spicy margs is the way to go.
Embark on an aerial adventure over Orange County
Swap the coastal path for the cockpit with a private helicopter charter. Expect cinematic views of the Pacific before touching down in Catalina Island’s wild backcountry, where an oceanfront picnic awaits – with a bespoke menu and premium Champagne, of course. The four-hour experience includes return luxury transfers to the helipad, while extras like florals or a photographer can be arranged. Rather take to the seas than the skies? Book a boat charter to explore sandy beaches and hidden bays or a kayak tour for up-close marine wildlife watching.
EVENING
Gather round the firepit for s’mores at sunset
A sweet treat before dinner feels suitably naughty for a setting this spectacular. There’s the sunset sinking below the ocean’s horizon behind you and a roaring fire pit in front of you. All you have to do is smush a smouldering, home-made marshmallow and slab of Hershey’s between two biscuits and crunch into it next to your nearest and dearest. Once you’ve perfected your fireside toasting technique, reminisce over all the incredible things you’ve done today. Or, if you’re anything like us, what you fancy ordering at dinner…
Indulge in an all-American dinner at The Loft
First things first: you’re going to want to sit on the terrace – it’s intimate, heated, and has an ocean view. Next up: order the coffee-crusted prime New York strip with fourme d’ambert cheese, arugula, and a bourbon caramel glaze. The restaurant tried to take this much-loved dish off the menu a few years ago and got such pushback from its regulars that it had no choice but to bring it back – it’s that good. Pair it with a full-bodied red of the sommelier’s choice and strap in for an all-American indulgence.
