From Los Angeles to Laguna Beach: A Refined Coastal Weekend
Three days of Pacific light, modern California cooking, harbor rituals and art-filled coves—with a leisurely daytime stop in Newport Beach.
Late on a Friday afternoon, Santa Monica begins to soften. Cyclists move along the beach path, palms turn dark against a peach-colored sky, and the Ferris wheel on the pier starts to glow above the water. Inside the city, Los Angeles is still accelerating. Here at its western edge, the weekend has already begun.
The journey from Los Angeles to Laguna Beach, with a morning and afternoon in Newport Beach, is not a long road trip in mileage. The pleasure lies in treating the route as three distinct coastal experiences rather than racing toward the final destination.
Begin with one night beside the sand in Santa Monica. Continue south the next morning to Newport Beach, where yachts, tidal wetlands and polished waterfront villages shape the day. By late afternoon, drive onward to Laguna Beach, a former artists’ colony whose compact downtown meets a deeply scalloped shoreline of coves, rocky points and tide pools.
This is a weekend for travelers who appreciate a beautifully run hotel but do not want to remain inside it, who will cross town for excellent pasta yet are equally happy eating a frozen banana beside a ferry, and who understand that Southern California is at its most compelling when refinement and informality occupy the same frame.
Friday: Ease Into the Weekend in Santa Monica
Check in beside the Pacific
For a coastal itinerary, resist the temptation to begin in central Los Angeles. Santa Monica allows you to wake beside the water and leave the city without first crossing half of it.
The most complete luxury choice is Regent Santa Monica Beach, a contemporary resort near the sand and Santa Monica Pier. Its spacious rooms, expansive pool deck, Guerlain spa and Mediterranean restaurant, Orla, make it an easy place to settle into the weekend.
Orla is an elegant first dinner. Chef Michael Mina draws on Egyptian and broader Eastern Mediterranean flavors rather than relying on predictable beach-hotel fare. The terrace frames the palms and Pacific, making it possible to arrive, unpack and let the evening unfold without returning to the car.
Travelers who prefer classic coastal design should consider Shutters on the Beach, with its residential, Cape Cod-inspired interiors, or neighboring Hotel Casa del Mar, an oceanfront landmark with a more formal, old-world atmosphere.
For a design-forward stay, Santa Monica Proper Hotel sits slightly inland but compensates with Kelly Wearstler interiors and Calabra, its rooftop restaurant and bar. It suits travelers who value architecture, cocktails and access to Main Street as much as direct beach frontage.
Walk before dinner
Follow Ocean Avenue toward Palisades Park, then descend to the beach near Santa Monica Pier. The evening light is often more flattering than the midday sun, and the waterfront begins to feel less like an attraction and more like a neighborhood promenade.
Those with energy for a second stop can have a nightcap at Élephante, where broad Pacific views and a polished crowd create a lively start to the weekend. For something quieter, return to the hotel and take a final walk on the sand.
Saturday Morning: Leave Los Angeles for Newport Beach
Wake early enough to see Santa Monica before runners, cyclists and beachgoers fill the path. Have coffee at the hotel or stop at a neighborhood café before collecting the car.
Leave after breakfast, allowing extra time for traffic. The fastest route may involve the freeway, while the more atmospheric approach returns to the coast farther south. On a weekend this short, follow the route that protects your reservations rather than insisting on Pacific Coast Highway for the entire drive.
Download directions in advance and keep water in the car. Traffic around Los Angeles and Orange County can change quickly, particularly on summer weekends.
Saturday Morning in Newport Beach: Balboa Island and the Harbor
Newport Beach is not one coastal village but a collection of waterfront districts with distinct personalities: the peninsula and its surf-facing beach, Balboa Island’s intimate lanes, Corona del Mar’s residential calm, the marina-facing shops of Lido and the resort landscape of Newport Coast.
For a half-day visit, focus on the harbor rather than trying to see everything.
Walk Balboa Island
Begin on Balboa Island, where the perimeter path passes compact cottages, private docks and boats tied almost within reach. Marine Avenue forms the island’s commercial center, with small boutiques, cafés and confectioners that feel pleasantly removed from the scale of Los Angeles.
The classic indulgence is a Balboa Bar or frozen banana, dipped in chocolate and coated to order. It is more than a snack; it is part of the island’s enduring sense of nostalgia.
From the island, take the short Balboa Island Ferry to the peninsula. The crossing lasts only a few minutes, but the boats, harbor homes and passing paddleboarders turn an ordinary transfer into a miniature cruise.
Families can continue toward the Balboa Fun Zone, while couples may prefer to remain near the water and watch sailboats move through the harbor.
Saturday Afternoon: Lunch and Coastal Scenery
After the ferry, choose between two Newport Beach experiences.
Option One: Crystal Cove and The Beachcomber
For sand, history and a meal beside the ocean, drive south to Crystal Cove State Park and reserve lunch at The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove.
The restaurant occupies a restored cottage in the Historic District, directly beside the beach. Reaching it on foot or by shuttle creates a welcome sense of separation from Coast Highway.
Order seafood or a seasonal salad, then walk through the preserved cottages. At low tide, the rocky areas around Crystal Cove can reveal anemones, hermit crabs and other marine life. Wear shoes suitable for uneven surfaces and avoid stepping on exposed tide-pool habitats.
This route is ideal for outdoor-minded travelers and families who want more beach time.
Option Two: Lido Marina Village
Travelers more interested in design, shopping and harbor dining can spend the afternoon at Lido Marina Village.
The development gathers fashion boutiques, home-design stores, cafés and restaurants along the marina. Browse Jenni Kayne, A’maree’s and independent shops before stopping for lunch or coffee beside the boats.
Lido is the better choice for travelers who want a polished waterfront setting without changing into beach clothes.
Where to eat in Newport Beach
For a brief stop, prioritize location and atmosphere.
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is best for a sand-level coastal lunch.
Nobu Newport Beach suits travelers seeking a more polished harbor meal with Japanese dishes and waterfront views.
Malibu Farm Lido offers light California cooking in a bright marina setting.
A Restaurant, farther inland, is a better choice for a long, classic lunch, though it may take more time than this itinerary allows.
By mid- to late afternoon, return to the car and continue south. Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are close geographically, but summer traffic on Coast Highway can add significant time. Leave before the late-day rush whenever possible.
Saturday Evening: Arrive in Laguna Beach
The transition is visible almost immediately. Newport’s broad harbor landscape gives way to tighter curves, steeper hillsides and quick flashes of small coves below the road.
Laguna Beach has long attracted painters, craftspeople, surfers and independent-minded travelers. Its creative identity survives in the proximity of serious galleries, cottage architecture, surf shops and beach access stairways that descend between homes.
Choose a hotel that matches the weekend
For a full-scale resort, book Montage Laguna Beach. The Craftsman-style property occupies oceanfront grounds above Treasure Island Beach and includes a large spa, pools, several restaurants and direct access to coastal paths.
Montage is ideal for wellness travelers, couples celebrating an occasion and families who value resort service and beach access in equal measure.
For a more intimate stay, choose Hotel Joaquin, an adults-oriented boutique property near Shaw’s Cove. Its pared-back Mediterranean design and small scale create an atmosphere closer to a private coastal house than a conventional resort.
Casa Loma Beach Hotel, near Main Beach, is the practical choice for travelers who want to walk to galleries, cafés and downtown restaurants.
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach places guests directly above the water, with ocean-facing accommodations, a spa and Splashes restaurant.
Dinner with a sense of place
At Montage, reserve Studio Mediterranean for sunset. Begin with dips and warm bread, then order seafood or a whole fish for the table. The cooking is polished, but the appeal lies equally in the changing light and the sound of the water below.
In town, Broadway by Amar Santana remains one of Laguna’s most compelling dining rooms for inventive, globally informed cooking.
Selanne Steak Tavern, set in a historic cottage, suits diners looking for a celebratory steakhouse and an extensive wine program.
For Italian food, Oliver’s Osteria offers a more intimate neighborhood mood. Rebel Omakase is the choice for a focused Japanese tasting experience, while Driftwood Kitchen and Splashes prioritize immediate ocean views.
After dinner, walk through downtown rather than returning immediately to the hotel. Gallery windows glow after dark, the air cools quickly, and the sound of the ocean reaches several blocks inland.
Sunday Morning: Coves, Coffee and California Art
Begin at the water
Rise early and choose the beach according to temperament.
Treasure Island Beach, below Montage, combines easy coastal paths with rocky formations and clear water. It is the most seamless option for resort guests and a good place for an early walk.
Shaw’s Cove is compact and especially appealing to snorkelers and divers when conditions are calm.
Crescent Bay Beach has a wider crescent of sand and views toward Seal Rock. It feels residential and is well suited to a quiet morning near the water.
Victoria Beach is known for its cylindrical Pirate Tower, built against the cliffs. The structure is privately owned and should be admired from the public beach.
Thousand Steps Beach requires a substantial staircase—far fewer than a thousand steps, despite the name. The descent is manageable for many travelers, but the return climb deserves consideration.
For an easy first visit, choose Main Beach, where the sand meets downtown beside the landmark lifeguard tower and public volleyball courts.
Coffee and a cultural pause
Stop at Sur Coffee for espresso near the water, or settle into a longer breakfast at Zinc Café & Market.
Then visit the Laguna Art Museum, which focuses on California artists and works connected to the state’s landscape and culture. The museum gives useful context to the coastline outside. Laguna was not simply a pretty place where artists happened to gather; its light, topography and relative isolation helped form a lasting creative community.
Continue into the HIP District, a section of Coast Highway lined with galleries, independent shops, restaurants and residential side streets leading toward the ocean.
Look for California-made ceramics, photography, jewelry and work by local artists. The strongest souvenir is one connected to Laguna’s visual culture rather than a generic coastal keepsake.
Sunday Afternoon: Beach, Spa or More Art
There are several satisfying ways to finish the weekend.
Active travelers can walk the bluff paths at Crystal Cove State Park or explore another Laguna cove before leaving town.
Wellness travelers can remain at Montage for a treatment at Spa Montage, followed by lunch at The Loft or Mosaic Bar and Grille.
During summer, Laguna’s arts calendar may justify extending the day. Pageant of the Masters stages elaborate tableaux vivants in which performers recreate famous works of art. The adjoining Festival of Arts presents paintings, sculpture, photography and other work by regional artists.
Reserve performance tickets well in advance and allow enough time for dinner before the evening program.
A Streamlined Three-Day Itinerary
Friday: Santa Monica
Check into Regent Santa Monica Beach, Shutters on the Beach or Hotel Casa del Mar. Walk Palisades Park and Santa Monica Pier before dinner at Orla. End with a drink overlooking the Pacific.
Saturday: Newport Beach to Laguna Beach
Leave Santa Monica after breakfast.
Spend the morning walking Balboa Island and riding the ferry. Have lunch at The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove or browse and dine at Lido Marina Village.
Continue to Laguna Beach by late afternoon. Check into Montage, Hotel Joaquin, Casa Loma or Surf & Sand, then reserve dinner at Studio Mediterranean, Broadway, Selanne or Rebel Omakase.
Sunday: Laguna Beach
Walk Treasure Island Beach, Shaw’s Cove or Main Beach early. Have coffee at Bear Coast, visit the Laguna Art Museum and browse the HIP District.
Finish with a spa treatment, another beach, Crystal Cove trails or the Pageant of the Masters before returning north.
Where to Stay
| Destination | Hotel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica | Regent Santa Monica Beach | Contemporary beachfront luxury and spa |
| Santa Monica | Shutters on the Beach | Classic coastal character |
| Santa Monica | Hotel Casa del Mar | Historic oceanfront elegance |
| Santa Monica | Santa Monica Proper Hotel | Design, dining and rooftop atmosphere |
| Laguna Beach | Montage Laguna Beach | Full-service luxury and wellness |
| Laguna Beach | Hotel Joaquin | Couples and boutique intimacy |
| Laguna Beach | Casa Loma Beach Hotel | Downtown walkability |
| Laguna Beach | Surf & Sand Laguna Beach | Rooms directly above the ocean |
Practical Notes for the Drive
A car is essential. Public transportation can connect portions of the coast, but it is not practical for a polished three-day itinerary with luggage and dining reservations.
Avoid over-scheduling Newport Beach. Balboa Island, the ferry and either Crystal Cove or Lido Marina Village are enough for one rewarding day. Trying to add Corona del Mar, Fashion Island and the peninsula will make the stop feel rushed.
Reserve the anchors first. Secure the hotels and dinners at Orla, Studio Mediterranean, Broadway, Selanne or Rebel Omakase. Build beach time around those fixed points.
Leave Newport Beach before late afternoon traffic builds. Coast Highway can move slowly on summer weekends, particularly around Crystal Cove and central Laguna Beach.
Check beach conditions. Surf, tides, rip currents and water-quality advisories change. Consult lifeguard guidance and official notices before swimming or exploring tide pools.
Pack for temperature shifts. Bring a swimsuit, walking shoes, a light sweater or jacket, sunscreen, a hat and one dinner outfit that feels polished without being overly formal.
What the Weekend Costs
This route can become expensive quickly. Luxury coastal hotels often carry substantial nightly rates, destination fees and valet charges. Fine dining, spa treatments and private transportation can raise the total considerably.
The experience does not depend entirely on spending, however. Walking Balboa Island, riding the ferry, exploring Laguna’s public beaches, visiting galleries and watching the evening light from the coast are among the weekend’s defining pleasures.
Spend selectively. Choose the hotel with the best location, reserve one memorable dinner and allow the landscape to provide the rest.
The Last Light
By late Sunday, Laguna’s coves begin to empty. Sand clings to the stairs leading back toward Coast Highway, gallery doors close one by one, and the sun drops behind a horizon briefly streaked with copper.
Over three days, the coast has changed character repeatedly. Los Angeles offered movement and modern glamour. Newport Beach brought harbor rituals and a polished afternoon beside the water. Laguna Beach slowed the pace through art, intimate beaches and streets shaped by the cliffs.
That progression is the point. A weekend from Los Angeles to Laguna Beach via Newport Beach does not need an additional hotel check-in or an overfilled itinerary. A morning and afternoon in Newport provide just enough time to experience the harbor before continuing south, where Laguna’s coves and creative character bring the journey to a quieter close.
🔥 Ready to Explore Los Angeles?
Continue your adventure with this guide:
🌴 Los Angeles Summer Travel 2026: New Hotels, Restaurants & the Best Beaches
…and you’ll have everything you need to plan the ultimate escape.
