Laguna Beach: Do it like a local!

Everyone is familiar with the family-friendly vacation hot-spot that is Laguna Beach, but not everyone could point you to the best sun and sand off the beaten path. Born and bred in Laguna, we bring our kids back every year for a week-long respite from the Oregon rain!

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Best Western Laguna Brisas Spa Hotel
Laguna is not hurting for beautiful and luxurious hotels and resorts, but if you want something that won't break the bank that's still only steps away from the beach, great for kids, and has a pool, this Best Western property can't be beat. Located in South Laguna, it's directly across Hwy 1 from the beaches.
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Johnny Rockets
This fun burger joint is right across the street from Main Beach, offering a great respite from the mid-day sun. Come in your swimsuit and flip-flops and order a shake or basket of fries. Kids get complimentary paper chef hats.
The perfect place to visit for an after-dinner treat or afternoon break from the beach, Beaches and Cream is family-friendly, fun, and delicious!
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Aliso Beach
When Main Beach gets crowded, head a few miles south down Hwy 1 to Aliso Creek, where you'll find a great public beach (it extends all the way to the Montage, which is fun to stroll through), bathrooms, showers, plenty of sand, and great swimming.
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Main Beach Toys & Games
Located steps from Main Beach, this is the place to gear up before slathering on the sunscreen and hitting the sand. Buckets, shovels, boogie boards, wetsuits...they have everything you could need (and so much more).
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Sawdust Art Festival
If you're visiting during the summer months (and you probably are!), the Sawdust Art Festival is worth at least one good beach morning. Everyone will love strolling through unique art vendors' booths, and kids will love the glass blowing demonstration and kid's art booth where they can make their own creations (for a fee). We always co... More >
If you're visiting during the summer months (and you probably are!), the Sawdust Art Festival is worth at least one good beach morning. Everyone will love strolling through unique art vendors' booths, and kids will love the glass blowing demonstration and kid's art booth where they can make their own creations (for a fee). We always come away with fun souvenirs (and there's a great snack bar/lunch menu on site). Entry is approximately $5 per person.
If you're visiting during the summer months (and you probably are!), the Sawdust Art Festival is worth at least one good beach morning.
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Beaches & Cream
The perfect place to visit for an after-dinner treat or afternoon break from the beach, Beaches and Cream is family-friendly, fun, and delicious!  More
The perfect place to visit for an after-dinner treat or afternoon break from the beach, Beaches and Cream is family-friendly, fun, and delicious!
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About the Author

Amy Hagstrom Whitley
Amy Hagstrom Whitley
If you're looking for the professional me instead of the personal me, visit http://www.pitstopsforkids.com for travel writing, and http://www.nevertruetales.com for updates on novels, essays, and day-to-day tales.
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