California Dreamin’

Surf & Sand Gets a Luxe Makeover

By Hailey Bethke | Photography courtesy of Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach

Few places capture the sweetness of summer quite like Laguna Beach. It embodies a slower pace of life, where you can enjoy barefoot walks and leisurely afternoons sipping coffee while children indulge in ice cream bars, their beach hair drying in the sun. The scene is completed by surfboards and dogs joyfully running along the shore.

Laguna Beach feels like a time capsule, exuding the charm of small-town living. Only a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, it serves as the perfect weekend retreat or makes for a delightful stop on a romantic drive down the coast toward San Diego.

Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach is a historic getaway for Hollywood stars and filmmakers. Since it opened in 1948, the resort has welcomed many notable personalities. During the 1970s, when President Richard Nixon visited his home in San Clemente, the White House Press Corps stayed at Surf & Sand. Reporters conducted interviews with the President on what is now known as the Bella Vista Terrace, just steps away from the beach.

Seventy-five years later, the resort has undergone an extensive renovation to enhance the guest experience in line with modern luxury. Upon arrival, guests are instantly greeted by the shimmering surface of the Pacific Ocean visible through the lobby, which features an inviting seating area and a spacious balcony. Just a few moments later, I find myself several stories up, delighted by the breathtaking view of the waves seen through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony. A minimalist color palette beautifully complements the view, creating an inviting extension of the outdoors.

Luxury can be experienced in every detail, from the herringbone flooring to the spacious bathroom featuring a stone-clad shower and full-size soaking tub overlooking the ocean through sliding privacy doors. The layout was intentionally designed to create memorable moments, especially by encouraging guests to step outside to enjoy the views from the balcony or to admire the waves upon waking in the morning.

Early risers are almost guaranteed to see surfers and sailboats in the distance, accompanied by a plethora of marine life, including dolphins, seals, pelicans, and even the occasional gray whale during migration season, which runs from December to April. Surf & Sand also owns a private stretch of beach exclusive to resort guests, perfect for enjoying warm days in the sun. Surfing lessons are available upon request.

The resort most recently unveiled updated guest rooms in the Seaview and Towers buildings and the on-site restaurant, Splashes. Located on the first floor of the hotel, just steps above the coastline, this intimate dining experience is a must during your stay in Laguna Beach. Be sure to reserve a table on the outdoor terrace to revel in storybook sunsets, which paint the horizon in beautiful, dreamy hues.

Each plate draws upon seaside influences, creatively reimagined through innovative culinary techniques under the guidance of Chef Ron Fougeray. The entire waitstaff was accommodating and detail-oriented, and my server, Patrick, was exceptionally personable and attentive. These factors demonstrate that Splashes is not merely a hotel restaurant; it stands out as its own unique entity, attracting a loyal following of locals, oenophiles, and foodies.

Other exciting additions include the reopening of the Aquaterra Spa and the brand-new Coastline Café, which will offer hand-crafted cocktails and coffee drinks. While these amenities make it hard to leave the property, you’re just a short stroll away from some of the best cafés and shopping in Laguna Beach. Renowned hat artist Teressa Foglia’s shop is located directly across the street, and other favorites like Bear Coast Coffee and Rye Goods bakery are almost necessities with exceptional offerings and friendly staff. You’ll wander past numerous ice cream shops, swimwear stores, specialty boutiques, and barefooted local kids heading to the beach with surfboards in hand.

Luxury can be experienced in every detail, from the herringbone flooring to the spacious bathroom featuring a stone-clad shower and full-size soaking tub overlooking the ocean through sliding privacy doors.

If a drive down the California coast is calling your name, be sure to include Surf & Sand in your itinerary. Within minutes, guests can easily access beautiful hiking trails, the Pacific Ocean, and downtown Laguna Beach. The location is also ideal for further exploration, as it is close to Dana Point, Newport Beach, and San Clemente.

As time ticks on and the tides turn, the soul of this Laguna Beach legend remains. The next wave is here—refined, reimagined, and eager to build upon a legacy of seaside luxury.

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To book your stay at Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach, please visit SurfandSandResort.com and stay up to date with all current happenings on Instagram @surfandsandlaguna.