Catherine & Julius
Things To Do
Crystal Cove State Park
This beautiful state park is where Catherine went on a field trip in 5th grade and fell in love with tide pooling! There are multiple entrances into the park on the ocean side and multiple parking lots inland.
Beachcomber Cafe
If you just went hiking or tide pooling at Crystal Cove and are looking for a bite to eat--or are feeling like having a (veeeeery large and reeeeeally good) cocktail--then head over to the Beachcomer Cafe and its attached bar the Bootlegger. The restaurant is literally *on the beach* and is next to the historic Crystal Cove Beach Cottages.
Wyland Gallery
Want to see some amazing marine life art for free in a gallery with a great view of Main Beach? Then head to the Wyland gallery, we go every time we’re visiting! This Laguna gallery is not only his first gallery, but underneath is also his CA house! The side of the gallery is also the site of Wyland's first Whaling Wall, which he recently refinished in 2019.
The Saloon
Across the street from the Wyland gallery is our favorite local bar has a lot of local history and also the best slogan: “Be nice or go to Newport!” It epitomizes Laguna Beach, and even has a great “locals” drink made with pineapple infused vodka made right in the bar! (And if you want some great gelato after, head out the side door and down the alley and you'll inevitably see the line forming for the gelato shop!)
Ben Brown's Golf Course
Feel like some golf? You're in luck! Conveniently located at The Ranch is Ben Brown's 9-hole golf course, which is sprawled throughout Aliso Canyon. Don't worry if you are traveling from far away and don't have clubs, they have clubs that you can rent!
Pirate Tower
One of the lesser known historical sites in Laguna Beach is the pirate tower at Victoria beach. The story is that a local wanted quick and easy access to the beach, so he decided to build this tower of stairs straight down to the coast. Although you can't walk in it now, you can still visit the beach and check out the tower!
Main Beach
The iconic Main Beach is at the heart of downtown Laguna and not only has great beach access, but also basketball and volleyball courts. And of course, we cannot forget the famous lifeguard station!
The Greeter's Corner Restaurant
According to thegoodlifelaguna.com, for almost 40 years Eiler Larsen was "the official Greeter of Laguna. Rain or shine, you could find him standing on Pacific Coast Highway, waiving to the visitors of Laguna Beach, and booming “Helloo-ooo” Before he settled in Laguna, “He had wandered the world, selling butter in czarist Siberia, fighting in France during World War I, [and] walking the Appalachian Trail with his dog." He came to Laguna to try out for the Pageant of the Masters and decided to stay to greet tourists and residents. A statue of him sits next to the Greeter's Corner restaurant, which has great sandwiches and burgers if you're looking for a quick bite with a view of Main Beach.
Hobie Surf Shop Laguna Beach
The late Hobie Alter used to sell balsa-wood surfboards out of his parents' garage in Laguna Beach. Decades later, he was able to build one of the most loved Southern Californian surf and sand shops. If you're looking to check out a typical CA surf shop, why not visit one from the man who started the very first surf shop here? (Also, some fun Laguna trivia - Mr. Alter is the father-in-law of the owner of Tuvalu and also worked with the current owner of The Ranch, who is now the president of Hobie shops!)
Tuvalu
If you’re in the mood to shop for local trinkets and cool beach decor, then head over to our favorite store Tuvalu. Fun fact: if you like the style in The Ranch and their hotel rooms, everything was styled by Tuvalu!! The founder of this home store with a classic beachy feel is the sister of the owner of The Ranch.