r/LagunaBeach

Maybe a long shot - maybe not... but it might be cool to pull together a club or a regular tournament.

Hey All, longtime Laguna local here. I operate a mobile pizza pop-up / catering business and wanted to get the word out!

I do super high quality sourdough pizzas with a lot of amazing and unique toppings. If you have any upcoming parties and are sick of taco trucks, hit me up! Will definitely be a crowd pleaser.

Here’s my site: Funked Up Pizza Co.

Is anyone else noticing the smell of smoke in the air? 8ive noticed the smell the last two mornings. Is it due to the Santa Rosa fire?

Are there really no in home day cares in laguna beach?

I took your input from my last draft and made a lot of changes. I will be based out of Dana Point. Yes I know I can’t depend on exact times and prices. It is just a guide and I am down to stray if the right adventure comes my way. I will be doing most of this with public transit and rideshares. If anyone wants to join for anything along the way just DM me.

Day 1:

• 2:45 PM | Queen Mary: I'll arrive in Long Beach for a hero shot from a distance. (Walk: 0.3 miles from the parking loop to the harbor railing).
• 3:15 PM | The "County Line" Drop: I'll get dropped off at the Seal Beach In-N-Out by a friend. I'm definitely grabbing some Animal Style fries and a shake before moving on.
• 3:20 PM | The Rideshare Hack to ARTIC: > 💡 THE HACK: By getting dropped off just over the county line in Seal Beach, I'll book an Uber from the Orange County side. This will successfully dodge the $15+ LA County exit surge fee. Uber usually has better real-time driver density near this specific county line. (Estimated Cost: $20 – $28).
• 4:00 PM | ARTIC Buffer: I'll arrive at ARTIC and grab a drink before the train. (Walk: 0.1 miles from drop-off to the platform).
• 5:56 PM | Amtrak Surfliner: I'll board the Southbound Train 590 at ARTIC. (Cost: $0 - Booked with Amtrak points!)
• 6:35 PM | SJC Arrival & Hotel Transfer: I'll step off the train at San Juan Capistrano. I plan to use Lyft here, as it historically has lower surge pricing at this station. (Estimated Cost: $15 – $20 straight to the Dana Point hotel).

Day 2:

• 10:30 AM | The Lazy Morning Bus: I'll walk 0.3 miles to PCH & Del Obispo to catch the OCTA Route 91 Bus North (Cost: $2.00).
• 10:45 AM | SJC Arrival: I'll walk 0.1 miles from the bus stop to the train tracks.
• 11:00 AM | Heavy Brunch at Trevor’s at the Tracks: We'll walk right in. I plan to order the Seoul Bowl and a White Russian. (The Coconut Carrot Cake will be a great audible if I have the room!)
• 11:45 AM | Mission San Juan Capistrano: I'll walk 0.1 miles directly across the street to the main gate and spend an hour exploring the historic stone ruins.
• 12:45 PM | Los Rios & River Street Marketplace: I'll stroll 0.4 miles around the dirt paths and outdoor market lanes.
• 1:30 PM | The Easy Ride Home: I'll take the OCTA Route 91 Bus South (Cost: $2.00) back to the hotel to wash up and change.
• 2:30 PM | The Free Trolley Move: I'll walk 0.1 miles to the PCH curb, take the Free Dana Point Trolley to the Ritz Carlton, then seamlessly transfer to the Free Laguna Beach Coastal Trolley.
• 3:15 PM | Arrive in Laguna: I'll head to South of Nick's. (Pro-tip: If you have a garment bag or extra stuff, hand it off to the host desk upon arrival).
• 3:30 PM | The Pre-Shoot Feast: I'll grab an early dinner at South of Nick's. I plan to ask for a half-order of the Birria Empanadas to start, and get the Seafood Chile Relleno (stuffed with Mexican prawns and lobster) as my main.
• 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Photo Session & Exploring: I'll walk ~0.8 miles across Heisler Park, Peppertree Lane, and Forest Ave for great photo ops.
• 6:50 PM | The Post-Shoot Rideshare: Because the free Laguna trolley stops at 6:00 PM, I'll open Obi/Curb to compare Uber and Lyft (whoever is closest wins). (Estimated Cost: $14 – $18 from downtown Laguna to the Dana Point Preserve).
• 7:20 PM | Quick Sunset Cliff Walk: I'll walk 0.5 miles out and back along the dirt cliffside boardwalk to catch the sweeping ocean views.
• 7:50 PM | The Early Trolley Home: I'll take the Free Dana Point Trolley (runs until 9:00 PM) straight back to the hotel to crash early.

Day 3:

• 10:00 AM | Morning Beach Chill: I'll walk 0.1 miles across PCH onto the sand at Doheny State Beach for a quiet morning.
• 11:00 AM | The Short Hop Uber: I'll walk out to the hotel driveway with my luggage. I'll use Lyft, which often has better local availability and pricing for short hops within South OC. (Estimated Cost: $12 for a 10-minute drive to the SJC Amtrak Station).
• 11:25 AM | The Scenic Rail Connection: I'll board the Southbound Pacific Surfliner at SJC (Cost: $0 - Covered by Amtrak points!).💡 PRO-TIP: I'll make sure to sit on the right side of the train to watch the waves crash against the tracks as we pass through San Clemente!
• 12:08 PM | Oceanside Arrival & The Bag Hack: > 💡 THE HACK: Instead of dragging bags around, I'll walk 0.1 miles to a pre-booked LuggageHero or Bounce partner location near the station to drop my bags securely (Cost: ~$5 total).
• 12:15 PM | Top Gun House & Gelato: I'll walk 0.3 miles west toward the ocean to the famous Victorian cottage. I'll step inside to An’s Gelato (Gate D5) and order "The Checked Bag" flavor combo to eat on the porch.
• 12:45 PM | Oceanside Pier Walk: I'll walk next door to the pier entrance, doing the 0.6 miles total out to the very end of the historic wooden pier planks and back.
• 1:45 PM | Return to Station: I'll walk 0.3 miles back to the luggage drop to reclaim my suitcases, then head straight to the platform.
• 1:52 PM | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner South: I'll board my second train of the day bound for San Diego. (Cost: $0 - Covered by Amtrak points! Again, I'll keep that window seat on the right side for uninterrupted ocean views).
• 3:01 PM | San Diego Arrival & Hotel Transfer: I'll step off at Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. Lyft has a direct partnership with SD transit and is frequently cheaper heading west to Point Loma. (Estimated Cost: $16 – $22 straight to the hotel to check in and relax).

I’ve taken in a lot of advice and research about the OC. I would love a final look at it. I will be based out of Dana Point. Yes I know I can’t depend on exact times with traffic. It is just a guide and I am down to stray if the right adventure comes my way. I will be doing most of this with public transit and rideshares. If anyone wants to join for anything along the way just DM me.

Monday, June 15

• 2:45 PM | Queen Mary: Arrive in Long Beach for a photo op under the iconic red/black smokestacks (0.3 miles walking).
• 3:15 PM | The Orange County Drop: Friend drives 15 minutes east to the Seal Beach In-N-Out (12341 Seal Beach Blvd).
• 3:20 PM | The Rideshare Request: Immediately open Obi or Curb to price-compare. Request a Standard Lyft or UberX (~$20–$28) to ARTIC. By starting the rideshare in Orange County instead of LA County, this bypasses the LA surge pricing. (Drive time: ~35 mins).
• 4:00 PM | ARTIC Buffer: Arrive at ARTIC. Plenty of buffer time to relax in the glass atrium and grab a drink.
• 5:56 PM | Amtrak Surfliner: Board the Southbound Pacific Surfliner Train 590 at ARTIC.
• 6:35 PM | SJC Arrival: Step off the train at San Juan Capistrano. Take a local Taxi or Curb (~$15–$20) to the hotel.

Tuesday, June 16

• 9:00 AM | Departure: Walk 0.1 miles to catch the OC Bus Route 1 North ($2.00).
• 10:30 AM | Frozen Banana: Stroll Balboa Island and grab a dipped banana at Sugar ’n Spice (0.7 miles total walk).
• 11:15 AM | The Ferry: Walk to the Balboa Island Ferry ($1.50) for the bay crossing.
• 11:45 AM | Transit South: Take an Uber/Lyft (~$20-$25) or hop back on the OC Bus Route 1 South ($2.00) to ride down the coast to Laguna Beach.
• 1:00 PM | Lunch at Nick’s Laguna Beach: The Order: Prime Rib Dip and the legendary Warm Butter Cake.
• 3:30 PM | Transit Inland: Uber/Lyft from Laguna Beach inland to San Juan Capistrano (~$18-$25).
• 4:30 PM | History Inland: Explore the Mission San Juan Capistrano and Los Rios District (0.2 miles walking between sites).
• 6:00 PM | Sunset Transit: Take the Route 91 Bus ($2.00) directly to Dana Point Harbor for the sunset walk (1.0 mile loop).
• 9:00 PM | Final Trolley: Catch the free Dana Point Trolley back to the hotel.

Wednesday, June 17

• 9:00 AM | Morning Zen: Walk 0.1 miles to Doheny State Beach. Sit in the sand, get toes in the water, and relax.
• 2:45 PM | Transit Prep: Board the OC Bus Route 1 North ($2.00). The enclosed bus keeps hair and outfit protected from the coastal wind before a scheduled photoshoot.
• 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | The Photo Shoot: Meet the photographer. Walk roughly 0.6 miles total across Heisler Park, Peppertree Lane, and Forest Ave.
• 7:30 PM | Celebration Dinner: Walk 0.1 miles to an oceanfront reservation at Las Brisas (Taste of Las Brisas menu).
• 9:30 PM | The Luggage Run: Request an Uber with an "Add-a-Stop" (Las Brisas ➡️ Hotel to grab bags ➡️ SJC Station). Expect ~$20–$30.
• 10:30 PM | Station Arrival: Arrive at SJC.
• 11:36 PM | The Night Train: Board Amtrak Surfliner Train 796 south to San Diego. Take a late-night rideshare (~$10–$15) from Santa Fe Depot to check in at the hotel in Point Loma.

Hello all - I was just wondering if any locals have advice for affordable places to stay in Laguna Beach in September…. Much appreciate any suggestions!

Please save us.

Many of us have dedicated years to hospitality because we genuinely care about service, standards, and creating memorable guest experiences. Unfortunately, under the current General Manager, those values have deteriorated significantly.

There appears to be little regard for true fine dining or Forbes-level service standards. Management positions and hires are being filled primarily with former friends and coworkers from casual dining establishments such as Buffalo Wild Wings, many of whom lack the experience necessary for the level of hospitality this property should represent. Basic cocktail standards are inconsistent, with bartenders unable to properly execute even simple drinks like an Aperol Spritz or Espresso Martini.

There is little structure, accountability, or quality control in both the kitchen and bar. Instead of leadership and support, blame is frequently shifted onto servers for management failures. Since arriving, the General Manager has created a culture where employees feel forced to fend for themselves rather than operate as a supported team. Constructive criticism or concerns are often met with threats of reduced hours, creating a workplace environment driven by fear rather than professionalism.

Meanwhile, management frequently remains in the office with minimal floor presence unless specifically called upon. At the same time, friends of management are regularly brought in for complimentary dinners.

This property has incredible potential, and many hardworking employees still care deeply about its reputation and future. We simply hope ownership takes a closer look at what is truly happening within the culture and operations of the restaurant and hotel before more talented staff and loyal guests are lost.

Sincerely,

A concerned employee

​

Please save us.

Many of us have dedicated years to hospitality because we genuinely care about service, standards, and creating memorable guest experiences. Unfortunately, under the current General Manager, those values have deteriorated significantly.

There appears to be little regard for true fine dining or Forbes-level service standards. Management positions and hires are being filled primarily with former friends and coworkers from casual dining establishments such as Buffalo Wild Wings, many of whom lack the experience necessary for the level of hospitality this property should represent. Basic cocktail standards are inconsistent, with bartenders unable to properly execute even simple drinks like an Aperol Spritz or Espresso Martini.

There is little structure, accountability, or quality control in both the kitchen and bar. Instead of leadership and support, blame is frequently shifted onto servers for management failures. Since arriving, the General Manager has created a culture where employees feel forced to fend for themselves rather than operate as a supported team.

Constructive criticism or concerns are often met with threats of reduced hours, creating a workplace environment driven by fear rather than professionalism. Meanwhile, management frequently remains in the office with minimal floor presence unless specifically called upon. At the same time, friends of management are regularly brought in for complimentary dinners.

This property has incredible potential, and many hardworking employees still care deeply about its reputation and future. We simply hope ownership takes a closer look at what is truly happening within the culture and operations of the restaurant and hotel before more talented staff and loyal guests are lost.

Sincerely,

A concerned employee

hi everyone so my wedding is set for June 27th this summer in laguna beach!! my fiancé and i are super excited. however we are running into a major unforeseen issue...we booked a photographer from 3-10pm for the whole day and were planning on either doing a quick private ceremony (only us two and the officiant) in our hotel room or at crescent bay park. and then continue to take more couple photos together at the park after and maybe also at treasure island park. our reception starts at 6pm, so we really wanted to take individual pictures together before. however, as i'm going online to apply for the permits it seems Laguna doesn't allow any professional photography from 10am-6pm in the summertime!!! oh no :( is there anything we can do to get around this and still get a permit? any advice? or are we just screwed at this point? any help is greatly appreciated thank you

Hi ladies and gentlemen,

We’re considering opening a small boutique nail salon about 3 minutes from downtown. The area seems to have good street parking available, but one of our main questions is the customer base. We know there are a lot of tourists coming through, but we’d really love to create a space more for locals and the community.

Our pricing would likely be a bit higher than the average nearby salons, but with a stronger focus on quality, experience, and service.

As locals, would something like that interest you? And where do you usually go for nails (if you do)? We’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts 🤍

Hi! Newly engaged here. I know Casa Loma just renovated. Any advice, thoughts, recommendation on Casa Loma as a wedding venue? I know they don’t have much parking- any advice on how to rent parking elsewhere?

Hey, Im from Santa Cruz visiting and am staying in Dana Point a few months and want to find more chill spots with a more surfer down to earth vibe to hang out around here. Beaches, karaoke, open mics, any recs welcome

Serving South Orange County

I have this beloved memory of eating breakfast with my dad in a restaurant at Laguna beach that had a patio full of plants and a bunch of decorative stone fountains. I know I ate pancakes, but I have no memory of other menu items. This was 10+ years ago, so I’m not sure if it still exists. Does anyone local know what I’m talking about??

Hi! I am traveling the area and was wondering what the water quality for Laguna beach is and if it’s safe for kayaking in terms of bacteria. I know there were several advisories about rainfall and such so I just wanted to be better safe than sorry. I checked ocbeachinfo but I’m not sure how up to date it is.