I have been lucky enough to spend a fair amount of time in California throughout the years. Since my first trip to that state, I was forever seduced by the perfect (and I don't say this lightly) weather, the beaches, the food, the beautiful people, and the Spanish-influenced architecture.
During these trips, I have mostly stayed in Orange County, and I have come to find two of favorite places in Southern California: Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano. So, after wandering around everything they have to offer, I have come up with a shortlist of recommendations.
Laguna Beach
As a pop culture fan, I am disappointed at myself for never watching the MTV reality show (although I knew of Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari, of course). But I can say that this was the city that made me fall for California, as I felt it truly encapsulated the ideal I watched on TV: the awe-striking houses, beach culture, gorgeous people, and artsy vibe. Life feels nicer and more effortless there.
If you take a stroll around the city and look attentively, you find magical corners everywhere: tiles, staircases, phonebooths, nothing is dull.
On my first visits to Laguna, my family would buy me ice cream at Gelato Paradiso at the lovely Pepper Tree Lane, a historic building where you'll find cocktail bars and a chocolate boutique, etc. Afterward, they would take me on walks around the many art galleries and unique corners of the city. I remember these promenades fondly.
However, during the pandemic, my boyfriend and I stayed one month in a little city near Laguna Beach while working east coast hours remotely. This meant we'd hit the beach every day at 3 PM to read or relax from the world's craziness. We would alternate between Victoria, Strands, and West, each with a different appeal, like proximity, fewer crowds, or better walks.
During our last trip in 2022, I was glad to wander the packed streets, the farmers market, and Main Beach and go on hikes on the scenic Top of the World, where you can enjoy sights of the sea and the hills, the houses, and sometimes, goats.
And most importantly, I had the chance to try out new places for food and drinks. Here are my recommendations:
- Have breakfast/brunch at Anastasia Café & Boutique or Urth Caffé: Anastasia is a hip spot for brunch in Laguna Beach with tasty smoothies and big servings. It is always packed, and they do not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-serve. However, I highly recommend sitting outside to enjoy the buoyancy of the streets. We ordered the Fisherman's Feast and the Eggs Anna with orange + strawberry smoothies and left quite happy.
If you prefer a different view, try Urth Café. This Californian chain of coffeehouses has an enviable location in Laguna overlooking the ocean. The lines are endless, but the menu is extensive, and the coffee and views are worth it.
From left to right: Anastasia, the Farmer's Market and the view across from Ruth Café
- Have dinner at Harvest: Harvest is one of my favorite restaurants I have tried this year. Tucked in within The Ranch Hotel, the first thing that blew my mind was the sight of the Aliso and Wood canyons. It has an outdoor space that is great for having drinks in the late afternoon (I highly recommend the guava Moscow mule!) and an indoor space. We decided to have dinner indoors, and it was so worth it: the décor, the views, and the food were nothing short of perfect. We tried the duck wings, the grass-fed beef and pork Bolognese, the Achiote braised lamb shank, and the Whales cove mussels. I am happy to say that this is one of those restaurants where everything is as delicious as the next.
- Have drinks at the Montage Hotel: This is the perfect plan for an afternoon of drinks and views of the ocean, which will strike you as soon as you enter the hotel. The building has different restaurants, but I recommend staying at the Lobby Lounge and Piano Bar if you want a mellow evening with a sophisticated yet laid-back ambiance. Then, find your way to the outdoor section to get a front-row seat to the sunset to pair with your drinks. We enjoyed the Mariachi cocktail and the Faire la Fête rosé.
San Juan Capistrano
Before setting foot there, I had never heard of Capistrano. However, one time was enough to fall in love with this little town so close but so different from Laguna Beach. From that first visit, I have remained charmed by its lush orange trees, the life around its train tracks, the houses with unique details, and its swallows.
If you visit during the day, I recommend taking a self-guided tour around the Mission to appreciate its 200-year history and awe-inspiring gardens. It is a peaceful, beautifully preserved landmark and museum that once served as a center for education, religion, and industry, among other things.
Then, right outside, you will find a succession of stores (I love a gallery-boutique called Inspiration), restaurants, and bars. I have had the chance to try a few of them, but these are my favorite:
- Have afternoon tea and cocktails at the Tea House on Los Rios: Everything at this spot is so good! They offer high tea experiences or loose-leaf tea servings of your choosing. We tried the Watermelon Oolong, the Cucumber Melon, and the White Chocolate Moose, and not only did we love the taste of all of them and the way they were presented. We paired the tea with a spectacular bread pudding and tasty tea sandwiches. We did not want to leave without a stronger drink, so we also went for the lavender lemonade and the mimosa flight, and both were absolutely delicious! If you decide to visit, make reservations in advance!
- Have drinks at Mayfield: On a stroll around Capistrano, I was lured by Mayfield's grand exterior and huge windows, which revealed a minimalistic but tasteful décor. While the restaurant's Mediterranean menu looked good, we settled for drinks, and we were so glad we did it. Their cocktail menu is extensive, and I am not exaggerating when I say that every cocktail looked incredible. We had a hard time choosing but eventually went for the Sunrise in San Juan and the Señor Pineapple. Again, we were not disappointed and, overall, just wished we had more time (and a designated driver) to keep trying them all.
- Have dinner at Trevor's at the Tracks: Don't miss out on this place right in front of the tracks. This spot is always vibrant, with live music every night and delicious food. While the indoor space is beautiful and embodies the town's history, I prefer to sit outside to enjoy the music and watch life around the tracks. Try the fig & fungi flatbread, the Beverly Hills boho stew, and my personal favorite: the ahi poke nachos.
- Have dessert at La Michoacana: If you want to satisfy a sweet craving, try La Michoacana. This unpretentious spot has all sorts of Mexican ice cream, paletas, and desserts at affordable prices. I highly recommend their Strawberries & Cream and Mango Chamoy paletas: they will leave you wanting more. One of this sweet treats would be a perfect pairing to a stroll around the town.
I hope you enjoy these recommendations! The more I write about California, the more I wish I was back there again. Have you visited yet?
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