10 Things Every Visitor Must Do and See in Laguna Beach, According to a Local
From enjoying fresh sushi to mountain biking and hiking, this is the ultimate itinerary.
Daniel Salcius/Unsplash
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Meet the Insider: Ryan Hitzel, Founder of Roark
Photo by Hannah Redfield.
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
Ryan Hitzel is the founder of the adventure lifestyle apparel brand Roark. Rooted in travel and surf culture, his collections are inspired by far-flung destinations with designs that meet the demands of rigorous adventure. When he’s not chasing waves, you can find Hitzel in his Southern California hometown—known for its creative community of shapers and painters, as well as its magnificent white-sand beaches—with his wife and kids.
STAY
Chris Mottalini
Casa Loma feels like it could be anywhere but has shades of home—a bohemian’s paradise. The details are impeccable and well-traveled, a bespoke enclave for both the road-weary and those on holiday. I dig everything about it. I could imagine being anywhere on Earth sitting at the bar, yet it’s still uniquely Laguna Beach because of the local homage woven into Casa Loma’s tapestry. A must-stay.
EAT
Paige Griffin
Start off at Miki—a sushi and sake bar with an incredible legacy. It originally opened in 2000 with an all-female sushi chef staff. The namesake chef (who has since passed away) was personally trained by Nobu Matsuhisa. My good friend Chris Olsen brought back the original female chef team to continue the tradition. It’s magical, and there’s only room for 32, so stay on it!
Adolfo’s Mexican Food is your go-to with sandy feet. A pillar of the community since the ‘80s, Adolfo and Connie raised my friends and me on rice, beans, and, oddly enough, one of the best burgers around. It might be because they grill the patties in the carnitas grease, but they won’t confirm or deny. Now run by their kids, it’s a great spot with a family-friendly vibe.
For eating and drinking, try AhbA. It’s got a younger feel and great music. From branzino to filet and truffle fries, the food is on-point. It’s loud and communal, so be ready to socialize. Next door at Helen’s, they converted a house into a bar and preserved the furniture from the previous occupant. The result is a ‘70s house party vibe, complete with shag carpet and cigarette-burnt couches.
SHOP
I still shop at the surf shop where I worked as a kid, Laguna Surf & Sport. It’s the original hardcore surf shop in town. It smells like coconut Sexwax, and you may or may not get the correct surf report—it depends on your vibe. They’ll hook you up with the best gear and essentials for an epic day at the beach. Tell them Roark sent ya.
DO
Laguna Beach offers endless options for a good time, starting with some of the most secluded and beautiful beaches in America. (A couple of notable Sunset favorites: Thalia Street and Crystal Cove State Park.) From there, check out the trail system, which boasts world-class mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. With its rich Indigenous history and abundant flora and fauna, you won’t be disappointed. And in the summer, the Sawdust Art Festival is a glimpse into Laguna’s off-kilter past. Remnants of its free spirit remain strong in the kitschy art and music in the canyon.
