The best hotel in Laguna Beach is Montage Laguna Beach, a Craftsman-style resort on the bluffs with its own cove, a great spa and a kids' club. For a room right over the waves, book Surf & Sand. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is the relaxed, family-friendly pick in a quiet canyon. Couples should look at Hotel Joaquin. Laguna's hotels book out quickly in summer, when rates peak. Fall brings warm water, fewer crowds and better prices.
Our Top Picks
Best overall: Montage Laguna Beach
Best on the sand: Surf & Sand
Best for families: The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Best for couples: Hotel Joaquin
Best nearby resort: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Where to Stay in Laguna Beach
Laguna is a small, artsy beach town, and most of the best hotels sit along Pacific Coast Highway.
North Laguna is quieter and residential, with coves like Crescent Bay and Shaw's Cove that are great for tide-pooling and snorkeling.
Downtown and Main Beach put you in the middle of town, steps from galleries, restaurants and the boardwalk.
South Laguna is home to the big resorts and some of the prettiest coves.
If you want even more resort options, Dana Point and Newport Coast are each about 15 minutes away.
Montage Laguna Beach
The best hotel in Laguna, and one of the best beach resorts in the country. Montage sits on a bluff above Treasure Island Beach, styled like a grand Craftsman home, with lawns, an oceanfront pool and a path down to its own cove. The spa is excellent, the restaurants are strong, and the Paintbox kids' club makes it a great family stay too. It's expensive, especially in summer, but it delivers on everything.
Surf & Sand
The best hotel for being right on the beach. Surf & Sand sits directly on the sand just south of downtown, so every room has an ocean view and many have balconies over the waves. Splashes, its restaurant, has one of the best sunset tables in town. It's relaxed and polished, and a short walk to the galleries and restaurants.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
A laid-back resort tucked into a canyon just inland from the coast. It has a nine-hole golf course, a pool, a spa and plenty of space, and the beach is a short walk across the highway. The vibe is casual and outdoorsy, which makes it a favorite for families and anyone who wants a quieter stay.
Hotel Joaquin
A small, stylish boutique hotel in North Laguna, above Shaw's Cove. Rooms are breezy and bright, decorated with vintage pieces and local art, and the pool scene is calm and grown-up. It's geared toward couples and makes a lovely romantic base, a short walk from one of Laguna's best coves.
Casa Loma Beach Hotel
Formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach, this hotel sits on the bluff right above Main Beach. It's the best location in town for walking everywhere, with ocean-view rooms and an easy stroll to restaurants, shops and the boardwalk.
Check rates at Casa Loma Beach Hotel
Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
A charming, hillside inn in a Spanish-style mission building, with terraced gardens and views over the ocean. It's small and personal, with a good breakfast and a calm, romantic feel. It's a great value for couples who don't need to be on the sand.
Check rates at Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
Laguna Beach House
A relaxed, mid-century-style hotel in North Laguna, a short walk from the beach. Rooms are simple and bright, and there's a courtyard pool. It's one of the better-value stays in town.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
About 15 minutes south in Dana Point, the Ritz sits on a cliff over Salt Creek Beach. It recently finished a major renovation that refreshed every room and expanded the spa. Families get a Ritz Kids program and a big lawn and pools. It's a strong alternative to Montage when Laguna is full.
Check rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Also in Dana Point, this large resort has a golf course, a beach club, several pools and a big spa. It's polished and family-friendly, with plenty to do on site.
Check rates at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Best Time to Visit Laguna Beach
September and October are the best months. The water is warm, the weather is clear, and the summer crowds are gone. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season, especially in July and August during the Sawdust Art Festival and the Pageant of the Masters, when hotels sell out early.
May and June often bring "May Gray" and "June Gloom," with foggy mornings. Winter is mild and quiet, with the lowest rates. Book two to three months ahead for summer.
How to Choose a Hotel in Laguna Beach
Decide first how close you want to be to the water. For rooms right on the beach, book Surf & Sand or Montage. To walk everywhere in town, choose Casa Loma. For a quieter, more relaxed stay, try The Ranch or Hotel Joaquin.
Families do best at Montage, The Ranch or the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point. Couples should look at Hotel Joaquin or Casa Laguna. For value, Laguna Beach House is the pick.
Laguna also pairs well with a longer coastal trip. See our San Diego to Solvang road trip, the best family resorts in California, and the best hotels in Santa Barbara and Montecito.
FAQ
What is the best hotel in Laguna Beach? Montage Laguna Beach, for its setting, spa, service and family amenities. Surf & Sand is the best pick for a room right on the beach.
Which Laguna Beach hotels are on the beach? Surf & Sand is directly on the sand, and Montage has a path down to its own cove. Casa Loma sits on the bluff above Main Beach.
What is the best Laguna Beach hotel for families? Montage Laguna Beach for its kids' club, or The Ranch at Laguna Beach for a relaxed canyon resort with golf and space.
What is the best romantic hotel in Laguna Beach? Hotel Joaquin for a stylish boutique stay, or Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa for a charming hillside inn.
Is Laguna Beach or Dana Point better? Laguna has more charm, galleries and restaurants. Dana Point has bigger resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria, about 15 minutes south.
When is the best time to visit Laguna Beach? September and October, for warm water, clear skies and fewer crowds.