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As we enter the final official month of winter, wouldn’t it be nice to get a head start on spring?
Lush greenery, splendid sunshine, and cloudless blue skies. That’s what you’ll find along pristine coastlines and village-like streets in one of California’s most beautiful destinations.
Sandwiched between San Diego and Los Angeles lies a ritzy paradise perfect for a spring getaway, especially with so many convenient airports in close reach.
A far cry from the cheesy reality show of the name same, Laguna Beach is a desirable beach haven to kick back, relax, and cap off winter in style.
Best of all, February is one of the best times to visit before the hordes of Spring Breakers and eventual summer vacationers flock here.
Orange County’s Real Life Postcard
Sure, you might send a postcard back home to Gam Gam when you visit world-famous Disney Land, but here in another Orange County destination, you’ll feel like you’re actually inside a postcard setting.
Laguna Beach is indescribably pretty. Despite being a household name, at least for Millennials, Laguna Beach feels like a secret hideaway after taking the winding turns of Laguna Canyon Rd., ultimately reaching this SoCal paradise.
It’s truly quintessential Southern California. For better or worse, you’ll see frosted-tipped lifeguards, shirtless surfers, seemingly out-of-control rollerbladers, lively beach volleyball games, and bikini-clad beachgoers who are modeling agencies’ dream clients.
Numerous Orange County beaches, but particularly Laguna Beach, are to die for any time you can visit without hordes of tourists cramping your space.
Whether lounging around, taking a scenic stroll, or fitting in like a local catching ‘gnarly waves, bruh’, the vivid blue waters and soft golden sand are just what the doctor ordered to treat yourself to a last-minute “winter” vacation.
Plus, much of the scenic cliffside backdrop is lined with benches to enjoy the views, but just know Thousand Steps Beach is now off-limits after an unfortunate mudslide.
If you ask me, it’s impossible for Crescent Bay Beach to ever get old. That’s my go-to.
Throw Modesty By The Wayside: Pamper Yourself In Paradise!
Laguna Beach is an idyllic escape, but also a place not to hold back. As a San Diegan, I’ve been to Laguna Beach a handful of times and my bank account is always lighter than it was when I arrived.
But… notice I said ‘handful of times’, meaning it’s such an awesome place I didn’t learn my lesson!
This is my secret game plan to maximize savings, which is all doable in February without the crowds:
- Meters have a 3-hour limit, so park in a lot (and make use of the free trolley to get around)
- Stock up on snacks at Whole Foods (walking distance from the beach)
- When it’s time to wrap up beach time, find a great happy hour spot such as Mozambique
- Window-shop ’til you drop
- Cap off the day at Gelato Paradiso – always a must!
The caveat is that I’m fairly local, so I can drive back home at leisure. For you, you’ll want to rest your head at night in one of Laguna’s high-end hotels and resorts.
Plus, you never know what celeb you’ll run into to hobnob with.
According to TripAdvisor, these are Laguna Beach’s top 5 luxury stays right now:
- Montage Laguna Beach
- Casa Loma Beach Hotel
- The Ranch At Laguna Beach
- Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach (my favorite!)
- Sunset Cove Villas
Getting Here Couldn’t Be Easier: 5 Airports In Close Reach
Laguna Beach is a popular road trip destination for Californians, especially to escape LA’s grind and zombie-like downtown in favor of this picture-perfect beach haven’s clean streets minus a few scattered transients.
Hey, it’s California…
But as Anaheim has become one of California’s trendiest cities, Orange County is beginning to see glimpses of newfound fame.
In all likelihood, you will need a rental car to make the trip as smooth as possible. As such, there are 5 convenient airports to fly into within an hour’s driving distance of Laguna Beach:
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 20 minutes
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) – 30 minutes
- McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) – 45 minutes (opening to public February 13th)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 50 minutes
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 55 minutes
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
