We started off today by heading straight to the beach! Upon recommendation from a friend, we put Anita Beach in as our destination, and cruised around until we found parking. For as busy as it was, parking was pretty easy to find on the street.
LA -> Laguna Beach
Starting the morning off with a bit of coffee and some website work/blog update (I'm trying to stay on top of these!). The hotel has a full bar and restaurant with a Starbucks bar, as well as a breakfast buffet. We're heading out for something more "local' though.
We landed in LA last night around 6:30, shuttled to Enterprise and were able to get to Laguna Beach and check-in by 8, despite the notorious Los Angeles traffic.
We stayed at the The Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel the first night. When we arrived at the hotel, it was smooth sailing. Easy check-in, they have vallet ($25/night) as well as on-site self parking ($19/night). We were able to park right up front to unload, as well as hit the room to freshen up before heading out.
Understandably, we were tired from traveling all day, but we couldn't pass up the first of many tiki bars to come. The Royal Hawaiian is right on North Coast Highway, a block from the ocean (We could hear the waves crashing when we parked). It was established in 1947, and has the decor to match. From the banana leaf wallpaper tot he grass ceiling, it had an aesthetic plenty capable of matching the drinks! I discovered the difference between Run and Rhum, while going through the plethora of drink options on the menu (I recommend the Tropical Itch..).
When we flew in, it was dark, and we could not see any of the sights that we knew would be breathtaking in the daylight. Today upon waking up, we could see the pool out of the room window, as well as the sunny skies welcoming us. I am very eager to go explore!
On the agenda for today, find a local spot for breakfast/brunch, scope out the downtown Laguna Beach art scene (studios, galleries, shops, oh my!), photograph some of the beaches/coast, and start to make our way down to Palm Springs!
The view from the room. I don't think we'll be able to hit the pool today, in lieu of the ocean! It's 84 degrees out irregardless.
Exhibit: Fire and Ice by The Mowhawk Gallery
See my piece, ‘Deal with the Devil’, on display at Mowhawk Gallery for their Fire and Ice exhibit.