Thank you to Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels for hosting my stay so I could write this detailed review of my experience.
Sipping wine from a grand patio hanging above the ocean, I gaze over the pulsating waves of the vast Pacific, in what feels like a view to the end of the world. The winter sunset, aglow in my wine glass, enhances the golden color. The long-cresting waves can be seen down the coast, as surfers careen back and forth on the renowned Thalia Street surf break, a vision from what once was this east coast girl’s childhood dream. Common scenes like this are what make Laguna Beach the epitome of SoCal cool.
Back to Southern California with a new set of eyes, I realize how SoCal autumn brings a surreal magic, a steady calmness, a desire to be more present and witness nature in shortened days. It might be my favorite time of the year, when most tourists are long gone from the coast and dramatic winter sunsets splash across the horizon to announce (much too early) that the day is done. Author T.S. Eliot knew something when he wrote, “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
A Classic Surf Lodge
The story of the 41-room Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels began in the 1940s, now reimagined as a dreamy, rustic, beach abode, a place I would move into and live happily ever after. The property has a classic SoCal beach style, with a collection of wooden bungalows nestled in the bluffs above the sand. A recent multi-million-dollar renovation – led by Kelly Ogden of ELK Collective and AC Atherton of Summit Seven D Architecture – features an updated design aesthetic, landscaping, and exterior for a modern take on the classic vibe. Our oceanfront suite feels like a mini apartment – with a living room, fireplace, and inspirational surf photography accented with natural wood, woven rattan and textiles, soft, whitewashed tones, bespoke furnishings and earthy textures throughout.
Large windows make it seem like the ocean is hugging us on all sides, while the afternoon sun bathes the living area. The sofa could double as a queen bed, if needed, and the two bathrooms are a very welcome surprise. A covered terraced room is part of our grand private wraparound balcony, perfect for the shaded work sessions we planned to squeeze in while gazing at the sea.
The newly renovated guest rooms are a blend of studio and one-bedroom ocean-view suites, family suites with bunks, and king, queen, and double rooms – some with private oceanfront decks, and fireplaces. A three-bedroom beach house and a nearby sister property, “741”, can also be rented for private group getaways.
Total Wellness
After a long drive culminating with vino and charcuterie on the patio, we are too tired to leave this sanctuary. Nor do we want to, except for a short meandering under the vivid starry sky a few feet away – to the open roof jacuzzi, enclosed next to a pool and surrounded by foliage, making it feel more like an arboretum. We passed couples cuddling around the oceanfront fire pits and glance at the daily Surf Report displayed on a chalkboard surfboard. An herbal tea selection is a nice accompaniment to the steamy soak.
In our suite, I notice an impressive array of wellness amenities, actually, the best options I’ve ever seen in a hotel room. Sleep is never easy for me, so I gladly welcome the pillow spray, the bedside aromatherapy mister with essential oils, the air purifier, and sound machine with various sleep modes. A curated selection of wellness books are also on hand. Of course, I can’t help but crack the sliding glass door to sleep with the sound of the pounding surf, but I include a methodic low-level tune from the sound machine, something you might hear at a massage appointment to help lull me into deeper REM. Sleep is never an issue with my husband and he never complains when I spritz him with a nightly relaxing scent.
Perhaps due to the ocean air or the comfy organic Avocado mattress, our night of sound sleep is a success. My husband is already up for a business call and greets me with the lobby’s delicious coffee from Succulent Coffee Roasters. I slip outside with a yoga mat to our private terrace and start my day with a morning stretch, as the views inspire me to practice mindful breathing exercises and work on my long-lost abs. The early morning California grey marine layer mist can’t hide the hints of sparkling glow popping through, illuminating the water’s horizon. Surfers carry boards down the beach and a slew of boogie boarders skim near the shoreline as they launch themselves in every direction up and over the waves.
I sidle down to the beach for a morning walk past the hotel’s secret hang out spots, such as a pair of wooden chairs tucked into the hillside. Guests can relax on the beach in front of the hotel with complimentary use of chairs, umbrellas and towels; or get active with surfing or paddle boarding. Soon enough, my equilibrium feels at peace with the salty ocean air and I can’t help admire the homes hanging off the bluffs, with their weathered wood staircases and pops of surfboard colors. A vintage redwood surfboard with no fin is nailed under one home honoring surfers Alex and Don MacGillvray, who rode the board at Corona del Mar Jetty in the 1930s by dragging one foot to turn the board.
Close to Town
Just steps away from the center of town and Laguna Beach’s renowned art galleries, eateries, and boutiques, I shimmy down the road for generously loaded fresh fish Mahi Mahi tacos at The Cliff Restaurant perched above the ocean. The locals rave about this spot and The Deck, next door to the Surf Lodge. However, eventually guests won’t have to leave the Lodge as a bar and restaurant are coming later this year right on the property’s oceanfront.
Every Stay Does Good
Sustainability efforts at Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels are just as impressive as the waves. The hotel is a plastic-free property, with water refill stations encouraging the use of reusable water bottles. I noticed recyclable aluminum cups offered for fruit infused waters and guests are offered the option to delay daily housekeeping to reduce water use. The SCP’s Every Stay Does Good program has partnered with SeaTrees, an organization dedicated to preserving the marine ecosystem along the Southern California Coast, and one “Sea Tree” (kelp plant) is planted each time a guest stays at the hotel.
A board in the lobby reminds guests of their eco footprint and taking responsibility by sharing the Program’s success, like 191,000 trees plants, 174,000 youth supported, 675,000 plastic water bottles eliminated, 531 mwh solar energy produced, 832,000 pounds of CO2 emissions saved, and 20,000 pounds of food waste saved from the landfill. SCP Hotels net zero waste standard goal and mission of diverting hotel waste from landfills is also shared with guests in the lobby making anyone feel good about staying here.
Surfing Cowboys
Our second night, we venture to neighboring San Jan Capistrano, a historic mission town used as a setting in many films. Just 20 minutes away from the Lodge, the new Riverside Marketplace recently opened as a “surf cowboy” destination filled with restaurants and shops. One-month-old La Vaquera is the new hotspot restaurant, popular for brunch and dinner, even on a weekday. Serving up a multitude of steak options from their 11-foot oak wood grill along with fresh seafood and farm to table produce, we begin with crudo two ways, fresh Kona Kampachi with citrus and charred avocado and Black Hawk Farms wagyu beef tartare with a nice crunch from the pickled red onions and pumpkin seeds enhanced with a hot sauce cured yolk in the middle. So fresh and too delicious to even eat the raw meat on the grilled sourdough.
Cocktails land with a twist – the Let’s Ride espresso martini, made with vodka and cold brew, surprises with a hint of mint; and the Old Fashion ‘Mission Bell’ with coffee liquor, banana, and chipotle bitters, features the Brazilian spirit cachaca. Mollusk lovers will want to sample the uber fresh grilled Spanish Octopus. We were happy to share the Nebraska Gold filet mignon with chimichurri sauce with sides of crispy chipotle aioli Brussels and roasted poblano pepper cornbread in a skillet. Family style portions are available too like Bone in Barbacoa Style Short Rib, Mary’s Heritage Spatchcock Whole Chicken, and Oak Grilled Striped Bass that serve 2-3 people.
Embracing the Beach Life
Returning to Laguna Beach Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels feels like coming home to your own private beach house, as amenities available provide connection and fun. Ask for playing cards, Jenga, chess, checkers, sports balls, frisbees, sand toys, blue tooth speakers, and more. In summer, choose from a variety of enriching experiences, from SCP’s “Soulful Start” sessions, featuring beachfront meditation, sound baths, and rejuvenating stretches, to locally inspired “Epic Experiences” complete with surf lessons, gourmet beach-side dining, and personalized vintage Woodie tours. Fitting with the vibe, the hotel has its own classic Woodie convertible and vintage Land Rover (decked for the winter holidays when we were there).
Epic Adventures
Imagine booking the “Dawn Patrol” to live out your Point Break dreams and experience
Southern California’s most iconic surf breaks on a half- or full-day beach excursion. Departing from Laguna Surf Lodge in a vintage 1967 Land Rover, equipped with boards and gear for an epic day of surfing alongside local guides, guests are treated to a gourmet beachside brunch and lunch, along with beach games and sunset views, followed by fireside S’mores and drinks back at the Lodge.
Another Epic Adventure, a “Day out on the Town with the SCP Woodie,” uses the hotel’s vintage 1947 Town and Country convertible Woodie for a personalized tour of the area, with stops at some of the lodge’s favorite “locals only” joints. With a dedicated driver and space for up to four people, guests can pick their start time and travel itinerary for the day, or let their guide take the lead. Whether taking a trail down to a stunning secret beach, or wandering through local boutiques and galleries, the SCP Woodie is the ideal SoCal vehicle for exploring Laguna Beach.
Guests traveling with children can sign them up for the Lil’ Groms Program, which provides complimentary amenities tailored for kids – including boogie boards, sustainable sand bucket kits, a beach scavenger hunt, and children’s beach education books stocked in their rooms. Families also have the option to add private or group surf lessons for an additional fee.
The hotel gives me visions of another Surf Lodge, the one in Montauk, that some could say is the east coast version of Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels ; however, it’s not even as remotely as cool. Here in this special location it is easy to feel spiritual and commune with nature because as you will soon learn, Laguna Surf Lodge Laby SCP Hotels is the epitome of relaxed SoCal Cool.
Looking for a different coastal vibe?
The new Casa Loma Beach Hotel, perched on Laguna Beach’s craggy coastline, overlooks Main Beach and the Pacific Ocean and is just a 5-minute walk to the center of town. Perfect for couples or a girls’ getaway, this newly rebranded chic boutique hotel boasts a 15-million-dollar transformation with stunning oceanfront room views with private balconies and patios, prime access to the beach, and a Pacific Terrace and pool with hip cabanas and tapas and cocktail service. Ensconced in stone and lush greenery, the “villa” embodies a grown-up sexy Boho beach vibe with a petit lobby lounge bar that acts as a social hub. Rooms are donned in sandy relaxing neutrals with black accents, including handcrafted sculptural furniture, and an in-room mini bar with bespoke offerings like Madre Mezcal and Canyon Coffee with specialty creamer.
Montage Laguna Beach is the town’s only 5-star resort, situated on a coastal bluff with 30 acres of oceanfront luxury. Perfect for families, multi-generational trips, or romantic weekenders, The Montage features classy rooms and villas with dark wood furnishing and crown molding, muted colors, and private balconies to absorb the ocean breezes. The stunning elongated mosaic-tiled pool is the focal point of the property, with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. The Lobby Lounge during winter will help anyone find the holiday spirit. Book one of the resort’s culinary offerings like Afternoon Tea with a Twist. A 12,000 square foot indoor outdoor spa, a salon and gym, and a selection of the finest restaurants make this hotel an easy upscale staycation.
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