101LifeStyle.com Home


Help
FAQ
E-Mail Us


Valentine's Day


Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com

Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations:

Valentine's Day Romantic Beach Escapes:

1.Laguna Beach - California:

Laguna Beach is a seaside resort and artistic community located in southern Orange County, California, approximately 24 miles (39 km) southeast of downtown Santa Ana. Whenever you decide to visit Laguna Beach, there are always several attractions and special events to be seen in and around town, ranging from art festivals to historical tours and wilderness parks to dolphin and whale watching. Laguna Beach therefore is a romantic and lovely spot.

Things To Do / See:

A.Laguna Beach Main Beach And Park:
Laguna Beach’s “Window to the Sea”, this beachfront park is located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. The boardwalk area is perfect for strolling and the pathway leads up to the Heisler Park area. The beach area has sand volleyball courts, two half-court basketball courts, children’s playground, benches, picnic tables, and public showers and restrooms. Tidepool area is located in the northern section of Main Beach.

B.Visit Moss Cove:
Laguna has so many beautiful crescent coves with secluded beaches and rocky points to explore. This cove is called Moss Point and has public access. It can be found South of Main Beach off PCH at Moss Street. Arrive early because parking spaces on the nearby streets go fast.

C.Laguna Beach Parks:
Scenic overlook, park, monument. Photo ops, lots of weddings here. A decent place to walk the park, cliffs, and catch the sunset. This park offers one of the best scenic views of Laguna Beach. There's a Lawn Bowling court at this park. People who bowl at this park dress in white outfits and try to talk in with a British accent. SCUBA divers also use this park to dive of the various beaches. You can also visit The Brown’s Park.
Crescent Bay Park is a cliffside pocket garden known to locals and those fortunate few who happen upon it when wondrously lost in one of north Laguna's most exclusive neighborhoods. The view is expansive, allowing one to see the various coves that scallop the coast, including Main Beach, where during the summer it isn't unusual to spy private boats parked no too far offshore and swimmers diving into the dip off the prow. There is a grassy knoll where, on summer weekends, intimate weddings are occasionally held and local watercolor groups covene to consider the view or hover over the garden's assortment of native flora. You can pick up a picnic lunch at Cafe Zinc Restaurant and unfurl a blanket, choosing one of the most serene spots in all Laguna over the frenetic atmosphere of downtown in the summertime. For a little romance, don't miss the sunset.

D.Adventure Tours:
Our 2 hour guided kayak tours are safe, easy, and the perfect family adventure or couples activity. Join us for an exhilarating eco-tour of Laguna Beach’s remarkable marine life and dramatic coastline. Paddle out to Seal Rock, a colony of California Sea Lions, and then journey through North Laguna. Looking for more adrenaline? How about surfing California’s perfect waves. We offer one-on-one or group lessons, and include safe foam boards and wetsuits. Either way, our expert watermen and women will give you an experience you won’t forget. We also arrange mountain bike and road bike rentals and tours and specialize in group tours. Open year-round.

E.Laguna Beach Heritage Tours:
Take a “self-guided” tour of the bungalows and cottages of Laguna Beach ’s historic homes located in North and South Laguna. Discover the charm of Laguna’s eclectic neighborhoods and panoramic views by jumping on the city bus for a “Self-Guided Tour”. Maps and brochures are available at the Laguna Beach Visitors Center.

F.Wine Tasting Tour:
You are invited to visit Orange County’s only winery with a public tasting room. Grape crushing and pressing takes place on-site to assure a premium quality product. Laguna Beach also has two great wine shops that hold corporate/private events.

G.Explore the House Covered Hills:
Many of the hills of Laguna are covered with homes overlooking some of the most beautiful beaches and private coves in Southern California.This stunning coastal mountain location with it's Mediterranean climate is often compared to the French Riviera. Only a priviledged few can afford to own one of these homes overlooking the Pacific. For a very special upscale vacation some people do weekly or monthly rentals. You can really enjoy exploring these coastal hills and looking at the architecture. Up close or from a distance the different styles and creative designs are awesome.

H.Watch The Sunset:
When the sunset comes and drops over the Pacific Ocean, beautiful Laguna Beach , takes on a magical, spellbinding appearance that brings an inner quiet. When your eyes adjust, you'll notice contrasts, the orange sky, dark brown highlights on the ocean, the smooth silky sky, choppy ocean, and The lovely Ctalina Island in the distance. You can absorb the quietness along with your loved one as you tke a walk down the beach.

I.Checkout the Pristine Sandstone Bluffs:
The beaches of Laguna are very beautiful and diverse. I really like the sandstone stone bluffs especially at sunset when the sun is shining directly on the layers of earthy colors like gold and light brown with touches of rust. It's fun to walk along the shore and in some places there are even natural arches and sea caves which can be explored during low tide.

J.Romantic Dinner:
Embark on a culinary adventure with a Cheese & Wine Tasting at Laguna Culinary Arts. Visit Laguna Canyon Winery or dine at one of the many fine dining venues offering a wide range of palette pleasing delights from around the world - Mexican, Italian, Caribbean, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Mediterranean to name a few. Many locations offer breath-taking ocean views and city sights abound.

K.Museums / Galleries:
Check out the art galleries on Coast Highway. Its a nice stroll. Every summer there is the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Canyon. It is going on at the same time as the Pageant of the Masters. Lots of brilliant local art to look at.
De Ru’s Fine Arts, Diana Ferrone Gallery, Gem Mountain Studios, Kush Fine Art, Mandarin Fine Art Gallery, Vintage Poster in South Laguna are worth a visit. Azali on Forest, Fine Art Gallery, Dawson Cole Fine Art & Sculpture Garden, Endangered Planet, Pure Light in Downtown Village can also be visited. North Laguna has California Art Gallery, Marion Meyer Contemporary Art, Sandstone Gallery, etc.

L.Outdoor Activities:
There is very good scuba and skin diving in Laguna. Diver's Cove is in north Laguna. There are some good surfing breaks in Laguna however it is always best to check with lifeguards for the designated areas since it is not allowed at many beaches. But be weary and considerate since several breaks are pretty localized. Surfing tends to be more laid back at Thalia st since there are already a ton of people out in the water anyways. Grab a sponge board and hit the glassy shore break at Main Beach, or the neck breakers at Crescent Bay.

How To Get To Laguna Beach:

By Air:
Orange County's John Wayne Airport is only about 12 miles from Laguna Beach.

By Train:
Amtrak and Metrolink stations are located in Irvine, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente.

By Car:
Laguna Beach is located at the intersection of California State Routes 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and 133 (Laguna Canyon Road).

Getting Around:

A free shuttle service is available in the summer, with trolleys running regularly between the pageant site and downtown. Parking is at a premium in the summer; beware of having your car towed. You'll probably have to pay to park downtown in beach weather. The cheapest option is parking in the residential areas on the other side of PCH. If you are trying to get downtown a good place to park is the district parking lot just across from LBHS. From here you can take a short walk into town.

Laguna Beach Hotels:

A.Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa: Perched atop the cliffs of Dana Point, along the beautiful Southern California coast, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa provides an oceanside escape like no other. From deeply romantic retreats to highly-successful business conferences, you'll discover rare luxuries and services to suit all of your needs. Enjoy exquisite dining, first-class accommodations, and a myriad of ocean activities at this exclusive AAA four-diamond resort. Their special Valentine’s Day packages include the most relaxing spa treatment you can ever think of. Discover a deep sense of tranquility at our resort, starting with a spectacular setting.
B.Casa Laguna Inn And Spa: : Located on California’s sea coast, the Casa Laguna Inn & Spa offers guests the opportunity experience Casual Luxury in a one-of-a-kind setting. magnificent Palm Court, the bougainvillea-vined courtyard and the ocean-view pool deck will enchant you with their fountains and rare Catalina tiles. Another true touch of classic Laguna Beach, California is the Bell Tower, the perfect place to catch spectacular sunsets over Catalina Island from the Casa Laguna Bed and Breakfast- Laguna Beach, CA. A casual wine and cheese reception each evening which can be enjoyed as a private, romantic retreat.
C.The Best Western Laguna Brisas Spa Hotel: Mesmerize yourself within the alluring tranquility of the infinite Pacific and envelope your senses as you relax and rejuvenate in one of our newly remodeled fully air-conditioned rooms featuring oversized whirlpool spas for two… With their exclusive “Romantic Rendezvous” package, you can escape to romantic Laguna Beach and indulge yourselves in passion. Cross the threshold into one of the richly appointed deluxe accommodations and enjoy a sparkling bottle of champagne, a box of decadent gourmet chocolates and a lush bouquet of fresh flowers. Make fantasy a reality at the Best Western Laguna Brisas Spa Hotel.
D.Surf And Sand Resort: Surf and Sand Resort & Spa is located in Laguna Beach, on the California Coast where the Pacific Ocean meets the sparkling white sands of Laguna Beach. Surf and Sand Resort & Spa is a one of a kind, Beach-Front Location offers Guests unmatched, direct access to the soft sandy beaches Southern California is famous for. Aquaterra Spa features a complete menu of Spa Treatments. There is no more romantic way to celebrate your love than with a Wedding at Surf and Sand Resort & Spa. Imagine walking down the aisle on a sunny patio overlooking the ocean - or holding your ceremony right on the sand in Laguna Beach. Then you’ll celebrate with friends and family in an Elegant Ballroom with immaculate decor and deliciously creative Cuisine.
E.Montage Resort & Spa: Distinctive period elements such as stone architecture, crown moldings, rich dark wood, a shingle-style roof and Craftsman-style design reflect a bygone era at this coastal resort. Luxurious feather-top beds with fine linens invite guests to nap in the peaceful surroundings after a spa treatment or a day in the sun. There are three restaurants and the Lobby Lounge, which offers afternoon tea, spirits and live entertainment; there's also 24-hour room service. Unique extras include beach activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, art classes, an art gallery and lawn croquet. The location in the charming seaside village of Laguna Beach allows guests to relax and take in the scenic surroundings or the creative works of local artists from the past and the present.

Back To Travel Index

Valentine's Day Romantic Beach Escapes - Poipu Beach, Hawaii