Mr. Vacay asked what I wanted to do for my birthday. After a year like 2020 – a pandemic, cancelled trips, rescheduled events, distancing from everyone… I wanted to getaway and get out of the house. I wanted to do something that had been on my bucket list forever. I didn’t want to put off doing the things that I really wanted to, because, frankly the last year reminded me that there is no promise of things, dates, futures, or events to come.

As with most things, compromise drives success in my household. So, we planned a trip that would satisfy both of us -art for me and surf for Mr. Vacay. All found in and around Laguna Beach,

The real star of the trip was the Pageant of the Masters. Everyone asks, “what is it?” And it’s difficult to describe. It’s theatrical art. It’s paintings coming alive, on a stage – with performers, posing silently to look like the still masterpieces they are recreating. Sitting in the audience, it was difficult for my brain & my eyes to reconcile the flattening of multiple dimensions. Theater binoculars came in handy. It was an incredible production, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to experience it.

There were a few other trip highlights too! Like the Sawdust Festival – full of photography, small crafts, jewelry, and pottery. And cruising around town on the free-trolley, hopping off & on again so that he could check the surf and I could shop for bikinis. And then a stroll through the Laguna Art Museum, where Matthew Rolston had an exhibit of “behind the scenes” work from the Pageant.

Another highlight, starting and ending the trip with stops at Salt Creek Beach. The weather was perfect, as was our bit of sand nestled under the watchful eye of the Ritz Carlton. When I wasn’t tracking Mr. Vacay’s countless waves, I got to people watch (one of my favorite past times). The best, was seeing a pack of little surf-groms living their absolute best lives. The youngest among them, a 6-year old sea-titan, surfing all-day alongside his friends and parents. The beach is great for walking too, we wandered South and gawked at the unbelievable homes built along the Strand. And we got even more exercise on the hillside walk from the parking lot to the beach and back. Don’t be intimidated, just plan to take your time, carry water, and enjoy – most great things are worth the effort.

Where we ate:

  • Urth Cafe – a super popular breakfast cafe – we sampled a yogurt bowl with fresh fruit & granola, “The Rustic Poach,” a green-lavender tea, and a poppyseed muffin & blueberry scone for the road!
  • La Sirena & Carmelitas – great spots for lunches – try the carnitas nachos, blackened fish tacos, enchiladas, chips, salsa & bean dip, then wash it down with local beers and refreshing palomitas.
  • Broadway by Amar Santana – this was by far, our favorite meal – we slid into the last two seats at the bar, and immensely enjoyed the great service, easy conversation, and the smooth “Green World” cocktail, all while we noshed on hamachi sashimi, a kale Ceasar salad, duck confit, Spanish octopus and the panna cotta dessert – chef’s kiss deliciousness.

We stayed at The Inn at Laguna Beach. Hotels in Laguna are a funny thing. Worn down from many tourists, but with a premium price tag simply because of the destination. I feel a bit like Goldilocks, and I have yet to find accommodations in the area that are “just right.” I guess I should take that as excuse to go back to Laguna again and again. But the location of the hotel can’t be beat. Right on the boardwalk, we walked in the evening and in the morning, going as far as we could in both directions, enjoying the coastline. We’ll be back Laguna – for more surf, sun, art, and fun.