Laguna Beach — Patti Part Two

This is supposed to be a relaxing vacation and we have really been on the go! So our last two days we stayed close to Laguna Beach and the weather could not have been more perfect. It was even warm enough to spend some time at the pool - and that is not typical of January but no complaining from us.

I’m not sure there is a better place to start your day then Ruby’s overlooking the ocean in Laguna Beach - so that’s what we did!

The view! We saw lots of dolphins feeding while we ate - loved that!!!

Breakfast!

My niece Angela drove down to spend the day with us and Liz joined us too. We headed over to the quaint downtown area of Laguna Beach. It’s very artsy and has lots of great little unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. We browsed for a bit and then Liz suggested we eat a late lunch at a place called The Rooftop in the La Casa del Camino hotel just down the street a bit. We got a great table overlooking the ocean since we missed the big lunch rush. Wine, food and great company with a beautiful view - does life get any better??

Lunch took us right into Happy Hour so our next stop was The Montage. I had driven by this fabulous resort many times but never parked and explored it in detail. While running the half marathon Saturday our new local friend Robin told us it was a must see. She recommended walking the grounds and then getting a drink and enjoying the fire pit overlooking the beach. Thanks Robin!!! It was just as wonderful as you described it to us!

The resort is huge and while we didn’t see the rooms I guarantee they are amazing. The grounds were gorgeous and it sits right on the ocean. Everyone was very nice and we had our drink by the fire pit - check!

We texted Robin who was actually at work to tell her we had taken her advice. Guess who stopped by on her way home to say hi???

Robin!!!! Just in time for a beautiful sunset.

No trip to Newport is complete without at least one meal at The Beachcomber. Located in Crystal Cove The Beachcomber sits right on the beach! And the food is amazing! I always go for breakfast but I hear lunch and dinner are great as well. We got there early and scored a premium table right on the railing.

Lemon ricotta pancakes with warm fresh berry compote and steak and eggs in a quesadilla. We shared and it was all great!

Where did we stay? At the beautiful Marriott Newport Coast Villas! A gorgeous resort with lots of great amenities. All of the villas are two bedroom two bath with a full kitchen, living/dining area and a patio or balcony.

As I mentioned, the weather was so great we actually got to spend an afternoon at the pool. That was lovely and relaxing.

The main pool area has 3 pools. We were at the adult quiet pool - and it was pretty quiet.

When Happy Hour rolled around we went in a different direction then our usual wine or cocktail.

Shakes at Ruby’s for one last ocean view. There was talk of sharing but nope!!

Good bye Southern California!! I hope to return again next year for even longer!!!