a pool with lounge chairs and a large body of water
1948

Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, California
a patio with a table and umbrella overlooking the ocean

Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach

1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651 Original Property Opened in 1948 Historic Hotels of America member since 2021

A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2021, Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach, CA, is a cherished historical icon in the community of Laguna Beach, California. Originally opened in the wake of the Second World War, this spectacular venue has played host to many illustrious figures for nearly a century.

Today, the beautiful Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach, California remains an idyllic seaside retreat. Guests can relax and unwind in the bright and airy accommodations that are located just steps from the Pacific Ocean.

Discover

  • Discover the amazing eclectic architecture of the Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach. Originally opened in 1948, the brilliant Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach was constructed to entertain the throngs of guests that had started to travel to Laguna Beach en masse in the years immediately after World War II.
  • Admire the stunning accommodations of this historic seaside destination. Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach once hosted the White House Press Corps whenever it traveled to California to report on President Richard Nixon’s activities upon his return trips to San Clemente. As such, the resort has accommodated reporters Tom Brokaw and Diane Sawyer. (President Nixon himself even stayed at the resort while his house in San Clemente underwent construction!)
  • Gaze upon the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean just beyond the resort’s front door. Surf and Sand Resort Laguna Beach's amazing location in southern California has attracted Peter Ustinov, Joe Namath, and Reverend Billy Graham.

Explore

  • Explore the prestigious Pacific Marine Mammal Center. This fascinating cultural institution is a rescue center that cares for animals like sea lions and seals. Guests may book an educational tour of the facility to visit the numerous animals that call the Pacific Marine Mammal Center home.
  • Visit the summit of celebrated local landmark, Top of the World. One of the tallest peaks in all of southern California, Top of the World is one of the best places to go hiking and sightseeing in all of Orange County. Guests may also enjoy visiting the scenery at the neighboring Crystal Cove State Park.
  • Travel to the magnificent Mission San Juan Capistrano. Designed with stunning Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, this gorgeous building was once a chapel created by Franciscan missionaries in the mid-1770s. Today, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is identified as a California Historical Landmark, and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Experience

  • Experience some of the most exciting water-based activities at the Dana Point Harbor. Located just south of Laguna Beach, the Dana Point Harbor is the perfect place to go whale watching, paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and more. It is also home to many fantastic cultural attractions, such as the interactive Ocean Institute.
  • Tour the fantastic Laguna Art Museum. Dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, this spectacular destination features an extensive collection of art created by resident Californians. Guests may also wish to participate in a “First Thursday Art Walk,” as well, which links together all the local galleries via a free trolley service.
  • Attend one of the famous Pageant of the Masters that occurs every year during the summer months. Taking place on the grounds of Laguna Beach’s Festival of the Arts, this 90-minute performance features authentic recreations of both classical and contemporary artwork. Real people essentially pose as “tableaux vivants,” brining to life much adored art from around the globe.

Taste

  • Taste outstanding California seafood at Splashes, Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach's terrific on-site restaurant. Located right next to the ocean, the restaurant’s culinary team prepares its menu with only the freshest ingredients. Few places in Laguna Beach are better for local seafood than SPLASHES.
  • Savor some award-winning cutlets of meat inside the historic Selanne Steak Tavern. This wonderful restaurant has been open on the famous Pacific Coast Highway since 1934. Staying true to its roots, it offers steaks and chops, as well as fresh poultry, game, and seafood. The Selanne Steak Tavern also features an extensive menu of over 2,700 bottles of wine, with many even coming from California itself.
  • Try a delicious cocktail at The Beachcomber in neighboring Newport Beach. Once an enclave of beach shanties from the 1920s, this spectacular dining establishment is right in the heart of the Historic District for Crystal Cove State Park. Today, The Beachcomber and the rest of Crystal Cove are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
a table with two chairs and a glass of wine on a balcony overlooking the ocean
a lounge area with a view of the ocean
a row of chairs on a patio
a plate of pasta with vegetables on it

FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS

a living room with a view of the ocean
Premium Oceanfront King Studio
a room with a large window overlooking the ocean
Oceanview King
a living room with a television and a table
Oceanfront Vista Suite
View Accommodations

Featured Offer

a pool with lounge chairs and a large body of water
Best Rate Available

Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Special Occasions

Meetings & Groups

With the ocean as the backdrop, Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach offers 10,000 square feet of indoor and an additional 10,000 square feet of outdoor Laguna Beach meeting rooms and event space. These stunning Laguna Beach event venues offer a variety of options to meet every need, including a stand-alone conference center boasting an elevated oceanfront terrace, Laguna Ballroom, and numerous boardrooms.

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a wedding ceremony set up with chairs and a wreath of flowers