A Coastal Escape to Montage Laguna Beach

The drive from Rancho Santa Fe to Laguna Beach is just over an hour, making it one of those rare escapes that feels indulgent without requiring much planning at all. It is close enough for a spontaneous long weekend, yet far enough to feel like you have truly stepped away. A coffee for the road, windows down through coastal Dana Point, perhaps a quick stop at the harbor or a leisurely lunch overlooking the water, and suddenly the familiar rhythm of home begins to soften.

My destination, Montage Laguna Beach, is one of those rare properties that instantly changes your pace. Perched on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific, Montage feels less like a hotel and more like a private seaside estate. Inspired by classic Craftsman architecture and designed to blend seamlessly into the Laguna coastline, the property offers something increasingly rare in California: true oceanfront luxury that feels warm, intimate, and genuinely family friendly.

Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by how effortlessly the resort balances elegance with ease. The scent of ocean air drifting through the open air lobby. The sound of waves below. The kind of personalized service that makes you feel remembered before you have even unpacked.

And if you are traveling with little ones, that attention to detail becomes even more meaningful.

Before we had even made it to our suite, the children were welcomed back to Montage’s treasure chest, where each of them was invited to choose a special stuffed animal to bring home. It was such a thoughtful touch, and instantly made them feel like this was their vacation too.

When we opened the doors to our suite, another surprise was waiting. Sitting perfectly arranged was a private s’mores set prepared just for them. Graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, roasting sticks, everything thoughtfully placed and waiting. Added bonus: matching child sized Montage robes hanging in the closet. It quickly became one of the highlights of the trip for our children and one of those simple moments that somehow becomes the memory they talk about long after you return home. Our suite felt more like a private coastal residence than a hotel room, with oversized windows framing the Pacific, a deep soaking tub, plush bedding, and a private terrace that quickly became my favorite place for morning coffee.

What makes Montage especially memorable for families is how thoughtfully every generation is considered. While the adults slow down, younger guests have their own beautifully curated adventures waiting, from the resort’s beloved Paintbox program to tide pool exploration, beach afternoons, and nightly fireside rituals overlooking the ocean.

Here is exactly how I would spend the perfect long weekend at Montage Laguna Beach.

72 Hours in Laguna Beach

Day One | Arrival and Settling Into Vacation Mode

1:00 PM | The Coastal Drive North

Leave Rancho Santa Fe after an easy morning at home and head north along the coast. If time allows, stop at Dana Point Harbor for lunch overlooking the marina before continuing on.

3:00 PM | Check In at Montage Laguna Beach

The moment you walk through Montage’s grand wooden doors, vacation officially begins. Ocean views stretch endlessly in front of you, the lobby opens directly to the Pacific, and everything instantly feels lighter.

3:30 PM | Treasure Box and Suite Surprises

Before heading upstairs, let the children choose their own stuffed animal from Montage’s treasure chest. It is one of those small but incredibly thoughtful moments that immediately sets the tone.

Once inside your suite, let them discover the private s’mores kit waiting just for them. Ours was an instant hit and became one of the most talked about moments of the entire weekend.

5:00 PM | Private Beach Access

Follow the resort’s private path down to the beach for barefoot exploring, tide pools, and seashell collecting as the sun begins to soften.

7:00 PM | Family Dinner at Piatti

Warm hospitality, handmade pasta, and an easy coastal energy make this the perfect first dinner with children.

8:30 PM | Fireside S’mores

Head back to Montage and gather around the fire pits overlooking the Pacific. Barefoot children. Ocean breeze. Sticky fingers. The kind of evening that reminds you what family travel should feel like.

Day Two | Adventure for the Kids, Time to Recharge for You

7:30 AM | Coffee on the Terrace

There is something about waking up to the sound of waves below. Order room service, stay in pajamas, and enjoy a slow start from your private terrace.

9:00 AM | Paintbox

Montage’s Paintbox program offers beautifully curated experiences for younger guests, from art projects to treasure hunts and outdoor exploration.

9:30 AM | Parents’ Time

While the kids are fully immersed, head to the spa, enjoy a quiet workout, or simply claim two loungers by the pool and do absolutely nothing.

12:30 PM | Poolside Lunch

Spend the afternoon poolside with casual coastal bites and uninterrupted family time.

3:00 PM | Exploring Laguna Beach

Head into town for boutique shopping, art galleries, and a slower pace through one of California’s most charming coastal villages.

4:30 PM | A Stop at Gelato Paradiso

Because no Laguna weekend feels complete without gelato in hand while walking Coast Highway.

7:30 PM | Dinner at Selanne Steak Tavern

For an evening that feels a little more elevated, Selanne offers one of the most intimate dining experiences in town.

Day Three | One Last Slow Morning

8:00 AM | A Morning Walk Through Treasure Island Park & Tide Pools

Before breakfast, take the path just beyond the resort and wander through Treasure Island Park, one of Laguna’s most beautiful blufftop parks and, in many ways, an extension of Montage itself. Oceanfront walking paths, perfectly manicured lawns, hidden benches overlooking the Pacific, and little trails that lead down toward secluded coves make it feel like the kind of place children can quietly explore while parents soak in one final California morning.

9:30 AM | Breakfast with an Ocean View

One final leisurely breakfast, coffee in hand, waves below, nowhere to be.

11:00 AM | One Last Swim

One more dip in the pool. One more walk through the gardens. One more deep breath.

1:00 PM | The Drive Home

As beautiful as leaving is difficult, there is something comforting about knowing home is just over an hour away.

And perhaps that is what makes Montage Laguna Beach so special.

It does not require a passport.

It does not require weeks of planning.

Just a long weekend, your family, and the decision to slow down.