Home Care In Laguna Beach, CA

Comfort knows no bounds in these Pacific Coast towns, and seniors are taking notice. Each location has plenty to see and do, and the friendly, calming atmosphere is easy to feel. You can take a leisurely stroll along miles of beaches, where steady waves and fresh ocean air create a setting for relaxation and renewal. The Pacific Coast stretches across several U.S. states and part of Canada, with coastal towns that support a peaceful escape. With the vast ocean as a backdrop, these towns combine community warmth, local shops, active arts scenes, and sea breezes that make them appealing for seniors seeking a relaxing experience.

Half Moon Bay, California

For those who love the water and the beauty that comes with it, Half Moon Bay, California, is an ideal place to visit. Several beaches are throughout the town, giving visitors many free activities. The scenic Poplar Beach is known for its relaxing atmosphere, where you can have a picnic by the water, sunbathe, or fish. Those who want boating or fishing can visit Pillar Point Harbor, a marina and protected refuge with a 369-berth harbor.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a well-known place for spotting whales near the sandy shores. The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival takes place in October during harvest season and includes art, pumpkin carving, and food.

Carpinteria, California

Carpinteria is a coastal town in California with parks, waterfront dining, and opportunities for animal watching. Rincon Beach County Park is a calm place to enjoy the water, with swimming, bird watching, and picnicking. Visitors can view local marine life at the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, a rookery south of the beach. The area is blocked off to the public, but the bluff above provides an overlook.

The Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is an oceanfront park with scenic overlooks, hiking trails, wildlife watching, and views of the Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa Islands. Padaro Beach Grill has indoor and outdoor seating by the water next to a fire that creates a steady glow.

Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach, California, has an artistic vibe in a nature-focused environment that works well for seniors seeking a comfortable getaway. Heisler Park has sculptures, artistic benches, and ocean views among tide pools and rocky shores. The Laguna Beach tide pools at the Heisler Park Marine Reserve give visitors a close view of sea stars, anemones, and other marine life in a peaceful oceanfront setting that is easy for seniors to explore.

Along the waterfront is the Laguna Art Museum, a contemporary facility with a collection of more than 3,500 works. The Sawdust Art Festival holds summer and winter events that showcase crafts such as sculptures and ceramics, along with year-round classes.

Capitola, California

Capitola, California, is a place where activities, lodging, and dining are all within walking distance, which makes it easy to get around. Many activities center on Capitola Beach, a small beach with a wharf for fishing, and a range of colorful restaurants, bars, shops, and lodging. Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria is an upscale shop that opens at 6:30 a.m. and has meals that include fresh-baked bread, cakes, hot breakfast, and grab-and-go options. During the summer months, the Twilight Concerts at the Esplanade Park Bandstand take place every Wednesday by the water and have free admission for all visitors. Bringing a chair and snacks makes the experience comfortable for those who want to stay through the evening.

Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend, Washington, is known for its Victorian buildings and natural scenery. It offers landscapes that reflect an earlier era, and seniors can find a setting that is both mentally and physically engaging. Kah Tai Lagoon has an estuary and wetlands with a calm atmosphere and steady opportunities for bird watching. At Fort Townsend Historical State Park, visitors can walk along a long beach, hike, or camp.

Boat tours with Puget Sound Express give visitors a chance to see gray whales, orcas, and humpbacks swimming in the water while they remain inside the boat.

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Lake Oswego, Oregon, has options for visitors who enjoy theater and music along the waterfront. The Lakewood Center for the Arts is a two-stage venue for musicals and plays, and includes a local art gallery and an upscale thrift shop. The Lake Theater and Café is an intimate venue with two theaters for music and films, along with a bar and dining options, which allows visitors to watch recent movies or listen to live music.

In the summer, Foothills Park sits along the water with picnic areas, trails, concerts, and a Veterans Memorial. For those who want a calm swim, George Rogers Park has beach access, walking trails, and opportunities for kayaking.

Florence, Oregon

Florence, Oregon, is home to the Heceta Head Lighthouse, a working 19th-century lighthouse adjacent to a bed and breakfast in the former keeper’s house, which has six rooms with scenic views. Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve that is one of America’s largest naturally formed basalt rock sea caves and a year-round home to the Steller sea lion. Visitors can take a tour to see the cave and learn about the setting.

The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum presents exhibits on early settlement, coastal culture, and community heritage, offering a calm, accessible space that seniors can explore at their own pace.

Pacific Coast Towns for a Comfortable Visit

From the coastal landscapes of Oregon and the calm seaside settings in Washington to the warmer shores of California, the Pacific Coast gives seniors a range of towns to consider. Each town has steady access to culture, leisurely activities, community spaces, and natural views. With a relaxed coastal pace, historic downtowns, and long stretches of shoreline, these seven towns show that a sense of comfort can be found near the water, where each day offers time for rest and simple exploration.

The John Stanaland Group luxury real estate agent, 36, eloped with Hannah Morrissey on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Laguna Beach, California. The couple said "I do" in an "effortless" ceremony joined by their immediate family members and their beloved dog, Honey.

"The wedding and getting to marry my best friend was an absolute dream come true in every way," Stanaland exclusively tells PEOPLE. "It was fun and intimate and intentional and about all the things it should be — two families becoming one and a celebration of love."

The wedding weekend was "intentionally untraditional," having a "vintage aesthetic" and "less glitz and glamour and more of the things that actually matter."

"More of an intimate, anti-wedding elopement," Stanaland explains.

The festivities began on Friday, Nov. 21, with the couple enjoying room service while watching the sunset together at one of their favorite hotels, Surf & Sand Laguna Beach. The following morning, Stanaland and Morrissey took Honey for a walk and grabbed coffee before returning to their private balcony overlooking the ocean, where they "tearfully" exchanged personal vows.

"As Christians, being married is super important to both of us and I feel so lucky to have met someone like Hannah," Stanaland says. "We want to build a life together, till death do us part. Having a true partner like her is something I’ve always wanted and can honestly say I’ve never experienced before. It’s a really beautiful thing when you find it."

After popping a bottle of champagne and getting dolled up, Stanaland and Morrissey spent the morning driving around in a white 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230, taking wedding photos together around town. The bride wore a "timeless and fun" and "vintage-inspired" short dress.

Later in the day during their serene and "simple" ceremony, the couple exchanged wedding rings from Happy Jewelers and read aloud traditional vows in front of their 14 closest loved ones. The "short, intimate, and beautiful" ceremony was officiated by the groom's brother, Trevor.

The newlyweds and their guests then celebrated over wine, pizzas and steak frites as they sat underneath the twinkling string lights of Wine Gallery's patio. For dessert, they enjoyed slices of the heart-shaped, confetti-flavored wedding cake that read "Just Married" in classic red cursive.

Stanaland and Morrissey ended the night by walking back to the hotel hand-in-hand with Honey by their side. The next morning, Sunday, Nov. 23, the pair enjoyed breakfast while the sun rose over the ocean before they returned home just a few blocks away.

"It was everything we hoped for — only better," Stanaland says.

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Stanaland was previously married to actress Brittany Snow before they finalized their divorce in July 2023. Stanaland later connected with Morrissey after they first crossed paths at church.

Stanaland popped the question approximately six weeks before he and Morrissey tied the knot, and announced their engagement on Instagram on Oct. 16. The real estate agent proposed the week prior at Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California — the place where the pair road tripped to shortly after they first met.

"Our first trip together was a road trip up up the coast to Cambria. We got there right at sunset and pulled over into a look out over moonstone beach as the sky was erupting," Stanaland remembers. "Fast forward to the proposal, and we were on another road trip all the way up to Sea Ranch. On the last day of the trip we stopped in Cambria again. We parked our camper van in that same lookout and posted up for lunch. After hanging for a bit, I dropped down on one knee and asked her to marry me."

Once the couple started wedding planning, they were instantly on the same page: "We knew we didn’t want the big party."

"We knew we didn’t want a long engagement or a traditional ceremony; we simply wanted something that felt true to us, meaningful, and enjoyable," Stanaland says, adding, "We originally wanted to elope just us, but felt like including our immediate families would be special. And honestly, I couldn’t recommend the elopement-style wedding more. It was so much less stressful and we felt like we really got to enjoy the day together and with our family."

The couple is relocating in January, and are "really looking forward to decorating and furnishing" their first home together to kick off newlywed life.

"I’m most excited to spend every day with my best friend," Stanaland says. "I can’t wait to keep adventuring and laughing and one day grow a family together."

Coast-side Southern Californians can expect the return of perigean spring tides — more commonly known as king tides — on Thursday. These exceptionally high tides occur when the sun, moon and Earth align, increasing the gravitational tug on the ocean tides.

The full moon exerting its pull is the last supermoon of 2025, the third after supermoons in October and November. December’s event is called the Cold Moon because it rises amid longer, chillier nights approaching the winter solstice, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The king tides will continue into Friday and occur again on Jan. 2 and 3.

The National Weather Service warned California beachgoers on to stay out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions as rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. The agency also advised staying off rocks: “Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions.”

Though the massive waves can present dangers for seaside visitors, king tides provide insightful data into what the regular high tide will look like in years to come as sea levels continue to rise.

By 2050, the median sea level on the California coast is as much as 1.2 feet and, by 2100, as much as 6.6 feet. Climate change is playing a big role in this shift as a high concentration of carbon dioxide (caused by the burning of fossil fuels) traps heat, melting land-based glaciers and ice sheets into the ocean.

Understanding rising sea levels and identifying flood-prone locations will inform decisions on the best infrastructure for safer coastal communities.

Here is more information on king tides and how you can safely watch the crashing waves — and even partake in some fun data collection.

King tides occur when the ocean is “pulled” back and forth by the gravitational tug of the moon and the sun. These tides typically occur during a new or full moon, causing the oceans to bulge a bit more than usual. They are called “perigean” spring tides when they coincide with the moon being at “perigee,” or its closest approach to Earth.

King tides are natural and predictable and not related to climate change.

In simple terms, the high tides are higher and the low tides are lower than average.

But because these high tides can reach 1 to 2 feet higher than average high tides, they provide a glimpse into the future of sea level rise over the next few decades.

A high tide can wash people offshore and capsize small boats near shore. High tides can also cause flooding and beach erosion and, in some cases, cliff and bluff collapses.

The National Weather Service beach hazards statement cautioning visitors to stay out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions is in effect through Saturday.

The warning includes the Santa Barbara County coastline, the Malibu coast and Los Angeles County beaches. Those areas are expected to see high tides of 7.2 to 7.8 feet.

In the San Diego County and Orange County coastal areas, elevated surf of up to 5 to 6 feet is predicted, and the San Francisco Bay Area has been warned of breaking waves up to 14 feet high.

For more information on tides and currents, visit the website.

Despite the dangers associated with king tides, people can view this phenomenon safely — if they take a few precautions — from throughout the coast as part of the California King Tides Project.

The initiative is led by the California Coastal Commission to help visualize future sea levels and flood risk in coastal areas. Participants can snap a picture around high tide and upload it onto a , which can later be used by government agencies for research and planning. Scientists can also use these images to better predict future sea levels.

Participants should take extra precautions when walking on slippery areas and keep their distance from the waves. Keep an eye on local beach conditions.

Some frequently repeated and wise words of advice: Never turn your back on the ocean.

Catching a glimpse of the Cold Moon is best done at moonrise on Thursday, around 4:20 p.m. in Southern California, when the moon illusion means that our satellite appears larger as it rises above the horizon.

Let us face it, when people think of California beach towns, they picture Malibu mansions and million-dollar bungalows. But not every ocean-view address comes with an eye-watering price tag.

If you are dreaming of sand, surf, and a coastal lifestyle without going broke, 2025 is your moment. There are still quiet, walkable beach towns with real community feel and price points under $700K. Here are five worth knowing.

Median home price: ~$550,000

Tucked between Pismo Beach and Grover Beach, Oceano is peaceful, walkable, and literally steps from the ocean. Bonus: the nearby Oceano Dunes offer some of the best off-roading and sand-surfing fun in the state.

Why it is a win: Low-key coastal living with prime access to the Central Coast lifestyle.

Median home price: ~$600,000

A postcard-perfect fishing village known for Morro Rock and harbor views. It is ideal for retirees and creatives seeking peace, kayaking, and community farmers markets.

Why it is a win: Laid-back living + natural beauty + charming downtown = affordable bliss.

Median home price: ~$375,000

Historic Victorian homes, misty redwood forests, and a strong arts scene define this quirky North Coast gem. It is more fog than sun, but the charm (and price point) are undeniable.

Why it is a win: California’s most affordable beach town, hands down, with unique architecture and creative culture.

Median home price: ~$675,000

The most budget-friendly beach town near San Diego. With an expanding boardwalk, improving infrastructure, and consistent surf culture, IB is becoming a smart move for city workers and first-time buyers.

Why it is a win: Affordable beach access with proximity to everything San Diego has to offer.

Median home price: ~$450,000

Known for its Glass Beach, pine-lined bluffs, and rugged coastline, Fort Bragg is perfect for nature lovers and those who do not need SoCal weather to love beach life.

Why it is a win: Privacy, scenery, and community, at a fraction of the cost.

Why These Beach Towns Make Sense in 2025

· Lower cost of living vs. traditional coastal metros· Walkable downtowns + beach access· Remote-work friendly communities· A chance to own in areas previously only rentable

In a state where $1M is often the floor for a beach home, these towns prove the dream is still accessible, with the right strategy.

Coastal Living Without the Luxury Tax

Living near the ocean does not have to mean Malibu money. These towns offer something better: lifestyle + affordability + room to grow. Whether you are making your first move or planning your last one, California still has a coastal corner for you.

Located in Orange County between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach flies under most travelers' radars—but it's one of the most beautiful and storied towns in Southern California.

Since the early 1900s, Laguna Beach has served as an artists’ colony, and spirited creatives have been drawn to and inspired by its coastal landscapes and warm local culture. Laguna Beach has certainly changed quite a bit from its early days, but it still has a thriving creative community that's influenced by the area's beaches, canyons, and marine life.

“Laguna Beach takes its history and cultural heritage seriously—from the earliest Western settlers who set up artist studios, to our Indigenous peoples who made this special place home thousands of years ago,” says Kurt Bjorkman, chief operating officer of The Ranch at Laguna Beach.

But really, one of the most stunning things about Laguna Beach is also one of the most simplistic: It's the color of the ocean. Laguna Beach is the only city in the Golden State whose entire coastline is designated as a boating and fishing-free zone. It's also a part of one of the largest marine protected areas in Southern California. The conservation efforts have led to some of the bluest, clearest waters in the region, and Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve and Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area are among the two most-visited MPAs in the state's system. In fact, it was found to have some of the cleanest waters in California, according to a 2025 study by the non-profit organization, Heal the Bay.

Laguna's love for the ocean can be felt throughout the city, in its hotels, museums, and festivals. Each November, the Laguna Art Museum hosts the Art + Nature Celebration Week, a free event that honors the city's artistic legacy and its natural surroundings. The Laguna Ocean Foundation also kicks off every summer with its annual Kelp Fest, where visitors can take photos with mermaids, listen to live music, and participate in a large-scale beach clean-up. But even if you don't visit during an event, Laguna's connection with the ocean—and art—can be felt throughout the city.

“Visiting is a truly personal experience," says Bjorkman, who has lived in Laguna Beach for 17 years. "You get to know the locals, you have every opportunity to really engage with our local community in meaningful ways.”

Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Laguna Beach, California.

Best Hotels & Resorts

In my humble opinion, the Montage Laguna Beach is one of the best beach resorts in the United States. Located on a bluff over the Pacific, this sprawling, 30-acre resort has 262 rooms with gorgeous oceanfront views and generously sized soaking tubs. For those who would like to splurge, it also has a selection of chic villas and a spa with an expansive menu of facials and massages.

In 's 2025 World's Best Awards, readers named The Ranch at Laguna Beach one of the top hotels in California thanks to its gorgeous scenery, top-tier restaurants, and environmentally friendly commitments. At this tiny oasis, guests can enjoy 97 rooms scattered around a coastal canyon. Amenities like a full-service spa, a heated pool, and a nine-hole golf course round out this wellness-focused resort.

Surf & Sand Resort recently completed a resort transformation in June 2025, and unveiled revamped guest rooms, a brand new lounge, and a refreshed pool and terrace. The pool deck is a perfect spot to sip on a cocktail with an ocean view, and the spa has a well-curated menu of restorative treatments.

Named one of the best new hotels of 2025 in T+L's annual It List, Casa Loma Beach Hotel makes it a point to tap into the city's Bohemian roots. Located in the heart of the downtown buzz, this 70-room property is arguably one of the most luxurious places in town to soak up the sun, and has beach cabanas, a pool deck, and a rooftop bar.

Best Things to Do

Laguna Beach is home to over 100 art galleries. Start at the Laguna Art Museum, which is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting pieces that represent the everyday life and history of California. There are seemingly countless galleries in the downtown area, but some highlights include the GW Contemporary, Culterra, and Kush Fine Art.

There are seven wood-burning fire pits at Alisa Beach, which are managed by the Lost Pier Cafe. Since there is a limited number of pits, be sure to book in advance with the cafe—a reservation gets you a bonfire kit (which includes wood) as well as a s'more kit. I recommend ordering a margarita for the experience, too, so you can sip on it while watching the locals skimboard, a sport that was invented in Laguna Beach.

“Finding your way to the Top of the World trail is something amazing, especially at sunset,” says Bjorkman.

This scenic hike has panoramic views of the hills and waters that surround Laguna Beach. Trails in the area can also take visitors down into the canyons, through downtown Laguna Beach, or even into neighboring towns.

Laguna Beach has over 30 beaches and coves along its seven miles of coastline. There are several secluded spots, including Shaw’s Cove, which has tide pools and snorkeling, and Pearl Street beach, which leads to Woods Cove at low tide. Since the water is so clear, the area's tide pools almost act like mini-aquariums, giving visitors a glimpse into the vibrancy of the ocean that lies just beneath the surface. Before you set out, be sure to check the tide, bring plenty of water, and follow Leave No Trace principles while you're there.

Best Restaurants

Harvest is located at the Ranch, and its menu changes with every season, according to what's growing on its half-acre farm that supplies the restaurant with ingredients. It offers diners a creative, local spin on California coastal cuisine, complete with innovative cocktails and an impressive wine list.

While Rebel Omakase was awarded a Michelin star in 2024, it still somehow feels like a hidden gem. It’s tucked away in an unassuming shopping center, and serves a prefixed menu with ingredients that have all been sourced from Japan. There are a limited number of seats, so you'll need to book in advance to ensure you get a table at this intimate eatery.

Hapi Sushi is a casual sushi bar that is perfect for a post-beach lunch or easy dinner. Located in downtown Laguna Beach, it serves fresh and inventive sushi rolls, poke bowls, and sashimi at reasonable prices.

Chef Thomas Crijins has been serving up Belgian cuisine in Laguna Beach since 2004. At Brussels Bistro, guests can enjoy cheese croquettes, boeuf bourguignon, and fresh oysters. In true European fashion, the restaurant turns into an electro music nightclub on the weekends.

Best Time to Visit

Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, there's really no bad time to visit Laguna Beach. However, summer is a popular tourist season, thanks to long sunny days and its heavy roster of events that includes the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts, and Kelp Fest.

However, locals know that the best time to be in Southern California is in the fall. California summer seems to come later and later each year, and if you want to spend time at the beach, September often promises the warmest days.

“My favorite time of year in Laguna Beach is September and October," Bjorkman says. "The weather is incredible and there are far fewer visitors, so you have more of the town to enjoy.”

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to Laguna Beach is by car. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or 30 minutes from Orange's County's John Wayne Airport (SNA).

However, if you'd rather not fly, you can also take the Amtrak Pacific Surfline Route most of the way. This scenic train runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo with plenty of stops in cute seaside towns. If you get off at the San Juan Capistrano stop, it’s a 20-minute car ride (ride-hailing services and taxis are available) to downtown Laguna Beach. Once you get to Laguna Beach, though, you’ll rarely need your car.

Cities & Neighborhoods to Visit

Downtown Laguna Beach feels like a village square. It is full of restaurants, candy shops, and boutiques, but the true draw is its art galleries. Each has its own unique style and focus.

Laguna Beach's downtown strip was actually once located around Bluebird Canyon and the South Coast Highway. The area is now known as "The HIP District," which stands for “Historic and Interesting Places.” While you're here, you can walk around some of the oldest buildings in the city, shop at boutiques, or pamper yourself with a massage.

South Laguna runs from Victoria Beach down to Dana Point, and it is home to incredible rock formations, tide pools, and sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a beach day with fewer crowds, I recommend hopping between the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach (a historic 60-foot-tall tower), Goff Cove, and Thousand Steps Beach—the latter is also popular among surfers.

How to Get Around

Despite being in Southern California, Laguna Beach is delightfully walkable, though you may want to rent a car if you'd like to explore the greater area. It’s easy to park your car once and spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. One of the best ways to get around Laguna is with the free trolley system. The cars run up and down Coast Highway with plenty of convenient stops at major points of interest.