It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Laguna Beach, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had “Total Shoulder Replacement” just before. Thanksgiving and am so pleased and happy with”
“To let you know we are happy about Karina vega she went up”
“The caregivers they send are the best. Very professional and kind. Some walk in and”
“Phoung the administrator is easy to work and has made the process very easy for”
“Phuong the coordinator is amazing! She is so helpful, great with communication and has gone”
“We had caregivers come to our mother’s home frequently and they did an exceptional job.”
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker”
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89”
“I had “Total Shoulder Replacement” just before. Thanksgiving and am so pleased and happy with the Excellent level of service [Always Best Care] provided even with different Caregivers being assigned to help take care of me! Stella Song”
“To let you know we are happy about Karina vega she went up and beyond helping with her duties please if we need help again please send Karina she is very caring and helpful God Bless Doris Holmes”
“The caregivers they send are the best. Very professional and kind. Some walk in and see exactly what needs to be done and others take direction well. I am recovering my strength and their kind care is immensely appreciated.”
“Phoung the administrator is easy to work and has made the process very easy for me. After several months of service team coming into our home, I realize they’re becoming an extension of our family. We catch up on how each other‘s been and most importantly, I’m able to trust them caring for my 89-year-old mother. She was resistant to having help initially and now she’s ready and waiting at the door for them. I particularly love having different staff show up, primarily, we know them all and have the same group a lot, but the variety has helped us not get into a rut that every day we do the same thing with the same caregiver at the same time. All of them bring their own special personality to the job, but most importantly they are kind and gracious, and God sent for me and my family”
“Phuong the coordinator is amazing! She is so helpful, great with communication and has gone above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable and supported as we navigated the new journey of getting a caregiver. All caregivers that have come out have been lovely and so helpful!”
“We had caregivers come to our mother’s home frequently and they did an exceptional job. There was a team of workers which was nice so our Mother did not get too attached to any one caregiver. The personnel manager was phenomenal as she answered so many questions we had and was willing to make adjustments to schedules quickly. I appreciated the daily notes but would have liked to see the notes be a bit more detailed. I would and have recommended this service to others in need of in home health care providers for memory care or just aging family members.”
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker . She has taken care of me for almost a year. She has helped me shower , dress me , do light house work , helped me walk and even helped me after my surgeries and recovery . I don’t know what I would’ve done without her . She is an amazing human with the biggest heart . ❤️”
“I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , Deb Botelho was an amazing caretaker . She has taken care of me for almost a year. She has helped me shower , dress me , do light house work , helped me walk and even helped me after my surgeries and recovery . I don’t know what I would’ve done without her . She is an amazing human with the biggest heart . ❤️”
“I had a very good experience with Phong and her workers. Mostly all of them were so great and helpful in their own way. If I requested one,,as I did many a time, she would do her best to honor my request. I highly reccommend her and Best Care.”
“The team at ABC Senior services has been a godsend for me and my family. The caretakers and this company came highly recommended from a friend and now I understand why. This business has been very accommodating and understanding and has tremendous experience. Every individual has unique needs and this company does its best to harmonize with the customers needs. We worked with Karla,Ronny,Michelle and Betsy. Dementia and Alzheimer's are very cruel ailments and ABC came through for us to help take care of my father's needs and to take pressure off of my mother by helping with daily tasks.”
“We have used Phuong and her caregivers for over a year. She and her team are the best. Phuong knew what my mother needed even before we did, as she knows the business front and back. She also has a compassionate heart. The only reason we stopped was because my mother could never return home and needed to be placed in a home. My mother loved her home and was grateful she could live there with the help of Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“ABC came in and really helped stabilize my mom’s living situation as her dementia worsened. Phuong was adaptable and worked with us regarding scheduling, doctor appointments and any other needs we had with our in-home care. I would definitely recommend Phuong and her team with any home healthcare needs.”
“I had a great experience with Always Best Care. My husband needed 8 hours 7 days a week care so the caregivers became part of our family! Not every caregiver was a good fit but Phoung was flexible and worked to insure our days went as smoothly as possible. I have recommended Always Best Care to friends and they have been thrilled with the care the are receiving.”
“Thank you for being there, and working around my hectic schedule…you made my time and my husbands time positive.”
“After being in the assisted-living for nearly 3 weeks due to it, horrible accident, I arrived home, not being able to do much. I was completely frustrated, then, Always Best Care of came to my rescue! The ladies that came out were extremely helpful, kind, considerate, and understanding. Each week, they would jump in and do things that were absolutely impossible for me to do. I’m very independent, but they helpe me to relax, take it easy and let them handle anything I needed. I am so very grateful for this wonderful service.”
“An amazing company doing amazing things through home care. Phuong does an awesome job managing the staff and clients to assure the experience on both ends exceeds their expectations. It's a great place to work and give back to your community.”
“Writing a review for service received is never an easy task especially where it involves service provided to a loved one. But where service received becomes an overwhelmingly pleasant experience, the task becomes an easier one. Such is the feeling I have as I look back at the almost three years of care my late husband received from the caregivers provided by the Veterans Administration through the Always Best Care Agency. Of special mention was a very nice lady by the name of Claudette LaCaille, a pre-school teacher by profession who was one of the caregivers that unselfishly cared for him. Not only did she patiently attend to his needs---she provided a genuine companionship to him and great comfort and understanding to me. It made this painful period of my life bearable and easier to accept and cope with. I am also very grateful to the agency’s owner, Nguyen Phuong, for granting my request to send caregivers who could come consistently on a regular schedule. It made him feel like familiar friends were visiting him on a regular basis. I highly recommend the Always Best Care Senior Services and wish their caregiving heroes and heroines the best of health and good fortune now and always.”
“I appreciated the friendly & professional care Karla provided for me after my extended hospital & rehab stay. Thank you for sending Karla for my care.”
“Oh my gosh, the VA came to my rescue in providing my husband with a caregiving service after 3 years of doing it myself. Alway Best Care of Fountain Valley is the company that was designated to us. Phuong does a spectacular job in finding the best people possible to fit into a caregiving roll. What impressed me most is the fact that when a caregiver cannot make the scheduled appointment, Phuong does not allow us to be without caregiving service, if she cannot find a replacement she steps up and performs the duties herself. She is most helpful in assisting with regular caregiving service and does not feel it below her to chip in with light housekeeping chores. BRAVO Ms Phuong, your company’s service is the best.”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend’s personality and to myself to handle his care. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. I was not also easy to deal with being the person in charge to my friend. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude. Penny Byram Westminster”
“Caregivers went beyond our expectations of what they can do to help us. The management "flexibility in schedule" helped us all in our household and gave us more relief in taking our short breaks and not to worry about our fiend's care, safety and his assistance at home. Consistency of caregivers assigned made it easier for my friend's personality as well as to myself. Caregivers provided the standard of professionalism, punctuality and respect in all aspects of care to my friend and to all household members as well. Always Best Care patiently worked and delivered my request for my friend's care in matching his personality with caregivers. Thank you Always Best Care with gratitude.”
“Always Best Care provided reliable quality care to my family member in my home. They were professional, courteous and kind in their provision of personal care. Many thanks to their staff.”
“After months of struggling with trying to find a reliable caregiver for a disabled loved one, I reached out to Always Best Care. From our first phone conversation, Phuong was incredibly helpful, highly professional, informative, and kind. She assisted us with getting care for my family member at home and recently helped us with transitioning her into a senior board and care facility. Phuong understood our needs and made the process super smooth and stress free. She always responds to emails and phone calls promptly and is a true gem. I highly recommend Always Best Care and could not be more pleased with the outstanding level of service Phuong provided.”
“The first month of assistance with Best care was a little rough for my 89 y.o.father, with a different care giver each visit. However as time progressed, the caregivers became more regular and his very favorite became Lauren! He is loving his in-home-care with the kindness and concern each of the caregivers show him.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Top of the World Park in Laguna Beach, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Loft or visit Top of the World, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Laguna Beach, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Laguna Beach, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Laguna Beach, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A luxury Laguna Beach resort is moving guests off its first floor as pounding Pacific surf threatens Southern California, with coastal flooding and significant beach erosion forecast from Sunday through Thursday.The Surf & Sand Resort is taking extra precautions as waves batter the beachfront property, with a hotel employee telling The California Post that no guests will be placed on the first floor because of the threat.“We are putting no guests on the first floor,” the employee said, describing the move as an ...
A luxury Laguna Beach resort is moving guests off its first floor as pounding Pacific surf threatens Southern California, with coastal flooding and significant beach erosion forecast from Sunday through Thursday.
The Surf & Sand Resort is taking extra precautions as waves batter the beachfront property, with a hotel employee telling The California Post that no guests will be placed on the first floor because of the threat.
“We are putting no guests on the first floor,” the employee said, describing the move as an abundance of caution. The worker said the building itself had not been damaged and had withstood major storms in the past.
But the resort’s precautions underscore a broader threat facing coastal communities across Southern California, where elevated tides and disappearing beaches are leaving homes, businesses and public infrastructure increasingly exposed.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned that minor to moderate coastal flooding is likely from Sunday through Thursday, with high tides reaching 7.5 to 8 feet — as much as 1.5 feet above projections.
“HEADS UP!!!!” the agency warned, adding that moderate to significant beach erosion was likely and that some areas could face upgraded warnings.
California’s Office of Emergency Services said a Coastal Flood Advisory would remain in effect along the state’s coast from Oct. 25 through Oct. 29, with Coastal Flood Warnings issued for Orange and San Diego counties.
At Surf & Sand, a newly circulated Instagram video purporting to show a section of the resort’s oceanfront seawall collapsing has added to concerns about the pounding surf. The extent of any structural damage has not been independently confirmed.
Laguna Beach surfer and skimboarding champion Blair Conklin captured powerful surf pounding the shoreline, where dwindling sand has left beachfront properties more exposed.
“There’s a reason they call it Beach Road… you got the Surf and Sand is now the surf and boulder, and the Beach Road is now—it’s definitely a rocky road,” Conklin said.
Conklin said offshore reefs that once helped break incoming waves were no longer providing the same protection.
“Waves are not breaking on those reefs that used to protect our coast a little bit… they’re just passing the reefs because it’s deep enough and then doubling up and hitting all the structures on the inside—and there’s no sand buffer.”
The danger extends well beyond Laguna Beach.
Crews are mounting a $4 million emergency operation to reinforce a fractured 360-foot bluff near El Moro and Crystal Cove, using heavy equipment, rocks and sand-filled plastic bags ahead of the king tides.
In Capistrano Beach, several homes along Beach Road have reportedly suffered structural damage. Six or seven homes have been red-tagged as uninhabitable and are undergoing demolition.
The latest threat follows successive hurricane-generated swells associated with Marie, Polo and Rachel, which have stripped sand from beaches, while an oceanic Kelvin wave is contributing to elevated water levels.
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.– A southbound lane of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway is closed for an unknown amount of time after a crack formed off the shoulder of the road in Laguna Beach.California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) said the closure stretches from Irvine Cove to Reef Point Drive in Laguna Beach. (FOX 11 Los Angeles / FOX 11)Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff and Acting Public Works Director Tom Perez said in an update on Tuesday afternoon that it's unknown when th...
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.– A southbound lane of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway is closed for an unknown amount of time after a crack formed off the shoulder of the road in Laguna Beach.
California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) said the closure stretches from Irvine Cove to Reef Point Drive in Laguna Beach.
(FOX 11 Los Angeles / FOX 11)
Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff and Acting Public Works Director Tom Perez said in an update on Tuesday afternoon that it's unknown when the lane will reopen again.
Aerial video from FOX 11 Los Angeles shows a large crack in the ground extending several yards off the shoulder of the highway.
(FOX 11 Los Angeles / FOX 11)
Kiff and Perez said CalTrans has not confirmed how deep or how long the crack extends, nor the exact cause of the crack forming.
Southern California has taken a beating this summer with El Niño continuing to fuel a very active Pacific hurricane season, fueling coastal erosion as tropical systems cause high surf and crashing waves.
Tropical Storm Rachel was the most recent culprit, causing coastal flooding, massive waves and beach erosion throughout Southern California.
(Mario Tama / Getty Images)
While videoing the crack in the ground, FOX 11 Los Angeles captured dirt cascading off the side of the cliff into the ocean below.
This stretch of land is managed by CalTrans. Laguna Beach City staff said they are in close contact with CalTrans and California State Parks regarding the crack.
(FOX 11 Los Angeles / FOX 11)
The crack and lane closure is expected to significantly affect those traveling on the highway, Laguna Beach staff said.
The Pacific Coast Highway has seen its fair share of problems in recent years, either from damage caused by mudslides and flash flooding or wildfires.
FOX Weather will continue to follow this story as it develops.
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’...
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 simplest: the color of the ocean. As a part of one of the largest marine protected areas in Southern California, conservation efforts in Laguna Beach have led to some of the bluest, clearest waters in the region. The Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve and Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area are among the most popular marine protected areas 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. The Laguna Ocean Foundation kicks off every summer with its annual KelpFest, where visitors can take photos with mermaids, listen to live music, and participate in a large-scale beach clean-up. Each November, the Laguna Art Museum hosts the Art + Nature Celebration Week, an event that honors the city’s artistic legacy and its natural surroundings. 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 nearly two decades. “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.
In my humble opinion, the Montage Laguna Beach is one of the best beach resorts in the United States. Set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this sprawling 30-acre resort has 263 rooms with gorgeous oceanfront views and generously sized soaking tubs. For those who would like to splurge, it also offers 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 small 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 the wellness-focused resort.
Stay steps from the waves at this refined resort, which boasts airy and elegant guest rooms, a chic lounge, and a breezy 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 artistic 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, with a dreamy pool deck, a rooftop bar, and fresh cookies available nightly.
Laguna Beach is home to over 100 art galleries and studios. Start at the Laguna Art Museum, which is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting pieces that represent the everyday life and history of California. Other highlights in the downtown area include GW Contemporary and Kush Fine Art.
There are several fire pits at Aliso Beach, which are managed by the Lost Pier Cafe. Since there is a limited number of pits, be sure to book in advance. 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.
This scenic hike has panoramic views of the hills and waters surrounding Laguna Beach. Trails in the area can also take visitors down into the canyons, through downtown Laguna Beach, or even into neighboring towns. “Finding your way to the Top of the World trail is something amazing, especially at sunset,” says Bjorkman.
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 vibrant underwater world 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.
Located at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Harvest showcases seasonal produce grown on the property’s half-acre farm. The changing menu offers a creative, local spin on California coastal cuisine, complete with innovative cocktails and an impressive wine list.
Even though Rebel Omakase earned a Michelin star in 2024, it still somehow feels like a hidden gem. It’s tucked away in an unassuming shopping center, where it serves a set menu with Japan-sourced ingredients. 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 perfect for a post-beach lunch or an easy dinner. Located in downtown Laguna Beach, it serves fresh and inventive sushi rolls, poke bowls, and sashimi at reasonable prices.
Chef Thomas Crijns 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.
Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, there’s really no bad time to visit Laguna Beach. Summer is a popular tourist season, thanks to long, sunny days and the heavy roster of events, including the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts, and KelpFest.
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.”
The easiest way to get to Laguna Beach is by car. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or 30 minutes from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA).
If you’d rather not fly, you can also take Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner 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 drive (ride-hailing services and taxis are available) to downtown Laguna Beach. Once you arrive, you’ll rarely need a car.
Downtown Laguna Beach feels like a village square, full of restaurants, candy shops, and boutiques. But the true draw is its art galleries and studios, each with 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’s 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.
Despite being in Southern California, Laguna Beach is delightfully walkable, though you may want to rent a car 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.
Officials and residents along the Southern California coast braced for impact Sunday from very high tides after early-season storms already caused significant damage in coastal areas.The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for Orange and San Diego counties from Sunday morning to midday Thursday.Morning high tides were expected to be 1 to 1.7 feet above projections in those counties, the weather service said in a statement.“Numerous roads may be closed,” the statement read. “Low-lying property...
Officials and residents along the Southern California coast braced for impact Sunday from very high tides after early-season storms already caused significant damage in coastal areas.
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for Orange and San Diego counties from Sunday morning to midday Thursday.
Morning high tides were expected to be 1 to 1.7 feet above projections in those counties, the weather service said in a statement.
“Numerous roads may be closed,” the statement read. “Low-lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated.”
Metrolink announced it would temporarily suspend service in southern Orange County from Monday through Friday at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations due to the tides.
The affected rail line, used by Metrolink and Amtrak trains that connect Orange County to San Diego along the Pacific Coast, has long been threatened by coastal erosion and was already closed for several days over the summer.
The California Department of Transportation has also secured millions of dollars in emergency funds to repair a massive crack that developed during early-October high tides on a slope below Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach. The concerning crack is near the Moro Beach section of Crystal Cove.
In coastal parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the weather service issued flood advisories, a lower-level alert.
At the highest tides, which will occur on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, tides will reach 7.5 to 8 feet, or 1 to 1.5 feet above astronomical projections.
In recent weeks, coastal communities across Southern California have felt the impact of flooding from a potentially historic El Niño.
Long Beach and Newport Beach have been at the center of the devastation, with viral videos showing waves crashing onto oceanside homes, parking lots, boardwalks and jetties.
The Balboa Peninsula and islands within Newport Harbor are of particular concern, Newport Beach City Manager Seimone Jurjis said in a statement.
“Our City teams have been busy reinforcing sand berms, evaluating vulnerable seawalls, placing sandbags, inspecting storm drains and preparing additional pumps, heavy equipment and emergency resources,” Jurjis said. “We’re also coordinating additional staffing across City departments to monitor conditions and respond as needed.”
The city said it would provide sandbags at three locations and encouraged residents with private seawalls to reinforce them if necessary.
So-called king tides will not begin until late November, per the California Coastal Commission’s website.
The high tides require caution from beach visitors and coastal residents, according to the weather service.
“If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth,” the NWS advised.
Beachgoers should stay off jetties and sea walls, and avoid beaches altogether during high tides, the weather service said.
Hurricane Rachel delivered an unprecedented display of coastal destruction to Southern California, leaving the streets of Laguna Beach completely submerged under churning storm surge and hurricane-fueled ocean swells.BEEFS TC (aka Chris Monroe) was on the ground documenting the jaw-dropping chaos as massive 15-to-20-foot backwash waves breached seawalls, swept over sand dunes, and tore directly through downtown streets, swallowing cars and flooding local businesses.Check out the footage below:"The ocean is literally...
Hurricane Rachel delivered an unprecedented display of coastal destruction to Southern California, leaving the streets of Laguna Beach completely submerged under churning storm surge and hurricane-fueled ocean swells.
BEEFS TC (aka Chris Monroe) was on the ground documenting the jaw-dropping chaos as massive 15-to-20-foot backwash waves breached seawalls, swept over sand dunes, and tore directly through downtown streets, swallowing cars and flooding local businesses.
Check out the footage below:
"The ocean is literally in the city right now," Monroe reported as surging whitewash surged past coastal landmarks. "I've never seen water push this far up into Laguna in my life."
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Official breaking-wave heights were smaller than some of the spectacular backwash seen in videos. Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond reported 5-to-7-foot surf, while the National Weather Service forecast 5-to-7-foot waves with local sets to 9 feet, paired with tides exceeding seven feet and significant coastal flooding and erosion.
The catastrophic event was driven by a rare alignment of atmospheric and oceanographic extremes.
Here's another clip of massive waves hitting Aliso Beach, linked here, and below:
While Hurricane Rachel's unusual northward trajectory pushed massive, long-period tropical swells directly into south-facing beaches, the historic Super El Niño season and an incoming planetary-scale Kelvin wave significantly raised baseline sea levels across the Pacific.
By "raising the floor" of the ocean by nearly a foot, the Kelvin wave amplified every incoming set, allowing monster waves to ride over protective berms and inundate low-lying urban areas.
The City of Laguna Beach issued urgent public safety advisories as emergency crews scrambled to clear debris and pump out flooded neighborhoods.
See footage of Laguna Beach's downtown flooded, linked here, and below:
"The combination of high tides, historic surf, and tropical storm surge has created hazardous coastal conditions," the city stated in an emergency alert. "Residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid all coastal zones and low-lying roadways until floodwaters recede."
NOAA says El Niño continues strengthening, with an 83% chance of reaching historic strength during October-December and strong-to-very strong conditions likely through early 2027.
With El Niño conditions locked in and additional Kelvin waves projected to pulse up the West Coast throughout the winter, meteorologists warn that Southern California's battering is far from over.
Beachgoers and homeowners along the coast must prepare for a relentlessly active winter surf season defined by elevated baselines, severe beach erosion, and recurrent coastal inundation.
Stay safe out there.
This story was originally published by on Oct 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the section. Add Surfer as a
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