Laguna Beach

Bold colors, richly textured fabrics, one-of-a-kind chains and clasps, and vintage detailing make Marian Paquette’s handmade bags perfect for anyone seeking to stand out in Southern California’s sometimes monotonous sea of sartorial instincts. Paquette leans on a handful of signature styles (clutches, classic top-handle bags, and foldable crossbody styles) but constructs each bag in her eponymous shop from fabric sourced from France, Morocco, or Italy. Sumptuous velvet in poppy brights, intricate embroidery, and detailed beadwork make every piece unique. (Custom bags can be commissioned; the shop also creates ottomans and pillows on request.)

This unique shop, located on Pacific Coast Highway, is a nod to Laguna's rich surf history by offering a trusted mix of clothing and gear (most of which is from independent brands) that exist solely for the sport. The team is knowledgeable and friendly, so if you're in the market for a board, or simply want to learn more about surfing, this is a good resource. It's also an unexpected goldmine for retro surfer tees, vinyl records, and art books.

This museum originally came to fruition in 1918 as the Laguna Beach Art Association, where local artists met in a rustic cottage. A decade later, after a successful fundraising run, the arts collective moved the works into a custom-built gallery—a building that still exists today within the newest structure. All the art on display comes straight from California talent.

Thanks to an incredibly driven and talented artistic community, Pageant of the Masters has long been an OC tradition that's gained global recognition. Actors pose as art subjects to literally bring well-known works of classic and contemporary art to life on the stage. It's both mesmerizing and magical to see the unparalleled effort—and attracts art enthusiasts in droves.

Chef Amar Santana has rapidly gained a following in the OC culinary world since the 2011 opening of his namesake restaurant. A Dominican Republic native and longtime New Yorker, he infuses a mix of the two worlds in both his menu and space: the food is worldly and inventive, from potato pierogi to grilled quail, and the space is a nod to industrial New York with dark wood and rustic concrete. And the team is pretty serious about their wine. It's fun to score a seat at the chef's table to get a look into what's happening in the kitchen.

In a small, light-filled boutique owners Laura Hart and Dana Marron apply a strong sense of what OC women want to wear to their edit at Laguna Supply. Look for breezy Isabel Marant prints, Ulla Johnson dresses, and Nili Lotan trousers, plus made-in-LA Janessa Leoné hats and Rachel Comey shoes. Equal parts beachy and upscale, you can just as easily find something here for the beach as you can for a night out.

Here you'll find structured military shirts by Freenote next to Levi's denim and Jack Mason Slim watches, all of which have an authentic, traditional bent. A fail-proof spot if you're in need of a gift for a special guy in your life.

Since the mid-70s, this health-centric restaurant has been amassing a huge following for its small-but-mighty 100 percent vegan menu. The tortilla soup is legendary in the goop offices—and the NY Times called their avocado toast the best in the country. The house-made raw organic nut milks, tamales, and sprouted salads are also worth trying. (Tip: Get here early on a weekend—the line can get long.)

With its design-forward decor (the colorful, textured interiors throughout are punctuated by gorgeous mosaics) and relaxed vibe, this twenty-three-room hotel checks all the boxes for the perfect long weekend in a small, low-key oceanside setting. Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is behind the considered Moroccan and Spanish accents, which pay tribute to the architectural integrity of the original 1920's building—think: clawfoot tubs, intricate tilework, and a mix of velvets and well-worn leather furnishings. In the morning, a light continental breakfast is served from 7-10:30 a.m. in the dining room (homemade pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice). For those looking for a little bit of pampering, a new indoor/outdoor spa features a fairly straightforward menu of reflexology, hot stone massages, and Swedish massages with views of the Pacific in the distance.

Tucked in a canyon about a five-minute walk from the beach, this ranch-like resort has bit more word-of-mouth appeal.