It’s almost like a chocolate covered pretzel. The salty ocean air combined with the sweet smell of breathtaking flora; that’s the first sign you’re approaching Laguna Beach, California. The next sign is touch. Your skin softens, and if you’re from a dry climate like I am, you can practically hear your cells screaming, “Moisture! Blessed Moisture!” But don’t let the word “moisture” frighten away girls afraid of frizzy hair, it’s not humid. I have crazy corkscrew curls and they don’t frizz any more than they usually do. And then finally, I see it, the marvelous ocean that I’ve waited patiently another year to see. Its color is the same blue as the hats of the Los Angeles Dodgers, probably planned that way some time ago. And as the ocean grows larger and larger in the windshield, my excitement grows larger and larger until there is no way to measure its greatness. I’m finally home.
I’ve been going to Laguna Beach every summer since I was six years old. That’s eleven years of growing up I’ve done there, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so special. There’s this wonderful bath store called Bubbles along the Pacific Coast Highway that has something for everyone. They have unique bath toys, natural bath oils, organic lip balms, and make your own candles that smell spectacular. My personal favorite products are the bath salts. You get to choose which colored and fragrant salts to layer together into a glass bottle with the company’s logo. I’ve made one every single year and proudly sport eleven glass bottles of bath salts on a shelf in my bedroom.
If you are going to eat in Laguna, you have to eat at The Orange Inn for breakfast and Brussels Bistro for dinner. The Orange Inn is a quaint little breakfast place that has the best muffins I’ve ever had. They have a dozen different flavors, from chocolate chip to whole grain cranberry. But you have to try an old fashioned blueberry; it’s by far the most delicious. I strongly believe they have a blueberry bush in the back. Now for Brussels Bistro, they too have something for everyone. They have countless Belgium beers perfect for the adults, the most delicious ham and cheese crepes for anyone (they’re that amazing), and for the little ones, some classic, but still new and inventive macaroni and cheese that even the pickiest eaters will love — I know first-hand.
The years of growing up in Laguna Beach isn’t the only reason it’s so special to me, it’s also my solace. I am definitely a stress ball in general, and between AP classes and extra-curricular activities, the school year heightens it indefinitely. Laguna is the only place I have ever been where the second I smell the air, my stress receptors turn off completely. It is one of the most beautiful things in the world to wake up, put on a light summer dress, head down to the beach, and read with your feet in the golden sand for hours upon hours, occasionally letting the cool waves tickle your toes.
The previous year when my family went there for vacation I had a broken foot. And with that came a horrendous and heavy fracture boot I had to wear at all times, but even with that annoying sidekick, it was still one of my favorite vacations. So whether you’re looking for a wonderful vacation spot for the whole family, or a relaxing trip for just yourself, Laguna, in my opinion, is the perfect place. It’s the perfect place for it all.
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