The Ranch at Laguna Beach is one of Southern California’s most distinctive coastal retreats.
Just over an hour from San Diego (traffic depending), this peaceful enclave blends boutique hotel comfort with nature-focused experiences, all just minutes from the beach and downtown Laguna.
Whether you’re planning a family road trip, romantic escape, or wellness weekend, this resort delivers understated luxury with substance.
In this review of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, I’ll share why I like this Orange County resort. I especially like working with their staff behind the scenes—so helpful, responsive and nice!
Quick Overview of The Ranch at Laguna Beach
- Location: Aliso Canyon, Laguna Beach (3 miles from the beach and ~20 miles from John Wayne Airport).
- Accommodations: 97 rooms and suites across rustic, low-rise buildings.
- Dining: Harvest (signature restaurant), The Porch (casual café with live music), Pool Bar, Lost Pier Café (at Aliso Beach), and in-room dining.
- Amenities: 9-hole Ben Brown’s Golf Course, Sycamore Spa, saline pool, 24-hour fitness center, Harvest Farm, bocce court, Rivian house car shuttle, beach setup at Aliso Beach.
- Family-Friendly: Yes.
- Pet-Friendly: No.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach Reservations and Perks
We can add Virtuoso amenities at no extra cost to you that include:
31106 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
What I love
Good to Know
Rooms and Suites at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Accommodations at The Ranch at Laguna Beach blend natural serenity with upscale comforts. Interiors are outfitted with Tuvalu-designed furnishings, drawing from coastal ranch influences to reflect the beauty of Aliso Canyon.
Every room includes:
- Outdoor furnished patio or balcony
- Lavish bath amenities and plush bathrobes
- Signature Ranch bedding and Italian linens
- Oversized walk-in shower, dual vanities, and shaving mirror
- Refillable water bottles
- In-room coffee machine with curated coffee selection
- State-of-the-art technology (LCD TVs, universal charging stations, mini-fridge, microwave upon request)
- Tuvalu-designed furnishings
- Iron and ironing board, in-room safe, hair dryer
Canyon Room
The Canyon Room offers 410 square feet of cozy, California-ranch-inspired comfort, featuring a king bed, a private furnished patio, and views of either the surrounding canyon or Ben Brown’s Golf Course.
The spa-style bathroom includes dual vanities and an oversized walk-in shower, ideal for winding down after a day at the beach or on the trails.
For those traveling with friends or extended family, connecting Canyon Rooms are available—two adjacent rooms, each with its own king bed and full bathroom, linked by an interior door for added space and flexibility.
Creekside Studio Suite
The Creekside Studio Suite steps things up with 600 square feet of indoor space and an additional 160-square-foot outdoor patio or balcony.
A king bed and full-size sofa bed make it suitable for small families or guests who appreciate extra room to lounge. Elevated creek and canyon views, plus upgraded indoor-outdoor living space, make these suites especially appealing for longer stays or those who want a little more breathing room.
Creekside One-Bedroom Suite
Ideal for families or guests seeking a more residential layout, the Creekside One-Bedroom Suite spans 715 square feet and includes a king bed in the primary bedroom and a full-size sofa bed in the separate living room.
A single full bathroom and a private patio or balcony round out the space. This configuration works well for parents traveling with children who want a bit of privacy between sleeping areas.
Cottage Two-Bedroom Suite
For larger groups, the Cottage Two-Bedroom Suite delivers the feel of a private vacation home. These split-level accommodations feature 1,125 square feet of interior space and over 300 square feet of outdoor space.
Upstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms—one with a king bed and one with a queen—while downstairs includes a queen-size sofa bed, a spacious living area, a half bath, and direct access to a furnished patio and upstairs balcony.
The Treehouse
At the top of the offerings is The Treehouse, a one-of-a-kind 1,600-square-foot, two-bedroom suite perched high above the resort.
It’s outfitted with a king bed in the primary bedroom, a queen bed in the second, a queen-size sofa bed in the living room, and three full bathrooms. A full gourmet kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an expansive wraparound deck offer some of the best views on property.
Guests also receive exclusive access to the Treehouse Gazebo and a dedicated Ranch Hand for personalized service. It’s an exceptional choice for honeymoons, multigenerational getaways, or anyone seeking total privacy with the comforts of home.
Dining at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
The Ranch LB takes its culinary offerings seriously, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, many sourced directly from its own half-acre Harvest Farm.
Harvest
This is the resort’s signature, all-day dining venue. It embodies California coastal cuisine, skillfully prepared and beautifully presented. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the bounty from Harvest Farm and local purveyors.
Expect elevated American classics, fresh seafood, and creative vegetable dishes. The indoor dining room is sophisticated yet relaxed, while the outdoor patio offers stunning views of the golf course and canyon walls.
The bar at Harvest is also a great spot for craft cocktails and appetizers. Don’t miss their breakfast or weekend brunch.
The Porch
Located near the lodge, The Porch is a charming, casual alfresco spot perfect for a morning coffee and pastry, a light lunch, or afternoon cocktails around the fire pits. They feature live music seven days a week from 4 pm to 8 pm, making it a popular gathering place as the day winds down.
Pool Bar
Serving the saline pool and hot tub area, the Pool Bar offers refreshing drinks, cocktails, and casual bites – think salads, sandwiches, and snacks – perfect for enjoying poolside without having to change.
Lost Pier Café
Situated right on the sand at nearby Aliso Beach, this casual eatery provides beachside bites, coffee, and drinks. It’s also where resort guests can access complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas.
It’s a fantastic amenity, offering a true beach day experience connected to the resort via shuttle.
Room Service
Available for those times you just want to relax in your room, offering selections often mirroring the Harvest menu.
The variety ensures you can enjoy different dining experiences without leaving the resort property or its immediate beach access point.
Amenities and Activities at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Beyond the rooms and dining, The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers a wealth of activities and amenities included in the resort fee.
A 9-Hole Golf Course
The 9-hole golf course is nestled in the Aliso and Wood canyons and widely regarded as one of the most scenic in the area. It’s a laid-back and quiet course that provides golfers a chance to connect with nature along the way.
There are also shortened tees that cater to junior golfers and, of course, plenty of opportunities for those interested in the sport to learn through clinics and lessons.
Priority tee times are available for resort guests.
Swimming Pool
The heated saline pool and adjacent hot tub are centrally located hubs of activity. With ample lounge chairs and service from the Pool Bar, it’s a perfect spot to soak up the California sun.
Sycamore Spa and Fitness Center
The Sycamore Spa offers a tranquil escape with treatments inspired by nature. Focus is on customized facials, massages, and body treatments. There’s also a co-ed infrared sauna.
The 24-hour fitness center provides modern equipment for workouts, and complimentary group fitness classes are typically offered on weekends.
Other Experiences and Activities at The Ranch
There’s more to do here than relax—though there’s plenty of that too. The Ranch’s complimentary programming adds tremendous value to your stay, whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends.
- Live Music: Enjoy daily performances at The Porch, a popular evening hangout.
- Fire Pits: Gather around cozy fire pits at The Porch and Lost Pier Café.
- Junior Explorers Camp & Farm Tour: Kids can take part in nature-based activities while parents recharge. Farm tours are also offered daily at 11 a.m.
- Birds of Prey: Meet rescued owls and hawks on Saturdays—a guest favorite.
- Stargazing: On Friday nights, join a local astronomer for guided night-sky viewing.
- Wellness Classes: Restore your body and mind with complimentary restorative yoga or sweat it out with HIIT classes, both offered regularly.
- Coastal Kayak & Wildlife Tour: Available seasonally, this guided ocean tour highlights Laguna’s marine beauty (additional fees may apply).
All of these offerings complement the property’s wellness-forward mission and its immersive connection to nature.
Family Fun
The resort prides itself on a blend of beach and gorgeous inland activities so while it’s entirely possible to be completely entertained on the property, the glorious Pacific Ocean awaits for beach going, surfing and more.
The same goes for the hipster Laguna Beach art community (I loved the Sawdust festival as a kid) and various nearby parks.
The onsite Junior Ranger Kids’ Program lets kids explore the outdoors through nature walks, storytelling, opportunities to learn about sustainability and more. A heated saline pool is perfect for year-round splashing and swimming.
Is It Kid-Friendly / Pet-Friendly?
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, The Ranch at Laguna Beach welcomes families. While there isn’t a formal kids’ club mentioned, the wide-open spaces, pool, farm tours, bird meet-and-greets, beach access, and nearby hiking trails offer plenty to keep younger guests entertained.
The multi-bedroom suites and cottages are particularly well-suited for families. - Pet-Friendly: No. It’s important to reiterate that pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on the property. Only trained Service Animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted. If you travel with a service animal, be prepared to confirm it meets the ADA requirements.
Awesome Laguna Beach Location
While nestled in the quiet Aliso Canyon, The Ranch LB offers excellent access to the best of Laguna Beach and the surrounding natural beauty. The resort provides complimentary shuttle service via their Rivian house cars to local spots, including Aliso Beach, which is just down the road.
- Beaches: Aliso Beach, known for its pier (though currently damaged) and surfing, is the closest, and the resort provides chairs, umbrellas, and towels via the Lost Pier Café there. Other famous Laguna coves like Thousand Steps Beach and Treasure Island Beach are a short drive away.
- Arts Scene: Laguna Beach is renowned for its art galleries, particularly along Pacific Coast Highway in the main village. Don’t miss the Laguna Art Museum or the seasonal art festivals like the Sawdust Art Festival and Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters if your visit coincides.
- Outdoor Recreation: The hotel’s location is adjacent to the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, offering miles of hiking and biking trails right from your doorstep. Explore the natural landscape that makes this setting so unique.
- Dining & Shopping: Downtown Laguna Beach (a ~10-minute drive or shuttle ride) offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and surf shops.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the resort’s complimentary stargazing sessions on Friday nights (weather permitting) – the canyon location away from city lights provides excellent viewing opportunities.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach Reservations with Virtuoso Benefits
You can add our Virtuoso benefits to your reservation at The Ranch at Laguna Beach at no extra cost. These include:
Final Thoughts
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is not just a place to stay—it’s a place to exhale. With its canyon setting, immersive programming, and stylish accommodations, the resort hits the sweet spot between laid-back and luxurious.
It’s the kind of place where you can fill your days with coastal hikes and farm tours or simply read a book by the fire pit with a glass of wine in hand.
If you’re looking for an authentic Southern California hideaway where luxury comes with a side of fresh air and intention, The Ranch at Laguna Beach should be on your list.
Katie Dillon
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