No compensation was received for this post. We were invited to stay at the Pacific Edge Hotel and received meals/accommodations which helped facilitate the writing of this post.
The end of summer is always a bittersweet time for me, particularly now that my son is in school. I remember the excitement I felt right before the school year as a young girl, and I share that joy with my son. I also know that each new school year means that our time together is short and I strive every single day to make memories my children will carry with them for a lifetime. Travel is just one of the many ways we create memories because it forces us to pause and focus on connecting together as a family. It also allows us to introduce our children to new people, places, experiences, and food, giving them a broader perspective on life.
Since we were just days from the start of the new school year, a last minute trip across the country wasn’t feasible. But with the Pacific Ocean just 20 minutes from our home, a staycation at the Pacific Edge Hotel was the perfect way to end our adventure-filled summer. From the tranquil, ocean-inspired decor to the personalized, attentive guest service, this charming, beachfront hotel exudes luxury. But don’t let the hotel’s upscale, boutique ambiance deter you from enjoying the hotel as a family. There are enough kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained.
The Pacific Edge Hotel recently underwent a number of renovations, and eventually, all 125 rooms will be outfitted with retro-style, beach-inspired furnishings, all provided by local Orange County boutiques as part of their focus on “keeping it local.”
We stayed in a spacious beachfront junior suite which features two connecting rooms, one with a king-sized bed, the other with two twin-sized beds. We’ve traveled extensively as a family and we always appreciate accommodations that include a microwave and a refrigerator to store snacks and prepare quick meals, if needed. Located in the Surf Tower, these suites are just steps away from the pool and the hotel’s private beach. And if that isn’t compelling enough, you get to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the waves crashing along the shoreline (priceless!).
Family travel can be specific and purposeful (i.e. a planned vacation to Walt Disney World) or spontaneous and less structured (a last minute staycation on the beach). I love the fact that the hotel offers a number of activities for families who want to relax and spend time together without having to drive far for excursions. Guests can check the activity board located near the Surf Pool which features a list of the day’s complementary activities. Snow cones, fireside s’mores, arts & crafts, sunset painting lessons on the beach, glow in the dark pool parties, face painting, scavenger hunts, yoga on the beach, and sandcastle contests are just some of the many things happening at the hotel daily.
Additionally, the hotel offers Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals and Lesson and free access to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center for guests. Laguna Beach is quaint and artsy and features a number of small, local boutiques and restaurants so the location for the Pacific Edge Hotel is ideal.
The foodie in me always aspires to go outside of our hotel to check out the local food scene, so you can imagine how impressive the food at The Deck on Laguna Beach has to be for me to want to duplicate that experience. Located on the beach, the restaurant features fresh seafood and other light bites in a pristine setting, We enjoyed our meal as the sun was setting which was gorgeous and serene. The food was nothing short of delightful and while the most popular dish on the menu was the Ahi Tuna Poke, I found myself brainstorming how to recreate the restaurants simple, elegant Heirloom Tomatoes Watermelon Salad.
Much of my last day was spent relaxing and working inside one of the Beachfront Bungalows, which are available for rental, even if you aren’t a hotel guest. I’ll have an entire post featuring these luxurious, locally designed spaces, available for birthday parties, playdates, family gatherings, or daycations.
For more information, visit PacificEdgeHotel.com
Images: Rockin’ Mama
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
That was a really gorgeous and relaxing hotel. I can’t wait to go back again!
Shannon! We had so much fun! I can’t wait to go back as well!
Sounds like a wonderful getaway. I love getaways that are close by but you feel like you are miles away. Quite rejuvenating.
Linda….you would LOVE this place….I actually thought about you during our stay….
The hotel looks wonderful! I love that they offer yoga on the beach & SUP rentals/lessons. I would love to stay there next summer!
Jennifer…I think the resort activities are definitely a highlight. And can’t beat the location! I hope you get a chance to getaway!
Wasn’t the view amazing! Such a fun time.
aw Jill…had a blast with you! XOXO