Skip to content

A Field Trip

2013 December 2
by WWGD

PacificEdgeLagunaBeach-WhatWouldGwynethDo

Our Sunday field trips have become a really nice little ritual and yesterday’s may have been the best one yet. We explored an area that is an old favorite – Laguna Beach – but in a very new way.

This formerly quaint little beach town blew up a few years back as a result of the reality TV show that took place there, but its artistic vibe, beautiful beaches and cool architecture remain intact and make it a great day trip destination that’s only about 45 minutes away…without traffic. And there is always traffic. But I digress.

Yesterday was probably the most perfect first of December in the history of first of Decembers with the sun shining and the temperatures hovering in the low/mid 70s so while everyone else was picking out their tree or lugging that Elf out of the box, we hit the beach in serious style for the day at the Pacific Edge Hotel. Pacific Edge had invited us to check out their beachfront private bungalows for an afternoon and it was a perfect family daycation: the bungalows (there are five in total, each available for private rental, even if you aren’t a guest of the hotel) sit beachfront on a quiet, beautiful stretch of sand (see view above).

PacificEdgeLagunaBeach-WhatWouldGwynethDo

My little lady getting comfortable in her new surroundings for the day…didn’t take much. Each bungalow is designed with a different partner and we were in the Billabong one which came complete with charcuterie boards shaped like surfboards, coffee table books, a surfboard mounted to the ceiling…cute little touches everywhere.

PacificEdgeLagunaBeach-WhatWouldGwynethDo

Lots of succulents and warm, natural design elements throughout.

PacificEdgeLagunaBeach-WhatWouldGwynethDo

The bungalows are the perfect size for a group – they accommodate up to 10, we had four adults and three kids and were beyond comfortable – and have all the luxuries and amenities of a VIP hotel room, sans bed. A lovely sitting area, private bath, TV, minibar, iPod deck, and most importantly: stunning views, easy beach access, and an outdoor lounge area reserved just for you. You can eat, drink and be very merry for the day and it truly feels like a little mini vacation, without the expense and overstuffed luggage.

PacificEdgeLagunaBeach-WhatWouldGwynethDo

It was a really lovely way to kick off what is sure to be a busy, hectic month…it gave us an opportunity to just unwind as a family (that’s Kai’s little mop of hair in the foreground of the picture above), have a few good laughs, appreciate our surroundings and take in some new experiences together. I think that’s the whole point behind these little field trips of ours. Taking a day that would typically otherwise be filled with mundane tasks, the usual activities and the same old and making it new. It doesn’t really matter where we go, as long as we go.

PacificEdgeLagunaBeach-WhatWouldGwynethDo

It shows our kids that there is a world out there to explore and that we are intent, as a family, on exploring it. On seeing new places and meeting new friends and trying new food and making new memories. And of course, on taking in as many stunning California sunsets as we can.

Happy December!

*disclosure: Pacific Edge (which is a Joie de Vivre property and they are all great!) hosted us in a beachside bungalow for the afternoon but all impressions were my own…and I would book it again in a heartbeat. They also have very affordable room rates for prime Laguna Beach location and amenities, so be sure to check it out if you’re ever considering a trip to the area.

3 Responses
  1. December 2, 2013

    what a great way to spend the day…
    love this! such civilized beach going!

  2. Karrie Hefner permalink
    December 2, 2013

    Been watching and waiting to stay here, the rates are always reasonable. I just daydream,, looking as much as I can,, But I’ll be there soon.
    GREAT Blog….

    • WWGD permalink*
      December 2, 2013

      Aw, thanks so much Karrie. You should definitely keep an eye on those rates, it would be a great getaway. I think they share specials on social media too, so might be worth checking it out.

Comments are closed.