The Ranch at Laguna Beach

"Why we love it: An iconic luxury hotel set on 87 acres where the canyons meet the sea The Highlights: - A parklike setting between the canyons and ocean - A unique backstory as a homestead in the 1870s and a golf course in the 1950s - Enough activities to keep everyone busy, from bocce to meditation to bird-watching The Review: The swanky “Ranch at LB,” as it’s known, builds on the success of a 1950s golf course carved into the lush walls of Aliso and Wood canyons. Now a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, the property captures the essence of Laguna Beach, marrying the land and sea. Accommodations range from spacious rooms to creek-side suites and even a two-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot tree house. A beachy palette prevails throughout, punctuated by dark wood and leather pieces that evoke a Mission Revival feel. Ranch amenities include the golf courseand the Sycamore Spa by Hudson, which pampers guests with everything from jade roller massages to French green clay facials. There’s also a complimentary shuttle that runs down to the beach as well as extensive programming, including poolside yoga, gardening classes, and even a Junior Explorers summer program. Among the three restaurants on-site, Harvest shines brightest, diving deep into the area’s terroir and history of organic farming, brewing, and oenology with dishes like fig-and-prosciutto flatbread and espresso-braised short ribs with ancho-chili barbecue sauce. A popular wedding venue, the Ranch can accommodate up to 350 guests on the fairways, but also boasts more intimate venues like a Girl Scout camp that was active from the 1920s to the ’50s."

"Align with places such as The Ranch at Laguna Beach, which gifts personal Pathwater aluminum bottles to guests, which can be filled with their reverse-osmosis-cleaned water."