Surf & Sand came by its name honestly. Built directly on the sand, just feet from the Pacific Ocean in pristine Laguna Beach, California, every single guest room at this posh hotel has an impossibly beautiful view of indigo waters and Catalina Island off in the distance. If you’re envisioning a high-end coastal wedding with an intimate feel and a walkable town for your guests, Surf & Sand is it.

Located on Laguna Beach’s main drag, Surf & Sand underwent a full renovation in 2025, bringing the sense of oceanside luxury to new heights. The accommodations are wonderfully spacious, featuring private balconies that practically hang over the beach, letting you drift off and wake up to the sound of crashing waves below.

The resort’s culinary and social spaces are an extension of the excellent rooms. Morning coffee begins at Pacific Perk, the resort’s seaside coffee bar that proudly brews Succulent Coffee Roasters with custom syrups and artisan pastries.

Throughout the day, guests naturally gravitate toward the oceanfront pool deck, which sits perched directly above the sand with private cabanas and full cocktail-and-dining service delivering fresh halibut tacos and cold drinks straight to your lounger. Between poolside sessions, guests can browse designer resort wear and local jewelry at The Boutique, or gather for sunset craft drinks and small plates in the open-air Lobby Lounge.

For bridal parties and traveling guests seeking ultimate pre-wedding relaxation, Aquaterra Spa is a sanctuary. The treatment menu focuses heavily on ocean-inspired wellness, incorporating rich sea salts, nourishing marine algae, and organic botanical oils into deep-tissue bodywork and collagen-boosting facials designed to melt away pre-event stress.

When it comes to dining, Splashes, the resort’s flagship oceanfront restaurant, genuinely knocks your socks off. The kitchen serves up some of the freshest, sustainably sourced fish on the coast, alongside impressive apps, sides and delectable desserts. It really is the most ideal setting for high-end rehearsal dinners right on the water.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the resort’s event spaces are intentionally designed around the coastline. Micro-weddings and smaller parties of up to 80 guests fit seamlessly onto the poolside Pacific Terrace, which pairs effortlessly with Beachcomber for a fluid indoor-outdoor cocktail hour, while the Bluebird Beach Room hosts up to 60 with its own private deck and dance floor. For larger receptions, the Laguna Ballroom comfortably seats up to 180 guests, framed by a wrap-around terrace made for lingering over golden-hour drinks.

The undisputed showstopper, however, is Catalina Terrace. Suspended directly above the crashing tide, this breathtaking open-air venue holds up to 190 guests for an unforgettable seaside ceremony. Booking this terrace requires a 6-room block directly off the deck, though couples enjoy a complimentary oceanfront suite on their wedding night through the resort’s signature Wedding Perfect package. The property also carries a midnight curfew for music and requires a two-night stay for Saturday room blocks, ensuring your guest list can turn your big day into a full weekend getaway.

Beyond the wedding itinerary itself, the property functions as a completely frictionless retreat. With downtown Laguna Beach’s world-class art galleries, upscale beach boutiques, and cozy outdoor cafes just steps away on foot, your guests enjoy a luxurious, walkable California getaway where everything they need is right at their fingertips.