What to pack for a stay at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
Pack for beach and casual coastal dining: swimwear, sun protection, a light layer for cool evenings, and comfortable shoes for walking Laguna’s galleries and tide pools. Bring chargers, a small beach bag and any special items (child gear or pet supplies) if you’re traveling with kids or a dog; rooms like Premium Oceanfront Studio or Oceanview Junior Suite provide ocean-view balconies but not A/C.
In this guide
What to bring for beach and pool time
The hotel offers direct beach access, beach loungers, umbrellas and towels, and an oceanfront heated pool with a hot tub, so you don’t need to pack large beach gear unless you prefer your own. Bring a lightweight beach bag to carry personal items to the sand or pool deck.
Sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and reef-safe sunscreen are essential; the resort provides some poolside amenities through the resort fee but guests commonly bring their preferred SPF and lip balm.
If you plan to paddleboard or rent gear, bring a waterproof phone pouch and any personal flotation device you prefer; the on-site Stand Up Paddle Company offers lessons and rentals for additional equipment needs.
- Swimsuit(s) and quick-dry cover-up
- Waterproof phone case and sunglasses with strap
- Flip-flops or water shoes; a lightweight towel if you prefer your own
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Rashguard or wetsuit top | For wind, sun, and cooler water in some seasons |
| Beach shoes or sandals | Protect feet on hot sand, rocks and tide pools |
| Dry bag or zip-top bag | Keep valuables sand- and water-free |
Clothing and layers for coastal evenings and dining
Laguna Beach evenings can cool quickly with ocean breezes or a marine layer; pack a light sweater, a windbreaker, and one dressier option for Splashes or the Lobby Lounge. Splashes follows a "Resort Casual" dress code, so smart-casual attire is appropriate for dinner.
Casual daytime wear — shorts, tees, sundresses — works for walking between the resort and nearby galleries, beaches, and Main Beach. Comfortable walking shoes are useful if you plan to reach Heisler Park, Laguna Art Museum or Main Beach on foot.
- Light sweater or fleece
- Windbreaker or light jacket
- One smart-casual outfit for dinner (Splashes: Resort Casual)
| Situation | Suggested item |
|---|---|
| Sunset dinner at Splashes | Collared shirt or casual dress |
| Tide-pooling at Heisler Park | Closed-toe shoes and layers |
| Evening on Bella Vista Terrace | Light jacket for ocean breeze |
What to bring for the room and comfort
Rooms and suites (for example Premium Oceanfront Studio, Oceanfront California Suite, Oceanview Junior Suite) have private balconies and ocean views; the property notes rooms do not have air conditioning, so a light fan or breathable sleepwear may help if you prefer extra airflow. The resort provides in-room Nespresso coffee, bottled water and in-room safes as part of typical inclusions tied to the resort fee.
Pack chargers, adapters, toiletries you prefer, and any medications. If you need crib or rollaway info, contact the hotel in advance — the property’s front desk and concierge can confirm in-room requests and family amenities.
If you’re bringing a dog, bring familiar bedding, leash, and any required documentation; the hotel is pet-friendly for dogs and commonly provides food/water bowls, but a pet fee applies.
- Phone/tablet chargers and power bank
- Favorite toiletries and medications
- Light sleepwear and a small travel fan (optional)
| Room tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Request ocean-view balcony rooms (all room types are ocean-oriented) | To make use of outdoor space for morning coffee or sunset views |
| Pack a hoodie or wrap | Rooms rely on coastal breeze rather than A/C |
| Bring pet supplies if traveling with dog | Hotel allows dogs (fee applies) and provides bowls |
Items for spa, fitness and activities
Aquaterra Spa has treatment rooms, a steam room and an age policy (spa area for guests 16 and older); bring flip-flops, a swimsuit if you plan to use spa hydro facilities, and any preferred lotion or post-treatment skincare. Spa hours are generally morning-to-afternoon but check current times and book treatments ahead.
The fitness center includes cardio, weights, Peloton bikes and a Smart Mirror; pack workout clothes, trainers, and a refillable water bottle. Yoga classes are offered on-site, so a travel yoga mat or towel may be useful if you prefer to use your own gear.
For water activities, the resort’s on-site paddleboarding vendor offers lessons and rentals. If you plan excursions (whale watching from Dana Point or a Catalina ferry day trip), bring layered clothing, binoculars, and a small daypack.
- Workout clothes, trainers and water bottle
- Swimsuit for spa pool/hot tub use
- Binoculars or camera for whale watching or sunsets
| Activity | Suggested extra item |
|---|---|
| Spa treatment at Aquaterra Spa | Sandals/flip-flops and hair tie |
| Peloton or gym session | Headphones and towel |
| Paddleboarding or snorkeling | Waterproof sunscreen and rashguard |
Family and pet travel essentials
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages, though there’s no dedicated kids' club. Families often bring a small beach tent, sand toys and a lightweight stroller for walks along the shore or to nearby attractions.
For infants and toddlers, pack formula, favorite snacks, and a portable sound machine if your child prefers it for sleep. The pool has family-friendly hours (the outdoor pool typically opens early morning and stays open into the evening) — confirm current pool hours with the front desk.
If you’re traveling with a dog, confirm pet-size limits and the fee ahead of arrival. Typical documentation and basic supplies (leash, waste bags, bed, food) make the stay smoother; the property commonly provides bowls but not a bed or blanket.
- Sand toys and sun-protective swimwear for kids
- Portable stroller and child sunscreen
- Dog leash, waste bags, proof of vaccinations (if required)
| Traveler type | Must-pack item |
|---|---|
| Young child | Snacks, sunscreen, lightweight stroller |
| Infant | Formula/diapers and small travel crib request |
| Dog | Leash, bed, and food supply |
Practical items and transport notes
The resort offers valet-only parking (fees vary) and an on-site EV charging station; there isn’t a convenient self-parking option noted, so plan for valet timing if you need to leave the property frequently. The concierge can arrange airport transfers (John Wayne Airport is the closest; drive time is about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic).
Bring a printed copy or screenshot of reservation details, a government ID for check-in (primary guest must be at least 18), and any membership cards (hotel partners, credit card benefits) you may use. Wi‑Fi is available throughout the property and is typically bundled into the mandatory resort fee, but bring offline maps or downloads if you expect spotty coverage.
If you plan day trips to Catalina Island or Dana Point whale watching, pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a small backpack for snacks and water.
- Driver’s license or passport for check-in
- Printed reservation and confirmation numbers
- Small daypack for excursions and ferry trips
| Transport option | Note |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Fee-based, in/out privileges; no regular self-park noted |
| Airport transfer | Concierge can arrange private transport from SNA |
| Local transit | Free Coastal Route trolley runs along Coast Highway |
