Monarch Beach Resort Magazine MBR_Compendium_PDF-LOW | Page 20

RIDE & DRIVE EXPERIENCE In sunny Southern California, with miles to explore from the ocean to the mountains and beyond, the open road beckons. Although Monarch Beach Resort provides plenty of amenities to fill your time with fun and relaxing experiences, venture off property for a few hours to discover all that the region has to offer. Through the resort’s Ride & Drive program, borrow a luxurious Cadillac CT6 sedan for a three- hour spin; ask a concierge for more details. With so many iconic locales in every direction, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the standout destinations in Orange County, from historic San Juan Capistrano to art-fille Laguna Beach, scenic Crystal Cove State Park and impressive South Coast Plaza with its high-end boutiques. Of course, as every road tripper knows, it’s as much about the journey as the destination. Even if your GPS is set to a certain route, don’t forget to pull over if something catches your eye on the way. Sometimes these impromptu side trips make the best memories. So, take the following guide as simply a suggested starting point and blaze your own path. Contact the concierge desk to reserve your Cadillac CT6: 949-234-3271. LAGUNA BEACH DISTANCE: 7 MILES TO DOWNTOWN LAGUNA ADDRESS: 107 S. COAST HWY., LAGUNA BEACH Enjoy scenic vistas as you drive up Coast Highway to the iconic city of Laguna Beach. While stunning beaches can be found throughout town, the heart of Laguna is its downtown area, filled with boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Known for its history as an artists’ colony, this community is imbued with creativity, from sculptures in parks to the Laguna Art Museum. Once a month, the town hosts painting demonstrations, live music and more for the First Thursdays Art Walk. In the summer, three art festivals (Sawdust Art & Craft Festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair and Festival of Arts) are offered in Laguna Canyon as well as Pageant of the Masters, a show of living pictures and sculptures that is a must-see at least once in your life. TIP: The best show of all in Laguna is its natural beauty, as no visit is complete without a walk along the clifftop path at Heisler Park for stellar views of the sun setting over the water. 20 MONARCH BEACH RESORT