Laguna Beach · South Laguna oceanfront

Surf & Sand

Opened in 1948 on the South Laguna oceanfront; HHA says reporters covering President Nixon's San Clemente visits used it as their base.

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Built: 1948Opened 1948 (HHA).
Style: Eclectic (per HHA)
Type: Resort
Area: South Laguna oceanfront
Credentials: Historic Hotels of America member

The story

Surf & Sand opened in Laguna Beach in 1948, part of the postwar wave of coastal resorts in Southern California. Its restaurant drew personalities such as Peter Ustinov, Joe Namath and Billy Graham, and HHA says it was a base for reporters covering President Nixon’s visits to San Clemente in the 1970s. It joined Historic Hotels of America in 2021.

Good to know

Address: 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Sources (2)

https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/surf-and-sand-laguna-beach
https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/surf-and-sand-laguna-beach/history

Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.