Discovering Joy at The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Hidden from Pacific Coast Highway The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a boutique resort where guests discover an array of joyful activities. Golfers will find joy playing on the beautiful Ben Brown 9-hole golf course in-between two canyons.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers a memorable slice of Laguna Beach. Since the 1940s, when William Bill Bryant purchased 87-acres within Aliso Canyon and built a 9-hole golf course. He first named the course the Laguna Beach Country Club. Then in 1956, when Ben and Violet Brown purchased the bucolic golf course, they added on a destination resort for golfers to stay overnight. Named Laguna Beach Country Club and Village, the Browns opened Ben Brown’s restaurant and a new golf shop.

Later in the 1970s, it was renamed Ben Brown’s Motel and Golf Course and the Brown’s built a wooden Pentagon shaped house perched above the resort’s golf course. Later in 1978, this resort became the Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course, and then in 2003, locals who formed Aliso Creek Properties purchased the property.

These locals refreshed the resort and debuted The Ranch at Laguna Beach to the public. One of the owners, Mark Christy, a lifetime Laguna Beach resident and owner of Hobie Sports, had a vision for The Ranch to feel like Crystal Cove Cottages in decor and spirit. “There is something genuinely magical and timeless about this natural setting,” Christy said. “I really don’t believe that there is anything comparable in Southern California. With that in mind, we plan to preserve its integrity while embracing the future.”

While touring the resort with Caitlin Curry, Director of Marketing for The Ranch at Laguna Beach, she shared that six years ago, the owners took the property down to the studs, and hired local Interior designer, Laurie Alter to bring a coastal-centric design to the guest rooms. Her vision for The Ranch at Laguna Beach intertwines the history of the iconic property and the comforts of a modern day beach cottage living. Throughout the property there are five different styles of guest rooms. Pretty Plein Air paintings are displayed offering realistic beach and serene canyon scenery.

The Canyon rooms offer a king bed or two queen beds nestled in nature with expansive views. A touch of luxury include the Spanish influenced bathroom tiles with dual vanities, upgraded bath amenities, plus an oversized walk-in shower with great water pressure.

Unique to Orange County, there are 20 two-story cottages offering two bedrooms and one and one half bathrooms. These 1,125 square feet guest suites also have over 300 square feet of outdoor space. Besides a half bath downstairs, there is a full beautifully tiled bathroom upstairs next to a bedroom with a king bed.

This room also has a door leading out to a balcony overlooking the golf course or swimming pool and canyon. The other bedroom offers a queen bed and views of the canyon. Downstairs the beautifully appointed living space offers a step down sitting area with a sofa, table and chairs, plus a dining table and bar area displaying a coffee maker and tea pot.

Ben and Violet Brown’s former home is now The Treehouse, and available for guests. This single family 1,600 square foot home is ideal for bridal parties, romantic getaways, reunion groups or large families. It has been refreshed with modern conveniences, yet still reflects some of the vintage 60s and 70s decor.

There are two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, expansive wraparound deck, living and dining space, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular golf course and canyon views. It’s remote with its own gated driveway and golf cart.

Beyond the golf course is farmer Leo’s Garden. This half-acre garden with a chicken coop is tended to and cultivated daily to provide garnish and produce for Chef Kyle St. John’s seasonal menus. The resort offers weekly tours before lunch for guests to meet farmer Leo to experience his joy in watching his garden grow. It’s an interactive experience where guests learn about the reciprocity between Farmer Leo and Chef Kyle. All natural discards, rinds, egg shells and other items from the kitchen are given to Farmer Leo to turn and tend to producing the most rich in nutrient soil. This soil is used in each garden bed to produce the freshest harvest to be delivered to the chefs at Harvest Restaurant.

Overlooking the stunning beauty of Aliso Canyon and the first and last holes of the golf course, there are plenty of seats inside Harvest Restaurant and out on the outdoor dining terrace with fire-features and space heaters. The menu changes with each season, integrating fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables with fresh grilled fish and proteins.

The Porch next to Harvest is a social hub for golfers and guests, featuring an innovative handcrafted cocktail menu, enticing wine list and 18 craft beers on tap. On weekends Harvest offers a lovely Sunday Brunch with live music.

For those looking to unwind and achieve the joy of relaxing, the Sycamore Spa, fitness center and heated swimming pool, known as ‘The Pond’ are the optimal places to chill. On weekends and certain days the Palapa Bar is open for snacks and beverages.

Follow the resort’s designated walking trail to Aliso Beach for lunch at The Ranch’s beachside Lost Pier Cafe. Opening soon is Young’s Beach Shack at Salt Creek a few miles away offering flavorful coastal fare.

Be sure to take a stroll along the water’s edge to Treasure Island Beach to enjoy the beauty and joy of one of the prettiest beaches in Laguna Beach.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers specials and discounts throughout the year.