The Mara Laguna Beach: A Boutique Couples Getaway on PCH
Posted on October 29, 2026
If you’re looking for a boutique couples getaway in Laguna Beach with ocean views right on Pacific Coast Highway, The Mara needs to be on your list! It’s a 66-room boutique hotel in Laguna’s Pearl District, just one block from the beach, and we honestly could have stayed a week.Here is our recap from The Mara Laguna Beach: A Boutique Couples Getaway on PCH!
To see my full Travel Gallery filled with couples’ trips, girls’ getaways, family vacations and more, click here! And for all visits to California, go here.
All of my “What I Packed & Wore” on my trips are located in this tag!
The Mara Laguna Beach: A Boutique Couples Getaway on PCH
HOW WE ENDED UP IN LAGUNA
There’s something about tacking a couple of extra nights onto the end of a busy weekend that makes it feel like a whole vacation! We were in California for Henry’s first out-of-state marching band competition (such a fun milestone, and he did amazing!), and instead of heading straight home, T and I decided to steal two nights in Laguna Beach.
It was a kid-free getaway with zero schedules, and since it was T’s birthday weekend, it felt extra special! We were lucky enough to spend some quality time with my college bestie and her husband and kids, who get to call Laguna home. It was exactly what we needed. I’ll be sharing a full recap with everything we did while in Laguna soon, so be on the lookout!
It was a rainy couple of days, but we definitely made the most of it!
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: morning coffee on the 4th-floor terrace]
ABOUT THE MARA
The Mara sits at 1600 South Coast Highway in Laguna’s Pearl District, one of the most walkable, residential stretches of the coast. It’s a newly reimagined boutique hotel now run by AvantStay, and the whole vibe is coastal-easy instead of hotel-formal. Think light, airy, relaxed California design with the ocean breeze following you inside.
From the moment we pulled up, it felt like the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and enjoy everything around you. Check-in was quick and easy, and within minutes we had our bags dropped and were already out on the terrace soaking in the view.
It’s an easy add-on to any SoCal trip, too. John Wayne Airport is about 13 miles away if you’re flying in, and Crystal Cove State Park is roughly 10 minutes up the road.
OUR ROOM
The rooms carry the same modern coastal look as the rest of the hotel, and several have their own balcony. Room types include the Coastal King with Balcony and the Coastal Double Queen with Balcony. Every room has a 50-inch smart TV, a coffee/tea maker and air conditioning, and check-in is a breeze with a keypad lock.
We had the coastal king with a small coffee bar, dresser and 2 nightstands. The perfect amount of space for the 2 of us!
Our room was bright and airy with a super comfy bed and plenty of space to spread out. But the bathroom was the real surprise! It was huge, with a large walk-in shower and tons of counter space, which is something most hotel bathrooms lack. I love being able to spread my toiletries and hair tools out and not feel cramped when traveling. It was fantastic!
But let’s be honest: the 4th-floor terrace stole the show. We stepped out of our room onto the terrace with stunning views morning, noon and night. Coffee or wine in hand with PCH and the ocean below? That’s the whole getaway right there! After the whirlwind of band competition weekend, it was exactly what we needed.
ROOFTOP TERRACE
The rooftop terrace is built for golden hour, with sweeping Pacific views and that soft coastal light that makes everyone look good. If you only do one thing at The Mara, head up there at sunset.
POOL, HOT TUB & OUTDOOR SHOWER
The pool area is made for slow afternoons. There’s an outdoor pool for lounging in the sun, a hot tub for a warm soak once the ocean air cools off in the evening, and beach towels are provided, so there’s one less thing to pack.
And don’t skip the outdoor shower! With the beach just a block away, you can rinse off the sand and salt water before heading back up to your room. It’s such a small thing, but it makes beach days so much easier.
WALKABLE LAGUNA: WHAT’S NEARBY
One of my favorite things about The Mara is that you can park the car and just walk. Here’s what’s close:
Pearl Street Beach: about a 2-minute walk
Sur Coffee: about a 5 minute walk
Woods Cove: about 3 minutes on foot, and one of the prettiest little coves in town
Main Beach & Heisler Park: roughly a 15–17 minute walk, or a quick drive
Bear Coast Coffee: a 4-minute walk for your morning latte
Mozambique, Splashes & The Anchor Line: nearby spots for dinner and drinks
Laguna Art Museum & the galleries: perfect for a slow afternoon stroll
Crystal Cove State Park: about 10 minutes by car
Having so much within walking distance meant no parking hunts and no rushing, which is exactly how a getaway should feel. I’m sharing everywhere we ate, shopped and explored while we were in Laguna in a follow-up post, so stay tuned!
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Address: 1600 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, in the Pearl District one block from the beach
Amenities: rooftop terrace with ocean views, outdoor pool & hot tub, outdoor shower & beach towels
Parking: secured self-parking on site for about $26 a night (height restrictions apply, so heads up if you have a lifted truck or roof box)
Pets: dogs welcome for a $75 per-stay fee
Tip: request a room with a balcony or terrace. Trust me on this one!
Book early if you’re going on a weekend, especially in summer, since boutique hotels in Laguna fill up fast.
Rates, fees and policies can change, so double-check when you book.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MARA LAGUNA BEACH
Where is The Mara located?
The Mara is at 1600 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California — right on Pacific Coast Highway, minutes from downtown Laguna’s shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Is The Mara good for a couples getaway?
Yes! It’s boutique, stylish, and romantic without being stuffy. The terrace rooms, the Laguna location, the whole vibe — it’s made for a kid-free escape. We went for T’s birthday weekend and it was perfect.
Does The Mara have rooms with terraces?
Yes! We stayed on the 4th floor with a private terrace overlooking the ocean and PCH — it was the highlight of our stay.
Is The Mara walkable to downtown Laguna Beach?
Yes — Pearl Street Beach is about a 2-minute walk from the hotel, and Main Beach and downtown Laguna Beach are roughly a 15–17 minute walk away.
Does The Mara have a pool?
Yes! The Mara has an outdoor pool and hot tub, and beach towels are provided.
Does The Mara have ocean views?
Yes! The rooftop terrace has ocean views, and the 4th-floor terrace overlooks the ocean and Pacific Coast Highway. The hotel sits just one block from the beach.
WHO THIS HOTEL IS PERFECT FOR
Planning a Laguna Beach trip? The Mara is such a good pick if you want boutique style with an unbeatable location.
Couples Getaways
The terrace views, the intimate feel, the Laguna Beach setting — it’s romantic without trying too hard. Perfect for a birthday weekend or just because.
WHY WE LOVED THE MARA
First, the location. We walked everywhere, from morning coffee to dinner at night, and the beach was right down the street. We also loved that our room had its own outside entrance, so coming and going (especially with sandy feet!) felt more like staying at a beach house than a big hotel. And the boutique feel made the whole stay feel relaxed and personal.
There’s no on-site restaurant, and honestly, it didn’t bother us one bit. With so many great restaurants and coffee shops just steps away, we never once missed it. If you’re planning a couples getaway, a birthday weekend, or just a few stolen nights on the coast, The Mara should be on your list.
Have you ever tacked a couple of kid-free nights onto a family trip? Where did you go? Tell me in the comments!
To see my full Travel Gallery filled with couples’ trips, girls’ getaways, family vacations and more, click here! And for all visits to California, go here.
All of my “What I Packed & Wore” on my trips are located in this tag!
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