SoCal’s Laguna Beach is renown as a beachside art haven, but it is getting a new reputation as a one-of-a-kind wellness trail for all adventurers seeking rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul.
For the six million visitors traveling to Laguna Beach each year, the city’s new “Pathway to Zen” showcases 12 year-round stops to experience aura readings, Chakra massages, Laughter yoga, natural foods, organic beauty products, mind-blowing hikes, crystal shops and more.
Settled and founded as an artist’s colony and one of California’s first hippie dens, Laguna Beach is the perfect place for anyone seeking connection with nature, self and community – a market that now resonates with a diverse audience group ranging from Millennials to Boomers who want to get away from it all, or into it all.
The “Pathway to Zen” guide can be found on the Visit Laguna Beach website here. Time to start your journey! Here’s your Zen Guide:
Sunset Hike
A sunset hike at the Top of the World is the perfect end to a full day of wellness. Watching the sunset on the horizon is self-care personified – the sheer beauty of the abundant greenery and expansive views of the Pacific are almost too much to bear. The pink and gold skies surrounding Catalina island at sunset are so lovely to experience on your own or with a loved one.
Farmers Market
There’s something truly unique and special about perusing the Laguna Beach Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. A literal feast for the senses, if you can take your eyes off the abundance of local sundries, you’ll notice the lush green hills surrounding this delightful little spot right in the heart of the village.
Café Bliss
The iconic Zinc Cafe Laguna Beach has been a darling of locals and tourists alike for over 28 years. Located in the village, words cannot accurately express the delightful charm of this cafe that might as well be located in Paris.
Roots Beauty
This modern boutique is the ultimate mecca of wellness and non-toxic cosmetics and skincare. Laura Linsenmayer, a Laguna Beach native, is the founder of Roots and a virtual aficionado when it comes to the highest-performing skincare, makeup, and bodycare with elite clean brands such as Agent Nateur, Clove and Hallow, Ilia, Indie Lee, Kjaer Weis, Laurel, Josh Rosebrook, Vapour, Tata Harper, Lily Lolo, adn Kypris, to name a few.
Laughter Yoga
Looking for a unique way to tap into your inner happy while warming up those abs? You simply must try Laughter Yoga hosted by The Laughter Club, who gathers to practice laughter as a form of exercise. Gathering every day (including holidays!) on the northernmost end of Main Beach, this exercise feels a little more improv than actual yoga. There won’t be any vinyasa happening during the allotted 45 minutes, but you will certainly guffaw amongst many other participants.
Vegan Gourmet
The Stand Natural Foods Restaurant is a Laguna Beach institution, established over 40 years ago with a 100% vegan menu that both locals and tourists adore. The Stand’s longtime owner believes that the healthiest food you can put in your body should consist of a plant-based, 100% cruelty free vegan diet.
Chakra Shack
If exploring your spiritual side is part of your wellness game plan, a visit to the Chakra Shack is a must. Unique books and greeting cards, gorgeous crystals, angel cards and Tibetan singing bowls are just a few of the spell-binding items you’ll find in this inspiring space.
Vitamin Wellness
Thrive Vitamin Drips and Shots is a relaxing wellness center that administers vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hydration intravenously, as well as vitamin injections by licensed registered nurses.
Chakra Spa
Unwinding in the Chakra Spa at sundown, you can’t help but notice how the expansive sitting area becomes pink with the warm light of the sun illuminating through the windows. It is quite a sight to behold, yet only one of the many reasons to visit Stacey at the Chakra Spa for chakra balancing, crystal massage and life readings.
Yoga with Views
Looking for one of the most picturesque yoga classes on the West coast? Your search is over – Laguna Beach’s Yoga at the Park is absolutely breathtaking, in more ways than one. Located on gorgeous bluffs overlooking The Pacific on a lush green lawn, your savasana will be spent gazing up at swaying palm trees while feeling the cool ocean breeze.
Find more information on Laguna Beach here.
Images courtesy of Visit Laguna Beach/TravMedia unless otherwise noted.
