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Sleeping

Remember that lodging in Laguna is on busy PCH, so expect traffic noise. Bring earplugs or ask for a room away from the road if you’re sensitive. There are no budget lodgings in Laguna in summer. Listed are summer rates; come fall, they drop significantly.

America’s Best Inn ( 949-494-6464, 877-363-7229; www.lagunabeachamericasbestinn.com; 1404 N Coast Hwy; r $129-209; wi-fi) About 1 mile northwest of the Village, this easygoing, better-than-average motel has good prices, at least for Laguna. Take the shuttle to downtown. Can accommodate big groups and is popular with on-the-cheap wedding parties in the fall.

Tides Inn ( 949-494-2494, 888-777-2107; www.tideslaguna.com; 460 N Coast Hwy; r $150-295; wi-fi) Tides Inn is a bargain for Laguna, especially considering its convenient location three blocks north of the Village. Plush bedding, soothing tones and a clean, decorative style contribute to the inn’s upscale vibe. As a fun touch, each room has its own inspirational quote – try to find yours painted somewhere inside. Pets are welcome in some rooms for an extra charge.

Vacation Village ( 949-494-8566, 800-843-6895; www.vacationvillage.com; 647 S Coast Hwy; r & ste $179-639; ) If you found Cheaper by the Dozen charming, you’ll love this kid-friendly motel. Southeast of downtown and right on the beach, this 130-unit complex has motel rooms in several satellite buildings. About half the rooms have kitchens. Many of the oceanfront rooms were recently remodeled and sport a slightly hipper vibe. Two pools and a Jacuzzi room round out the appeal. Group-friendly, too.

By the Sea Inn ( 949-497-6645, 800-297-0007; www.bytheseainn.com; 475 N Coast Hwy; r $199-259; wi-fi) Be it good feng shui, friendly staff or a close proximity to the beach, something just feels right at this recently renovated 36-room inn, where guests return year after year. From the big green pillows and flat screen TVs to the hardwood floors, the decor is new, comfy and clean. For a relaxing close to the day, settle into the outdoor Jacuzzi with a glass of wine and your honey as the sun drops over the ocean. Wi-fi available in some rooms and by the pool.

Aliso Creek Inn ( 949-499-2271; www.alisocreekinn.com; 31106 S Coast Hwy; r $220-324; ) It feels like summer camp at friendly Aliso Creek Inn where roaming deer, a rippling creek and rustic townhouses share sprawling grounds. This tranquil alternative to the bustling downtown motel scene is also home to a nine-hole golf course. Don’t be surprised to see rabbits, raccoons or other canyon-loving critters. There’s a restaurant and easy access to Aliso Beach.

Inn at Laguna ( 949-497-9722, 800-544-4479; www.innatlagunabeach.com; 211 N Coast Hwy; r $239-569; wi-fi) This three-story white concrete hotel, at the north end of Main Beach, walks the fine line between hip and homey with personable finesse. All rooms have a fresh, clean look complete with French blinds and thick featherbeds. Some have balconies overlooking the water. Extras include VCRs, clock radios with CD player, bathrobes and a continental breakfast delivered to your room. Cookies and apple cider at 5pm. Parking costs $14 per day.

Casa Laguna Inn ( 949-494-2996, 800-233-0449; www.casalaguna.com; 2510 S Coast Hwy; r $300-490; wi-fi) Laguna’s B&B gem is built around a historic 1920s mission revival house surrounded by lush gardens. Rooms are inside former artists’ bungalows built in the 1930s and ’40s. All have delicious beds and some have Jacuzzis. There’s also full chef-prepared breakfast – which could include salmon cakes or gourmet French toast – as well as evening wine and cheese. Wonderful.

Surf & Sand Resort ( 949-497-4477, 800-524-8621; www.surfandsandresort.com; 1555 S Coast Hwy; r $335-565; ) Be lulled to sleep by the crashing of waves at this sparkling, great-for-a-splurge seaside resort where every room has an ocean view. Rooms boast ultra-comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, an iPod dock with speakers and a soothing natural color