Sweet Stops in Laguna

Laguna Beach has some of the best shops to find a sweet treat. Here are a few of my go-to’s in town.

Le Macaron French Pastries

Looking for a taste of Europe in your own backyard? Look no further than Le Macaron French Pastries, right across from Main Beach on Coast Highway. Although macaron is in the name, this bakery is far from a one-trick pony: alongside the macarons, you’ll find French pastries, chocolates, gelato and coffee. You can’t go wrong with the gluten-free lemon meringue tartlet or the classic tiramisu. My personal go-to is the three-pack of French beignets.

Gelato Paradiso

Gelato Paradiso, on Coast Highway in downtown Laguna, is one of the top places in town for something cold and sweet. The gelato is handcrafted daily, and while the line can look daunting, the reward is worth it. Make sure to try fan favorites like the Dulce de Leche or Tiramisu, and get it in a waffle cone.

Wild Strawberry Cafe

Wild Strawberry Cafe opened its Laguna Beach location on South Coast Highway in 2024, in the former Koffee Klatch space. With a full menu of baked goods, crepes, and breakfast and lunch favorites, there’s something for everyone. Our personal pick was the gluten-free Birthday Cake Cakewich, and with plenty of gluten-free baked goods on the menu, it’s an easy stop for a sweet bite. It’s open daily from 7am to 4pm.

Dolce Gelato

Another great stop for gelato in Laguna Beach is Dolce Gelato. This family-owned shop on Broadway Street, just steps from the sea, handcrafts its gelato and sorbet, including vegan almond milk flavors. Each month brings a new theme, with new flavors added every Friday, so there’s always something to try. Ordering for a party? Ask about gelato pies, cobblers and catering. My personal go-to, when it’s in the case, is Banana Cream; it tastes just like the pie.

South Swell Ice Cream

South Swell Ice Cream is made for Laguna Beach. At its shop on South Coast Highway, everything starts with a dip in warm chocolate: choose a vanilla or chocolate ice cream bar, a coconut milk bar, a frozen banana or soft serve, then build your own or pick one of the team’s rotating signature creations. It’s open daily from 2 to 10pm, and from noon on weekends.

Nick’s Laguna Beach

To finish our tour of Laguna’s top desserts, we have to end at Nick’s Laguna Beach with its classic butter cake. As the menu puts it: “our signature warm butter cake, crystallized sugar crust, vanilla ice cream, fresh berry compote.” It’s one of the Visit Laguna Beach team’s favorite desserts in town. Tables go fast, so book ahead.