The Night is Young: Nightlife in Laguna Beach

Enjoy a traditional bar, or go for a new swanky club, or kick back with the hipsters and listen to live music, or even better, hit them all. Whatever kind of night you’re looking for, you can find it in the downtown village after sunset.

MARINE ROOM TAVERN

The oldest bar in Laguna Beach and one of the longest operating in Orange County, Marine Room is a bar with a history. It started as a local’s hangout where everyone knew your name and your drink order, and it gained popularity as Laguna Beach felt the rise of tourism hit her shores. Though ownership has changed several times throughout the decades, it has constantly held onto that “hometown” feel. Though small, Marine Room packs quite a punch; grab a cue and pick up a game of pool, chill in high back chairs and listen to a live band, or take up residency at the bar and enjoy a whiskey flight.

Best for: A stiff drink and live local bands Try: The locally brewed Greeter Ale Known for: The specialty cocktail, "1923," this is a unique spin on a New York sour made with Red Siren Zinfandel (which is made in Laguna Beach). Parking: Metered street parking and pay city lots.

SKYLOFT

This hot spot in Laguna Beach, Skyloft, is the hub of nightlife in the downtown village. Taking over the upper level of the historic building on the corner of Legion and PCH, they have a diverse space that includes a rooftop bar with views of PCH and Main Beach. The sleek booths and tables in the restaurant border the modern bar, in the center of the space, stylized with white waves. The open bar is smartly placed at the center of the restaurant where the heart of the energy of Skyloft originates from. A few tables flank the bar with views from the walls of windows down onto PCH. Deeper into the restaurant, Skyloft has a stage and lounge area making it one of the newest live music venues in town. Featuring a full range of genres from country, R&B acts, singer/songwriters, DJs, and cover bands. Skyloft gets crowded with a line out the door by 10:30pm, so arrive early.

Best for: Being seen. Try: The Old Fashioned, a solid traditional old fashioned without any fuss. Known for: Specialty happy hours six days a week. Parking: Paid parking structure behind the restaurant on Glennyre St. Street parking is free after 7pm.

BRUSSELS BISTRO

On weekends, this Belgian Restaurant clears out the tables and transforms into the only nightclub in Laguna Beach. Since it is subterranean with no windows, it lends itself to that dark and intimate club environment. The owners have a curated a rotating list of popular DJs from LA and Orange County that have their finger on the pulse of the latest dance music. Expect to pay a cover and some nights there is a dress code of no denim, and dresses preferred for the women. But, this isn’t always required, so ladies if you’re wearing pants, enter at your own risk.

Best for: An authentic Belgian beer. Try: Don’t leave without having a Belgian beer (did we mention that already?)! Known for: DJ’s spinning house and deep house music Parking: Street parking surrounding the restaurant. Meters are free after 7pm. Also check varied city lots here.

Venture to south Laguna Beach

Each part of Laguna Beach has it’s own vibe and in South Laguna Beach, you’ll find what some call quiet, but these two venues will rock you wide awake and get you onto the dance floor. 

MOZAMBIQUE

With the moon looming overhead a two-story building that glows in the night's light, Mozambique is hard to miss. It is one of the most popular live music venues in Laguna Beach. On the ground level they have an award-winning restaurant, upstairs, a bar and lounge area flank a packed stage area. Up one more level to the third, you'll find a rooftop with a quieter bar and views of PCH and the Pacific Ocean. Mozambique hosts diverse musical offerings from the '80s pop group Flock of Seagulls to chart-topping reggae bands, and local favorites including Nick I. They also provide complimentary rides to guests within a three-mile radius.

Best for: One-stop nightlife; dinner with sunset views with live music and dancing late into the night. Try: The margarita. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Known for: Hosting everything from local bands to chart toppers. Even guest appearances by Justin Bieber himself. Parking: There is valet parking on-site, with metered parking surrounding the restaurant.

THE SANDPIPER

Walking from the beach with sand still on your feet, wander into The Sandpiper, or as the locals call it “The Dirty Bird” because here it doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’re wearing, all are welcome if you’re ready for a stiff drink and a good time. Chuck Harrell and his brother Chip have owned the bar for nearly five decades without really changing a thing. There’s still old military paraphernalia, surfboards, stickers, posters and flags haphazardly decorating the wood paneled walls. Behind the bar expect straight forward drinks and heavy pours. At anytime expect the bar to be full of locals and plenty of tourists wandering in. Also expect to see owner Chuck behind the bar slinging beers, with live music and dancing every night.

Best for: Shots Try: Not to drink too much Known for: A rip-roaring good time Parking: Street parking surrounding the venue on both sides of PCH.