There are a lot of spaces where you can stay during a vacation in Southern California. One place we highly recommend is the Inn at Laguna Beach. Perched on a bluff overlooking the beach, it was love at first sight.

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, the Inn at Laguna Beach offers total relaxation with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With the beach just a few feet away, you can enjoy the ocean breeze blowing through the palm trees while you relax on the balcony or enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the terrace. In addition to access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Inn at Laguna Beach has a temperature-controlled saltwater swimming pool which is a perfect alternative to the cold ocean water on chilly mornings.

After a day at the beach or touring the village, you can really unwind at the nearby Hudson Salon and Spa, or order a luxurious and deeply relaxing Swedish massage in your room.

The room we stayed in was spacious and airy, decorated with neutral colors that contrasted with the vibrant blue of the Pacific. The ocean view from the room was, of course, fabulous and worth every penny. The bed was luxuriously soft and the sheets smelled crisp and clean. It helped that we slept with the terrace doors open and were lulled to sleep every night by the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

The Inn at Laguna Beach is in close proximity to the Laguna Art Museum which highlights the works of local artists and is worth a visit. It's also near the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and the Orange County Zoo. Laguna Beach is also home to several art and cultural fairs and events around the year, so there is always something to do after you've relaxed.

And while the Inn at Laguna Beach doesn't host its own restaurant - it does offer coffee and fresh baked goods - there are plenty Zagat- and Gayot-rated restaurants in the area. In fact, the Inn at Laguna Beach is within walking distance to more than 40 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from Mediterranean and Italian to traditional and contemporary American.

To make a reservation or to learn more about this fabulous hotel, visit their website at InnAtLagunaBeach.com.