Foghorn Outdoors
Southern California Cabins & Cottages

Manzanita Cottages is the place to indulge  your Hansel & Gretel fantasies, if you have any. It's also the place to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Laguna Beach--which can be quite overwhelming on summer weekends--while still having access to all the town offerings.

Tucked away in a secluded garden compound in a residential neighborhood of Laguna Beach, Manzanita Cottages features four small cottages and one studi apartment.  All have been quaintly restored with tons of Old World charm.  Think Solvang, and you’ve got the picture; shingled roofs, brightly painted front doors, open-beamed ceilings, fireplaces, hardwood floors, and hand-painted tiles.

The cottages have weathered a few lives before their present incarnation.  They were built in 1927 by Harry Greene, a film producer, who wanted a secluded compound where he could invite his Hollywood friends for overnight getaways.  Legend has it that Joan Crawford was a frequent guest.

Owners came and went over the years, and by the time present owners Debbie and Todd Herzer bought the property, the place was in disrepair.  With a desire to create the ambience of a 1930’s vacation retreat, but with the added benefits of modern amenities, the Herzers went to work on renovations and opened Manzanita Cottages to the public in late 1999.

Although only about 500 square feet in size, each of the cottages is completely self-contained and fully stocked for housekeeping.  The are decorated with tasteful furnishings and artwork, but their best features is that each has a private patio accessed by French doors in the bedroom.  The surrounding grounds are beautifully landscaped with fragrant flowers and vines.

If you can bring yourself to leave your adorable cottage, it’s only a 10 minute walk to the Laguna village area, with its many shops, restaurants, and diversions.  It’s a 10 minute drive to the Festival Center on Laguna and sawdust Art Festival and Pageant of the Masters.  Crystal Cove State Park is a few miles to the north (on Highway 1) for hiking and biking activities.  For something really special, check out Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, a 5,000 acre wildlife sanctuary, where naturalists conduct guided hikes and mountain bike rides.  Entry to the park is by reservation only, except for certain days and times; call ahead at 949/494-9352.

And of course, Laguna is renowned for its miles of sandy beaches.  Main Beach, considered to be the center of beach life in Laguna, is a brief walk from the cottages.