The Best Places to Kiss in
Southern California
Manzanita Cottages

732 Manzanita Dr, Laguna Beach / 949/661-2533 or 877/661-2533

Sweethearts will appreciate the Hansel-and-Gretel charm of this secluded inn, which seems appropriate since the original cottages were built in 1927 by Hollywood producer Harry Greene, who wanted a private compound, close to the beach, so he could invite friends like Joan Crawford for weekend getaways.  (Ms. Crawford preferred the Yellow Cottage.) More than 75 years later, the four small cottages and one studio apartment are still serving as a quiet little vacation retreat, perfect for couples in search of a romantic locale.  Each cottage has a shingled roof, a gas fireplace, hardwood floors, hand-painted tiles, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private patio just outside French doors in the bedroom.  The owners, Debbie and Todd Herzer, renovated the cottages in 1999 and landscaped the grounds with fragrant flowers and vines, which only adds to the amorous allure.  Couples who want to stay sequestered for much of their stay can upgrade to bed-and-breakfast status: for an extra $25 per couple, per day, a basket of assorted pastries and a carafe of orange juice will be delivered each morning.  Laguna's Main Beach and the center of town are only a 10-minute walk away--but that's if the two of you can find a reason to leave your cottage, which many guests don't. 

$$MC, V; checks OK; weekly and monthly rates; www.manzanitacottages.com.