Kind of boring. Not the type of shops we care for. Not much mention of Historic area. Parking is difficult on the street. HIP??

HIP translates to historic and interesting places and this is a stretch (IMHO). The intent here, it seems, is to create an identity for a stretch of Laguna badly in need of identity and personality. The most historic thing we found was the incredible Moss property once used as a restful place by a president in times gone by.Along the way, not always sure if we were within the boundaries, we enjoyed the views, beach access, artistic tile work and quirky shops. Nothing jumped out as particularly historic or interesting. Our best experiences were when we left the highway and walked along and around and amongst the off-the-road neighborhoods. HIP is cute, for a slogan, but this stretch does not seem hip or historic or interesting for a place. Nice try. Maybe in the future but just not now.

As a Laguna local, I find the HIP district on Pacific Coast Highway the best shopping area in Laguna Beach. With its quirky galleries, surf shops and cafes it is much more unique and interesting and far superior to the downtown shopping experience. Be sure to go past Bluebird street to the Art Center and beyond to Diamond Street.

Our hotel was in this area. Walking is really fun in this area and not as crowded as the main area. Street parking is more plentiful as well.