About Us

 

 

The sun peeks over the verdant canyon walls and awakens this South Laguna Beach hidden gem, quietly tucked into Aliso Canyon just moments from the Pacific Ocean.  Its 87 acres have become a place of respite, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty, farm-to-table cuisine at Harvest Restaurant, and the necessary trappings of an elevated resort – 97 cottage inspired rooms, nine sublime fairways, a boutique spa, biodynamic farm and countless amenities and activities. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a sought after and award-winning destination where guests can disconnect from the frenetic energy of everyday life.

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Aliso and Wood Canyons overlooking The Ranch at Laguna Beach
The Ranch

Resort Highlights

Our resort offers adventure and luxury from canyon to coast. Dine at our signature restaurant Harvest, beach cafe, or opt for an unmatched room service experience. From golfing in the canyon to relaxing at the spa, or lounging poolside before drinks by the fire, life is best enjoyed at The Ranch at Laguna Beach.

  • Beyond greenSustainability in Action
  • Located in the Aliso & Wood Canyons
  • Access to Aliso Beach
  • Outdoor Saline Pool & Hot Tub
  • Beach Cafe
  • Three Meal Signature Restaurant
  • Spa & Fitness Center
  • In-Room Dining
  • 9-Hole Golf Course
  • Check-in: 4:00pm
    Check-out: 12:00pm

Our Legacy

Rich in history, the legacy of this land is distinctive, appreciated and showcased throughout the resort. As you stroll the grounds, the history comes alive through historic site plaques, old photo displays and an organic garden where we grow our interpretation of the famous Thurston melons. Our partnerships with Laguna Beach conservation groups provide a wide array of programs to expose, unlock and reveal all that is Laguna.

1871

George and Sarah Thurston lay claim to a 152-acre homestead and a one-room wood shack.

1940s

William “Bill” Bryant purchases an 87-acre site within Aliso Canyon and begins the construction of the golf course.

1950

The 9-hole golf course is established as "Laguna Beach Country Club."

1956

Ben and Violet Brown purchase the golf course and make plans for a destination resort.

1963

The "Laguna Beach Country Club and Village" is introduced.

1967

Ben Brown's Restaurant and a new Golf Shop open.

1970

The property is renamed "Ben Brown's Motel & Golf Course."

1978

The name changes to Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course.

2003

The inn is purchased by Aliso Creek Properties, retaining its former name.

2013-14

The Ranch at Laguna Beach arrives.

Our Team


Mark Christy
Owner/Principal

Mark Christy

Mark Christy is a lifetime Laguna Beach resident. He’s active in his beloved town of Laguna Beach as the owner of Hobie Sports, president of Laguna Beach Properties, co-owner of Tuvalu home furnishings, partner in La Sirena Grill and a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. As an individual and a businessman, Mark has tirelessly worked toward making Laguna Beach a better place to live and work, donating his personal time and money to various local causes and efforts, including Schoolpower, the Boys & Girls Club, Laguna Beach Little League, numerous educational programs, youth sports organizations and many other local causes.

Mark recently headed up a group of local investors to form Laguna Beach Golf & Bungalow Village, LLC, to purchase the former Aliso Creek Inn, now reborn as The Ranch at Laguna Beach. The vision for The Ranch LB is inspired by the love and respect that the partners have for this iconic property. Together they intend to make this resort an integral part of the Laguna Beach community for generations to come.

“There is something genuinely magical and timeless about this natural setting,” Mark says. “I really don’t believe that there is anything comparable in Southern California. With that in mind, we plan to preserve its integrity while embracing the future.”


Kurt Bjorkman
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Kurt Bjorkman

At the helm as Chief Operating Officer of The Ranch LB, Kurt Bjorkman has cultivated an atmosphere of exceptional service. Previously, he was the founder and managing partner of over5 Hospitality, a company that caters to real estate developers and independent hotel operators who seek to push the boundaries of the status quo.

Kurt gained valuable insights working with world-class brands, including Norwegian Cruise Lines, the Buena Vista Hospitality Group, The Desert Inn Las Vegas, The Mirage Corporation, Regent International Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Kor Hotel Group, Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Montage Hotels & Resorts. This broad experience has given him a unique perspective on the hospitality industry and is focused on sustainable tourism initiatives.  Kurt is the incoming Chairman for Visit Laguna Beach and on the advisory board for Beyond Green.

Kurt attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.


Interior Designer

Laurie Alter

As a native of the city, Laurie Alter lives and breathes Laguna. The coastal-centric design that permeates every space at The Ranch LB comes courtesy of her hand. Laurie is an interior designer by profession and a boutique owner by passion. She founded Tuvalu Home—part décor destination and part design studio—in downtown Laguna Beach in 2003. Laurie’s vision for The Ranch LB was to intermingle the history of the storied property with the comforts of modern day. The overwhelming sense of welcome and warmth she created puts visitors at ease to take pleasure in the many pursuits, from golfing to dining to relaxing at the spa, as if they were enjoying their very own slice of Laguna. In bringing this environment to life through skillful design, Laurie captured the very essence of what The Ranch LB is all about: A place where the Laguna coast, which captivates all who visit, feels so very much like home.

Special Offers

Pillows & Pancakes

Press pause to welcome Spring with a restorative stay at The Ranch. Our Pillows & Pancakes Package invites you to indulge with daily breakfast credits at Harvest, The Porch, Lost Pier or Room Service. 

Includes:

  • Daily $50 breakfast credit per room
  • Waived overnight parking 

Valid for 2+ night stays during the spring and 3+ night stays during the summer for select arrival dates through September 1, 2024.

Learn More

Stay 5 Nights, Pay for 4 - Summer Getaway

The canyons are calling you for a coastal summer getaway – and you deserve it! Book ahead so you can start planning how to make the most of your Laguna Beach vacation with days spent by the pool, at the beach, on the green, or exploring the city.

Includes:

  • Stay 5 nights and only pay for 4! (Complimentary 5th night)
  • Waived resort fee and waived overnight parking fee included on the complimentary 5th night

Valid for select stay dates between May 24, 2024 - September 6, 2024.

Learn More