The Coast Inn in Laguna Beach has been a legendary Southern California resort destination. It was built in 1927 by John H “Poppy” Smith. Located along South Coast Highway and Mountain Road, this project consists of a 14,000 square foot site. The Inn initially served Laguna Beach tourists and locals with a 24-room hotel, liquor store, café, restaurant/bar/cocktail lounge, nightclub, office, and retail space.

Over the past 95 years, the Coast Inn property has contributed to this neighborhood’s overall character and history, from the street scape to the social-cultural importance in local history. This hotel has undergone significant changes after a fire destroyed the front portion of the structure in 1956. This section was eventually rebuilt in a Mid-Century traditional style becoming a premier nightclub and social center from the late 1970’s to the early 2000’s. Today, Coast Inn is going through another Historic Renovation which retains its original form, massing, and spatial relationships, including its street-level restaurant space.