The vertigo hit almost instantly.

Perched on the eighth floor, peering over the railing within my premium ocean suite at the Surf & Sand Resort, it took a few minutes to acclimate. The height was staggering, while also providing a panoramic view of Laguna Beach’s legendary coastline.

Deep breaths, deep breaths.

Luckily, the rhythmic sound of ocean waves, slapping the shore, and nearing the building with an incoming high tide, served as a soothing balm for the dizziness. Soon, I was content. I was seeing my hometown from a brand-new vantage point, having grown up in Laguna Beach, but never once staying at the Surf & Sand Resort. And so, I graciously accepted a little staycation – less than a mile down the road from my childhood home.

The view, once the wooziness wore off, was stunning. I know these beaches like the back of my hand, but seeing them from this point of view was something else entirely.…