We walk around on the beach right at the Montage Laguna Beach from time to time. Looks like it might be a nice place to stay. Laguna Beach has free shuttles to get you around easily, with a stop right out in front of the Montage.
https://www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach/?utm_source=TripAdvisor&utm_campaign=Hotel%20Website&utm_medium=Business%20Listing