Perhaps we could meet at Ruby's Diner at 30622 South Pacific Coast Highway. It's just south of Laguna and has a good sized parking lot. I always see a lot of vintage cars there on the weekends. The drive up the coast would be easy from there. There's also a restaurant farther south called Salt Creek Grill on PCH and Crown Valley Parkway that's very nice although a bit pricey.
Loved the comment about the beach in Laguna and the ants.
It's calmer on non-holiday weekends although a sunny day draws crowds to every beach town.