Sigh... I might work in Orange County, but I rarely get a chance to ride there. My first suggestion is to ride Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). There is usually a bike a lane, and in October there won't be too many tourists and beach goers walking out from between parked cars. Parts of the PCH provide gorgeous views of the ocean.

Otherwise, I don't know of too many rides near Laguna Beach. I'd recommend contacting the folks of Orange County Wheelman http://www.ocw.org/ They might even let you join in on a group ride. The website says non-members are welcome on all rides.

-Weena