Malibu or Laguna?

We are driving from SF to SD over six days. Stops are Half Moon Bay, Carmel, and Pismo Beach, with 1 more night needed between PB and SB.

Torn between Malibu or Laguna — want luxe and as close to the beach as possible, like “hear the waves as you sleep” close. I love the Malibu Beach Inn, but can’t use travel points for it — considering a beachfront Airbnb. In Laguna I love Surf & Sand but concerned about the renovations, so looking at a beachfront room at the Capri next door.

Worth noting the night will be July 3 so traffic and/or fireworks potential to consider, would NOT want to hear fireworks all night :)