Laguna Beach

From LoveToKnow Travel

Thanks to MTV, Laguna Beach is quickly becoming one of the more famous beaches in the United States. There's more to Laguna Beach than what's seen on your favorite music television channel, however. Laguna Beach is also an artist's haven and beach resort, rich in history, bursting with activity and scenic year round.

Laguna Beach Season Summer

A Little History

Laguna Beach takes its name from the Native American word "Lagona" meaning Lake. The coastal Indians were attracted to the canyons and freshwater lakes that surrounded the area. Settlers began arriving in the late 1800's, drawn by offers of free land. According to the Timber-Culture Acts, anyone who planted ten acres of trees was promised 160 acres. The only catch was that they would have to live on that land for at least ten years. Though this was an attractive offer, it was hardly practical as the canyon-studded land was too steep and rocky to grow many trees.

Still people came. Rather than grow a forest, they grew a thriving resort community. First they camped, then they built cabins. Vacation homes and hotels soon followed. Nowadays, Laguna Beach attracts close to 40,000 tourists each day during the summer months.

Laguna Beach FIne Art

In 1918, an artist named Edgar Payne opened up one of California's first art museums in Laguna Beach. As the tourist came, the town's reputation for hosting the arts grew as theater was erected and an arts festival was hosted. Laguna Beach also caught the eye of celebrities and filmmakers. By the 1960's Laguna Beach was fast becoming a community of artists who began to openly display their works on the public beach. Many of California's Plein Air artists have worked and displayed their legendary works in the canyons of Laguna and the art galleries in laguna beach are world renowned.

Each summer brings the Festival of the Arts to Laguna Beach. The festival includes a show with works from many of the local professional fine artists. In addition, the festival includes the Pageant of the Masters, where classic works of art are created in real-life tableaux. This art pageant in Laguna Beach features actors posed as masterpieces and has been used as a model for similar art performances the world over.

Today Laguna Beach boasts over one hundred art galleries. In addition to exploring the galleries, visitors can partake in the Thursday Art Walk, enjoy one of summer's many art festivals and visit the art museum.

Another draw in Laguna Beach is the Sawdust Festival, an arts and crafts fair that is held 2 times per year. The summer and winter event brings local craftspeople and artisans from around the Western United States to showcase their wares.

Scenery

Laguna Beach is famous for its scenery and ideal weather. With hills and canyons framing the beach, its no wonder artists seek inspiration here. Those who only seek to enjoy the scenery won't run out of places to go in this coastal town. Heisler Park provides many scenic trails and picnic areas while the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park features hiking trails for all skill levels. Horseback riders, mountain bikers and even scuba divers can explore above and below the water at Crystal Cove State Park. Even plant lovers can experience the year-round beauty of the Aliso & Wood Canyon Wilderness Park .

Beaches

No trip to Laguna Beach would be complete without a day communing with the sand and the surf. Watch the sea lions at Crescent Bay or surf at Shaw's Cove. Snorkle at Diver's Cove or enjoy a meal at Picnic Beach.

Main Beach, where Laguna Canyon meets PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) is nearly always thronging with people, seagulls and activity. Stop for a pickup basketball or volleyball game, let your kids frolic in the play area or just soak up the local atmosphere.

When you need a little quiet, start hiking nothward and check out the tide pools on the beach below the art museum.

As you can see, Laguna Beach offers something for everyone.

Things to Do

Downtown Laguna Beach is merely steps from the beach and is filled with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Whether you want a piece of fine art, a new bikini, a bag of homemade candy, or an elegant vase, you can find them all within walking distance of Main Beach.

Other fun things to do in Laguna Beach include:

Dining in Laguna Beach

No art community would be complete without an array of fine restaurants and Laguna is no exception. Some of the dining highlights in town include:

Las Brisas Restaurant is situated on the cliffs above Laguna Beach, directly behind the art museum. Fine Mexican beach cuisine and seafood is offered in a beautiful setting. If you don't have time for lunch or dinner, stop on the outdoor patio for a fabulous cocktail.

Prefer a French style bistro? Stop in at French 75 for an unsurpassed meal, accompanied by wine from a stellar list. Enjoy eating in the European style cottage or on the enclosed, heated patio.

Where to Stay

  • The Montage Resort offers a luxurious oceanfront experience. Guests at the Montage Resort and Spa have the option of staying in a guestroom, a cozy bungalow or a luxurious suite. Those who stay in guestrooms or suites will also be able to relax and enjoy the view from a balcony or patio. Amenities include the finest bed linens and goose down pillows, plush bathrobes and soaking tubs in expansive marble bathrooms. Guests will also receive Internet access, voice mail and a flat screen television and DVD player.
  • The Surf and Sand Hotel is unassuming from the street, but offers one of the most elegant resort settings in the area. The beachfront hotel offers comfortable rooms, suites, dining and resort amenities, only steps above the sand. On a clear winter day, you are likely to see dolphins frolicking in the surf as you look out your window.
  • La Casa del Camino Resort is touted as the "classic Laguna Beach experience." Guests at this Mediterranean-style historic landmark will luxuriate in the plush down pillows and comforters while reading a complimentary newspaper and enjoying a comforting continental breakfast. La Casa del Camino also boasts spa and fitness facilities and Savory's, an elegant restaurant featuring Mediterranean food, a world class wine list and intimate atmosphere.
  • With views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean, Vacation Villa offers a casual, laid-back experience. Relax Oceanside on a complimentary lounge chair while being shaded from the sub with a complimentary umbrella. Swim in one of the heated swimming pools or lounge poolside. Enjoy comforts of home such as coffee maker with complimentary coffee, hair dryer, refrigerator, remote controlled television and a private balcony. Vacation Village is also located within walking distance of many shops, restaurants and art galleries.
  • If Golf is your game you'll want to stay at the Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course. Talk about scenery! Guests at the Aliso Creek Inn can take in panoramic views of the golf course, canyons and beach, it doesn't get any better than this.

 


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