Glorious Laguna Beach sits in southern Orange County, loved for its fabulous mild year-round climate, scenic beaches, more than 20 stunning coves and a thriving artistic community. This city is unusually isolated with less urban sprawl than many because it's surrounded by hills and a beautiful 'green belt', with limited highway access. Almost eight miles of its stunning coastline are officially protected, which makes it unique.
The Laguna Playhouse has been open for almost a century and puts on performances all year round.
July and August sees a parade of art festivals showing the work of local, national and internationally acclaimed artists and other creative types. And there's so much variety on offer here...
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The annual Giant Blue Whale Migration brings hundreds of enormous, stately blue whales every spring and summer
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Laguna Art Museum, one of the oldest museums in the state
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Brilliant boutiques, craft shops, galleries and unique independent shopping
The excellent Pacific Marine Mammal Center is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea creatures beached along the coast. And the Main Beach Boardwalk, buzzing and vibrant, is a prime tourist destination.
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Three million tourists a year fall in love with Laguna beach, and there are all sorts of thrilling annual events to enjoy including the Festival of the Arts, Sawdust Art Festival, Art-A-Fair, Bluewater Music Festival and Kelpfest. Paralleling the arts and natural attractions there's a really strong surf and sports culture. Here are just three of the best things so see and do in this quirky city.
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Visit Laguna Canyon Winery for fabulous local tipples
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Experience Crystal Cove State Park for natural coastal splendour
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Take to the beach for a kayak tour, climb seal rock or simply relax on the soft sand
Take in the region's fine wines, eye-poppingly beautiful land and seascapes plus the glorious sandy beaches and you'll nail Laguna's famously laid back vibe.
Hollywood superstars Bette Davis, Mary Pickford, Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin and Mickey Rooney all had homes in Laguna Beach.
Health and wellness is a big deal at Laguna, where you'll find a plethora of boutique fitness studios dedicated to the body beautiful, plus personal trainers giving lessons in yoga, Pilates, Barre, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming and more. Whether you're into hard and fast techno, live rock music, reggae or something else altogether, the live music and nightlife here is lively and varied: the Marine Room, White House, Mozambique and Brussels Bistro await you. The Ranch golf course, established way back in 1950, provides a particularly tricky and challenging par 32. We dare you! Or visit the famous gate at the corner of Forest and Park Avenues, dating back to 1935, which says, “This gate hangs well and hinders none, refresh and rest, then travel on."
This is a place where physical and emotional fitness means everything. If you prefer to get away from it all and immerse yourself in nature, you're in luck. With more than 20,000 acres of splendid wildlife-rich wilderness, Laguna Beach is studded with excellent hiking and mountain bike trails. Festivals are the name of the game. The Laguna Beach Music Festival is famous throughout the USA. There's the Laguna Dance Festival and the Pageant of the Masters, too. Plus Laguna Craft Guild and loads more to satisfy your appetite for beautiful, unusual things made by talented, creative people.