Best of Laguna Beach

Visitors flock to Laguna Beach, in sunny Southern California, for its scenic beaches, fine food, art and boutique shopping. Known as the “California Riviera,” this charming town only stretches about seven miles along Pacific Coast Highway, but is a popular tourist destination for those wanting a scenic seaside escape. Here is the best of Laguna Beach:

Art Festivals:

Sawdust Art Festival | Photo courtesy of Sharael Kolberg

During the summer months, people travel from all over the globe to go to the art festivals in Laguna Beach. The Sawdust Art Festival, which is open to Laguna Beach artists only, has more than 200 booths that sell moderately priced artwork such as photography, jewelry, paintings, pottery, hand-blown glassware, and more. Kids love the airbrush face painting booth, the hands-on pottery wheel and the free art classes offered daily. There is also a Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art Festival open during the holidays.

Across the street, visitors can see paintings come to life at the Pageant of the Masters. This amazing show puts real people into life-sized paintings, but through the art of theatrical illusion, the actors look two-dimensional. The show doesn’t start until 8:30 p.m. and is outdoors, so keep that in mind if taking younger kids. Tickets to the Pageant also include admission to the Festival of Arts, which is where the Pageant takes place. This Festival offers fine art for sale from various Orange County artists. Both festivals offer live music and food vendors.

Mountain Biking:

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park | Flickr CC: Neil DeMaster

Laguna Beach is world-renown for its downhill mountain biking trails. It is home to some industry legends, such as Brian Lopes and Troy Lee, who enjoy immediate access to the epic descents. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park offers about 40 miles of both fire roads and single-track trails with sweeping ocean and canyon views. Even those who don’t like it steep can enjoy some moderate trails, but good cardiovascular conditioning is recommended. Download a trail map to see which trails are open to mountain biking.

Fine Dining:

Photo courtesy Selanne Steak Tavern

With more than 90 restaurants in Laguna Beach, there is no shortage of places to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. Laguna Beach residents and city council has done a good job at keeping most chain restaurants out of town and opted instead to promote individually owned restaurants to offer visitors a unique gourmet dining experience. Some of the more popular fine-dining experiences include the Forbes 5-star Studio atMontage, Broadway by Amar Santa, Selanne Steak Tavern, and Splashes at the Surf and Sand Resort.

Ocean Sports:

Photo courtesy of Paulo Prietto

With fair weather year round, Laguna Beach is the perfect place to take advantage of all the Pacific Ocean has to offer. It is known as the birthplace of skimboarding and is home to Victoria Skimboards (the original skimboard manufacturer). Visitors can even take lessons with renowned skimboarder Paulo Prietto at SoLag Skim School. If skimming seems too daunting, other ocean sports available in the area include surfing, standup paddle boarding, kayaking, and body surfing. Since there is no marina in Laguna Beach, if you’re into boating, you’ll have to head to Newport Beach or Dana Point.

Boutiques:

Shopping along Pacific Coast Highway | Flickr CC: majunznk

For those wanting to shop for trendy clothes, visit Laguna Beach’s HIP District (Historic and Interesting Places) that runs along Pacific Coast Highway from Brooks to St. Ann’s streets. This section of PCH is lined with fashion-forward, beach-friendly clothing and accessories. Some favorite shops include The Shop at Laguna Beach, Twig, Merillee’s Swimwear, Blue Eyed Girl Boutique and Tootsies.

Tagged: California