Story Ideas

Story Ideas on Laguna Beach, Ca.

1. With seven miles of coastline, Laguna Beach is home to more than 20 coves and beaches (all with public access), so come play in the water, build sandcastles or explore our pristine tidepools. We are a protected marine preserve, so no motorized boats are allowed in or out of our waters, which keeps the tidepools fresh and teeming with sealife you can observe at low tide.

2. Eco-Tours abound from observing dolphins and whales up close, sea kayaking above the colorful garibaldi, or taking a wildlife & beach tour to check out sea lions, seals and tidepool life. There is also a docent-led tour of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, the only marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center of its kind in Orange County, Calif.

3. Laguna Beach became a popular tourist destination in the late 1800s. Today, visitors can catch a glimpse of Laguna's past by strolling the downtown and stopping at local landmarks, many dating back to the early 20th century. Laguna was a rich artists' colony and a seaside retreat many Hollywood stars called home.

4. Twenty-thousand acres of wilderness attract hikers, bikers, bird watchers, backpackers and Plein Air painters, all of whom find beauty in the area's hills, cliffs and marine sanctuaries. Hiking, biking and equestrian trails are located throughout the protected reserves.

5. Browse more than 100 art galleries and 72 pieces of public art. Pick up a self-guided tour map of the artworks at the Laguna Beach Visitors Center. The map delineates where public sculptures, art in public places and artist-designed benches are located throughout town, many of which were created by local artists. You can also tour working artists' studios in Laguna Canyon.

6. Be an artist for a day! Sign up for a Sawdust Studio Art Class where you'll create a unique art piece to wear or to share, in just one session. Offered every Friday and Saturday at 10am and 2pm, each two-hour workshop is led by a professional artist. Choose from jewelry, ceramics, pottery or fused glass. Or try an "Art of Tidepooling and Watercolor Journaling" class guided by an art instructor, where you'll explore tidepools and craft your own watercolor journal of the tiny creatures you observed.

7. Each summer, our renowned art festivals take place: Art-A-Fair, Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival. Meet local artists, take in artist demonstrations and classes, and purchase unique works of art. The world-famous Pageant of the Masters uses volunteers, costumes and elaborate sets to create living pictures, and magically transforms cast members into famous works of art.

8. Laguna Beach is the perfect destination for your next family vacation. Build sandcastles on our wide stretches of beach; hunt for hermit crabs, limpets and sea anemones at low tide in our tidepools; boogie board or take a surf lesson; or stop in at the Nix Nature Center in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park for a weekend hands-on nature activity, then head out to explore the main easy hiking trails. You'll find burgers and fries, pizza, sandwiches and gelato all in walking distance from downtown's Main Beach.

9. Discover our walkable downtown village. Eclectic fashion boutiques, gourmet kitchen and home furnishing stores, art galleries and jewelry shops offer unique one-of-a-kind finds and gifts.

10. Take a cooking class at Laguna Culinary Arts. Located in Laguna Canyon, Home Chef Classes are held in the evenings; there's a weekend program of half- and full-day classes exploring specific techniques and culinary styles; and a three-day, mid-week class for beginners. It also features a gourmet Cheese and Wine Shop/Cafe and Tasting Room offering 350 different wine labels and 90 different cheeses from around the world, as well as olives, charcuterie, imported oils & vinegars, breads & crackers, cookbooks and cooking accessories.