Welcome to Laguna Beach
The seaside resort city of Laguna Beach is ensconced on three sides by the lush landscapes of Crystal Cove State Park, pressed against the cerulean waters of the Pacific Coast on its western edge, and home to a thriving artists’ community. Just twenty minutes from Irvine and an hour from Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is more than just a popular tourism destination—this small town with epic scenery is also an incredible, conveniently located place to call home.
Â
First populated by the native Tongva peoples, the area transferred hands in the 1870s to the United States after the Mexican-American War and was officially incorporated in 1927. Throughout the years, Laguna Beach has been able to maintain its established small-town, artsy feel, in part thanks to its separation from major metropolis areas by the surrounding hills and park regions.
Â
With a population that’s bloomed to around 23,000, Laguna Beach has plenty of residential housing options that can satisfy a variety of aesthetics. Many of the homes here are tucked up in the hills and offer incredible beach vistas, and some even sit on the coast itself. More modest condos with two and three bedrooms have impressive amenities with an upscale beach feel, and single-family homes come in a variety of rich styles and floor plans. The area also boasts mansion estates worth upwards of 12 million dollars, resting above the sparkling lights along the coast and featuring magnificent panoramic views.
What to Love
Dazzling homes with elevated ocean vistas
Artistic vibe with plenty of festivals and cultural events
Just an hour from Los Angeles, close to UC Irvine
People & Lifestyle
Well-diversified between family units and individuals, Laguna Beach makes a great place to retire, raise a family, or enjoy a lavish beach lifestyle near several major urban hubs. The city has great schools, a majority of owner-occupied residences as opposed to renters, and a creative yet affluent vibe with a walkable downtown center and plenty of eclectic festivals.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
A true beach resort, Laguna Beach lives up to its artsy and elegant style in part through its many shops and restaurants that speckle the area like jewels. Downtown, you can find anything from upscale clothing boutiques like
Heavenly Couture to specialty antique and jewelry shops such as
A Step Back In Time.
Â
Relish in an unbeatable view and exquisite food at the same time by dining in—or rather, out—at
The Rooftop Lounge. Set atop the La Casa Del Camino Hotel, this venue has breathtaking sunsets, exciting happy hour drinks like fresh fruit mojitos, and plenty of delicious fares to choose from. A trendy Laguna Beach staple,
Sapphire offers a wonderful seasonal menu inspired by the freshest local finds. With craft cocktails and dishes like their bone-in ribeye or the lemon verbena poached Faroe Island salmon, it’s easy to find new favorites with every visit to this upbeat restaurant.
Â
Thanks to its live music and flavorful cuisine inspired by South Africa’s seaside restaurants,
Mozambique has been ranked time and time again among the best places to eat in Orange County. Along with expertly seared steaks and fresh seafood, this colorful venue also has seating in an outdoor garden, on its rooftop patio, and indoors with its lush décor. Get a taste of coastal California at
Las Brisas, which has been voted the best waterfront dining in Orange County. You won’t want to miss out on their chef-curated menu and romantic views of the ocean, savoring options like the prime beef and raw bar, or one of their classic cocktails.
Things to Do
A must-see when in Laguna Beach is the
Main Beach, a hotspot for energetic crowds that has vibrant sunsets and movie-worthy scenery. One of the most visited beaches in the world, Laguna Main Beach has options for surfing, kayaking, beach volleyball, scuba and snorkeling, and countless other activities perfect for a day under the endless blue skies.
Â
In addition to being known for its beautiful beaches and beautiful people, Laguna Beach also has a thriving art scene embodied in part through its many festivals.
The Sawdust Art Festival brings in 200,000 visitors over the nine weeks of summer with its displays of varied mediums and works in the hand-built artists’ village. The location transforms over winter into a wonderland of lights, out-of-town artists and craftsmen, food, music, and plenty of entertainment over five weekends in the winter months.
Â
The Festival of the Arts and the Pageant of the Masters are unique local favorites, with the former featuring over 100 local artists and the latter creating living replicas of classic works of art. Still craving more? Head to the colorful Laguna Canyon and experience the
Laguna Art-A-Fair, a premier fine arts event that features the works of award-winning artists as well as plenty of great food and drinks, live music, and even workshops.
Schools
Laguna Beach is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
Top of the World Elementary, K-5, one of the top-rated public elementary schools in Orange County
Laguna Beach High School, 9-12, highly-rated public high school
Anneliese’s Schools, PK-6, highly-rated private school
