If you are a newly arrived resident of Laguna Beach, you might be a little bewildered by everything there is to see in this resort city by the sea. The weather is perfect year-round, and the city has plenty of art galleries to visit, plenty of coves and canyons to explore, and many sun-splashed beaches.
Here are some tips to help you quickly feel right at home in Laguna Beach.
Say Hello to Your Neighbors
The fastest way to get to know Laguna Beach is to make friends with the people who have made this enchanting city their home. While it might be difficult to meet your neighbors because of social distancing guidelines in place due to the coronavirus, you can still introduce yourself on a social media app called Nextdoor.
Since all sign-ups are location-based, you will only connect with actual neighbors rather than people in other parts of the city or country.
You can use the app in a variety of ways:
- Use it to talk to your neighbors and find out about local businesses, such as restaurants, stores, and hair salons. Use it to meet your neighbors and stay connected with them.
- Use it to help neighbors out or ask for help.
- Use it to buy or sell things.
- Use it to get free stuff or give away stuff you no longer need.
- Use it to join groups to chat with people who share your interests.
Nextdoor offers innumerable opportunities to connect with the people living around you. Since the app enhances communication between neighbors, it offers many features to promote a sense of community. Nextdoor racism-prevention efforts ensure the app makes all subscribers feel welcome.
Places to Go and Things to Do
Since there are literally hundreds of things to do, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to explore this city.
Here, then, is a shortlist of places to visit to start familiarizing yourself with Laguna Beach.
Beach Bites:If you’re looking for healthy snacks while spending the day at the beach, try The Stand, a café that offers acai bowls, vegan shakes, and other healthy snacking options. If you’re looking for a hearty dinner, check out Harvest, a gourmet restaurant run by Executive Chef, Kyle St. John, which offers a variety of Californian cuisine, such as locally sourced veggies, salmon from the local rivers, and Wagyu ribeye from the local farms.
Art Museums: Laguna Art Museum is currently marking its 100th anniversary. The museum displays paintings and photographs by local artists. There are also lots of small art galleries in the downtown area. Laguna Beach has a long history as a legendary place for artists and visionaries.
Shopping: There are always plenty of things to do in the downtown area. You could visit local boutiques, meet friends at cafes, and dine at restaurants. Some fun places to shop for artisan clothes are Pearl Street General Store and Zinc Café and Market.
Outdoor Recreation: Besides shopping, trying out the local restaurants, and taking in the unique artworks featured in the art galleries, there are plenty of recreational things to do in Laguna Beach to enhance your health and fitness. For instance, you could hike along the Valido trail, enjoy a walk on Aliso Beach, and picnic at Wood’s Cove.
Restaurants & Bars: There are many great cafes or restaurants to visit on days when you don’t want to cook at home. Since this is a health-conscious community, you’ll find plenty of organic foods sourced from local farms. If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast with organic fruits and vegetables, try Urth Caffe. If you’re looking for a delicious lunch, try Alessa, an alfresco diner that serves up Italian dishes with a pinch of local herbs and spices. The nightlife around Laguna also has a ton to offer from sports bars to dance clubs. For sports junkies, check out Lumberyard on Forrest or Hennessey’s Tavern on Ocean Ave. California remains a non-gambing state for the time being so you can’t bet from the bar but it appears to be only a matter of time before you can watch UCLA vs USC from your Laguna home while wagering with a college football sportsbook.
Famous for Its Southern California Lifestyle
Laguna Beach became famous for its portrayal of the easy-going Southern California lifestyle after the launch of the reality TV Show: Laguna Beach. Today, you might still bump into a Hollywood celebrity living there, and you’ll always find an abundance of fascinating things to do in this city by the sea.
