Laguna Beach California

Laguna Beach is one of the most beautiful beach cities in all of California. Why? Most Laguna beaches are located at the base of hills where houses, hotels, and coastal cliffs offer stunning views. Though Dana Point just south of Laguna was called  "The only romantic spot on the coast," by explorer Richard Henry Dana, he must have missed seeing Laguna Beach's cliffs with vistas that surely rival any place on Earth!

Laguna Beach is known for many things. It has the most beaches of any city in California, and many offer tidepool exploring, plus there's some scuba diving.

Laguna Beach also has an active arts community. Pageant of the Masters, an outdoor theater show each summer in which actors are dressed and set into famous paintings throughout history sells out so you must buy tickets right away when they go on sale. Among the events held in Laguna Beach annually are Art A Fair Festival and Sawdust Art Festival.

Art sculptures and installations are everywhere you look--along the ocean cliffs, along the highway and in front of plazas, shops and galleries. Laguna Beach Greeter is one of the favorites, commemorating a jolly character who once lived and greeted visitors to the city. He is actually remembered with two statues in front of two restaurants. From glass art at Studio Arts Gallery to the spectacular aquamarine Ocean Mural at Montage Resort, Laguna Beach makes ample use of its creative talents in a variety of media.

And it has a lively and loyal surfing community, as well. Thalia Street is a popular surfing spot featuring a corner store supplying your surfing needs before you head down the steps to the beach. If its challenges you seek, you'll find them in Laguna Beach.

One of the best aspects of Laguna Beach is its hospitality. Hotels, dining and shopping are aimed at inviting tourists to visit and stay, and the restaurants reach an exceptional level in cuisine and settings with the most views on the Orange County coast for dining. If you want to eat outdoors and enjoy an ocean view, look to Laguna Beach. Dining ranges from affordable Americana to fish and Asian influence. Restaurants are located along the Coast Highway and down the streets near the beach, with some offering world class ocean views. Among the places for great cuisine included the view Rooftop Lounge, which serves lunch only. Another great option with the ocean nearby is Sapphire Laguna.

In addition to attractions, shopping and dining, Laguna Beach events throughout the year include a Nutcracker Ballet, held each December, the annual art festivals, and many things to see and do.

Located in Orange County, California, Laguna Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Disneyland in Anaheim, primarily because of the beaches that are either on the sand or very close by.

When you go, be sure to spend time shopping. The downtown shopping area runs along Pacific Coast Highway and features eclectic, youthful, artistic and contemporary gifts.

For luxury accommodations, one of the most expensive hotels in all of California is Montage Resort in South Laguna Beach. A public park next to the property provides coastal access for tourists to enjoy. Affordable hotels such as Holiday Inn and the majority of the hotel options in the city allow you to book a beach vacation, and still be able to spend time and money at Disneyland and other attractions.