Attending college out of state can be a very eye-opening experience about the different types of people and places in the United States, especially when you go to school in a state that is very different from your own. Since leaving Orange County, to attend school in Lexington Kentucky, I gained an enormous amount of appreciation for all the things that I took for granted when I was growing up. Being home for the Summer is definitely a sweet treat, and there are many things tI have missed and am happy to indulge in constantly during the time that I am home. In my opinion, here are the top ten things that make living in Laguna Beach so amazing.
1. Zinc Cafe
The Zinc Cafe is a small vegetarian breakfast and lunch spot on Ocean Avenue. I have been eating here every Sunday morning since I was a little kid, and never even realized that my breakfast was vegetarian until my senior year of High School. When you live in Laguna, it is great being able to meander down to my favorite spot for breakfast every morning. The food is amazing, and there is nothing better than starting my day with a Zinc Sunrise (Peach Juice, Orange Juice, and Raspberry Puree) oatmeal with berries, topping and orange grind, and either the best scrambled eggs on the Planet or some other plate of indulgence. No matter what you order here, it will be delicious. May I recommend any of the above, the Juevos Rancheros, or the French Toast.
2. Pageant of the Masters
Laguna is known for being a very artsy town. During the Summer months, the Pageant of the Masters is in season. This is a once in a lifetime art show, where select works of art are chosen to be reproduced on stage, with people as the contents of the painting, rather than showing an actual painting. It sounds weird if you have never seen it, but it is phenomenal. There is also live music, and lots of beautiful art to look at, in addition to being able to talk to the artists about their work in person. I happen to work here so stop by and buy a raffle ticket from me! This year's pageant theme is Partners.
3. The Sawdust Festival
Similar to the Pageant, the Sawdust is also an art show, but it is a little more causal. Here, you are also able to dance, listen to live music, and converse with artists about their work, but you are also able to watch live blown glass, make pottery, and eat amazing food. It is a really fun day activity, and locals get in at a discount, or you can buy season passes to each art show in the area to save some money!
4. Free Beach Parking
One of the most annoying things about going to the beach is having to pay for parking. However, lucky local Laguna residents can get a parking pass from the city so you can park anywhere without having to pay the meter!
5. Location
Laguna is right in the middle between high-class Newport Beach, and more relaxed and chill Dana Point. It is only a five-minute drive to either of these locations or a straight shot north or south on Pacific Coast Highway to get to any beach on the coast. Also, if you don't feel like driving, Laguna Main Beach, tide pools, and beach shops are all within walking distance.
6. Monthly Art Walks
Laguna Beach Art is already fascinating, but now add an open Gallary, a personal conversation with the artist, and free wine and great music at every Gallary stop, and you have the monthly Laguna Beach Art Walk. This walk takes you through every Gallary in Laguna, and you can do it with friends or family. It takes place on the first Thursday of every month.
7. Variety of Restaraunt Choices within Walking Distance
Downtown Laguna has a plethora of great restaurants that will fit whatever mood you are in. Whether you want fancy, casual, Mexican, or Italian, there is something delicious to fit every occasion. The added benefit is that they are all within walking distance, so you can have a few drinks without worrying about driving home. Some of my favorites include Watermarc, Maro Grill, and The Deck at Laguna Beach. If you didn't want to walk, the free Laguna Trolley is also a great option.
8. Marine Room Tavern
The Marine Room is a small bar right off Ocean and Pacific Coast Highway. It is a little local gem that is casual and fun while having great drinks, music, pool and good conversation with anyone who visits. Also, while the bar is low-key, it has been in Laguna forever. Famous people such as Justin Bieber frequent the joint, just to get away and relax for the evening. Every now and then Justin plays music in the bar when he visits. There are lots of other fun bars to hang at in laguna such as Skyloft, but the Marine Room is always fun for a causal night out.
9. The Constant View
Whether you are driving down PCH, working out at the gym, or eating at any of the great restaurants, you always have a view of the ocean while in Laguna. It is quite inspiring to be able to see the ocean from the treadmill in the gym, and imagine yourself running towards it! From sunsets to dark blue waves, the constant view in Laguna never disappoints.
10. The People
Last but not least, the locals of Laguna are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Everyone is up for conversation when out in public. It is also fun to talk about where you live in either north or south Laguna and the shops or restaurants you frequent. There are also artists painting in the street and street musicians playing music for everyone to enjoy. Everyone is open and talkative and is always fun to be around.
If you live in Laguna, tell me why you love it in the comments, or if you live elsewhere, come for a visit because it is simply the best.
