Breathe the inspirational air of artists past and present in this historic coastal community.
The English-born watercolour painter Norman St Clair is credited with being the first artist to discover the unique attractions of Laguna Beach. He commuted here regularly from his adopted home in Pasadena to capture the breathtaking landscapes and seascapes of this unspoilt corner of California. By the time of his death in 1912 many others had followed his lead and by the 1920s over half the residents of this small holiday resort were artists, drawn by the light, the cool sea air and the relaxing pace of life.The creative community is still alive and well in Laguna Beach, making it a magnet for those with an interest in art and culture. The Laguna Art Museum houses over 3,500 works dating from the early 19th century, providing a perfect introduction to California’s rich artistic heritage, while the contemporary scene can be perused on the first Saturday of each month, when many local artists open their studios to visitors. Open-air art lessons are held in Treasure Island Park, and the visitors’ centre on Forest Avenue displays up-to-date details of special events including art and craft festivals and musical performances throughout the summer. Some of the views that inspired St Clair and his fellow artists can be glimpsed from the network of hiking trails that run through Heisler Park, heading north to Crescent Bay and south to Main Beach.The village itself contains numerous historic gems such as St Francis by the Sea, one of the smallest churches in the world, as well as some fine examples of early domestic coastal architecture. Visit the main sites on the Bungalow Tour before checking out the boutiques and art galleries on Forest Avenue, perhaps stopping off for a spot of local-style refreshments at the Laguna Brewing Company.Once you’ve explored the culture, head for the ocean for a refreshing dip. Laguna’s beautiful beaches offer a range of activities, from paddleboarding on Main Beach to volleyball on Thousand Step Beach, snorkelling at Diver’s Cove to skimboarding on Victoria Beach. For the perfect finish to your day, watch the sun go down over a picnic around the fire-pit bonfires on family friendly Aliso Beach.
