Laguna Beach California - The Gem of Orange County

Laguna Beach is one of the most scenic coastal cities in Southern California.
Located 50 niles south of Los Angeles and 75 miles north of San Diego.

Laguna Beach history dates back to the late 1800's although the city was officially
established in the 1900's and saw it's most impressive growth. The Laguna Playhouse was established in the early 1920's and the areas first well known artists and galleries starting emerging in the area in 1903 with the arrival of
Norman St. Claire.

Norman St. Claire lived in San Francisco and after visiting the area he painted landscape photos that drew many more artists to the area. By 1910 the Laguna Beach area had a population or roughly 300 people with one half of them being artists.

Laguna Beaches most famous art show is "The Pageant of the Masters". This yearly art show originally started in 1932 during the depression as a way for artists to showcase their works to visitors coming from the 1932 Olympics. Artists starting painting each other as a way to attract attention to their galleries and booths.

 The area is still very well nown for having a huge artist community with gallery's on just about every street in the city in great numbers. The area also has some of the most scenic coastal views and trials lined with roses, palm trees and plenty of green grass.

Ocean Avenue, Forrest Avenue and The Pacific Coast Highway make up the main downtown section of Laguna Beach with stores, galleries, cafes, hotels and restaurants going all the way north and south down the PCH Highway.