5 Ways to See Art in Laguna Beach; Five for 5

Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do while in Laguna Beach. The second story in the series will explore "Five Ways to See Art in Laguna Beach."

FIRST THURSDAY’S ART WALK

Laguna Beach has been an artists’ community for more than 100 years and continues to attract top caliber artist and collectors from around the world. In the spirit of sharing and experiencing art, First Thursday’s Art Walk was established in 1998 as a collaboration between art galleries, the city of Laguna Beach and the lodging establishments who wanted to give art lovers of all ages access to art. Many galleries offer special events such as live music, live art demonstrations, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Art Walk is FREE and is a year-round event happening on the first Thursday of every month (except Thursday, July 4, 2013.)

Need to know:

6pm to 9pm

Metered parking is available in the downtown area and is an easy walk to downtown galleries. To access North, South and Canyon galleries you can take the free city trolley.

LAGUNA BEACH ART MUSEUM

As one of California’s first art museums, the Laguna Art Museum is the destination for a historical and present day look at California art. It is the only museum that exclusively collects California art from all periods and styles. They have amassed a permanent collection of over 3,500 pieces dating from the early 19^thcentury to present day works. The Museum also has special exhibits, educational events including artist talks, live music and family days.

Need to know:

307 Cliff Dr.

(949) 494-8971

Open 11am to 5pm daily

Admission: General: $7; Students, seniors and active military $5; Children under 12: FREE; FREE on the first Thursday of every month from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Metered parking on Cliff Dr.

LAGUNA BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL – Save the Date: February 3-9, 2014

Every February, the City of Laguna Beach becomes a music mecca for the annual Laguna Beach MusicFestival. Presented by Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the seven-day festival brings musicians and audiences together for a musical experience against the backdrop of stunning Laguna Beach. Past musical offerings have ranged from chamber music, quartets, jazz, pianists, the sounds of South America, violinist Joshua Bell and bassist Edgar Meyer.

Need to Know:

Purchase your tickets in advance as shows sell out quickly.

Don’t miss local musicians playing free shows around town during the festival.

VISIT THE ART FESTIVALS

Since the early 19^thcentury artists have flocked to Laguna Beach to find inspiration in the beauty of the landscape from the rolling hills of the canyon to the picturesque coves of the beaches. Two centuries later, Laguna Beach is still a thriving artists’ community that showcases the talent within the city borders and beyond. Each summer, three arts festivals throw open their doors and let art lovers explore to find beloved artists and new emerging artists. Art-a-Fair, Festival of Arts, and Sawdust Art Festival each have their own flavor.

Art-A-Fair is also a juried show that features works of art from local, national and international artists. Ranging from paintings and photography to ceramics, textiles and jewelry this festival has something for everyone. Festival of Arts is a juried show; showcasing 140 of the area’s most-accomplished artists (and also home to Pageant of the Masters) and includes photography, printmaking, jewelry, sculpture, paintings and more. Sawdust Art Festival features over 200 Laguna Beach artists with a variety of arts and crafts raging from pottery, glass, textiles, jewelry and more.

Don’t miss a moment of the festivals! Return again and again for the special events that also occur at each festival, with the purchase of a  Passport to the Arts. The Passport to the Arts gets you unlimited admission all summer long to all three arts festivals, plus a one-time parking pass at ACT V, 1900 Laguna Canyon Road and a list of discounts from select merchants…all for just $21.50. Purchase the Passports now online or at any of the festival box offices once the summer season begins.

Need to Know:

Art-A-Fair

777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

June 28 - September 1, 2013

10am-9pm, Sunday – Thursday

10am-10pm, Friday and Saturday

Festival of Arts

650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

June 30–August 31, 2013

10am – 11:30pm, Daily

Sawdust Art Festival

935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

June 28 - September 1, 2013

10am – 10pm, Daily

THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

Catch a show at the oldest continuously operating theater on the West Coast. The Laguna Playhouse, founded in 1920, offers five productions each year, as well as special performances from the local youth theater group, short run performances and special engagements. Stars like Bette Davis, Marlo Thomas, Roddy McDowell and others performed in this theater during the 1950s and ‘60’s. Harrison Ford got his start at The Playhouse in the play “John Brown’s Body.”

Need to Know:

606 Laguna Canyon Rd.

(949) 497-2787

Parking across the street in the paid city lot 

What's your favorite way to discover art? Let us know.

By: Anne-Marie S.

5 Romantic Places in Laguna Beach; Five for 5

Our Five for Five blog series focuses on what to see and do while you’re in Laguna Beach. This first story will cover “5 Romantic Places” you can take your special someone to in Laguna Beach.

ROAST MARSHMALLOWS AT ALISO BEACH PARK

After dinner in town, surprise your sweetheart with dessert on the beach. Aliso Creek Beach is the only beach in Laguna that has fire pits to keep you warm, while watching the sun set over the Pacific. Grab a bundle of wood, skewers and marshmallows and pull up a spot on the sand to enjoy a memorable dessert with your one and only.

Aliso Beach Park

31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92652

Open 6am to 10pm

Parking: $1 per an hour

Fire pits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

STROLL ON THE MAIN BEACH BOARDWALK

Main Beach is located in the heart of Laguna, where Broadway and Ocean Avenue intersect at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Here you can see the historic Lifeguard Tower (built in 1929 and originally located across the street at a gas station), pick up a game of basketball or volleyball, or relax in the warm sand.  But, when you come with your sweetheart, grab their hand and take a stroll down the boardwalk, which runs the length of the beach. On the second Sunday of most months you can meander through the LagunaCraft Fair on the Main Beach cobblestones. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll enjoy it because you’re with your sweetheart.

Main Beach

Open 5am to 1am year round

Metered parking on surrounding streets

PICNIC IN HEISLER PARK

Heisler Park sits above the Laguna shoreline between Cliff Dr. and Myrtle St. providing vistas out over Bird Rock, Rockpile Beach, Picnic Beach and Divers Cove. Watch paddle boarders and surfers ride the waves alongside dolphins from one of the many vista points. The ample grass areas under the shade of the trees or in the warmth of the sun make it the perfect spot for a picnic. Order a picnic basket lunchto-go from Laguna Culinary Arts or Sapphire Laguna Pantry, or bring your own and  enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. After, stroll through the park and view several public art pieces on display, including one piece remembering 9/11, ‘Semper Memento,’ made from the beams of New York’s Twin Towers.  Watch the sunset from the gazebo, or take the stairs down and dip your toes in the ocean.

Heisler Park

Metered parking along Cliff Drive

CATCH THE VIEW AT TOP OF THE WORLD

As one of the highest points in Laguna Beach, Top of the World will give you a panoramic view of Laguna’s hills and canyon areas as they sweep down to meet the coastline.  Imagine standing there and breathing deep as the ocean air blows through your hair on its way into the valley of Orange County. Across the street at Alta Laguna Park, you can see unobstructed views of Orange County out towards Saddleback Mountain. This is one of the most fantastic and romantic views in all of Laguna Beach. Hint: If you’re feeling adventurous, pack your hiking shoes and take one of the trails to explore the wild side of Laguna.

Top of the World Vista Point and Alta Laguna Park

3325 Alta Laguna Blvd. (at the top of Park Ave.)

Parking is free along the street and at Alta Laguna Park

TAKE A SUNSET WALK ON THE BEACH

With seven miles of pristine coastline and more than 20 unique beaches and coves, the hardest part of coming to Laguna Beach with your sweetheart is deciding which beach you’re going to explore. Main Beach is a popular choice, but if you’re looking for something a little more secluded, try Treasure Island in South Laguna or Sleepy Hollow Beach, which is just south of the downtown area, off of Sleepy Hollow Lane. It doesn’t get more romantic than a walk on the sand while taking in a sunset, so kick off those shoes and grab the hand of the one you love and make a run for the shore.

Do you have a special romantic spot that you like to go to in Laguna Beach? Let us know.

By Anne-Marie S.

Steel Magnolias

Most of us know the story of Steel Magnolias from the beloved 1989 film starring Dolly Parton, Daryl Hanna, Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis. It’s one of those films that brilliantly peels back the complicated layers of friendship

to reveal a core of what a lasting friendship is all about…love. At Laguna Playhouse, the stage version of Steel Magnolias stays true to the themes of both the original short story and film.

In the opening scene we are introduced to Tuvy, a deeply caring and flashy beauty salon owner whose chair becomes the place where women share their dreams. Isn’t that usually the case, ladies? Somehow by sitting in a chair and having our hair primped and primed we feel compelled to share our life stories to our hairdressers. Maybe it’s because our stylist sees those things we try to cover…the grey, the natural color and the imperfections that we don’t want the rest of the world to see? Or could it be that it is a place that we feel comfortable enough to literally let our hair down? No matter what the reason is, the fact is, that the beauty salon is somewhere friends can gather and find a place to express the sorrow and happiness that life throws their way. The journey that these six friends travel over two years will both bring a smile and a tear to your face. By the end of the play, you’re bound to end up calling up your dearest friend just to hear their voice and say how much they mean to you. That’s what makes this story one that stands the test of time and medium, whether pen to paper, the silver screen, or the stage, Steel Magnolias is a story that is about the importance of friendship.

Steel Magnolias

Now playing through May 26th

By Anne-Marie S.