Laguna Beach is where Southern California’s artistic community is known to capture the Pacific Ocean’s natural splendor. This city has seven miles of pristine coastline, tidepools, and coves. It has long-drawn painters (William Wendt to Wyland), writers (John Steinbeck to Kate Buckley), and filmmakers () inspired by the landscape. Founded as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s, Laguna continues to thrive as a cultural destination with the world-famous Pageant of the Masters, Sawdust Art Festival, and a vibrant gallery scene.
Beyond the arts, Laguna Beach is a community deeply rooted in conservation. With more than 20,000 acres of protected wilderness, residents and visitors alike hike, bike, and explore trails that wind from canyon to coastline. From the charm of downtown boutiques and cafés to the laid-back surf culture, Laguna blends small-town character with global creativity. Some of the famous residents include Bette Davis, Mary Pickford, Judy Garland, and Rudolph Valentino.
The Laguna Art Museum has a great series of exhibits. Charlie Chaplin was impressed by Grandville Redmond. They became fast friends. The actor bought Redmond’s paintings, and he introduced them to other Hollywood heavyweights.
Don’t miss the 2025 established GW Contemporary adjacent to the art museum with amazing galleries in collaboration with Culterra.
While you’re along PCH, visit Active Culture for a bite to eat and enjoy the Festival of Arts south gallery. Currently, they are exhibiting some en plein air masters from their permanent collection.
Experience
Sandstone Gallery is proud to announce Toni Danchik as the guest artist for September. Living along the coast of Southern California has been a wonderful source of inspiration for Toni’s beautiful paintings. Her show will feature familiar coastal sights – birds on the beach, sunsets, children building sand castles, dog walkers in the park, the beautiful land and seascapes – all scenes that bring Toni great joy and fulfillment. Many will know Toni from her years of exhibiting in the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, and the California Art Club Gold Medal Show. Toni’s show titled, “Stories from the Shore” runs from September 2nd-28th. Attend Art Walk on September 4th from 5 – 8pm. Join us for the collectors and friends event on September 13th from 5-8pm.
Learn
Visit the Laguna Beach Historical Society at the bungalow where docents will provide you with a guided tour of the historic Murphy cottage adjacent to Whole Foods. Visit at 278 Ocean Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 on most Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays from 1PM-4PM.
The Murphys were the first residents of the home. The bungalow is listed in the City of Laguna Beach Historic Register where it is described as “a builder’s bungalow with a box plan, multi-gabled roof, and clapboard siding. Wide wood posts support the porch gable. The main door has side light windows and French doors that open onto the bedroom.”
“Naming Laguna Beach” by Jane Janz is a fantastic beachside read from Laguna Beach Books. This local author features archival materials and an art pieces from Laguna Art Museum. Joseph Kleitsch’s The Old Post Office captures quintessential Laguna. It is part of the museum’s permanent collection.
The 1936 South Coast News states that, “usually everything is dated from the Isch Grocery store period which was when history began for Laguna Beach.”