Laguna Beach

Those looking to experience the best of SoCal living will do well to check out Laguna Beach.

A constant fixture in pop culture, Laguna Beach is best known for its picturesque surroundings, friendly population, thriving economy, and overall artsy vibe. It is also known for its near-endless slate of outdoor activities and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

In addition to its attractions and amenities, Laguna Beach is also known for its impressive real estate selections, including private estates, luxury beachfront homes, and high-end condos.

LAGUNA BEACH, CA: A BRIEF HISTORY

Origins. A beautiful, sun-drenched resort town, Laguna Beach’s rich history can be traced as far back as the Holocene Era, during which it served as home to various Paleoindian tribes. At around 500 AD, the indigenous Tongva people would make the region and its rich coastal lands and freshwater canyon lakes their home, with the Tongva staying in the area until the arrival of Spanish missionaries sometime in the 1500s.

The trek to the coast. In the 1870s, President Abraham Lincoln enacted the Timber-Culture Acts, which granted 160 acres of land to anyone who agreed to plant 10 acres of trees in the area. It was a proclamation that proved attractive to many homesteaders and led them to make their way to this bright little spot on the California coast.

How Laguna Beach became a beachfront resort. Over the years, Laguna Beach gained a reputation as a beachfront resort, with inlanders from towns such as Santa Ana and El Toro making the daylong trek to the quaint seashore village where they would spend the weekend.

How Laguna Beach became an art community. Aside from being primarily known as a resort city, Laguna Beach also has a reputation for being one of the biggest art communities in the county, something that can be traced back to the arrival of watercolorist Norman St. Clair in the area right around the turn of the century. According to records, St. Clair’s sketches of different scenes from around Laguna Beach attracted other artists to the area, with a good number of them deciding to make their stay permanent.

How Laguna Beach became a home to Hollywood stars. By the 1930s, Laguna Beach’s reputation would prove irresistible to Hollywood personalities like Bette Davis, Mary Pickford, Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, and Mickey Rooney, all of whom would eventually come to invest in homes in the area.

How Laguna Beach became a surfing and counterculture paradise. In the years following World War II, Laguna Beach would become known as the place to be for surfers, thanks mainly to its pristine beaches, carefree lifestyle, and amazing waves. In the 1970s, Laguna Beach also became a hub for the counterculture, with prominent personalities from the era making the city their headquarters.

Laguna Beach today. Despite its relatively small population of only 23,000 people, the city receives an estimated six million visitors annually. Tourism is currently the city’s most important economic driver, with Laguna Beach becoming especially busy during the holiday season. It is also home to some of the most in-demand real estate properties in the region, with its beachfront houses and condos fetching handsome sums from interested buyers from all over the country.

GET YOUR BEARINGS

Laguna Beach is part of the greater Los Angeles area, and according to the United States Census Bureau, has a total area of 9.8 square miles. One of the most in-demand resort cities in Southern California, Laguna Beach has a 7-mile-long coastline with 27 beaches and coves. It is bounded on the southwest by the Pacific Ocean, on the northwest by Crystal Cove State Park, on the northeast by Laguna Woods, on the east by Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel, and on the southeast by Dana Point.

LAGUNA BEACH REAL ESTATE

Laguna Beach real estate is composed of properties ranging from single-family homes and townhomes to luxury estates and high-end condominiums. Craftsman-style homes dominate the market. Other popular architectural styles adopted by Laguna Beach real estate include the Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco.

The most popular neighborhoods in Laguna Beach

Top-quality real estate can be found throughout Laguna Beach. Some of the best properties and amenities, however, can only be found in the city’s most in-demand neighborhoods. These include the following:

• Emerald Bay. One of the finest beach communities in Southern California, Emerald Bay is located in North Laguna Beach and is known for its luxurious real estate options and high-end amenities. This gated community offers its residents private beach access and stunning ocean views, with countless private boats at sunset lending Emerald Bay a very Mediterranean feel. Inquire about homes for sale in Emerald Bay
  
  
• Irvine Cove. Irvine Cove is an ultra-private gated community of oceanfront and oceanside luxury homes in North Laguna Beach. Homes in Irvine Cove offer a variety of architectural influences and styles, including Contemporary, French, Mediterranean, Tuscan, and Traditional. In addition to its impressive housing stock, this stunning neighborhood with priceless ocean views features amenities such as a sand volleyball court, a playground, several tennis courts, and a park. Inquire about homes for sale in Irvine Cove
  
  
• Three Arch Bay. This luxury gated community located on the south side of Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most sought after in Laguna Beach. Spanning 29 acres, Three Arch Bay is home to stunning oceanfront homes, all of which boast amazing views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs. Aside from its exceptional residential options, Three Arch Bay offers 24-hour security, lighted tennis courts, a park, a basketball court, and a clubhouse, not to mention direct access to one of the most amazing, private beaches on the entire West Coast. Inquire about homes for sale in Three Arch Bay
  
  
• Lagunita. A private, gated, neighborhood found on the ocean side of South Coast Highway, Lagunita has gorgeous beachfront estates that date back to the early 1940s. Lagunita is also close to some of Laguna Beach’s top shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations, making the residential enclave one of the most desirable places to live in the area. Inquire about homes for sale in Lagunita
  
  
• Woods Cove. This picturesque community just south of the Downtown area may be small compared to its neighbors but the area offers an outsize selection of properties. Choose from ocean-view condos, beachside properties, and oceanfront estates boasting dramatic vistas and luxurious amenities. Inquire about homes for sale in Woods Cove
  
  

LIVING IN LAGUNA BEACH, CA

Being a breathtaking coastal enclave with beautiful beaches, vibrant art festivals, a carefree lifestyle, and exceptional real estate, it’s safe to say that Laguna Beach encompasses the best of coastal living in all of California. Proof? Laguna Beach has one of the highest homeownership rates in The Golden State, with nearly 65.8% of homes identified as being owner-owned and occupied.

Are you planning on moving to this fantastic coastal paradise? Here’s a comprehensive look at what you can expect when you move to Laguna Beach, CA.

The laid-back, bohemian community vibe

One of the most appealing aspects of Laguna Beach is its carefree atmosphere, which has remained relatively unchanged over the last five decades. Laguna Beach, much like it was in the 1960s, is a place where flip-flops are the unofficial footwear of choice, art galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafes line its quaint streets, the bohemian spirit lives on, and residents embody a warm and welcoming vibe that will make you feel like part of the family from day one.

Easy access to countless outdoor activities and attractions

Given its location, natural beauty, and access to outdoor attractions and activities, Laguna Beach is nothing short of a nature lover’s dream come true.

Those who love the sun, sand, and sea, for instance, are all spoiled for choice when it comes to the beaches in Laguna Beach, CA. These include long standing favorites such as Main Beach with its iconic lifeguard tower, as well as more secluded ones like Thousand Steps Beach and Victoria Beach. Regardless of which beach you choose to visit, you’ll have endless opportunities to soak up the sun, swim, surf, or simply relax on the sandy shores.

Beyond swimming, Laguna Beach offers an array of water activities. Kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling are popular pastimes here. On top of that, pristine waters teem with marine life, making each adventure an opportunity to connect with nature.

Other outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted with Laguna Beach’s hiking and trail options such as Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Both provide a breathtaking backdrop for those looking to explore the area.

Plenty of shopping and dining options

For a town with a population of around 23,000 residents, Laguna Beach offers an impressive array of shopping and dining establishments.

This is especially apparent in Laguna Beach’s charming downtown area, which is lined with over 200 shops, ranging from mom-and-pop stores, independent boutiques, high-end clothing stores, and specialty shops selling everything from local brands to designer goods, vintage clothing and handmade crafts and artwork.

Aside from the downtown area, residents can also get their fill of retail therapy by visiting several shopping districts located in and around Laguna Beach, such as the following:

• The Historic and Interesting Places District. Affectionately known as The HIP District, this part of Laguna Beach features a dazzling array of shops selling everything from decade-specific clothing and jewelry, to books and trinkets. It also has a good number of art galleries, over a dozen restaurants, and access to Laguna Beach waters and hangout spots.
  
  
• Fashion Island. One of the top shopping destinations in Orange County, Fashion Island is located in nearby Newport Beach and has over 100 shops. Fashion Island is anchored by luxury department stores Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, as well as high street favorites such as PINK and Urban Decay.
  
  
• Irvine Spectrum Center. An outdoor shopping center, the Irvine Spectrum Center is located in Irvine, CA, which is about 10 miles north of Laguna Beach. A go-to spot for those who want popular selections, Irvine Spectrum Center is home to retailers such as H&M and Stance, as well as other brands such as Lorna Jane, Old Navy, Sephora, and Target.
  
  
• Shops at Mission Viejo. Residents looking to expand their options can check out The Shops at Mission Viejo. Located 11 miles east of Laguna Beach, The Shops at Mission Viejo is home to over 120 stores and services, including favorites such as luxury department stores Macy’s and Nordstrom, as well as beloved brands like The Children’s Place, LuLulemon, and Finish Line.
  
  

In addition to having a wide variety of shopping options, Laguna Beach is also a culinary paradise, with the city boasting a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. These include the following:

• Selanne Steak Tavern. Located in a historic 1934 house on Pacific Coast Highway, Selanne Steak Tavern is an award-winning restaurant that’s steeped in the spirit of classic American steakhouses. Helmed by Hockey Hall of Famer and six-time Olympian Teemu Selanne and local businessman Kevin Pratt, Selanne Steak Tavern is famous for its decadent offerings, such as an extensive steak menu with a dedicated wagyu section and a nearly 3,000-bottle wine list, making it a must-visit for those looking to enjoy an indulgent meal or two.
  
  
• Nick’s. For breakfast and brunch staples, check out Nick’s on Laguna Beach. A neighborhood favorite, Nick’s is best known for its creative renditions of American brunch favorites such as Bloody Marys, fish sandwiches, bacon-deviled eggs, and asparagus fries.
  
  
• La Sirena Grill. 24 years after it first opened in 1999, La Sirena’s branch in downtown Laguna Beach continues to draw diners from all over the city, thanks to an extensive menu featuring handcrafted Mexican food. A favorite among residents and tourists, no visit to La Sirena is complete without picking up an order of succulent salmon burritos, avocado lime salads, and watermelon-strawberry agua frescas.
  
  

Access to top schools

Families moving to Laguna Beach will be delighted to know that the coastal resort town is home to some of the best schools in Orange County.

At present, Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) oversees the town’s public schools. These include El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School, and Laguna Beach High School, all of which are known for their rigorous academic programs and dedicated faculty and teaching staff.

Reputable private schools also abound in and around Laguna Beach. These institutions offer a range of educational philosophies and curricula to meet the diverse needs of families in the area. Some of the most notable private schools in Laguna Beach include Anneliese Schools and Montessori School Of Laguna Beach.

FIND YOUR LAGUNA BEACH, CA HOME WITH SHAUNA COVINGTON TODAY!

SOLD IN LAGUNA BEACH: 5 beds, 4.5 baths, 4,795 square feet

If you are planning to invest in your very own Laguna Beach, CA home, make sure to work with Realtors Shauna Covington and Leita Covington.

Shauna is one of the best real estate professionals in Orange County, an expert at Laguna Beach real estate and considered to be among the top ½ of 1% of more than 1,200,000 Realtors nationwide.

Shauna and her daughter Leita are organized, efficient, and communicative. They’re well-known for providing top-tier customer service to all of their clients, whether buyers or sellers.

Ready to get started? Give Shauna and Leita Covington a call at either 949.412.8088 or 949.395.3037. You can also contact Shauna and Leita here to schedule your consultation today.