Attractions of Laguna Beach

By Lee Sun-ho

The city of Laguna Beach is southern California's premier seaside destination midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Located in southern Orange County, comprising 25.2 square kilometers (slightly bigger than the Mapo District of Seoul) and home to some 24,000 inhabitants, it was chosen (through research of Internet blogs) by eight members of my family in both Seoul and New York, separately, as the venue for a one-week family rendezvous during late September, immediately after my niece's wedding in La Mirada, Los Angeles County.

The vacation created long-lasting memories for my family. There was so much to do during our short stay in Laguna Beach, which was almost misnamed ``Lagoon" by the State of California. I toured different spots in and around the unique city, which has easy beach access everywhere.

The eight members of my family were lodged at Calliope Sea Cottage, a well-furnished, three-bedroom classic-style private house in the heart of the village, overlooking the Gulf of Santa Catalina. It neighbors with Bluebird Park, where my two granddaughters from different cities played together. As I rested inside the cottage, the two grandkids jumped in the grassy areas, either in the private courtyard or backyard.

The beach was a short stroll away and it was splendid to experience the oceanfront breeze, the soothing waves and surf, and the world-renowned sunsets. More than beaches and coves, open year-round, stretching for 68 kilometers, along with the warm Mediterranean climate, attracts tourists from different places around the globe. Laguna's famed beaches were family-friendly and featured wide stretches of sand perfect for sand castle building. A whole new world of exploration awaited my family as we investigated the many tide pools along the shoreline.

I was able to gain an insight into Laguna's soul at the town's nearby 100 galleries. Laguna Beach's natural allure has attracted visitors since it became a popular seaside vacation destination in the 19th century. As word spread throughout the art world about the small picturesque city and its growing market for artwork driven by vacationers, artists flocked to its shores. A realtor located downtown boasted of ``a renaissance bringing art and architecture together."

Laguna Beach offers a memorable backdrop for any special occasion with its ideal climate, enchanting beaches and parks with magnificent vistas. It is also a great wedding destination, with plenty of activities for guests before and after the big event.

In addition to its lovely shoreline, cultural aesthetics and charming ambience, many nursery and floral shops are located throughout the small city. I felt so impressed looking at the tropical gardens on the ocean's edge, decorated with bougainvillea and morning glory blossoms, jasmine vines and towering palm trees.

Laguna Beach embraced land conservation long before it was fashionable, recognizing that the beautiful ecosystem in its surrounding wilderness should be maintained for generations. Visiting Laguna's beaches and tide pools, it is a matter of etiquette to follow the ``look but don't take" rules. The region features marine protected areas, which means taking resources, even empty shells and rocks, from their natural resting places is prohibited. I heard a report that the City of Laguna Beach took important action on April 10, 2009, when officials adopted the climate change protection plan which outlines a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent over the next two years.

The city is also home to world-renowned chefs and acclaimed restaurants, creating a perfect combination of fine art and gourmet cuisine. I experienced Californian contemporary cuisine and taste-tempting ethnic dishes from around the world.

It is interesting to me that Laguna Beach is intertwined with the Port of Menton in the French Riviera. As a resort for all seasons, Menton is similar to Laguna Beach in landscape and in its art-oriented character. Driving up and down the famed Pacific Coast Highway, I happened to notice that a portion of the route from the north of Laguna Beach up to the Los Angeles area was named Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.

I really felt at home vacationing in the midst of the comforting sound of crashing waves at the beach resort for all seasons. I enjoyed the surf and spectacular sunsets in a serene setting among sparkling blue waters, and the unique flavor of the Orange County culture at the artistic city of Laguna Beach.

The writer is an outside director of KunWha Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., in Seoul. He can be reached at kexim2@unitel.co.kr.