Summer is here and what a better place to enjoy a warm summer day than at the beach. Laguna Beach is one of my favorite places on earth. I’ve loved it ages before there was a MTV show that has made it a must stop for tourists(okay I’ve watched the show and yes I liked LC way more than Kristen) The weather is perfect and the beaches are great. I like the main beach which is right around the area of pch and Broadway/hwy 33. It gets busy there but it’s a great place to people watch, there are picnic tables, a tot lot and tidepools. There is no better time to visit than this time of year. Starting this weekend is the annual Sawdust art festival. This is a great place to expose your children to art in a beautiful and relaxed environment. You can meet the artists, ask them questions and there is usually a craft area for children. The festival also offers live entertainment daily. After you’ve had your share of art and the beach head over to my favorite bakery for some great eating. Scandia Bakery is a must when you are visiting Laguna. They have the best fruit tarts, eclairs and my favorite tiramisu. My two year old is a great fan of their chocolate cake but I would guess that all tots love cake. They also serve great salads, sandwiches sand the best quiche I’ve ever had. Their prices are very reasonable- just a bit more than fast food prices. Once you’ve filled your tummy take a leisurely stroll through the downtown village. It’s a great place to window shop and peek in at some great galleries. My kids love this stroll because there are so many dogs around. I could go and on about Laguna and I’m sure there will be many posts to follow about this beautiful gem but do yourself a favor and head on down soon and see for yourself!!

Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
Phone: 949.494.3030, June 29-Sep 2 Day Admission $7 – Adults, Children 6-12 $3, Chidren under 5 are free- Open 10 am to 10pm everyday.

Scandia Bakery, 248 Forest Ave- Laguna Beach, CA

Main Beach Park – Intersection of PCH and Hwy 133/Broadway

Parking- Tip- take plenty of dollar bills- The City maintains more than 2,300 parking metered parking spaces in Laguna Beach including parking lots with meters or ticket machines. Meters in the Central Business District (Downtown) are primarily two hour meters with a scattering of 30 minute meters near service-oriented businesses such as the Post Office and dry cleaners. There are more than 800 metered spaces in the immediate downtown area. Other areas were meters are located include Cliff Drive, from the 500 block near Diver’s Cove across Coast Highway to Broadway, Coast Highway, Glenneyre Street, Broadway and Laguna Canyon Road.

Meter rates are $1.00 per hour or $0.25 for each increment of 15 minutes. Hours of operation are generally Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meters along Laguna Canyon Road/ Broadway are enforced from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.