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.

Sunset Serenades

There are countless things to love about Laguna Beach, but I think the sunsets are my absolute favorite. Even though I’ve lived in Southern California for the past 15 years, an Orange County sunset still takes my breath away. Feeling the air turn cool and watching the last rays of sunlight melt into the ocean, brings a serene and comforting closure to each day. Last week I took my family to Laguna to enjoy one of these world-renown sunsets and we decided to attend the City of Laguna Beach’s Sunset Serenades.

Before the concert we made a stop to Gina’s Pizza in North Laguna for a quick, family-friendly bite to eat. We then stopped in at Casey’s Cupcakes  to grab some of her delicious cupcakes to enjoy at the park. When we arrived, the Heisler Park amphitheater was already quickly filling up with eager concert-goers. I hadn’t attended an event at the amphitheater before and I was glad to find that there was ample room for everyone to sit or lay on their blankets comfortably. Some folks brought their food and wine with them to the concert and were settling in for a sunset dinner during the show.  We took up a spot in the back where we could let the kids run around, and in fact, they ended up dancing…in between bites of cupcakes. The environment at the amphitheater was jovial fueled; I’m sure by the beauty that surrounded us and the music that filled our ears. Sunset Serenades was a demonstration of the Laguna Beach “small town” charm working its magic.  And that fabulous sunset at the end of the long week didn’t disappoint either…it took my breath away!

The Sunset Serenades are hosted by the City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission and happen every Friday at 6:30pm at the Heisler Park amphitheater throughout the month of May.

Sunset Serenades Schedule:
May 4 - Shelby, Tieg &Tara (Modern Vocal Harmonies)
May 11- Erica Powell (Harpist)
May 18 - Mancini/Stone Trio (Vibraphone Jazz)
May 25 - John Troy and Jason Feddy (Singer Songwriter)

By Anne-Marie S

13th Annual Plein Air Painting Invitational

Every October, Laguna Beach turns into an outdoor studio with the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. The 13th annual Plein Air Painting Invitational is taking place October 9-16, showcasing 50 of the nation’s top plein air landscape painters who will be competing for prestigious prizes and participating in the week-long festivities including public paint outs, environmental awareness activities and educational events.

There are many opportunities for you to watch these talented artists in action:

Quick Draw Paint Out
Sunday, October 9
11am to 1pm
Heisler Park

Stroll through this beautiful park and watch these master painters in action as they create plein air masterpieces before your very eyes. At 1:00 pm, walk over to Laguna Art Museum for a Meet & Greet Reception with the artists who will be there until 2:00 p.m. Enjoy complimentary beverages courtesy of the Laguna Art Museum.


Laguna Canyon Foundation Paint Out
Tuesday, October 11
9am to 10:30am
Laguna Canyon

Choose between two private tours that will provide additional opportunities to watch the participating artists in a paint out, and to raise awareness about Laguna Canyon Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving, protecting, enhancing, and promoting the South Coast Wilderness Area.


Paint Out at Crystal Cove
Thursday, October 13
8am to 12noon
Crystal Cove State Park

At the north end of Laguna Beach lies the magnificent Crystal Cove State Park, which boasts 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of pristine coastal habitat. The participating plein air artists will be at the Park’s famous Historic District to paint the beautiful landscape and cottages, and bring awareness to the Park’s protected environment.


Collectors’ Soirée
Saturday, October 15
6pm to 10pm
Laguna Art Museum
The entire week culminates with the Collectors’ Soirée at Laguna Art Museum. Join over 400 guests for this exciting gala where you will have the opportunity to view and purchase, in advance of the general public, the artworks created throughout the week by 50 of the nation’s top plein air artists.


You Can Win!!!

In partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, we are offering you an exclusive chance to WIN two tickets to the Collector’s Soiree (a $300 value). Post the below status update to your Facebook wall, tag Laguna Art Museum and Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau,and you will be entered into the drawing to win.


“Laguna Art Museum is hosting the prestigious 13th Annual Plein Air Invitational, October 9-16th. The event showcases 50 of the nation's top plein air landscape painters who compete for prestigious prizes and participate in festivities including public paint outs, environmental awareness activities, and educational events. Learn more and enter for a chance to WIN tickets to their annual Collectors' Soiree on the Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau blog: http://ow.ly/6PDlU."

Winner will be picked at random on October 14th and notified via Facebook direct message.

Humpback Whale Spotted in Park!

A humpback whale has been spotted at Heisler Park above Laguna’s Main Beach! Not a whale happening by in the shoreline below – but a new breaching whale sculpture erected near Rockpile Beach.

The “Breaching Whale” sculpture was the recent addition to a five-year, $7.5 million park renovation, which officially reopened on June 10, 2011. Improvements to Heisler Park include two new restrooms, a terraced gathering area, improved landscaping, pathways, view areas, picnic benches and tables, new art installations and a better park infrastructure. Funding was provided through $3.6 million of grant funds from California State Water Board’s Clean Beaches Initiative, Integrated Regional Water Management program and grants to protect Areas of Special Biological Significance grant programs.

The sculpture was completed a year ago by sculptor Jon Seeman, but the installation of the stainless steel and COR-TEN steel "Breaching Whale" was delayed by renovations, which included the new amphitheater.

Originally recommended in 2009 by the City of Laguna Beach for installation in front of the Third Street Community and Senior Center in the downtown area as the fulfillment of the Arts in Public Places requirement, the city council voted to move the placement of the sculpture to oceanfront Heisler Park as a more suitable site for the 16-foot-tall public art piece. There will be a public art dedication for this piece on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 5pm as a prelude to First Thursdays Art Walk. The cost of the commission and installation totaled $115,000.


“We are delighted that the breaching whale sculpture will be an ongoing focal point in Heisler Park for visitors and residents to enjoy for many years to come,” said Karyn Philippsen, President of the Board of Directors of the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau. “It seems like a fitting home for a sculpture that recognizes the beauty of the whale migrations that grace our shores annually, as well as our commitment to keeping our beaches pristine, while providing countless ocean activities to discover,” said Judith Bijlani, LBVCB Executive Director.

About Laguna Beach Public Art An artists’ haven for more than 100 years, Laguna Beach has evolved into a renowned destination for world-class artists, festivals and galleries. Local and international artists have created more than 70 pieces of public art in Laguna Beach. Each is an original piece of work, made in an array of different media for a specific site.

These installations are facilitated and funded through or by the City of Laguna Beach and its Arts Commission. Each of these public art pieces reflects the importance of the arts in Laguna Beach. Visitors can view a public art documentary at http://www.lagunabeachinfo.com/, or pick up a self-guided tour map of the artworks at the Laguna Beach Visitors Center at 381 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. The map delineates where public sculptures, art in public places and artist-designed benches are located throughout town, while identifying the artists and the history behind each piece.

The Top Ten Places to Visit in Laguna Beach!

Destination: Paradise

1)    Heisler Park

      Along this half-mile walk on the bluffs of Laguna Beach you will see spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Las Brisas

Nestled in Heisler Park and overlooking the Laguna Beach coastline, Las Brisas has been a Laguna Beach staple for more than 30 years.  In fact, travelers come from all over the world to taste the authentic Mexican Riviera seafood cuisine that Las Brisas has become famous for.

Whenever I have Mexican food, I simply cannot pass up the opportunity to start my meal with a margarita. Las Brisas has a variety to choose from, all aptly named after Laguna Beach spots; Main Beach, Crystal Cove, Thousand Steps, Diver’s Cove and Emerald Bay Margaritas, just to name a few. I chose the ‘Thousand Steps Margarita,’ the secret spot. It was a blend of Sauza Hornitos, Triple Sec, lime and orange juice.  It was a refreshing way to start my meal. My husband opted for his favorite, an Arnold Palmer. He was delighted when our waiter, Dante, brought a craft of iced tea and a bottle of lemonade with a cup of ice so "he could blend his own drink and control the ph (acidity) as he wished."

To go with our drinks, we ordered the ‘Coctel de Mariscos’ as an appetizer. It had fresh Mexican Shrimp, Caribbean Lobster medallions, and Canadian crab claws with tequila cocktail sauce. What a wonderful plate of seafood! My husband and I loved every bite and our 5-year-old twins might have even loved it more, especially the crab claws.

Las Brisas is known for how they combine seafood with the flavors of the Mexican coast and I was interested to see how those flavors blended together. I ordered the ‘La Marquesa,’ which is a beef or chicken tamale, a seafood mushroom enchilada, beans with cotija cheese and Mexican-style rice. I was not disappointed! The tamale and enchilada were tasty with just the right amount of Mexican spices, simmered with perfectly cooked seafood and chicken.

My husband chose one of the daily specials, the Sea Bass. I was barely able to snap this picture before he inhaled his lunch. He LOVED every bite! He liked the way they used a light cilantro flavoring for the fish and a tangy green sauce, which didn’t let the sauce overwhelm the fresh fish flavor.

With a magnificent view from the windows near our table, we could enjoy our meal while looking as far south as Dana Point, out over Bird Rock, and north into Heisler Park. This area of Laguna Beach is no doubt one of the more beautiful lookouts in town! Las Brisas allows you to enjoy this amazing view while dining on five-star food and getting top-notch service. Next time you’re in Laguna Beach, look for the blue-striped awnings of Las Brisas and stop in for a meal that will keep you asking for more.

 

Las Brisas also offers group reservations, special events, spacious patio seating, bar service, and valet parking.

By Anne-Marie S.