Long before Laguna Beach ever became one of the most desirable resorts on California's coast, an Indian tribe named the Ute-Aztecas (later the Shoshones) roamed the land. The tribe, lured by the mild weather and the rich coastal strip, inhabited the canyon formations directly east of Main Beach.
Named after two water lagoons that adorned the canyon, the tribe named the area Lagonas, their word for lakes. The Spaniards later renamed it Canada de las Lagunas, meaning Canyon of the Lakes. It was then changed again, this time officially, in 1904 to Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach has always been a place for rest and relaxation. Even in the earlier times people traveled miles to come and enjoy its beauty and tranquility. Back then they pitched tents along the beach and explored the landscape of intimate coves and rolling hills.
The word spread quickly about this beautiful place and by the late 1800s more and more people had flocked to this coastal settlement permanently.
Located in the heart of downtown is the city's "Window to the Sea." There you will find the Boardwalk area with a pathway to Heisler Park, areas for volleyball and basketball, picnic tables, children's play areas, and protected tide pools. Laguna Beach also has some of Southern California's best diving spots in Southern California.
Considered an artist's haven, Laguna Beach is best known world-wide for its Art Museum and Festival of Art held annually every July. In fact, so important is art to this area it is often compared to gambling in Las Vegas.
The Laguna Beach Festival of Art has been a tradition dating back to 1932 and is Southern California's oldest and finest annual art show. Featuring 150 of the area's most accomplished artists, the event takes place in a scenic six-acre canyon park.
