Laguna Beach, California Images and photos

Laguna Beach, California Images Located half way between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna has always been a resort area - a place for rest and relaxation. In the early days, people came from miles around to enjoy its beauty and tranquillity, pitching tents on the beach, exploring the intimate coves and the rolling hills. News: many new images added at our new site. Please go to http://photo-escapes.com for current images with new sizes and pricing.


By the late 1800's, as the word spread, more and more people flocked to the seaside settlement to plant themselves permanently. In 1903 Norman St. Claire (the first important artist) came from San Francisco by train and stage to paint the surf, the hillsides and the lagoons surrounding this seaside village. His artist friends were so impressed with his paintings and reports of a balmy year-round climate that they followed him to Laguna Beach. Many of this seminal group were known as plein-air artists who painted in the style of Monet's French impressionists and remain at the top of the Who's Who in California Art list. In early 1918 artist Edgar Payne opened an art gallery and formed the Laguna Beach Art Association (now the Laguna Art Museum). By the late 1920's approximately 300 people moved to Laguna Beach permanently. Nearly half of those residents were artists. In 1932 the Festival of Arts opened with a stage and booths at a location near the Hotel Laguna. Ten years later the Irvine Bowl was dedicated and the festival grew to become the world-renowned Pageant of the Masters. (From Laguna Beach Visitor Center)

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