DOWNTOWN WALK

Start and Finish: Starbucks 184 S. Coast Hwy (across the street from the iconic Lifeguard Tower at Main Beach)
Time: 1-2 hours depending on your pace  
Length: 1 1/2 miles, all sidewalks, no stairs (you will be crossing some busy streets; cross at crosswalks whenever possible; watch for drivers texting or on cell phones; make eye contact before crossing)
Map: At the bottom of this page, click on the map document and print it out. Follow the numbers and arrows on the map and use the pictures below to help guide you. 
Sights: Public art pieces, local landmarks, gardens, art galleries, restaurants, unique architecture, and much much more!

MAP TO PRINT IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

1.  Starbucks Coffee 184 S. Coast Hwy
(This coffee shop went out of business 2022 - will update this walk soon)
Let's start this walk with some coffee!  If you don't need any coffee, please direct your attention to the "Create Change" meter out front of Starbucks.  We have artist-designed meters strategically located downtown, specifically for donating to the city's homeless, to discourage panhandling. 
2. South Coast Theater
(Now the Rivian Theater 2024)
This Mediterranean revival style movie theater was constructed in the early 1920s. This was the city's first structure composed of concrete and steel.  Admission was 35 cents for adults and 10 cents for children. In recent years, manager, Bob Lively, was usually the only employee working. He would work in the ticket booth, run over to the concession stand to sell you popcorn, then run up to the projector room to start the movie.  The theater recently closed because it needed to upgrade to digital projection, which was just too costly for this small, 2 screen, venue. 
At the corner of PCH and Broadway, take a right, walking away from the beach on the south side of Broadway.
3.  Food Village
This corner hosts three restaurants:
- Carmelita's Kitchen
- SlapFish
​- Acai Republic
- Peony Chinese

What I love about Carmelita's Kitchen is they give a warm bean dip along with chips and salsa at the beginning of the meal (free!).  They also serve amazing margaritas with homemade agave and freshly squeezed lime juice. All their food is top notch.  What is not so great is the restaurant is so popular that many times there is an hour to two hour wait. Tip of the day: make reservations! 

SlapFish started out in 2011 as a food truck.  It is high quality seafood, at an affordable price.  Grab a lobster roll or fish and chips to go.  Picnic on the beach: Heisler Park, or Treasure Island Park next to The Montage. 

If you are in the mood for Chinese food, try Peony Chinese.  They have the usual dishes and they deliver!
4.  "Laguna Coastline" by Mia Tavonatti
The largest art competition in the US is called "ArtPrize", based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  In 2011, Mia, pronounced "Maya", won the $250,000 grand prize for her mosaic "Crucifixion".  In addition to winning art awards, Mia teaches at the Laguna College of Art and Design and helped to create the "Wonder" wall in The Canyon. 
5.  "Laguna Locals" by Mike Tauber
These permanent murals were done to showcase four distinct areas of town. They are in the windows of Whole Foods Market. Mike was named, "Artist of the Year" by the Laguna Beach Arts Alliance in 2011.

6.  Tibet door 
(look across street, do not cross)
The previous owner of this property shipped in this ancient door from Tibet and is a popular location for photos. Initially, this building was constructed in 1938 and operated as a post office. It then became a Dean Witter office, then a Jewish Community Center from 1977-1996.  Now it is owned by The Honarkar Foundation and is an art gallery.


​7.  The Verizon Building
This art deco building is home to Verizon Wireless. Decades ago, this building housed telephone operators connecting phone calls for the local residents. The back side of the building hangs 4 wonderful pieces of art which you will catch later in the walk. 

Cross Beach St., stay on Broadway

8.  "Tri-po" by Russell Jacques
"Although I work in a diverse range of materials which includes bronze patina, painted steel and aluminum, most of my work is done in various combinations of stainless steel and bronze. In using these materials I consistantly try to attain a simple elegance in each composition with an emphasis on thick-thin line variations synthesized with rhymic and interesting shapes." - Russell Jacques
9.  "Canyon View" by Jorg Dubin
Because this piece is near the bus station, there is usually someone resting on the bench, so I thought I'd use this picture because it is fully representative. This piece was inspired by the surrounding canyon environment. Jorg also created the famous 9/11 Memorial in Heisler Park, made from actual steel girders from the fallen World Trade Center buildings.
10. "Warriors United" by Cheryl Ekstrom
​(look across street, do not cross)
“I truly believe that Laguna Beach people are warriors. We have stood together and overcame hardship and adversity and still remained a cohesive community, ready to deploy for the common good,” -Cheryl Ekstrom

Some of other works of Cheryl's in town:
 - “Parallel Dance,” a sculpture of two dragon-like creatures on the Montage resort grounds.
-  "Deer Warrior" Jahraus Park in north Laguna

Cheryl recently lost her battle with cancer but her memory remains strong through her wonderful public art. 
11.  "Colors of the Canyon" by Marsh Scott
As part of the Broadway Streetscape Improvement project of 2013, and in talking about this piece, Marsh says, “My concept for the piece was to have it tell a story of the colors of the canyon, thinking in terms of how it changes through the seasons, going from up near the freeway all the way to the ocean,” I’ve done a lot of hiking in the canyon, and I often take my camera. For this piece, I looked back through some of my favorite photographs—the wild- flowers and the grasses—and thought back to a couple of different studios I had in the canyon, one deep into Big Bend.”
Take a right at Broadway and Forest then look up into the side of the canyon mountain for this next piece of Laguna Beach history.
12.  Canyon Lighthouse
"Why does Laguna Beach have a lighthouse on the side of this mountain?", you ask.  "Why is this lighthouse not closer to the ocean?" you additionally ask. This Mediterranean style lighthouse looking building on the side of the canyon hillside is really not a lighthouse...it's a sewage treatment plant vent! This wins for the best disguise for a sewage vent!
13. City Hall
(unless you want to see the City Hall building up close, don't cross street)
This Spanish Colonial Revival building is where the City Council meets, with Bob Whalen as our current mayor. Our infamous Design Review Committee also meets here. They are in charge of proposed development projects. One rule they strictly enforce is our 36 foot height limit for all buildings. Waikiki and Miami Beach have structures as tall as 100 feet.


Pepper Tree
This tree, in front of City Hall, was planted in the late 1800s and is our "Christmas Tree". The first Friday of December the city of Laguna Beach closes down Forest Avenue and Santa comes to light up the tree for the holidays. This tree has been cut back recently because of safety reasons. 
Take a right at Ocean Avenue walking toward the ocean
14. Forest Ocean Gallery
(2024 - currently changing owners)
This art gallery features 20 award winning artists including the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.  From their website, you can learn more about every featured artist and you can sign up for photography workshops.  This gallery also can host your next party, seating 75 comfortably or 200+ cocktail style with ample parking across the street. Go to http://www.forestoceangallery.com for more information.
"The Discussion" by Ralph Tarzian
This piece in front of Anastasia Cafe and the Forest Ocean Gallery is by Ralph Tarzian. His signature style is elongated female figures wearing sandals or flip flops. He also has "Canyon Spirits" in front of [seven-degrees] in the Canyon.
15.  Vanessa Rothe Studio
This 1920s cottage is home to local artist, Vanessa Rothe.  She owns and operates her studio carrying some of the top California Realist and Impressionist artists, as well as Historical California and Russian impressionism. She wrote a book, "An Art School Approach to Oils" which is available at BarnesandNolble.com or Amazon.com. She travels to Europe twice a year to teach workshops and capture its splendor.
16.  Laguna Art Supply
Do you want to create your own plein air painting while you are visiting Laguna Beach? Get all your art supplies here.  They have been in business for over 20 years and have monthly specials on their website.  
17. Laguna College of Art and Design
"The mission of LCAD’s gallery is to serve the educational and cultural objectives of the studio majors. Each year through their exhibitions, the LCAD gallery seeks to promote the development of our students’ talents and aesthetic awareness, while at the same time expanding the appreciation of various art forms to the community. The Gallery’s exhibitions are offered free of charge to the public.aguna College of Art and Design" (taken from their website).
18.  Hoag Medical Clinic
If you are visiting and in need of a healthcare facility, try this one. It was named after a beach just south of Main Beach. 
19. Zinc Cafe & Market
This vegetarian cafe is popular with the locals for its healthy food and great service.  A nice place to sit outside to dine that is dog friendly.
20.  "Adventure" by Yuri Kuznetsov
(look across the street, do not cross)
Born in Russia, this artist says, "Of all the evils of the world, I choose none, I prefer not to show dark sides". His creations are beautiful, positive and kind. This mural depicts a limo filled with humans and animals, including alligators, giraffes, and a few unidentifiable creatures. 
21. "The Shopper" by Andrew Myers
(look across the street, do not cross)
Andrew Myers is a local artist who went to the Laguna College of Art and Design.  He exhibits at the Festival of the Arts and is known for his "screw art". For a look at one of the pieces he recently showcased at the Festival of the Arts, please click on this link:
http://www.lagunabeachwalks.com/fun-blog-about-all-things-laguna-beach/andrew-myers-at-the-festival-of-the-arts-in-laguna-beach


​22.  Postcards from Laguna
(New postcards - will update pictures soon)
If you look to the art deco Verizon building, their wall facing the Whole Foods parking lot has four 7' x 5' canvases created by local artists depicting life in town. These postcards will be displayed for up to 5 years, then 4 new artists will be highlighted.
23.  Road Blossoms Laguna Beach
Kyungmi Shin, the artist of this public work, talks about his influence on his website:

"My installation works since 2005 have been influenced tremendously by my experiences of spending time and building a studio home in Ghana, West Africa. What began as a naive adventure fantasy of an affordable vacation home in a tropical landscape turned into a study of my own fear, guilt and prejudice as well as a lesson in the relationship between the developed and underdeveloped parts of this world. I began to shift the focus of my artworks from investigation of perception and personal identity to that of the effects of global economic connections."
24. Laguna Beach Historical Society
This is the Murphy Smith Bungalow, home to some of the town's historic memorabilia. The home was originally built in 1923 and is now owned by Wells Fargo Bank, it's next door neighbor.  Wells Fargo generously leases the building to the Historical Society for $1 per year. It is open most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm-4pm with volunteer docents there to show you around. 
25. "Industrial Mount" by David Brunetta
(Art has been removed. Will update downloaded doc soon.)
This is in the permanent collection of the Festival of the Arts.  This piece was created of forged, welded and rust patinated steel on a wood base. The artist lives in Hawaii and besides sculptures, he creates one-of-a-kind knives, art bows and cane handles.
26. "Embrace" by Troy Poeschl
"Embrace" is made out of metal and wood and was installed in 2014. Troy, a local Laguna Beach artist, took two months to find the perfect piece of buckeye wood for this piece, which was originally a 5'x3" thick slab. Troy has been an exhibitor at the Festival of Arts for 12 years and the Sawdust Festival for 10 years. His philosophy, taken from his website, is as follows: "Many artists are inspired by their natural surrounding, but few by nature itself, how it is formed, its growth, its stress, its life, its very being. Troy Poeschl looks at all these aspects in the creation of his art work, developing sculpture that looks at every detail of the materials evolution for inspiration."
27. "Little Treasures" by Naomi and Scott Schoenherr
This is Naomi and Scott's first public art installation in town, with their second being near the Amphitheatre in Heisler Park, highlighted in the Heisler Park Walk. This husband and wife duo met at Otis Art College in Los Angeles, and now live in town with 4 hens and a puppy. They exhibit at the Festival of Arts and have a wonderful, informative 2 1/2 minute documentary about this project:  http://www.schoenherrstudio.com/#!documentary-film
These restrooms with public art on them are on the other side of the street and are hard to see from Ocean Ave. Do not cross street unless you want to see up close; but then come back to the north side of Ocean Ave.
28. "Streamline Bench" by Larry Gill and Gavin Heath
(on the other side of Ocean Ave.)
Created in 2012 by artists Larry Gill and Gavin Heath, this bench made of concrete, stainless steel and blown glass, "sits" in front of Ocean Brewery. This dynamic duo have also collaborated to create "Tidepool Paddleboard" highlighted in my Heisler Park Walk. 
29. The Lost Fountain
During the recent renovation of this Spanish Colonial Revival building, this fountain was uncovered. The structure was originally designed by famed architect Aubrey St. Clair, and built in 1945 for a bank. The beautifully preserved and recently uncovered fountain depicts scenes of a family applying for a home loan and a home under construction.  This artist is Booris Buzan. 

Once you reach PCH, turn left (south) 

30. "Keep it Clean for the Next Generation" by Sandra Jones Campbell and Laguna College of Art & Design Students
This work showcases the diverse people that populate downtown Laguna as they head to the beach. While working with the students, Sandra was quoted saying, "Don't be afraid in the art world. A lot of people are worried about success and paying their bills. As long as you follow your bliss, the rest will come". 
This is on the alley wall once you pass Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Once you reach Forest Avenue, turn left (away from ocean)

31. "North and South Waves" by Larry Gill
These two pieces flanking our main street, Forest Avenue, were created out of stainless steel and granite in 2003. Larry Gill is a long-time exhibitor at the Sawdust Art Festival.
32. "The Gate"
(across Forest Ave. look but don't cross the street)
Where the ice cream store stands today, was a soda pop drug store in the 1920s.  Legend has it the owner couldn't think of what to name his store, so he held a contest. Whoever could name his store would win a leather pillow.  A little girl came by and told him he should call it "The Gate" and write a poem on his gate.  She won the leather pillow.  You can see a picture of the old drug store with the gate, in the hallway of Hotel Laguna. 
33. "Chambered Nautilus Bench" by Reynolds
Created in 2001, this bench was inspired by the legend of Triton who rode this shell to the surface of the ocean to enchant the sea nymph. The artist says if you touch the pearl in the center of the shell, all your travel dreams will come true.
34. "Superhero Changing Station" by Robert Holton
(Phone booth has changed - will update soon)
Love love love how local artist, Robert Holton, changed his Super Hero phone booth from Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman costumes to our current super heros: First Responders! The fist on top was repainted to look like a blue surgical glove. Inside hangs a fireman’s jacket, scrubs, and a white lab coat. Bravo!
35. "The Watermen's Wall" by Randy Morgan
(after passing Hobie surf shop, look for this mural on side of Hobie building)
Randy wanted to tell the story of what the true waterman is, and of our ocean culture in Laguna Beach.  This piece features watermen - surfers, skim boarders, stand-up paddle boarders, lifeguards and more -- both past and present. Some are famous like Mike Parsons, while others are local legends.
36. Laguna Beach Visitors Center
This location, staffed with concierges daily from 10am-5pm, assists with visitors' daily activities, restaurant recommendations, and hotel bookings. For anyone coming to visit Laguna Beach, you will want to check out their website at www.visitlagunabeach.com.
37. Laguna Presbyterian Pocket Garden
I couldn't say it better than what is on the Laguna Beach Garden Club website:
"This pocket garden, or plaza, was originally established in 1984 by Walter von Gremp with a vision of a European sitting garden in the middle of town. He created the garden with brick paving, benches, permanent pots, a water system and a sculpture by a local artist as a tribute to his wife and motherhood. Unfortunately he was not able to maintain the garden in the manner he envisioned and neglect prevailed". In 1999, the Laguna Beach Garden Club took it over and have beautifully maintained it since.
Located in between the Presbyterian Church and the dry cleaners.
38. The Lumberyard Restaurant
This Normandy-style restaurant called "The Lumberyard", was a real lumberyard from 1919-1975 and provided approximately 90% of the wood for Laguna's early buildings. The original architect was well known Chris Abel.  The most recent renovation was done by his son, Gregg Abel. My two favorite appetizers here are the zucchini planks and their grilled artichoke. 

Cross the street to the Fire Station

39. Fire Station
This fire station is one of the oldest operating fire stations in Orange County and it was built in 1931. A Caption, Engineer, and a Firefighter are on staff 24 hours a day. 
"The People's Council" by Linda Brunker
This piece features three figures, representing every man, woman, and child.  They are sitting around a black obelisk that serves as a sundial highlighting words on the ground representing aspirations of the community. 
40. "Eternal Legacy" by Striping and Taylor
Located in front of our police station, this is a memorial piece dedicated to the only two Laguna officers to die in the line of duty. The bronze and glass sculpture of an unfurling flag contains phrases embodied into the piece including, "Heroes are the people who do what has to be done, regardless of the consequences". 
41. "Canyon Preserve" by Mike Tauber and Michele Taylor
This mural, with over 270 hand painted tiles, is fittingly on the Laguna Beach Water District building. It pays homage to the canyon where the first homesteaders accessed their water. The water district wanted the mural to represent their past without it being an advertisement. 
42. Water District garden
The Laguna Beach Water District's website says their mission is to "provide reliable, safe, and prudently-managed retail water service to our customers".  They operate and maintain an absolutely beautiful garden showcasing coastal blooms, native to this area, requiring little water. They have coloring books for the kids to teach them water conservation along with information for adults on programs and rebates for water-wise consumption.
Golden fire hydrant
This working fire hydrant is in front of the Laguna Beach Water District and is shined every morning. 

Continue walking south on 3rd Street

43. "Moving Forward" by Gerard Stripling and Michele Taylor
This limestone bench includes glass and bronze shoes that represent the inter-generaltional and recreational uses of the Susi Q Community Center. The mission of this senior center is, "To work together to enhance the lives of seniors through programs, services, and advocacy that promote independence, wellness and community".

Take a right at Mermaid St. and walk toward the ocean

44. Third St. Hill
This hill is reportedly the steepest street in Orange County and one of the top 10 steepest in the country, according to RoadBikeReview.com. 
Don't worry, you are not walking up this hill...just passing by it. 
45. La Sirena Grill
​Operating out of an old cottage, this restaurant opened in 1999.  They serve contemporary Mexican food with the sped of a fast-food eatery, in a casual, rustic atmosphere.  All their dishes are fresh, healthy, and made from scratch. They now have a second location in south Laguna across from The Montage Hotel. 
Use this crosswalk to cross Glenneyre St.​
46. "Water Lilly" by Larry Gill
Larry Gill, in this picture, is a long-time local artist in his 70s still creating and sculpting. This brass, copper and stainless steel fountain is called, "Water Lilly" and is located on Glenneyre Street next to Tuvalu.
47. Eiler Larsen Lane
Eiler Larsen, our Greeter from the 1940s to the 1970s, was a fixture on our streets waving to everyone who passed by.  He was an avid reader so Laguna Beach decided to name this street, next to our public library,  after him. 

From Eiler Larsen Lane, walk on toward ocean on Park Avenue until you hit PCH, cross the street to the ocean side.

48. Eiler Larsen statue
Eiler Larsen was born in Denmark in 1890, and when he was 52 years old, he settled in Laguna Beach.  From the 1940s to the early 70s he would stand on the street corner and wave and say hello to everyone who passed by. The other statue of him is in front of Sapphire Restaurant in the HIP District part of town.
BECAUSE OF DOWNTOWN CONSTRUCTION, THESE FOOTPRINTS GONE TEMPORARILY
​
49.  Eiler Larsen footprints and cane print
Hollywood has Mann's Chinese Theatre with famous actors' footprints, but Laguna Beach has the footprints of our Greeter, Eiler Larsen!  Eiler said he was on a "mission of friendliness" and wanted to make people happy by saying hello to everyone he met.
50. "Canyon Chess and Checkers" by Marlo Bartels
This piece, made of ceramic tiles, was created in 1981. Marlo has done so many works in town including the mural above the jacuzzi at the Surf and Sand Hotel, The bench in front of the Laguna Art Museum, and many pieces at Thurston Middle School. 
51. Lifeguard Tower
Laguna's most photographed landmark, this structure was built in the 1920s and was used as an office for a gas station. In the 1930s the lifeguards took it over and moved it across PCH to where it is now. The top floor is used for observation, the ground floor has first aid and rescue equipment, and the dug-out basement is surfboard storage.
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