In downtown Laguna:
Tuvalu Home A fine collection of furniture and upholstery, coastal themed table ware and gifts. A wide selection of books, art, lighting and gifts. It seemed to be open late every evening. Check the website for hours. 295 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach.
Laguna Art Supply-- Huge selection of art, craft, design and drafting materials, books and kits. There is an emphasis on fine supplies and papers, canvases and a full service framing department. I was in heaven poking around the crowded space and finding all sorts of fine art treasures including some vintage pottery pieces reminiscent of my the $10 rule pieces. 376 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach
Orange Inn A favorite of locals and tourists, the Orange Inn is found just south of downtown Laguna on the corner of the Coast Highway and Cleo street. They open really early with great coffee, espresso and baked goods fresh from their oven. Lunch provides signature sandwiches, smoothies and more baked goods! The brownies are perfect. Orange Inn-703 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
La La- Just a bit south of downtown, La La is the home of designer Kerry Cassill's inspired textile business. Table linens, bed linens and clothing of the finest quality Indian cotton. New designs every season. Also some great clothing and bags, shoes and beach attire. I am the happy owner of an authentic Ecuadoran Fedora from La La, white with a taupe band, that is pictured later in the post. La La - 1145 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
Laguna Art Museum A small and inspiring space just north of Main Beach on the Coast Highway. The impressive permanent collection is housed in the lower floor while two upper floors provide a space for various exhibitions. Check the website for current shows, discount days and entrance fees.307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach
Coast Hardware Everything you need for the beach-- from boogie boards and umbrellas to barbeque supplies and flip flops. Coast Hardware also provides the usual hardware stuff; paint, tools, garden items and electrical needs. Like big box home improvement, gift shop and department store all packed into a small storefront right across the street from Laguna's Main Beach.240 Broadway Street, Laguna Beach.
Crystal Cove State Park If you are game, a whole day at Crystal Cove Beach with children is magical. You must park and walk, (parking fee is $15) or take the free shuttle across the coast highway to this wide, beautiful beach. Developed by the Irvine family, Crystal Cove has been home to Japanese farmers who worked the land behind the beach and was used as a film set in the 20's. It is now being refurbished by the State of California to be a community with rental cottages and a historical site. The Beachcomber restaurant is there, with lots of choices from kid food to fancy tropical cocktails served in tiki cups. We spent a lovely afternoon there wandering past the vintage, faded cottages awaiting renovation and enjoying the coastline.
In Newport Beach:
Juxtaposition Home is worth a bit of a venture out of Laguna. Located in a shopping center between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, this store is a collection of my favorite things: fine quality furniture, simple and elegant clothing, gorgeous new and vintage accessories, art and a large and well-edited collection of simply beautiful books. I wanted to move in and stay!7976 E. Coast Hwy. Newport Beach, CA 92657 and on 1st dibs at Juxtaposition Home
Our California trip covered lots of ground, from Thousand Oaks to Pasadena, to Santa Monica and on to Laguna for a slow and comfortable week at the beach.
I didn't spend much time shopping, but found a few great things and had time to paint and draw. An inexpensive but suitable paint set (in a terrific metal box) at Laguna Art Supply helped me produce a few paintings. Now back home, my beloved fedora from La La and some gorgeous hand-painted wood buttons from the flea market bring a smile and fond memories.
All pictures in this post were taken by me.
