TAKE IN THE LOCAL ARTS SCENE DURING THIS SHORT DOWNTOWN HIKE CURATED BY LAGUNA BEACH WALKS FOUNDER JANELLE NAESS .
Start : Heisler Park gazebo A well-known wedding venue in Laguna
Point 1 : 2001 # 1 A Jerry Rothman sculpture installed in 1999
Point 2 : The Gnarly Tree This Melaleuca tree recently gained heritage status .
Point 3 : Rock Pile Carve George Street ’ s concrete and stainless steel bench
Finish : Semper Memento A Sept . 11 memorial designed by Jorg Dubin
Point 4 : Breaching Whale A 2 ½-ton sculpture by Jon Seeman
Point 5 : Heisler Park Amphitheatre Free concerts are held at this 100-seat outdoor venue in late spring . coastal blooms and restaurants . In addition to improving her guests ’ health , Naess says checking out the town ’ s standout architecture enriches their visit .
“ Laguna ’ s local landmarks have history , stories and people behind them ,” Naess says . “ Laguna ’ s public art , which includes artist-designed benches , sculptures , summer banners , winter palettes and murals is best seen up close during walks to really see the intricacies and work that went into each piece …
“ One of the most recognizable and often photographed local landmarks is our lifeguard tower at Main Beach , which was built in the 1920s ,” Naess adds . “ Another historical local landmark is a statue of the greeter at The Old Pottery Place . [ It depicts ] Eiler Larsen , who stood on Coast Highway from the 1940s through the early 1970s and waved to all who passed by .”
There are also boutiques to be seen on Naess ’ HIP District Walk , which includes The Old Pottery Place as well as The English Garden Fine Florals building , with Tudor-style architecture that has graced Laguna since 1936 . And the Downtown Walk is a treat for city strollers as they roam Broadway and Ocean and Forest avenues , visiting all the shops and restaurants — such as the Normandystyle Lumberyard restaurant — as well as Laguna College of Art & Design in the canyon .
Should walkers need a break , they can take in the scenic views from Monument Point in Heisler Park or the Brooks Street lookout , where surfers and boogie boarders ride the waves and local artists paint their latest masterpieces . Wildflowers are also on the itinerary during Naess ’ Fitness Walk up Park Avenue , which is a rigorous tour that includes views of Laguna ’ s middle and high schools and modern-style houses before ending with an expansive ocean view near the top . More than just a proactive exercise , this type of brisk walking is a frame of mind and path to a healthy lifestyle .
“ Laguna Beach is a walking town ,” Naess says . “ With congested streets and hilly topography , walking is the best mode of transportation in this small seaside artist colony .”
FOR MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE LAGUNA , HEAD TO OUR PLAY LISTINGS ON PAGE 116 .
18 SUMMER 2016 CITY GUIDE