Dear Laguna

I always feel the most at peace by the beach. After working long hours in the city, there’s nothing like coming home to hearing the sound of seals in the distance and the marine bell ringing. The air is fresher, cleaner, and crisp. I need it. Maybe it’s a cliche or maybe it really is human nature that draws us to the edge of nature, to our home.

I started going to Laguna Beach a lot more during my college years with my roommate, Kristen. Though I spent many winters hanging out with my cousins at The Montage, I never really ventured out on my own to explore everything else Laguna has to offer. Kristen showed me the best little beaches sprinkled all through Laguna. Our favorite beach is tucked into a little residential nook. With everything Laguna has to offer, it’s beaches, cute little restaurants, and stores, the most challenging part for sure is the parking. My tiny two-door car can’t really take all the steep Laguna hills, but that doesn’t really seem to stop me from trying. At the end of the day, the best part are the sunsets. Though I live in the South Bay, by the beach, there’s something more magical about Laguna Beach sunsets. I swear they’re usually more vibrant and linger on a little longer than the ones I see back home.

This spot is Victoria Beach, which is famous for the castle tower leaning against the rock. It was my first time here and clearly this was THE SPOT to take photos for everything from baby announcements to family holiday portraits. Kristen and I just couldn’t get a single photo without a million of other people in it. We just wanted to get a good picture but apparently so did everyone else. I would say if you want to get that perfect shot that looks like you’ve traveled to the edge of the Earth, come early to get the shot then lay back on the sand and savor the magic that is Laguna Beach.