I Grew Up in L.A. and I Think This Is the Most Underrated Beach Town-and It Has the Bluest Waters in Southern California

"Located in Orange County between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach flies under most travelers' radars-but it's one of the most beautiful and storied towns in Southern California. Since the early 1900s, Laguna Beach has served as an artists' colony, and spirited creatives have been drawn to and inspired by its coastal landscapes and warm local culture. Laguna Beach has certainly changed quite a bit from its early days,"

"Laguna Beach is the only city in the Golden State whose entire coastline is designated as a boating and fishing-free zone. It's also a part of one of the largest marine protected areas in Southern California. The conservation efforts have led to some of the bluest, clearest waters in the region, and Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve and Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area are among the two most-visited MPAs in the state's system."

Laguna Beach sits between Los Angeles and San Diego and features dramatic coastal landscapes and a storied artistic heritage dating to the early 1900s. The city maintains a thriving creative community shaped by beaches, canyons, and marine life, and it honors both early Western settlers and Indigenous peoples. The entire coastline is designated boating- and fishing-free and lies within one of Southern California's largest marine protected areas, producing exceptionally clear blue waters. Popular cultural events include an Art + Nature Celebration Week each November and a summer Kelp Fest featuring mermaid photo ops and live music.

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