Laguna Beach claims “30 coves and beaches packed within 9.1 square miles,” according to www.lagunabeachinfo.org. The nexus of beautiful coastline and summer art festivals has given this community its character.
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

California sea lions relax on Seal Rock around sunset in Crescent Bay Beach, a marine sanctuary protected by the state of California. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Turley of Laguna Niguel gets a kiss from “Ruby,” his green-wing macaw, at

A snorkeler searches out fish with a spear gun at
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Snorkelers and divers get a view of a garibaldi in the waters off

Dean Kahn of

A stingray swims along the ocean floor at

Laguna Beach is a popular place for portrait photography, particularly at sunset. Here a girl celebrating her quinceanera has her photo taken on the rocks at dusk at Heisler Park. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Veteran glassblower John Barber holds a fluted hand-blown glass bowl at Main Beach in Laguna Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A couple spend a quiet moment along the wooden walkway and shade trees at Main Beach in
For more in this series exploring Southern California’s beaches, visit our Cruising the Coast page. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A person leaps over a small stream en route to watch a spectacular sunset at
For more in this series exploring Southern California’s beaches, visit our Cruising the Coast page. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)