Two thousand years ago, long before Laguna Beach became one of the most desirable
resorts on California's coast, an Indian tribe named the Ute-Aztecas (later the
Shoshones) roamed the land. Lured by the temperate weather and the rich coastal
strip, the tribe inhabited the canyon formations directly east of Main Beach.
They named the area Lagonas, their word for lakes, after two fresh water lagoons
that decorated the canyon.
When the Spaniards arrived they applied the name Canada de las Lagunas (Canyon of the
Lakes). And in 1904, the name of the area was officially changed from Lagonas to
Laguna Beach.
Laguna has always been a resort area - a place for rest and relaxation. In the early
days, people came from miles around to enjoy its beauty and tranquillity,
pitching tents on the beach, exploring the intimate coves and the rolling hills.
By the late 1800's, as the word spread, more and more people flocked to the seaside
settlement to plant themselves permanently.
In 1903 Norman St. Claire (the first important artist) came from San Francisco by
train and stage to paint the surf, the hillsides and the lagoons surrounding
this seaside village. His artist friends were so impressed with his paintings
and reports of a balmy year-round climate that they followed him to Laguna
Beach.
Many of this seminal group were known as plein-air artists who painted in the style
of Monet's French impressionists and remain at the top of the Who's Who in
California Art list. In early 1918 artist Edgar Payne opened an art gallery and
formed the Laguna Beach Art Association (now the Laguna Art Museum). By the late
1920's approximately 300 people moved to Laguna Beach permanently. Nearly half
of those residents were artists.
In 1932 the Festival of Arts opened with a stage and booths at a location near the
Hotel Laguna. Ten years later the Irvine Bowl was dedicated and the festival
grew to become the world-renowned Pageant of the Masters.
Following the artists came the Hollywood film makers who found Laguna to be every bit as
appealing on the silver screen as it was painted on canvas. Many of Hollywood's
famous stars like Bette Davis, Mary Pickford, Mary Miles Minter, Victor Mature,
Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin and Mickey Rooney maintained
homes in Laguna Beach. These early Hollywood stars founded the Laguna Playhouse
in 1920. The Laguna Playhouse is the oldest continuously operating theatre
company on the west coast.
Over the decades the stars continued to flock to Laguna Beach as did dignitaries like
President Franklin D. Roosevelt and writers like John Steinbeck who wrote
Tortilla Flats while living at 504 Park Avenue. They traveled to Laguna for
inspiration and relaxation, frequenting landmarks like the White House and the
Cabrillo Ballroom.
Laguna's universal allure is best expressed on a famous gate built in 1935 (which still
stands on the corner of Forest and Park Avenues); it reads "This gate hangs
well and hinders none, refresh and rest, then travel on."
