Laguna Beach Local Custom Tips by marinarena

See "blue" in a sea of "red"...

or, in the end, see "purple"! OK, what is the deal, you ask? Here it is:

California is commonly a blue state- blue representing the Democratic party in general election voting. However, regions within the state, including Orange county, generally are linked the opposite way- red, or to the Republican party. Politically, Laguna Beach has stood out from other towns in Orange county, in being a Democratic-friendly city. This is due, in part to the gay community who tends to connect with Democrats and because of a more liberal attitude associated to issues that Democrats follow. Laguna Beach is still less blue, definitely compared to a similar beach city up north, Santa Monica. There is a conservative current in Laguna, influenced by the red of OC that surrounds. Still, Laguna beach will likely never be blood red like Yorba Linda. So, ultimately, Laguna may just make the best of two colors and be purple and with this, how beautiful can artistic Laguna paint?

Laguna mores and gays

Since the end of the the Great Depression era, Laguna Beach has been a haven for gays and lesbians. Though prosperity was lacking in this time of the late 1930s, gay-friendly bars and other establishments started to flourish. Just as Orange county at large was barely taking shape away from its twisted sister county, Los Angeles, Laguna was beginning so also but from her own county. Compared to the other towns of Orange county, Laguna Beach is the one identified as strongly gay-friendly, so much as to be a recommendation for gay vacations.

Though percentages do vary, it is believed that the homosexual population in the city is about 20 %. That being said, Laguna, unlike the city of West Hollywood, is not so "in-your-face" gay. One may see gay individuals and couples walking down the sidewalks, strolling the beaches, at the shops or art gallery, but they mix in so well into the community, that often they don't stick out. Gay practices deemed as flashy or flamboyant are not common in Laguna. There is no big "Gay Pride" parade or West Hollywodian shenanigans here due to the unbassuming laidback quality of Laguna, which she accepts from Orange county.

Take in Art + Beach in One

Great art and ocean go hand-in-hand everyday in Laguna Beach where one take in awesome beach views and explore an array of art styles- either as a painting, sculpture, or in whichever form in museums, galleries and outdoors.

Here's an artist at work right by the shoreline.