Dreaming of Laguna Beach

So ideal that it serves as the backdrop to a television show about privileged teenagers with nothing better to do than tan and talk about their love lives, Laguna Beach is a gorgeous locale that, for smarter people anyway, tends to inspire more delight than drama. Head here for a temporary break from reality (not a lifetime one) and enjoy a vacation that will make you feel like a superstar.

The scenery and beach activities are what give Laguna Beach its toehold when it comes to surpassing most other places as a hot vacation destination, but there's a lot to do besides frolic in the surf wearing your new bikini. This city in Orange County is actually brimming with art festivals, nature facilities, heritage tours and much more. The expected shopping, spas, tennis and golf are all up for grabs as well, but don't think that this place is as vacuous as the silly kids who represent it.

The Festival of Arts held here each summer has reached a world-renowned status thanks to the living portraits presented to music and narration. The Sawdust Art Festival is more low-key and focuses on local talents, while the Laguna Dance Festival attracts dancers and dance-lovers for a showcase of grace, beauty and athleticism each October. If any of these have snagged your attention, check your calendar so that your visit coincides with one of these hot-ticket special events.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park offers the chance for adventure and exercise seekers to take a three hour hike, and Crystal Cove State Park reveals a string of tide pools to examine. Ocean kayaking, dolphin and whale watching, surfing and scuba diving can all be arranged, too, so check out the offerings of Mother Nature and relish the untainted beauty of this area.

Laguna has its very own winery, so if you've always wanted to see grapes go from solid to liquid here is your chance. Sample the tasty results and pick up a bottle to bring back as the perfect souvenir. On the topic of taste buds, a culinary school will give you a few lessons if you feel like brushing up on your kitchen skills, or if you'd rather let someone else do the work, visit one of the many fabulous restaurants. California takes dining very seriously, and you'll find this area to be dotted with a number of incredible restaurants. From Asian fusion to old-school Italian, there's something here for every taste.

Work off those calories (they were well worth it) by tying on your tennis shoes and hitting the courts. The greens will also call to all golfers out there, and no coastal vacation is complete without a high-spirited game of beach volleyball. Biking and walking the palm tree-lined streets are also excellent ways to stay fit and feel good, so embrace the activity-oriented atmosphere and keep moving all the way through your trip.

If you're a nightlife kind of person, take comfort in knowing that there are plenty of spots to groove and sip until the break of day, so settle into a comfy booth with your love or hit the dance floor and meet new people, whatever you desire will surely find an outlet in this fun loving place. That's one Southern California stereotype that's true; they like to party down here.

Whether you have art acquiring, sun tanning, or celebrity gazing in mind, it can all be best accomplished by means of a Laguna Beach Vacation Rental. These fabulous properties will house you in comfort and style while giving you a bit of privacy; they'll also encourage you to pretend you're off on holiday, awaiting your next big break from Hollywood...Even if you have no aspirations to fame, consider a trip to Laguna Beach so that, at the very least, you can try to understand the mindset of those lucky young residents of this stunning place. Just don't let all the sunshine and beauty go to your head.