Laguna Beach isn’t just an isolated artist enclave along the pacific beach, but it’s the second oldest city in Orange County. Don’t miss your chance to connect with our local history - walk or bike around downtown to see Laguna Beach’s most historic site and landmarks. And if you’re up for an adventure, visit some famous historic places just outside of town.
Most of these sites are just a short walk from your vacation rental at The Retreat in Laguna, so throw on your walking shoes and grab a camera to take home a piece of Laguna Beach’s past…
Historic Homes and Landmarks in Laguna Beach
Laguna Playhouse - Along with the fine arts, Laguna Beach loves drama as well. Since 1920, the Laguna Playhouse has been providing the city and visiting art lovers with an enriching theatre experience. The reading and performances have moved from homes and storefronts to the modern Moulton Theatre, but there are still award-winning entertainment and educational programs.
606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA
The White House - Don’t miss the fine dining at one of the oldest restaurants in Orange County- The White House. Built in 1918, the earliest stars of Hollywood escaped to this Laguna nightclub for fine dining and music for dancing. Today it is still a must on any foodie or history buffs list of things to do in Laguna Beach.
340 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Greeter Statues - Danish traveller, butter salesman and gardener, Eiler Larsen, came to Laguna Beach in 1934. He became the official town ‘greeter’ as he welcomed visitors to Laguna Beach from corners on Pacific Coast Highway until his death in 1975. His love for the city and its many travellers is memorialized in statues on his favorite corners.
329 & 1212 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
Murphy-Smith/Historical Society House - The Laguna Beach Historical Society is located in the Murphy-Smith Home, a 1920s bungalow typical of Laguna Beach cottages. The non-profit group provides information about historical sites in Laguna Beach, memorabilia, educational programs and an open house Thursday - Sunday.
278 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA
Bette Davis House - This tudor-style home, built in 1929, was the home of actress Bette Davis during the 1930s. Currently this is a private home, so please do not disturb the inhabitants, but feel free to get close to your favorite siren of the silver screen from the street.
1991 Ocean Way, Laguna Beach, CA
The Cope House - This settlement style home is the oldest remaining dwelling in downtown Laguna Beach, dating back to 1897. Now used as a Laguna Beach vacation rental, The Cope House is a living piece of Laguna’s history.
412 Glenneyre Road, Laguna Beach, CA
Famous Historic Sites Just Outside of Laguna Beach
Newport Beach
Balboa Pavillion & Fun Zone - Located just a few miles north of Laguna Beach, the Balboa Pavillion and Fun Zone is one of the surviving great waterfront entertainment stations on the train and local trolley lines. Visitors came from all over OC and LA to dance at the Rendezvous Ballroom, promenade about the boardwalk and ride the ferris wheel. The Ballroom burnt down in 1966, but the Pavillion and Ferris Wheel remain the most recognized attractions of Newport Beach.
400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA
San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano - The Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1775 as the 7th of the twenty-one original Spanish missions built along El Camino Real. The site has been in use for most of the last two centuries. Be sure to visit the numerous historic homes surrounding the Mission and adjacent Amtrak station.
26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Lake Forest
Heritage Hill Historical Park - The Serrano Adobe and historic park dates back to the Ranchero days under the Mexican government and the establishment of the city of El Toro in the 1840s The original house has been joined by several other preserved victorian homes to create a fun and engaging living-history park. Tours are free.
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA
