The Sandy Side Of Life

An Inside Look at Laguna Beach with Rudi’s Shells

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Taylor Shuman

When I wanted to get an inside look at Laguna Beach from a local resident, I knew just where to go: Rudi’s Shells. Located just down the street from Laguna’s main beach, Rudi’s Shells is home to unique beach finds and a very friendly staff. (Check out my last post for more info on this great shop!) I had the pleasure of interviewing Katya, who has worked at Rudi’s for the past few years. Katya gave me some great insight about the city and tips on how to make the most of your trips to Laguna, and I couldn’t wait to share her thoughts with you, my wonderful readers. Enjoy!

T: How long have you lived in Laguna?

K: I moved to Laguna from Germany 25 years ago. Wow, the years have flown by! I’ve been helping Rudi here for oh… I’d say a few years now.

T: What has been your favorite part about Laguna over all those years?

K: I love the cafes here and the people. The people are really great. There are many international people from all over: Switzerland, France, Germany, you name it. It’s a very diverse community. I also love the Montage Hotel just down the road. There’s a stairway behind the hotel that leads to my favorite beach front in all of Laguna.

T: What is it about the Montage that you love so much?

K: It’s absolutely beautiful. It looks like something straight out of Cabo San Lucas; it’s incredible! There are lots of fun little tide pools to explore and these massive stone arches. A lot of people don’t think to visit, but you can go down to the beach even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

T: Are there any other hidden gems that visitors tend to miss out on?

K: Yes! Wyland Gallery has this back patio with a wonderful view. It’s very private and peaceful. You can order the perfect latte there as well. Another place to get a great view of the beach is Alta Laguna Park. It’s perfect for sunsets. At night all the lights look like diamonds, and you’re up above the clouds with this amazing 360-degree view. The clouds take on this orange hew, and it feels like you’re floating on them, you know? It’s magical.

The view from behind the Wyland Gallery

Alta Laguna Park

T: What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened here at Rudi’s?

K: Well at one point a few years back the shack had moved and was sunken down really far into the ground because of El Niño and all the crazy weather. The shop was pretty much right down on the sand, but Rudi kept selling his shells just the same, and people kept coming to buy them just the same. They loved it; It was really something.

Katya, thank you for your great insight and for giving us a new perspective on Laguna!

The Top 5 Places You’ve Been Missing out on at Laguna Beach

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Taylor Shuman

Have you been missing out on these amazing gems that Laguna Beach has to offer? Check them out on your next visit to get the most out of your beach day!

1. Rudi’s Shells

This quaint little shell shack is easy to miss, but it’s one of my favorite shops in all of Laguna. Located on South Coast Highway just up the hill from the main beach, Rudi’s Shells sells beautiful jewelry, shells, paintings, and signs at prices that won’t break your bank. The employees are incredibly friendly and a great source for any questions you might have about Laguna.

2. Tuvalu

Located on Forest Avenue, this shop gives off a vintage beach feel. Whether you’re looking for a strand of shells to decorate your room, a new nautical necklace, or a dining room table trimmed in shells, Tuvalu will meet all of your beachy needs. No matter what it is you’re looking for, this shop offers a unique selection of items that you won’t find anywhere else.

3. Kush Fine Art

Whether or not you’re an art lover, walking through surrealist painter Vladimir Kush’s gallery is an experience unlike any other. His paintings are filled with bright and whimsical illusions that challenge the eye. Some of my favorite Kush works include a table covered in a rippling tablecloth that doubles as the ocean, and a swimming turtle whose shell is actually an island. This gallery, located on Forest Avenue, is one you won’t want to miss.

4. Watermarc

A long day filled with swimming, sun, sandy feet, and shopping can sure work up an appetite. Watermarc, located on South Coast Highway, is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. The dim lighting, artistic entrées, and the alley that borders the restaurant create a modern ambiance that can’t be beat. The food is absolutely delicious and each item on the menu is packed with unique flavor combinations. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even happy hour, you’re in for a treat.

5. La Tour

A lot of people only visit the main beach located in downtown Laguna, and they miss out on La Tour, a beach just a few miles down the road. This beach is home to one of Laguna’s most beautiful curiosities: it has its own castle. Yes, you heard me right, a castle! This beach is incredibly secluded, with rock walls on either side that make it feel as if you’re on your own private estate. Make sure to check out La Tour at low tide, as it can be a bit tricky to get to when the water rises.

Take this list with you the next time you’re headed to Laguna for the ultimate day in paradise!

My One True Love: Laguna Beach

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Taylor Shuman

Hello there readers! I sat down to write my first blog post and was overwhelmed with the many possibilities for my first post. Which beach do I start with? How do I choose? They’re all so beautiful and special in their own way. I finally decided I would start with the beach nearest and dearest to my heart: Laguna.

PS: All photos in this post were taken by yours truly!

Nestled in beautiful Orange County, Laguna Beach is its own secluded paradise. As you drive down the curvy freeway leading you into Laguna, you’ll notice rolling hills and canyons on either side of you. They quickly sweep you away from the fast paced, traffic ridden, urban freeways that are oh-so-typical of Southern California. The sun glints off the sporadic houses that sit burrowed atop the hilltops in their own private oasis.

As you enter the city of Laguna, artistic and whimsical buildings that are home to artists, antique shops, and other small businesses greet you. You’ll also notice signs along the road that lead you to the numerous hiking trails throughout the canyon.

Here’s a shot my favorite hike in the Laguna Hills: The Top of the World.

After rounding one last corner, the shops open up to your first glimpse of the ocean. The waves shimmer as you realize you’ve arrived. After finding a place to park on Mermaid Street, my favorite street in town, it’s time to explore.

The lovely and quaint houses on Mermaid Street.

As you make your way towards the beach, you’ll notice that the streets are lined with small, artsy shops, often covered in vines or twinkling lights. Young couples stand admiring the work of Vladimir Kush (my favorite artist) in one of the many galleries that give Laguna its artistic and vibrant culture. Numerous restaurants beckon you in with mouth-watering scents and open, outdoor seating. Here, young women in sunhats and flowing dresses sit and talk about their latest purchases at one of the many unique boutiques down the street.

Stop by Tuvalu for the best beachy finds.

Once you’ve meandered down the streets and had your fill of people watching, let the pavement fade away to the soft beach sand and give your toes a good squishing. The waves lightly crash against the sand as if every day were a lazy Sunday.

You’ll notice that the beach curves on both sides, making it feel a little bit more private and personal. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy paradise.

My Favorite Things About Laguna:

Secluded atmosphere
Numerous art galleries (Make sure to visit Vladimir Kush’s gallery on Forest Avenue)
Unique beach shops (check out Tuvalu, also located on Forest Avenue)
Endless delicious food (Watermarc, on South Coast Highway, takes the cake for best spot in town)

My Laguna Beach Playlist:

Here are a few songs that really fit this beach’s vibes. Blast these on your way to Laguna to get you in the ultimate beach mood!

Sweet Life by Frank Ocean
Island in the Sun by Weezer
Fantasy by Alina Baraz and Galimatias
Firestone by Kygo
Gooey by Glass Animals