Hortense Miller Garden
"Established in 1959, covers two and one half acres of the upper slopes of Boat Canyon in Laguna Beach, California. The Garden demonstrates the range of plants that can be grown in Southern California coastal zones. It provides a source of visual information and inspiration for visitors planning their own gardens. The use of of fertilizers and chemical controls has been limited in the Garden, so as to encourage a diversity of plant and wildlife species. On the sunnier side of the house a perennial garden displays a profusion of flowers during all seasons. Further down the path to the lower entrance, large succulents lead to rare Puyas from Chile. The northwesterly half of the Garden is devoted to preservation of the native coastal Sage Scrub."
- Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
A hidden gem in the hills of Laguna Beach. This lush garden oasis is tucked away in a gated community and is a true labor of love by Hortense Miller & the volunteers that continue to dedicate their time to this Laguna Beach park. This garden is home to an abundance of species of trees and plants, as well as stunning views of the Laguna beach canyon & coastline. The Hortense Miller garden is quiet a site to visit. You have to be able to appreciate the beauty in nature & in architecture to enjoy this visit. The garden is completely FREE to visit, the foundation does however ask for a small $10 donation for the maintenance of the garden. Reservations are needed to visit this location, and a simple phone call to the number provided below will ensure you that. They'll mail you a map & directions on where to meet the docent. The cool thing about this place is that every time you go you'll experience a different garden, with different flowers blooming all year around you'll never see the same garden twice.
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
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| Horten Miller Garden |
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
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| Hortense Miller Garden |
Guided Tours:
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:45 to Noon, by reservation.
Duration: Approximately two hours.
Cost: FREE (donations are appreciated).
Reservations: (949) 497-0716
Tower At Victoria Beach
A true diamond in the ruff. Built in 1926, The Tower at Victoria Beach was designed as a private spiraling staircase for beach access from above. Today the tower is closed but can still be viewed from the outside at low tide. The Tower at Victoria Beach is one of those things that you have to know what you're looking for when you go. This old castle like tower stands tall alongside the Laguna Beach coastline. It's a picturesque sight. Getting there is is quiet the daunting challenge IF you don't know where you're going, but since I did it already ill save you the trouble...
1. park along PCH near McAulay Place.2. make your way down McAulay place until you find a set of stair hidden between two houses that would lead you down to the beach.3. Take the stairs down to the shore.4. Once you've reached the bottom, look to the right, you'll see a rocky beach and a cliff. (the tower is not yet visible just trust me)5. make your way over the rocky shore. (TAKE WATER SHOES! if you plan on tackling this barefoot be ready for a little pain - nothing unbearable but don't say I didn't warn you).6. once you've gone through the pain, you will see the gain. the tower will stand in front of you like the hidden treasure that it is.
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| View walking down McAulay Place |
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| View walking down the stairs to Victoria Beach |
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| Victoria Beach |
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| Tower at Victoria Beach |
Victoria Beach is very quiet & reserved. please be courteous of the residents, because this is still a residential area. At most you'll see other beach goers & the occasional photographer trying to snap some pics of this landmark.
Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Cathedral
"St. Francis By-The-Sea Church is an American Catholic Church. Its small cathedral is a national historic landmark in Laguna Beach. All faiths are welcome to pray and worship here. The Church is a popular destination for small ceremonies, such as the renewal of vows."
- Laguna Beach Patch
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| Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Church |
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| Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Church |
Unfortunately we weren't able to go inside the church for it was closed. But most definitely going back to take a peak of this 42 person cathedral. Built in 1933, this small cathedral is now the worlds second smallest church. Quiet a novelty location for any one.
430 Park Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-4678
(before you go make sure you call just to make sure they're open)
Alta Laguna Park
If you want that "I'm on top of the world" feeling, Alta Laguna Park is a great place to go. You get stunning views of Laguna Canyon as well as views of the coastline. If you get lucky and go on a clear day, it's a perfect place to go have a picnic or go on a hike along the trails.
"Location: From Pacific Coast Highway, turn onto Laguna Avenue which changes into Park Avenue after a block. Follow this steep road past the high school and all the way to the T-intersection at the top of the hill. Turn left to get to the park (parking lot is on the right)."
Huntington Beach
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| Huntington Beach |
As always the best way to drive back home is going down Pacific Coast Highway. My mom & I, ravished from the day's adventures decided to make a stop at BJs in Huntington Beach for happy hour. Pizza, Pasta, and Pazzokie were the perfect combination to top of a good start to Memorial Day Weekend.
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| Mini Pazookie from BJ's |
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| Happy Hour Margarita from BJ's |
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| Huntington Beach Pier |
St. Francis by the Sea Cathedral is alive and well! Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m. It also now houses the National Sick Call Set Museum, located in the choir loft. for more info visit saintfrancisbythesea.com
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