Our granddaughter Logan joined us for a few nights while we were in Laguna Beach. She is in her last year of a masters program at USC. It was wonderful to have her join us as this is where her parents were married.

The “Sawdust Art Festival” is a must stop on every Laguna Beach visit. Logan is looking at clothes on the left.

Check out this video on the Sawdust Art Festival.

This is the festival’s 60th anniversary.

Logan loves jewelry and found some really nice pieces.

I truly do not need more glassware but I was taken by South African glass artist, Gavin Heath’s colorful creations. Of course I had to purchase a few of his very unique glasses!

One morning we went out to explore South Crescent Bay, a new beach for us near our rental.

Laguna Beach has over 30 individual beaches and coves spread across its 7 miles of coastline. It was early in the morning so it was not crowded yet. The beaches are extremely popular so parking is next to impossible, especially on weekends!

We hopped on the Laguna Beach Trolley.

We made a dinner reservation at “Splashes Restaurant” in the Surf and Sand Hotel to celebrate Logan’s first evening with us.

The Surf and Sand first opened in 1948 right after World War II, quickly attracting Hollywood superstars like Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, and Mickey Rooney. In 2025 it received a very posh, lux renovation. Note the Chihuli glass centerpiece on the ceiling of the restaurant. Marla and I first stayed here decades ago.

Our dinners arrive and they are wonderful!

Very innovative and delicious desserts!

Dinner at Splashes is worth a Laguna Beach visit all by itself! Of course the ocean views are sensational! I always recommend booking dinner early in the evening for more attentive service!

The sunset beckons!

We loved our evening together!

A sunset view from the terrrace of the Surf and Sand.

Every Laguna Beach sunset is unique and supremely beautiful!

Lunch at Alessa on Forest Avenue after shopping.

Fun afternoon at Picnic Beach.

Patty, my great high school friend, joined us for dinner from her home in Newport Beach. We were all sad to hear that Driftwood Kitchen permanently closed a few weeks after our visit for a major hotel redevelopment.

It was wonderful to reconnect and share fun stories at dinner.

A fabulous Mai Tai never dissapoints!

On our last night we walked to the Laguna Art Museum and then dinner at Las Brisas.

A birthday dessert for Logan.

We loved our visit with granddaughter Logan and all our Laguna Beach memories. We miss her so much! I can’t wait to return again next year!

My next week’s post will feature a VERY unusual and thought provoking visit to an art installation at the Laguna Art Museum. Some may find it troubling and grotesque, while others will be intrigued with its audacity and daring. I will leave it up to you.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.