Laguna Beach: A Great, Gay Getaway
By Bill LaPointe
The Boom Boom Room was not the only reason thousands of gays flocked to Laguna Beach every summer. The city’s gay-friendly atmosphere is another. HaPointeving a “French Riviera” appearance, with gorgeous coves and perfect beaches for all types of water activity — scuba diving, surfing and kayaking — makes this the perfect outdoor destination.
West Street Beach in South Laguna Beach (our gay beach) still draws thousands of LGBTs enjoying the comfort of being among friends, where you can make contact with your lover with nary an eyebrow raised. Volleyball also is a constant activity at the picturesque beach.
Laguna Beach has been known for many years as an art colony. You’ll find many gay artists exhibiting in the plethora of art studios all throughout town. Downtown Laguna is great for walking, as well as visiting the many shops and art galleries. And don’t miss the museums — aside from the standing exhibits, the Laguna Art Museum always has a theme or guest artist to touch an emotional chord.
Then there are the summertime art festivals, where you’ll find many gay and lesbian artists displaying their wares. Blade art columnist Mike Tauber once again will show at the granddaddy of art festivals, the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts. Tauber is making sure he has a full range of art that will meet anyone’s budget. Each year the Festival of Arts exhibits young students’ entries, all of which consistently blow me away.
Some of the world’s best resorts also call Laguna Beach home. There are no exclusively gay resorts or bed-and-breakfast inns; however, all are gay accepting and friendly. Casa Laguna is gay owned and offers luxury and five-star breakfasts. Laguna still has one gay/mixed bar in town: the Main Street Bar is located directly across from the old Boom.
When it comes to dining, the only problem is deciding on which one to pick. Some who have been supportive to our community are The Koffee Klatch, for great coffee, sandwiches, salads and desserts; Eva’s Caribbean, whose atmosphere and cuisine will have you believing you are on one of the islands; Mozambique, which will tempt meat-lovers; Sundried Tomato Café, which is located downtown and offers tasty fare; and Mark’s, which is just re-opened in the plaza across from the Art Festival.
There is ample to see and do in Laguna Beach, so come on down and treat yourself to Mother Nature in all her glory.