Some 2000 years ago, long before Laguna Beach became one of the most desirable resorts on the California coast, ancient Indian tribes made this land home. Lured by temperate weather and the rich coastal strip, these first residents inhabited the canyon formations directly east of what is now Main Beach. They named the area "Lagonas", their word for lakes, after two fresh water lagoons that decorated the canyon. The area remained known as Lagonas until 1904, when it was officially renamed Laguna Beach.

Bordering on the Pacific Ocean, with sandy beaches, towering bluffs, rolling hills and majestic canyons, Laguna Beach has long attracted artists inspired by the sea. It was probably inevitable that it would eventually become known as an "artist colony". The interest of local artists in capturing the shifting California colors along the bays and cliffs produced a unique style that is now labeled "California Impressionism". A by-product is the community's many art galleries which now dot the town.

It wasn't long after artists began flocking to Laguna Beach that its beauty was discovered by Hollywood's film makers. They found Laguna every bit as appealing moving across the silver screen as it was painted upon the canvas.

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