The Park

This is a beautiful memento dedicated to the 9/11 victims, survivors and first responders. What a beautiful place to display it.

Picnic tables in Heisler Park make it a wonderful place to bring the family.

There are benches throughout Laguna Beach dedicated to and by people who live there.

Artist installation of “Breaching Whale” displayed beautifully in Heisler Park.

The Laguna Beach Garden Club, Laguna Beach Beautification Council and the City of Laguna have collaborated by planting around the magnificent Melaleuca Tree. The over 50-year-old tree is in danger of being no more because people are tempted to use it as a bench.

Beautiful plants and trees extend to the ocean viewpoint…

The Views

Bird Rock is named for the obvious :: it’s a great perch for the birds. The City of Laguna Beach takes great care to make sure that they are left alone. What an amazing view, don’t you think? The other images I’ve posted of the views here don’t need further explanation :: they are among my most favorite views ever…

The Memorials

Semper Memento “Always Remember” dedicated to the 9/11 tragedy.

Two original beams from the Twin Towers were used to create this 9/11 memorial called Semper Memento display by the artist Jorg Dubin who lives in Laguna Beach.

A Veterans Monument was presented by the American Legion Post 222 including two plaques that commemorate those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms as well as those who served in the Armed Forces during times of war and placed in Heisler Park.

The Veterans Monument also contains a Time Capsule that was sealed up in 1977 and is scheduled to be opened on May 30, 2027

It wouldn’t be complete to have a war memorial without the American Flag. I’m assuming the flag was set at half-mast the day I took this picture in honor of Princess Diana of Wales who died on August 31, 1997.

The Public Art

“Breaching Whale” sculpture so beautifully displayed. Artist is Jon Seeman, winner of the Art in Public Places contest held by the Arts Commission in Laguna Beach.

“Time Connected” shows interlocking wheels filled in with ceramic tiles showing images of local plants and insects. Artists Scott & Naomi Schoenherr.

Catching the Sun :: her name is “Sea Breeze” and she stands on the bluff overlooking Laguna Beach. Her hair turns to waves when she emerges from the sea.

“Sea Breeze” artist Sukhdev Dail used beautiful colored glass in the canopy she is holding above her head.

“The Tidal Pull” is centered on stainless steel fish textured and patinaed to show scales, fins and eyes and the fish appear to swim in circular motion. Artists Scott & Naomi Schoenherr.

Drinking fountain decorated with beautiful tiles created by the same artists of “Time Connected” and “The Tidal Pull” :: Scott & Naomi Schoenherr.

One of the many concrete benches throughout Laguna Beach. Being such an artistic city you won’t find many that are not considered some type of public art. This one is a bus bench on the street right outside Heisler Park.

“Continuous Rotation” :: the award winning multi-media art studio of Scott & Naomi Schoenherr were chosen to create the sculpture garden here, this being their third piece of public art in this space.

There are many, many public art installations throughout Laguna Beach. I may just have to write a separate post to feature the amazing artwork and the artists who created them within my favorite California beach city…

And here is where you can find Heisler Park ::

After having seeing these amazing images I am certain that you will want to come for a visit soon. You can really lose yourself in the beauty of God’s creation, man’s beautiful artwork and the peaceful serenity here. And andlthough the beauty of these breath-taking beaches are more than enough to draw visitors from around the world it is also a city filled with all kinds of nightlife and fun things to do. I may have to write another post about that! Best of both worlds!

Tell me what you like best about Laguna Beach whether you’ve been here or not… I’d love to hear what you think!

Read more ::

Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach

My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

10 Secret Places in San Francisco and Where to Find Them

The post Heisler Park in Laguna Beach appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

OK you might be saying to yourself “That’s great and all but what about the cost of living? Isn’t it expensive to live in California?” I mean, it isn’t the cheapest place to live for sure. But you get what you pay for, right? I live near the beach, the desert, the mountains, the river and downtown Los Angeles. I can just jump in my car and all it costs me to get there is some gas. The weather is a balmy 70-75* nearly all year long. I have sunshine in my backyard 90% of the year.

At a moment’s notice I can decide to go to the beach, to any one of a plethora of concert venues or amusement parks or broadway-quality theaters, dine at the best diners and restaurants and I can be to any of those places within 30 minutes without a worry in the world that the weather will be a deterrent.

C’mon, wouldn’t you agree that those are some pretty compelling reasons for living where I do? So we sacrifice on having material things :: I’m not a material girl anyway. My big love in life [besides my family of course] is travel. And when I can get any number of amazing places at a moment’s notice, that’s worth the price of living here.

And of all the amazing things I have at my fingertips on a daily basis there is one place that has completely stolen my heart ::

Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach

Seriously, aren’t these deep blue waves crashing on the rocks here in Laguna Beach calling your name? You can hear it, can’t you? They’re saying “Come to me!” If you haven’t been here yet I can’t urge you enough to come for a visit because Laguna Beach is absolutely FABulous. A 30-45 minute drive will bring me from the comforts of my home to this beautiful place where I can feel as though I’m on a vacation far, far away.

When it comes to views, Laguna Beach has some of the best So Cal has to offer.

#6 :: Best ocean views from our hotel

Waking up in the morning to this kind of view is pretty spectacular, don’t you think? Laguna Beach has the perfect vacation view. We love staying at Laguna Beach hotels :: this one happens to be the Laguna Beach Inn which has an adorable atmosphere, a lovely pool overlooking the ocean and it’s close to the beach and all of my favorite little shops and restaurants. Oh, and it is walking distance to Starbucks [sorry, not sorry].

#5 :: Best ocean views from the boardwalk

Walking along the beach is something that Roydio and I enjoy immensely. The view is pretty stunning and we can walk along with this view for hours.

 #4 :: Best ocean views from Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach is hidden from view and unless you know exactly where to go to find it you will not. Around the corner to the right is one of the most interestingly placed towers I’ve ever seen with a great story to go with it :: you really need to walk out there to see it because it is like none you’ve ever seen. I’ll leave out that image so you are compelled to go!

#3 :: Best ocean views from Crescent Bay Point Park

Calm serene, Crescent Bay Point Park is the perfect place to relax and reflect while enjoying the beautiful views of Laguna Beach.

#2 :: Best ocean views from Brown’s Park

Brown’s Park is hidden in plain sight, tucked between the Village Shops and the Wyland Gallery. Once you find it you will be so happy you did! A unique park with a beautiful outlook over Laguna Beach beyond two beautiful stained glass fence rails. The park itself is really adorable :: well worth finding.

#1 :: Best ocean views from Heisler Park

I’ve been coming to Laguna Beach for over 30 years and after all that time there is one place that I just recently found that I am really thrilled to share with you and it’s become my #1 pick to visit for its views :: Heisler Park. I love it so much that I’ve dedicated a separate post about it. Look for it on Thursday!

But wait, there is so much more to Heisler Park than the views! OMG I can’t rave enough about it. To read more about the beautiful Heisler Park stay tuned!

Oh, did I tell you I took all of these pictures with my iPhone X? I know, if you’re a photographer you will probably not approve. But my goodness my pictures aren’t half bad, right? I do love my iPhoneX.

Laguna Beach has some of the best ocean views in California. This town is full of life and beauty :: it really has it all. So when I need to get away for a few hours or for the day or for a weekend this is my staycation destination of choice. I feel so blessed to live nearby this beautiful ocean city.

So tell me :: when are you coming to Laguna Beach for a visit?

Read Also ::

Los Angeles :: Why Only See it When We Have Visitors?

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

Best Girlfriends Getaways 2019

The post Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

San Francisco is known for so many great + wonderful sites that you probably have heard about if you’ve not been to including the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, Fishermans Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, Coit Tower, cable cars… but there are some really unique places that not everyone knows about that are too special not to visit.

If you’ve been to San Francisco many times like I have it is a delightful surprise to find these hidden gems + worth it to make another trip out just to find them.

#10 :: The Green Apple

Green Apple has grown to ten times its original size, now the biggest single-location independent bookseller in SF with new + used books for sale. They also ship for 99 cents. What a wonderful shop to roam around in. Unique + so quaint.

#9 :: Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura is a rare device based on a 15th century design by Leonardo da Vinci. It produces 360 degrees of spectacular Live Images of the Seal Rock Area. Beautiful views!

#8 :: Seward Street Slides

Designed in the 1970s by a young teenage girl who won the “Design the Park” contest Seward Street Slides is still being enjoyed decades later + located high above the Castro District. The twin chutes are technically supposed to be for kids but many adults enjoy it (I did!). Bring some cardboard to sit on + if you want to go really fast throw some sand down the slide first.

#7 :: Bi-Rite Creamery

Started by two bakers who wanted to bring delicious treats in a responsible, sustainable way, Bi-Rite Creamery develops intensely flavored ice cream recipes that feature locally-sourced ingredients often highlighting seasonal fruit.

The bakeshop serves cupcakes, cookies, galettes, sweetbreads + granola year-round. The menu changes reflecting the seasons. Probably one of the best-tasting + quality ice creams I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to come back for more!

 #6 :: Baker Beach

Baker Beach is popular with the locals + located on the other side of Golden Gate Bridge. Be aware as you explore the north end because it is a clothing-optional area. Unsafe for swimming however because of the frequent rip currents in the surf it’s still a wonderful find so near the city.

#5 :: Painted Ladies

These famous Victorian homes of the Queen Anne era feature multiple balconies, large porches + are usually 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 stories tall. Be sure to schedule time to take a tour inside one of the Painted Ladies if you can. The park across the street makes a delightful place to relax + gives a great vantage point to take some wonderful pictures of the Painted Ladies.

#4 :: Mission District Murals

Throughout the Mission District neighborhood you will find hundreds of fences + walls adorned with particularly Mexican-inspired murals. Balmy Alley is a highlight located between 17th + 18th Streets + Mission + Valencia Streets. Its collection of murals reflect a variety of art styles + often depict themes of social inclusiveness. Click here for a comprehensive guide to where you can find these amazing murals!

#3 :: Hidden Garden Steps

This Hidden Garden Steps project is a volunteer-driven, community-based effort to create a second set of ceramic-tiled steps (after the 16th Avenue Mosaic Steps located at Moraga) + public gardens in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset district while strengthening the existing sense of community that exists here. Beautiful work :: these tiles are a must see.

#2 :: Wave Organ

Sitting atop a jet in the marina is a musical instrument called the Wave Organ that is played by the San Francisco Bay itself. The jetty was constructed with marble + carved granite from a demolished cemetery. As the tide changes the sounds it makes do too. When the water rolls in it burbles but on its way out the sound is more like that of a belching man. The best time to hear it is at high tide so be sure to check the tide tables before heading out to the marina to the Wave Organ.

#1 :: Sutro Baths Ruins

In 1894 self-made millionaire Adolph Sutro designed what was then the world’s largest indoor swimming pool + is today known as the Sutro Baths Ruins. The historic baths were part of a lavish swimming facility with six saltwater tanks + over 500 private dressing rooms, restaurants + arcades that were enclosed by 100,000 square feet of glass. After Sutro died + during the Great Depression it was closed down.

The remaining structure still exists as magnificent architectural ruins at the north end of Ocean Beach near the famous Cliff House restaurant. Walk around the fascinating ruins + learn more about the history of the legendary family swimming + entertainment center.

I walked all over the area + then spent some time overlooking the water where you will find some magnificent views. Artists also spend time there on the rocks painting + drawing :: pretty cool.

If you’ve never been to San Francisco you will enjoy seeing all the tourist spots because there are many. But whether or not you’ve been I highly recommend spending time in search of these secret places in San Francisco. They will delight you to no end. I am looking forward to my next visit where I hope to find many more “hidden” gems + I’ll be sure to share them with you!

What are your favorite places in San Francisco?

Read more ::

Los Angeles :: Why Only See it When We Have Visitors?

Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach

Best Girlfriends Getaways 2019

The post San Francisco :: 10 Secret Places appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

It’s a phenomenon that certainly affects more people than just me, right? I mean, I travel the world, spend lots of time planning when + how + with whom I’m going to see these exotic far away places but never expend the same amount of energy on anything local. At least until a friend from out of town wants to come out to Los Angeles because they’ve never been. And I always react the same way: “OMG there are so many things to do + see in LA, yes we’ll have so much fun!” And yet rarely do I even go + visit the places that I’m ranting + raving about on my own! Seems a bit odd, doesn’t it? Or maybe you’re just like me.

“Where shall we go?”

We are all busy working, we have our families, our obligations. Life gets busy + time just seems to move forward without us even realizing it. I get it. Daily life just gets in the way + doesn’t leave much time for relaxation. But when we do have some time the first thing I say is, “Where shall we go?”

I’m just grateful to have friends + family who want to come visit me. After all, Los Angeles is an exciting destination + great place to visit for those who don’t live here + I know exactly where to bring them to show off Southern California. So when my friends Ron + Rita said they were serious about leaving the cold in Ohio + coming out west for a nice sunny visit, I immediately commenced with the planning.

But for those of you who don’t live in LA, I’ve included a couple of great tips for when you come out! LA really is a great place to visit!

Day One

The day Ron + Rita arrived we didn’t waste anytime – straight from the airport to Disneyland we went. It may have been a little much for them just getting off a plane + all. The distances in LA are pretty unreal. So whenever you are going in a certain direction you want to take advantage of seeing what’s on the way. That was my reasoning, anyway. But it sure was fun!

So we kinda sprung the Disneyland adventure on our friends without them knowing it ahead of time so for being such great sports about it we rewarded them with a stop at the Rainforest Cafe at Disney Walk. It’s actually such a cool restaurant. When we arrived we found out this would be the last day it would be open. The day after this picture was taken they tore it down. Disneyland wants to build a bigger, fancier hotel + they needed that space. Sheesh…

But Rainforest Cafe is a great theme restaurant (I bet you can’t guess what their theme is HA!) + they have other locations in California as well as in 9 other states so be sure to check out their website.

And I surprised them with a wonderful home-cooked meal, Indonesian-style! It was the first time they had ever tried Indonesian food + I am relieved that they liked it! Gado gado, steamed vegetables served with a peanut sauce + semur ayam, chicken that is simmered in Indonesian spices for hours. Have you tried Indonesian food before? It’s similar to Thai but better 😉 I may have to include some recipes in a future post… what do you think?

Day Two

We drove up to LA to what I consider one of the nicest museums we have. And it’s free so it’s a great perk as well. The Broad (pronounced BRODE) isn’t your average museum. That’s one of the reasons I love it. Their exhibits are unlike the run-of-the-mill museum with paintings and sculptures. Of course they do have those but they are just a little different.

Tip: You can schedule your appointment online so you don’t have to wait in the ridiculously long lines they have daily. That will save you a lot of time!

The Broad actually has some super cool exhibits. Check out this 4′ x 3.5′ incredible painting by Chuck Close:

One of the most coveted exhibits at The Broad when we were there was the Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.

Tip: for their special exhibits you need to go to the kiosk + make an appointment because there is usually a long line mainly because only one or two people can enter the exhibit at a time. Totally worth seeing. But here’s a preview for you:

Oh man, I just found out they don’t have this exhibit anymore. Apparently their new exhibit is A Journey That Wasn’t. I’ll have to go see that one now.

Across the street from The Broad is the LA Philharmonic which has a pretty cool rooftop garden. The Philharmonic was in session so we couldn’t go in – we just watched as the musicians made their way in. But there are lots of places to walk to from there. So that’s exactly what we did.

“…the world’s shortest railway…”

We walked over to Angels Flight, a 117-year-old funicular + the world’s shortest railway, built on what was once known as Bunker Hill.

We took the $1 ride down to Grand Central Market for lunch (you can also walk the steep path alongside Angels Flight but it’s an experience to ride it). So many options – it may take you a while to decide. If you are starving when you get there try the pork tacos on the left right inside the entrance. You can’t go wrong. They are melt-in-your-mouth Fantastic. Roydio ate his so fast that I didn’t even have time to take a picture!
h

Before we got back in the car we had to at least see the outside of MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art. The sculptures outside are amazing. I think if you really wanted to + had all day you could walk for hours + see many museums, exhibits, structures in LA.

We got into the car + drove around to check out all the new stuff we’d never seen before. Our plan was to treat Ron + Rita to dinner for their anniversary at Rosa Mexicano which is one of the nicest + best Mexican restaurants in LA Live so we headed up there in the early evening. One of my faves there is the handcrafted guacamole they make + serve table-side. Make sure you ask for Jaco. He is an amazing restaurant manager who will make sure to take great care of you!

Day Three

Ron + Rita’s only request in LA was to see the La Brea Tar Pits. I had to admit I hadn’t been since I was a child. We spent a few hours there; it’s a very interesting place if you’re interested in prehistoric times. There are exhibits indoors as well as outside where you can actually see some of the remaining tar pits. What??

Afterwards we strolled down the street past the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (just for a pose outside their exhibit “Urban Light” – it is actually best seen at night when it’s all lit up) + then headed down to where the gourmet food trucks are parked. It was fun to see them all lined up. But we decided to head down farther to the Original Farmer’s Market in the historic plaza for lunch instead. Lots of great food stands to choose from. Again, you really can’t go wrong.

Day Four

We chose the coolest day of the week to drive to all the beaches in LA and Orange Counties so we were all a little disappointed. I should have checked the weather. Really?? We always have good weather here especially in June so it didn’t even dawn on me to check the forecast! Well, it was overcast all day + a bit chilly for So Cal. Especially when our friends from chilly Ohio who only brought shorts + t-shirts to wear were looking forward to sun, Sun, SUN!

Our drive took us to Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes Peninsula, Queen Mary, Shoreline Village + all of the beaches in between. Even though it was chilly we got out + enjoyed the views at each beach. When the sun finally showed itself we decided it was a great time to rent a surrey + drive out along the harbor at Shoreline Village.

We stopped for lunch at Tequila Jack’s at Shoreline Village, one of our fave places, for a wonderful meal overlooking the harbor. There are lots of fun little shops + other restaurants there of which we also had to give them a peek.

Day Five

Back up to LA we trekked. It took us a little less than an hour’s drive so not too bad. Then we spent the better part of the day at The Getty. What a beautiful location to have a museum. High up in the hills of LA with a view to die for. The buildings are amazing, their gardens are gorgeous as well.

Tip: I would highly recommend you visit The Getty when you come to LA but come early because the lot fills up. The entrance fee is free but you will have to pay $15 for parking your car in their lot ($10 after 3pm). It does come with a 3/4-mile tram ride up the hill to the museum which I recommend you take. You can also walk but it’s straight uphill.

We drove through LA to see Beverly Hills + Sunset because you have to do that if you’re in LA. And then we stopped to have lunch at the iconic In-n-Out Burger. Another thing you must do when you come to LA. Although I hear they now have locations in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas + Utah. In-n-Out is no longer exclusive to California!

Day Six

We hung out at home for a few hours today because we needed some time to just sit + chat + catch up. But in the afternoon we headed down south to Newport Beach + then a little farther to find a little secret beach called Victoria – we found it! Such a nice day for a drive. We then headed up to Laguna Beach, our very favorite hangout. We strolled along the beach for a while + just soaked in the sun.

In the evening we went to hear our friends’ band SMITH at Skyloft OC. Brandi has always been one of my very favorite singers so I love the opportunity to go listen to her band. Dinner + dancing pretty much finished off our wonderful evening. Check out their website because SMITH is a pretty terrific band!

Day Seven

Today was a pretty laid-back day. I think my friends were glad we didn’t have to get going too early even though we were up at what Rita calls “the butt-crack of dawn.” It was just really fun to have time together. Whenever you’re on vacation, don’t forget that part.

“…two sets of friends meeting for the first time…”

We got to hang out with my granddaughter Ruby today. She was excited to meet my friends + get to hang out with Oma. And it was also very special for me to be able to introduce two sets of friends meeting for the first time in Huntington Beach.

Our friends Atteke + Mark met us at Ruby’s Diner (Atteke chose that restaurant because she knew I was bringing my little Ruby) + we had a fun meal together.

The first pic below is one that Ruby took (my little photographer-in-training). And then we had the server take one of all of us together.

They have a big gum ball machine from which kids have the opportunity to pull one. If a red one rolls out, they get a free root beer float. And guess what Ruby got?

In the evening we just hung out at home + pretty much chatted all evening. Then Rita + Ron packed up for their trip back home tomorrow. It’s hard to believe that their stay is already over!

A home-cooked meal was an almost-perfect way to finish the evening. But wait, let’s get into the hot tub, shall we? It’s nice having my daughter with a hot tub only a mile away 🙂

Day Eight

It was so great to have our friends Ron + Rita visit us all the way from Ohio + make us get out + see the sights in LA. I hope it’s not their last time! There is so much more to do in LA… maybe I should check out some of those places before they come back out here? Good idea!

Thank you for joining us my friends + for getting us out into Los Angeles to spend some time in the amazing city in which we live! You’ve been a blessing to hang with! Until next time!

There is yet so much more to do + see in LA. Perhaps in an upcoming post I will take you to see more. In the meantime, I hope you had fun following us all around LA for the week. When are you coming for a visit?

Read more ::

10 Best Girlfriends Getaways in 2019

Best Ocean Views in Laguna Beach

Also check out this helpful post ::

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

The post Los Angeles: Why Only See it When … appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.