The Mediterranean-like lifestyle of Laguna Beach
Having lived in the Midwest for the past four years, the Main Beach on Laguna Beach was my first beach I visited in the US when I moved to California a year ago (and all of my water activities there were in lakes). While traveling back to Greece a few times per year during these four years, I had never experienced the Pacific Ocean for myself. It was my first time driving along Pacific Coast Highway with my new teammates, listening to house music while extending our hands out the window, feeling the sun and the salt water in the air, and admiring the numerous palm trees and magnificent views. I felt so grateful for the new chapter of my life that I was about to begin on the west coast.
Upon entering Laguna Beach, I immediately noticed the unique and laid-back cultural atmosphere. A thriving creative community resides in the city, with many artists, writers, and musicians. There are many art galleries, theaters, and performance spaces located throughout the city that reflect this creative energy. In the city, people can connect with each other and with nature in a relaxed and welcoming environment. People walking their pets outdoors, playing basketball and volleyball on outdoor courts by the beach. It gives you the sense of the original beach city, which is for some vacation and for others everyday life. Most locals are welcoming and hospitable, genuinely curious about the guests' origins, and are happy to offer recommendations for places to visit and things to do.
Aside from its gorgeous scenery, which is quite different from the rest of Orange County, Laguna Beach has a completely unique feeling that can't be replicated anywhere else in the area. From the moment you enter the city, you feel part of a different unique world, with its own people. The laid-back vibe of Laguna Beach is evident the moment you enter the city. There is a sense of ease and comfort permeating the atmosphere, from the relaxed pace of life to the casual dress code.
From a visitor's point of view, the Laguna Beach community seems to be very bonded, unique, and committed to maintaining its authenticity. The art and the beautiful view and beaches are not the only things visitors want to experience, but the culture is also a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, like when they go on vacation far away, but they are just 40 minutes drive away.
As I visit Laguna Beach with friends, I'm always amazed at how lucky I am to have access to such a beautiful place and community; living in Orange County, we can drive to it whenever we want. The experience of going to a different beach, trying a new restaurant, interacting with locals, and learning something new is always different. I feel so attracted and connected to this place because it reminds me of the Mediterranean culture. In Laguna Beach, the relaxed pace of life and focus on outdoor recreation remind you of Mediterranean living. It is common for people to take their time to enjoy leisure activities, such as sunbathing on the beach or strolling through the streets, and they appreciate life's simple pleasures. As a whole, Laguna Beach's cultural atmosphere shares many similarities with that of European cultures, as it emphasizes creativity, relaxation, and enjoyment.
My absolute favorite beach in the area is Thousand Steps Beach. When people visit me, I always take them there. I remember how I felt the moment I arrived, as if I had just discovered a beautiful treasure. As a place of swimming, surfing, meditation, and feeling grounded and one with the earth, it holds a special place in my heart. In addition to all the steps, walking across the beach, going through the caves, and discovering small private beaches, it also provided a feeling of adventure.
In addition to the magnificent view of the cliffs on top of the beach and all the gorgeous mansions, my friends and I used to think about what we might be able to do if one day we were able to live in such a wonderful location. This beach has massive waves and amazing sunset views. During a sunrise swim, the tide was low and I walked under the caves that connected the Table Rock beach. The beach was very secluded, giving me the feeling that I was the only person on earth and fully enjoying nature's gifts.
With its stunning scenery,unique community and culture, and charming shops and restaurants, Laguna Beach is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for some sun, sand and sea. It has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach, take a scenic hike, or simply explore the art scene. Grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and your best friends and family, and make your way down to this beautiful coastal paradise.
Quick Tips
Make sure you plan to spend the whole day at Thousand Steps beach (which will always be my #1 recommendation) and bring snacks and water since there are no stores nearby.
You should stay to watch the sunset, it is beautiful from any beach or viewpoint in Laguna.
Seagulls will eat your food if left unattended on the beach (they ate my whole charcuterie board and chocolate box once).
It is important to be careful at high tides, listen to lifeguards when they give you instructions, and don't leave your stuff too close to the water. We had a photoshoot late in the summer and there was a group of people nearby who left their stuff unattended for hours and got soaked when the tide rose.
Visit the local shops and galleries and interact with the locals, there is so much to learn.
Do not swim too far if you are not an experienced swimmer, fighting massive waves is not easy, and coming out of the ocean is even harder. I once had to rescue a friend.
Local’s Guide: short trip to Athens
Quick Tips
I recommend taking the subway or train to get around, bus service is usually delayed and takes a long time
Taxis are quite affordable, but make sure the driver is using a taximeter to avoid being overcharged
The city is so easy to navigate for downtown activities and sightseeing, but for beaches and seaside views, you will need to take the subway and taxi
Shopping in Athens is much more affordable than on the islands, and you can find everything you need in the center of Athens
Kolonaki area offers more high end shopping experiences with big brand names
Make sure to go to bakeries and try local pastries
Late at night, you should go to rooftop bars, as they are not like nightclubs, but rather very chill with an amazing ambiance and view of the Acropolis
Activities
Marina Floisvos in Paleo Faliro
https://www.greeka.com/attica/athens/sightseeing/flisvos-marina/
There are many great restaurants, bars, hookah lounges, and scenic walks in the area. I recommend going early evening so you can see the sunset and avoid the heat of the day.
Vouliagmeni
https://www.thisisathens.org/neighbourhoods/vouliagmeni-guide
The area around here is by far my favorite in Athens, the views are magnificent, it is quieter and more laidback than other areas, but at the same time it is also quite upscale.
Spend a full day there, get some breakfast at a bakery and then head to Vouliagmeni Plaz, where you will have to pay for entrance to the organized beach, but you will receive sunbeds and umbrellas for free.
There are also water sports available in that area if you are interested.
If you have a choice of restaurants, you should go to Sardelaki, which is about five to ten minutes walk from the Plaz, has amazing food and a great view. You can also go for gelato or ice cream waffles near the restaurant.
In addition, Vouliagmeni has a number of very nice bars for the evening, located all within a short walking distance.
Cine Thissio
Check out what movies and times are scheduled at this outdoor open movie theater near the Acropolis. Even if you don't like the movie, you should still go just for the ambience. There is a concessionaire that sells wine, food, and snacks. The walk around the Acropolis and the ruins is so picturesque.
Acropolis museum
https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
I strongly recommend you visit the museum since it is relatively new, modern, and a remarkable experience. Spend a few hours in the museum and have breakfast there as well. If you can choose between hike the Parthenon or visit the museum, consider the weather and the amount of time you have.
Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
https://whyathens.com/temple-of-poseidon/
Those are the best beaches and waters in Athens. Vouliagmeni's waters are fine, but Sounio is like being on an island.
Taxis are available, or you may take the subway until Elliniko station and then take a taxi from there. It is quite a distance from downtown but well worth the trip.
You can spend the day on the beach, it is usually a mix of families and tourists, and you can get lunch at one of the restaurants that are located right on the beach.
After that, head to the Temple of Poseidon, which you can view from the beach as well, but since you are there, you should take the time to step up close to see it in person. At this site, you can also see beautiful sunsets.
Anafiotika Athens
https://www.highheelsandabackpack.com/anafiotika-athens/
It is an absolute must to eat dinner here when you are staying in downtown.
The name Anafiotika is derived from the island Anafi, which some call it the “small Santorini”. It gives the impression of being on a Greek island while being in the heart of Athens!
Take a stroll around and select a coffee shop, restaurant, or bar. I recommend having a late dinner at one of the taverns up the steps (you can see it as you walk around). Many evenings they have traditional live Greek music to enjoy.
In downtown, there would usually be live music in the restaurants in the evenings, which is something you should definitely experience.
Day trip to Angkistri island
In our search for an easy, quick, and cheap getaway from Athens, we found Angkistri island. Only one hour by boat from the city, the island is home to crystal clear waters, sealife, and a sweet escape from sedentary life. My parents dropped my friend Carolyn and me off at the subway station so we could proceed to Piraeus port. Our tickets had been booked online a few days before, and once we arrived at the port, we picked them up on the boat line's deck. Since this was Carolyn's first time visiting Greece and getting on a boat to explore a Greek island, I took the classic tourist picture of her in front of the boat that we were about to board.
The top level of the ship was all open, so we sat on it and enjoyed the sun and the sea waves as we sailed towards Angkistri island. While riding the boat for about an hour, we discussed our future business plans and enjoyed the view, the sea smell, the salt in the air, and the sun on our skin as we headed to our next adventure. After passing Aegina island, we reached Angkistri shortly afterwards. As soon as we saw the crystal clear water, we were blown away by it, which was a mixture of green, blue, and turquoise depending on how the water reflected, as well as the color of the rocks in the water. Our taxi ride was inevitable, as we realized. On the drive there, we saw people riding the bikes, and though it looked fun, a couple's bike ran out of battery and the other person had to return to the store to get a portable charger because they would have been stuck.
Angkistri is connected to Aponisos by a small man-made bridge that takes about 20 minutes to get there. Aponisos is the perfect little getaway that every person needs in their lives. It felt amazing being on this floating piece of land surrounded by the clearest waters. Since we went at the end of May, there were not many tourists. A lot of the sunbeds and umbrellas were not occupied, so it made us feel like we had uncovered a treasure. The first thing we did was explore. What made us the happiest was seeing peacocks wandering everywhere. Peacocks are my favorite animals after dolphins, and it was a wonderful experience for me. My mother and aunt had always told me that no matter where I go, no matter what I see and experience, Greece has it all. After seeing peacocks in Oahu, Hawaii two months ago, I was mesmerized by how such a beautiful animal is casually wandering among us. As I encountered this creature on the island in the country where I grew up, it made me understand and feel what my mom and aunt had always told me: Greece has everything I need.
Luckily for us, there were not many people around when we went swimming, so our photos and videos came out perfect. We decided to create some content for Astra Aesthete first. We asked some German tourists to take some polaroids of both of us and we enjoyed shooting our content while exploring the island. Getting super close to peacocks that roamed around was the highlight of the experience.
In search of a spot where we could leave our belongings, we walked all around the island. Since it was all rocks everywhere and there were some man-made access points at certain spots, we sat where the most people were, and it seemed the easiest access to the water. Having put our stuff on the sunbeds, we headed to the access point, where there was a woman who seemed reluctant to dive in. A woman told us that there were jellyfish everywhere. They migrate towards the Greek seas every few years. We noticed that no one had been swimming in those beautiful waters since we arrived. When I was very young, that had happened and my family and I were in the village where my mom comes from, and the beach shore was covered in jellyfish that people pulled out of the water so that they could swim freely. We were actually advised by my mom and aunt before we went swimming that day to take precautions and to remove any poison if we were stung. At the time, we did not think much of it, but after we got there, we were quite upset that we had to be extra cautious.
As we enjoyed the sun, we had wine and snacks. Before leaving, we took a shower at a barrel (see the photo), where we had to pay 50 cents for 30 seconds of water. It was the sweetest little day escape we could have hoped for. A local called us a taxi to the port. We had a quick dinner at a restaurant by the sea, and then watched the sunset on the boat back to Athens.
Quick Tips
Bring sport shoes to walk around, especially if you are interested in taking a hike
Ask for a map at the port so you can locate where the beaches you want to go to are
Talk to the locals for any help or directions, GPS is not reliable or phone service
In any restaurant you go, ask the waiters for the fish of day
Ask for a sea urchin salad
You need a drivers license as well as a motorcycle license to rent an ATV or motorcycle to move around the island. American driver’s licenses are usually not accepted
If you decide to get a taxi, keep in mind that there is a limited amount of drivers on the island. Ask a local shop or hotel once you arrive for taxi driver’s number and make sure to arrange with them exact times you will need them
It is much easier, cheaper and quicker to take subway in Athens to Piraeus port than taking a taxi, or driving and having to find parking