Laguna Beach, California

Happiness is a day on a California beach, in late October, in 80 degree weather.

My family has been vacationing in Southern California all week. We’ve explored Los Angeles (Hollywood and Beverly Hills), Venice Beach, Anaheim and the desert area near Palm Springs. On Friday, we decided it was time to hit the ocean for a day in the surf and sand. We drove to the community of Laguna Beach (in Orange County), for a relaxing day of playing in the ocean. Laguna Beach is an artsy, laid back community—just my kind of place.

The beach was sparsely populated, a few surfers, snorkelers and paddle boarders. The water was a little cool but easy to get used to. Once school let out, a small crowd of children showed up with their boogie boards.

We found many interesting shells, washed up on the beach. Wished we had brought snorkel equipment because I’m sure we’d have found many more great shells.

Hope you enjoy the dramatic-style photo essay of our day!