Laguna  Hills, CA

 Laguna Hills, CA
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Laguna Hills refers to the closeness to the Laguna Canyon and the much older Laguna Beach and is located in the Southern areas of Orange County California. The city has influenced newer cities such as Laguna Woods and Laguna Niguel, which are just nearby.

Brief History
The city was developed on one of the major land grants that was designed during the Rancho era. Following the liberation of Mexico from Spain in 1821, individuals who served in the government were rewarded with vast lands for cattle grazing. This area is the present day Laguna Hills.

Integration works started in 1987 and on March 5, 1991. 86% of the inhabitants selected in favor of forming the City of Laguna Hills. On December 20, 1991, Laguna Hills legitimately became a City. Consequent annexations have included the North Laguna Hills (1996) and the "Westside Annexation" (2000) areas.

Demographics
The racial combination of Laguna Hills was 22,045 (72.7%) White (61.7%) Non-Hispanic White), 420 (1.4%) African American, 101 (0.3%) Native American, 3,829 (12.6%) Asian, 58 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 2,470 (8.1%) from other races, and 1,421 (4.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6,242 persons (20.6%).

Attraction Sites
The whale viewing off Laguna Beach is exceptional with year round openings. You can be able to view giant blue whales in the summer and fall. The gray whales can be viewed in winter and spring. Finback whales, minke whales, humpbacks, numerous species of dolphin, and more viewed year round.
Newport Landing Whale Watching and Dana Wharf Sportfishing& Whale Watching offer several whales seeing cruises daily. The Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari also gives daily excursions with underwater viewing.

The city is also home to the Barbara’s Lake. It is located in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Barbara's Lake is Orange County's only natural lake.

Laguna Hills is also home to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. This is the only marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in Orange County. It is open every day, 10am-4pm.

Historical sites
Hotel Laguna
Initially, a wooden structure built in 1888, Hotel Laguna was rebuilt in 1930 in its current Mission Revival style. The hotel has a beautiful rose garden with a gazebo. You can walk through the lobby and view historical photographs, or enjoy a beverage at Ocean View Bar & Grill.

Historic Lifeguard Tower
The area provides a piece of Laguna's history. Located at Main Beach, this historic tower was originally part of a gas station built across the street in 1929. When the station was destroyed, the tower was relocated to its present location and transformed for lifeguard purposes. The present and newly built Lifeguard Headquarters is located at the north end of Main Beach.

Business
All Saturday morning from 8am-12pm, local farmers and purveyors set up shop downtown. They usually sell their fresh goods at the Farmers' Market. You can obtain everything from locally grown vegetables, delicious fruits, beautiful flowers, freshly baked breads and much more. It is situated at the Lumberyard Parking Lot.

The Coast
Visit the top of the World/Alta Laguna Park. It is the perfect place to view Laguna Beach's coastline. Set above the village area, and take in endless views of both the coastline and the canyon. It is also possible to enjoy a picnic or take a short hike in the area.

Fun Fact
The dolphin population off Laguna's coastline exceeds more than that of Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean combined!