Surfing Soapbox: What’s new and cool in Laguna this summer

For the second week in a row we’re sticking with the summer theme and wishing this June gloom would be gone already.

Then we can all head to one of the newest and hippest spots in Laguna to enjoy food, drinks and one of the best views of Laguna Beach and the sunset. Introducing The Deck at the Pacific Edge Hotel.

The Deck is literally on the beach and will open July 1. Joining the ranks of the Rooftop Lounge, and Splashes, The Deck will be one of the three best places to view once-in-a-lifetime sunsets while enjoying the beach culture of Laguna.

Soon Pacific Edge will also be offering oceanfront cabanas, each named after some of California’s greatest surfing breaks. For more information on the Pacific Edge cabanas, visit https://sparqonline.com/staging/deck/f/index.html.

Another cool place I tried for the first time was Active Culture, which offers frozen yogurt, smoothies and healthy bowls with rice, beans, avocados, etc. with a neat little gallery for viewing while waiting for your smoothies or yogurt on a nice sunny, summer day.

One of my newest and personal favorite happenings is going to the Pageant of the Masters. It’s one of Laguna Beach’s most unique and stirring traditions, along with the Sawdust Festival, which showcases some of our greatest and most original artists. And don’t forget the Art-A-Fair, which sadly I have never experienced but am making a promise to myself to go this summer.

With the opening of the new Starfish restaurant in the shopping plaza across the street from the Montage, there are a bevy of cool new places to experience this summer whether it’s food or drink, sunset views or great art. These are some of the components that make Laguna Beach one of the best places for summer pleasure.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com.