We decided that this would be our beach day and wanted to take the drive down the Pacific Coast Highway through the various beach towns that lie in its path. Wanting to start out early and have a full day of touring, we called Lynn and Mike at about 9 o'clock. It was not to be. Mike had a sound recording gig the night before that began at 5 pm. He didn't get back to his loft until 6 am this morning and wasn't about to move about this early in the morning. So our trip began more nearly at 1 o'clock instead.
Matty had given me some tips on making the shore drive easier, pointing out the highlights that we "shouldn't miss." And I took them to heart, given the shortened time we had.
Venice - is definitely a scene!
Our first stop was Venice. We wanted to check out the "vivid" weekend scene and also fuel up at Matty's recommended restaurant on the ocean walk, Figtree's Cafe .
A little chill came off the water but people were out en masse in all sizes, shapes, colors and predilections. Gift shops, tattoo parlors, street vendors, buskers and performers competed for attention as we made our way up the walk toward the restaurant. The beach is beautiful with a meandering bike path and glorious palms. Quite a beautiful scene.
Stacey and Lynn pose with statue dude.
Lynn and Mike at Figtree's Cafe - Venice.
The Venice scene.
Mike and friends he met on a Venice street.
We got on the freeway (the 405) and drove south about 40 miles to Laguna Beach. We were told that of all the beach towns, that one was very much worth seeing. And, it was true, it was quite spectacular. Being in Orange County, and somewhat removed from the metropolitan area, it was less developed. The green hills from the freeway (which was some 10 miles or so inland) to the shore were barren and reminded me of places in Ireland and Britain. But as we approached the shore, the requisite mansions and estates, perched on high, appeared and I knew I was back in California once again.
The town, itself, is an upscale beach town with shops, restaurants and galleries to match. The beach was spectacular. I don't know what happens on the east coast. I'm a Brighton Beach guy and we don't even have a spigot to clean the sand off our feet when we leave for home. Here, the promenades are manicured with beautiful lawns and plants and equipped with every luxury to make the beach a very rewarding experience. It's quite a different world from New York City beaches. It was late already and the sun was setting on the Pacific. Nobody was in the water (too cold) and the cool ocean breeze whipped off the water to chill us. We walked a bit, explored some of the back streets and then headed back to L.A. via the Pacific Coast Highway, driving from town to town in the dark.
These "birds" grow everywhere in southern California. Almost like weeds. Now that's paradise, no? Here, in someone's garden in Laguna Beach.
Stacey in Laguna.
Yummy -- Ice cream in Laguna.
The ocean walk in Laguna Beach.
Several of our L.A. contacts had recommended the latest and greatest in dining hot spots: Versailles - a Cuban restaurant with several locations. It happened that as we were driving back we were able to connect with one of those locations and we all agreed that it was time to eat -- again. A wonderful dinner ensued with roast chicken and pork and arroz and nice sangria. A great way to end a perfect southern California day.
We ended our beach tour with dinner at the Versailles restaurant on Venice Avenue in Culver City.
In the next Blog - a bike trip around Hollywood.
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