While in Laguna Beach, be sure to visit the oceanfront gallery of Wyland, an artist well-known for his paintings of marine life. Nicknamed the "Marine Michelangelo," the first thing you'll be amazed by is the variety of mediums used in his art. Murals are seen on the exterior walls while bronze sculptures loom over the front entrance. The inside overflows with even more: Lucite sculptures, acrylic sculptures, oil paintings, abstract art, brush art, photographs, bronze tables, portholes and mirrors.
Orange County's Great Park is a popular venue for concerts, plays and other events. It's also known for its giant orange tethered balloon, which visitors can ride for a fee. Soaring 400 feet in the air, on a clear day you can see 40 miles out. Other park attractions include a beautiful carousel, a playground, and a visitor center where you can rent sports equipment for free. Great Park is also home to the Orange County FC.
Constructed from more than 10,000 plates of glass, The Christ Cathedral (formerly Crystal Cathedral) is packed with more than 2700 seated worshipers every Sunday for service. It can accommodate hundreds more who experience drive-in worship in the parking lot via nine-story tall sliding glass doors that allow them to view the service. This cathedral is also most famous as the filming place of Dr. Robert H. Schuller's Hour of Power television show. Because of the popularity of the cathedral tours and Sunday service, you should arrive at least a half hour early. Come Christmas season, don't miss their Glory of Christmas presentation packed with stirring music and drama.
The First Presbyterian Church of Orange was formed on February 8, 1874. Since then, it has established itself as a spiritual backbone of the community in Orange. The building itself is impressive, with grand columns and stained glass windows from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The church plays host to many events such as community dinners, movie nights and other fun get-togethers. The church runs the Hope School that caters to needs of under-privileged children. The program "Closet," also run by the church, aims at providing gently used clothing to the poor.
Marconi Automotive Museum, a part of the Marconi Foundation for Kids, houses a vast array of cars that will delight not only children but also automobile connoisseurs. Visitors can view Foxfire Firetrucks, unusual Ferraris and Jaguars. Do not miss Frank Williams' FX Ferrari and the Top Fuel Dragster designed by Kenny Bernstein. This venue can be hired for weddings, business functions and fundraisers.
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Saint Michael's Episcopal Church was build in 1876. In 1955, the church was moved to its present location along West South Street. Today the church remains an important part of the community holding weekly events and services. Be sure to visit the website for services times and more information.
La Tour (French for "the tower") is what locals love to call the mysterious tower jutting next to the cliffs at Victoria Beach. This quaint and browning tower, with rugged stones at its base, seems almost as though it has grown naturally out of the cliffs. For decades locals have wondered about the tower's origin; was it perhaps a lighthouse to guide sailors or really a pirate's haunt? Most people now seem to agree that the tower is nothing but an extension of a former home that perched on the clifftop. It was built in 1926 as a stairway for Senator William E. Brown and his family to access the beach from their home. The single metal staircase found inside the tower seems to confirm this theory. You can only visit La Tour during low tide and that too with permission from the owners, as it stands on private property. However, if you do get a chance to visit, the beach surrounding the tower is one of the most picturesque and secluded spots in the city.
Many people first see Trabuco Canyon Community Church when they hike at O'Neill Park. The beautiful hilltop setting of the New England-style church not only catches every hiker's attention, but even draws many of them to visit. Although the road to the church is not easily visible, the effort of finding it is rewarded by a scenic canyon drive under a canopy of live oak trees and a 360-degree panoramic view of Cleveland National Forest, the south county and Catalina Island. In addition to the church building, there are a wedding chapel and a giant cross on different sides of the property. No matter where you stand, you’d be amazed by the view at any time of day. This is a very special place to get married. Trabuco Canyon Community Church is non-denominational. -Hoiyin IpÂ
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Saint Michael's Episcopal Church was build in 1876. In 1955, the church was moved to its present location along West South Street. Today the church remains an important part of the community holding weekly events and services. Be sure to visit the website for services times and more information.
On a 40-acre, picturesque stretch of land that overlooks Trabuco Canyon, Ramakrishna Monastery, a Vedanta monastery, peacefully enjoys nature’s company. From the parking lot, a long and ascending gravel pathway bordered by trees and bushes leads to the main building. Even from far away, everyone sees the bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda meditating above a pond. The left side of the pond is a lecture hall, a library and a bookshop. Public lectures are held at 11a on Sundays. The Vedantic ideal is harmony of religions. Books of world's major religions are seen in the library. To meditate, the shrine is just a little north of the main building. Enjoy the peacefulness, and do take time for a serene stroll. -Hoiyin Ip
While in Laguna Beach, be sure to visit the oceanfront gallery of Wyland, an artist well-known for his paintings of marine life. Nicknamed the "Marine Michelangelo," the first thing you'll be amazed by is the variety of mediums used in his art. Murals are seen on the exterior walls while bronze sculptures loom over the front entrance. The inside overflows with even more: Lucite sculptures, acrylic sculptures, oil paintings, abstract art, brush art, photographs, bronze tables, portholes and mirrors.
Capo Beach Calvary is a Christian church which does not belong to any particular denomination. The church focuses on putting people in touch with God through Bible-based sermons, community worship services, local and global outreach projects, and various ministries. Capo Beach Calvary does a lot to accomplish its mission of “Putting People in Touch with God.” They support several orphanages, they provide children's and youth ministries, counseling services, family events, couples enrichment, meals for people during hardships and a prayer ministry. Capo Beach Calvary is open for anyone to join one of the several Bible studies and worship services throughout the week.