It still makes me chuckle when I see kids ignorantly wearing faded print t-shirts from high street store “Top-Shop” emblazoned with “Laguna Beach”. Famous in the UK for the “The OC”, the American equivalent of “Grange Hill” except everyone is mature, good looking and drives a Porsche.

LB is a coastal city with crumbling cliffs lined with pricey houses and small coves ideal for surfing and for sitting on the beach. Just don’t get stuck in a cove by the rising tides! There are lots of little boutiquey stores selling mostly local artistic wares. Many are complete crap which explains why they are overpriced.

Look into a real estate agents window and count the millions of dollars attached to each dwelling. Be surprised that few are mansions and are probably more similar to a shed. Walk down the streets and you will discover that many locals drive Chevrolet not Ferraris; residents are not rich, they have lived here since before the area was rich.

Laguna is still a fun place to visit, if only for an afternoon. Just don’t expect too much or feel it is important to make a scheduled stop. Other parts of The OC are more enjoyable, have more to do and more affordable!