LAGUNA NIGUEL

One of the first master-planned communities in California, Laguna Niguel is a city rich in history and beauty. Loosely translated from “lagoon” and “Nigueli,” the name of a Juaneno Indian village once located near Aliso Creek, Laguna Niguel is regarded today as one of southern Orange County’s most prestigious and desirable places to live.

 

More than one-third of the city is preserved as dedicated open space, including Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Lake, Crown Valley Park, and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Residents enjoy spending time outdoors horseback riding, biking, and hiking along the Salt Creek and Aliso Creek trails.

 

Excellent schools are located throughout Laguna Niguel, and the Orange County Natural History Museum, Laguna Niguel Farmers Market, and nearby beaches are favorite destinations. Shopping, dining, and entertainment abound, including the luxurious Cinepolis theaters and soothing Massage Envy spa.

 

Chet Holifield Federal Building. Originally built for Rockwell International by architect William Pereira, this one-million-square-foot building modeled after ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats houses millions of documents and land agreements between the Indian tribes that lived in the southwest United States and the American government. This building also houses the Internal Revenue Service and the Western division of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

 

Niguel Botanical Preserve. Originally a small community garden, residents and tourists alike are free to enjoy this 18-acre botanical garden located within the Crown Valley Community Park. This botanical garden displays different plants from different parts of the world such as Australia, Africa, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. Walking trails are available to visitors.

 

Laguna Niguel Skate and Soccer Park. Skateboard and soccer enthusiasts rejoice! Featuring a 20,000-square-foot concrete skateboard park and a synthetic grass soccer field, this park offers plenty of space for skaters and soccer players to play and practice. The soccer field is usable all year round, while the skateboard park has plenty of features that will surely challenge all skaters from different skill levels.

 

Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. Visitors can hike and camp in this beautiful area located south of the Laguna Greenbelt. Featuring a large wilderness area, the park has a refreshingly bucolic atmosphere. Day-trippers and campers can also choose to check out the petroglyphs etched by early Native Americans within the regional park. This 4,500-acre wildlife sanctuary has sycamores and mature oaks as well as over 30 miles of hiking trails. Plenty of rare plants and animals have made Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park their home.

 

With more than a third of this master-planned community-turned-city designated as open space, there are plenty of things to do in Laguna Niguel. There is a multitude of parks for its residents to enjoy and even dogs have their own park where they can meet and play with their canine fellows.

 

Anglers and fishing enthusiasts should head to Laguna Niguel Lake, located within the grounds of Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Regularly stocked with thousands of bass and trout, this 44-acre lake is a fishing enthusiast’s paradise. Those who want to enjoy the calm of the lake can also rent boats, fishing poles, and float tubes. Visitors can get their competitive side on and play tennis or volleyball against friends and family in Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Fitness buffs can jog and bike on the several well-marked trails throughout the park.

 

Skating enthusiasts can channel their inner Tony Hawk at Laguna Niguel’s Skate and Soccer Park. Different areas for different levels of skill are available, and skaters will be able to test their prowess and determine if they can advance to the next level. You can play soccer on the other side of the park and younger residents often form teams with their best buds and play against other teams.

 

Laguna Niguel’s broad range of residential offerings is genuinely impressive. From condos and townhomes to Mid-Century ranch designs, luxurious single-family executive homes, and grand custom estates, the city makes it easy for buyers at nearly all price levels to discover a home that is suited to their lifestyle.

 

Bordering Dana Point, Laguna Niguel West is north of Crown Valley Parkway and west of Niguel Road, stretching to Camino Del Avion. There are around 30 neighborhoods or subdivisions in Laguna Niguel West such as Belle Maison, El Niguel, Hampton Village, Monarch Point, and Niguel West. Monarch Point offers its residents splendid views of the canyon, the sea, and the city.

 

The Laguna Niguel City Hall is located in this area, along with a branch of the U.S. Post Office. Laguna Niguel West is also home to the American Catholic Church. For bibliophiles and bookworms, you can enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the company of books at the Laguna Niguel Library. The pets of the locals in Laguna Niguel West are well taken care of with the South Coast Veterinary Hospital in close proximity. For a day under the sun, head to 1000 Steps Beach in nearby Laguna Beach or visit the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area.

 

South of Golden Lantern is the area known as Laguna Niguel South, which also borders Dana Point, west of Niguel Road. Of the 69 neighborhoods or subdivisions in Laguna Niguel South, Beacon Hill, Ocean Ranch, Crest de Ville, and Bear Brand are four of the most upscale neighborhoods not just in the area, but in the whole of Laguna Niguel.

 

The Shepherd of the Hills Church is located in Laguna Niguel South. Like the rest of Laguna Niguel, the South area also offers plenty of outdoor and recreational activities. Seminole Park and Salt Corridor Regional Park are some of the great open spaces that residents frequent during their leisure time. El Niguel Country Club has a great and extensive golf course that is sure to thrill the golfer in you. Laguna Niguel South has a wealth of great shopping and dining establishments as well.

 

The area known as Laguna Niguel North is located east of Niguel Road and west of Crown Valley Parkway. Like Laguna Niguel West, North also borders Dana Point. Some of the 60 neighborhoods or subdivisions that make up this area are Laguna Crest, Kite Hill, Costa Brava, and San Luis.

 

Laguna Niguel North has plenty of spots that residents frequently enjoy. The Center at Rancho Niguel is the shopping district in the area, where you can get the latest trends in fashion. Sports-minded people spend their leisure time in La Paz Sports Park, which features lighted baseball fields and a soccer field. Laguna Niguel North is home to the Laguna Niguel Regional Park, where visitors hike, bike, or fish. Another great spot for outdoor activities, fishing enthusiasts, and bird watchers are the Sulphur Creek Reservoir.

 

Parents can choose from a number of good schools to send their children to, such as the Laguna Niguel Elementary School and San Juan Hills High School.

 

The community of Laguna Niguel East is located south of Crown Valley Parkway and east of Niguel Road. Laguna Niguel East is home to no less than 35 neighborhoods or subdivisions such as Chatelain Estates, Beacon Hill Homes, and Crystal Cay Condos.

 

Residents bask in the sun and enjoy the greenery while children play at some of Laguna Niguel East’s parks. Some notable parks are Bear Brand Park and Redondo View Node Park. Two of Laguna Niguel’s best elementary schools are located in this area: Crown Valley Elementary School and George White Elementary School. There are plenty of dining options to enjoy in Laguna Niguel East. Ocean Ranch Village provides good shopping options in this area.