The Pageant of The Masters - Laguna Beach

I rave about Pageant of the Masters because nothing in Southern California comes close when it comes to cultural entertainment.  The Festival of the Arts presents live works of classic and contemporary art by live people on a stage -- 'Tableau Vivant' or living pictures.  Local townspeople volunteer to have coats of makeup, hairdos and headdresses applied to stand in scenery with lights and props to re-create famous works of art.  There is a live orchestra and announcer and the show is presented every night of the week from July 7th to August 31st.  The production runs for 90 minutes and is suitable from familes with children from ten years up.  I would advise booking a performance on a weekday night as weekends are very crowded.  I usually book a hotel for two nights so we can have some time to go to the beach and see the artwork being presented by local artists.  It's a great time to persuade all family members to leave their electronic gadgets home.  I carry one cellphone only (mine!).  Hotels on the beach are fairly pricey. There are fantastic restaurants -- everything from breakfast, burgers and shakes at Ruby's to the Cliffs where patio dining is great for any meal of the day.  Las Brisas is extremely popular and for upscale dining with a sunset view the perfect venue is the Beach House.  I like to take my grandchildren for two nights at the end of August.  When we check out of our hotel to retun home we stop at South Coast Plaza for lunch and we shop for school clothes.  It's a great way to share a fun experience and spend a couple of days 'electronic gadget-free'.  The Festival of the Arts and the Sawdust Festival allow you to see works by local artists, talk with them about their art and gain a better understanding and appreciation of their work.  Pageant tickets are sold online and run $10 to $100.