When I think of a perfect place to have a bookstore, it's hard to beat Laguna Beach, California. I've been visiting this seaside community since I was a kid; my parents met here 75 years ago when my mother was studying art at the local art institute. Since then I've enjoyed its art galleries, restaurants, hidden beach coves, and its vibrant gay community, which I fortunately discovered in my twenties.
It's difficult to believe, therefore, that there's only one bookstore in town: Laguna Beach Books at 1200 S. Coast Highway. But it's a good one! Owner Jane Hanauer ensures there's always a good selection of best-sellers as well as books appealing to visitors and residents (including mine!).