Laguna Through a Local's Eye: Mari Verdugo
Marielena Verdugo, known by most as Mari, is a Laguna local through and through. She's fourth generation to live in town, which means her grandma, both her parents, and herself all graduated from Laguna Beach High School.
Here’s an image of her grandma, Loraine Hollingsworth graduating LBHS in 1954!
Mari is one of our favorite local photographers who has worked with us on many editorial features and has been capturing local families and businesses in Laguna for decades with her photography brand, Marielena Photography. And, because of her deep generational roots, you can rest assured when you book her she’s an expert at knowing thee most beautiful spots around town.
A self proclaimed mermaid, Mari enjoys spending any free time she has with her husband Brian and their 15-year-old dog Tucker at the beach or working on their homestead in the canyon.
A big time canyon hiker and lover of all things books, nature, and animals, Mari’s love through Laguna is captured perfectly through her lens.
We caught up with Mari to ask her to share the seven things she’s vibing on most in Laguna right now.
Laguna Canyon
My home! I grew up in Laguna Canyon and still live here. My love for it runs very deep — my great grandfather bought our family’s land here in the 1940s! There are so many hidden gems, from hiking trails and secret caves to charming homes and eccentric neighbors. It’s also a bit more wild out here with fires and floods and lots of traffic, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Zinc Cafe & Market
Zinc Cafe & Market is a discreetly vegetarian cafe that has been my go-to for years. Everything at Zinc is delicious — from the cold salad section (avocado salad, southwest salad, pesto salad) to the freshly baked pastries (obsessed with all their cakes) to the wide variety of healthy drinks. I go through stages where I’ll eat here every single day. I don’t even want to know how much I’ve spent over the years! In fact, when I was in high school I got a job there to supplement my Zinc budget.
Crystal Cove State Beach
On the outskirts of town Crystal Cove State Beach isn’t your typical beach in Laguna. It’s that amazing part of PCH where everyone slows down to see the unblocked ocean view. Crystal Cove is a long stretch of sand with world famous rock formations and tide pools. I love coming to Crystal Cove to have some space when town feels too crowded. (There are also the Crystal Cove Cottages you can rent. My great grandfather, Roger Armstrong, was a cartoonist and plein air watercolor painter who lived in #32!)
Hotel Laguna
I’m so happy this landmark is finally re-opened! The Honarkar family did an incredible job reviving Hotel Laguna, which was a neglected historical piece of our town for far too many years. I love coming to their in-house restaurant, Larsen, for a drink with a friend or to celebrate any special occasion. It’s such a cool vibe. Every time I come I notice something new.
The Sawdust Festival
The Sawdust Festival is the cutest festival in the canyon that happens every summer where local artists of all kinds sell their handcrafted art! I love supporting our locals. There’s also yummy food, live music, and yes, the occasional face painting. It’s so much fun.
Laguna Beach Library
While the Laguna Beach Library may be small, it sure is mighty. There is the most magical fairy garden out front filled with flowers and little fairy homes for kids to enjoy. I used to volunteer here in high school and still like to come to work and check out books.
The Community
The heart of Laguna is the community we have here. Time after time I’ve seen the town come together regardless of our differences to support one another. It’s really something special. Also, I can’t go anywhere without running into someone… which could be a good or bad thing depending on the day! ;)
Photos courtesy of Johannah Brecht Photography and Mari.