OCTOBER ALONG THE COAST SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY REAL ESTATE, MARKET INSIGHTS & COASTAL LIVING

Laguna Beach’s New Promenade on Forest Is Officially Open

Downtown Laguna Beach has a new permanent gathering place with the completion of the Promenade on Forest, transforming Lower Forest Avenue into a pedestrian-focused destination just steps from Main Beach.

The permanent promenade officially opened in September following months of construction. The redesigned space includes new brickwork, landscaping, seating, public art and areas for dining, shopping and community events.

The project builds on the temporary pedestrian plaza first created in 2020 and makes the car-free portion of Forest Avenue a permanent part of downtown Laguna Beach.

From a real estate perspective, improvements like this reinforce one of Laguna Beach’s greatest strengths: its walkable coastal lifestyle. The ability to stroll from neighborhoods to restaurants, galleries, shops and the beach continues to be a major part of what attracts buyers to the community.

For residents, the Promenade also creates another central gathering place in a downtown already known for its distinctive village atmosphere.

Read the original SoLaguna article

Dana Point Harbor Revitalization: Where Things Stand

The transformation of Dana Point Harbor continues to take shape, although different parts of the massive redevelopment are moving at different speeds.

The approximately $600 million revitalization includes replacement of the marina docks, a completely redesigned commercial core, new restaurants and retail, expanded public spaces and two proposed hotels.

The most visible recent milestone is the new 984-space parking structure and redesigned Golden Lantern entrance, both of which opened in 2025. Construction is now underway on Phase 3 of the Commercial Core, which began in February 2026 and includes the new waterfront buildings. The next phase, involving portions of the Wharf, is anticipated to begin in fall 2026.

The marina reconstruction is also progressing. Phase 10 of the waterside improvements was completed in December 2025, and Phase 11 opened in May 2026. The dock replacement program is being completed in stages so that boating and public access can continue during construction.

One part of the project remains less certain: the proposed hotels. In August, the Orange County Board of Supervisors did not approve revised 66-year ground leases associated with the hotel, commercial-core, marina and dry-stack portions of the redevelopment. Among the issues under discussion were protections for existing Marina Inn employees and other lease provisions.

That does not mean the broader harbor redevelopment has stopped. Construction on the commercial core and marina continues while the hotel component awaits resolution of the lease issues.

For Dana Point real estate, the Harbor remains one of the most consequential long-term projects in the city. New waterfront dining, retail, pedestrian areas and public spaces have the potential to significantly change the Harbor experience while strengthening the connection between the waterfront, Lantern District and surrounding neighborhoods.

Check out the Dana Point Harbor revitalization site

Coastal Erosion Brings New Attention to South Orange County Beaches

Powerful surf in September brought coastal erosion into sharp focus throughout South Orange County, with Dana Point, Laguna Beach and San Clemente all declaring local emergencies following damage to beaches, homes and public infrastructure.

In Laguna Beach, significant sand loss and wave action affected portions of the coastline and damaged infrastructure. San Clemente also reported damage to its pier and continued concerns about erosion near beaches and the coastal rail corridor. Dana Point saw particularly serious impacts along Beach Road in Capistrano Beach.

Orange County subsequently proclaimed a local emergency to help coordinate resources among the affected coastal cities and prepare for additional high surf and winter weather.

For coastal homeowners and buyers, the events are an important reminder that evaluating property near the ocean involves more than views and beach access. Bluff stability, drainage, seawalls, flood exposure, insurance and the condition of nearby public infrastructure can all become important considerations.

At the same time, local and county agencies continue working on beach preservation, infrastructure protection and longer-term approaches to maintaining one of Orange County’s most valuable natural assets.

Read the original Orange County announcement

Local Happenings

October 17

Surf Queenie of Doheny

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Surf Queenie of Doheny Surf Contest! Celebrating the sisterhood of surfing, this local event brings girls and women of all ages and skill levels for a fun day in the water, a vendor village, and a charity raffle benefiting the Doheny State Beach Foundation. Spectators are welcome to come cheer on our local surfers and enjoy a day at the beach!

Learn More.

October 24

Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat

Join us for a spooktacular Halloween celebration at the Dana Point Community Center, located at 34052 Del Obispo Street!

The City’s Recreation Division is partnering with Dana Point Police Services to bring families an afternoon full of festive fun. Enjoy a giant slide, inflatable sports zone, crafts, costume contest, live entertainment, and the Dana Point Police Services Trunk-or-Treat display.

Learn More.

OCTOBER 15 – 22

Newport Beach Film Festival

“Now in its 27th year, the Newport Beach Film Festival is one of Southern California’s premier entertainment and lifestyle events, bringing together film lovers, industry professionals, and world-class talent for eight unforgettable days.

With more than 300 films from 50 countries, star-studded red carpets, exclusive premieres, filmmaker conversations, live events, and nightly parties, there’s something for everyone to experience.

From discovering the next award-winning film to celebrating under the stars at our signature receptions, the Festival offers a one-of-a-kind blend of cinema, culture, and the coastal lifestyle that defines Newport Beach.”

Learn More.

October 9

Laguna Niguel — Fall Flicks: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Bring a blanket and enjoy an outdoor showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas at Crown Valley Park from 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Learn More.

October 16 – 25

Laguna Beach — Live Music, Film & Performing Arts Throughout October

The 2026 Coast Film & Music Festival is back in Laguna Beach.

Join us for film screenings, concerts, workshops, talks, outdoor adventure, and special events across Laguna Beach.

Learn More.

October 3 – 11

Laguna Beach — Laguna Plein Air Painters Invitational

One of Laguna Beach’s signature arts traditions returns as artists paint throughout the city, capturing beaches, coves, hillsides and village scenes in the open air.

It’s an especially fitting October event for a city where art and coastal living are so closely connected.

Learn More.

Coastal Lifestyle Tips for October

Give Your Outdoor Spaces a Fall Refresh

October is a great time to clean up patios, balconies and outdoor entertaining areas after the summer season. Wash cushions, trim landscaping, check outdoor lighting and add a few warmer textures for cooler evenings.

Take Advantage of the Best Beach Weather

Some of South Orange County’s best beach days arrive in early fall. The water is often still relatively warm, crowds are lighter, and mornings and evenings can be especially beautiful for walking, paddling or simply enjoying the coast.

Prep Your Home Before the First Rain

Before winter weather arrives, clear gutters and drains, inspect roof areas, check exterior caulking and make sure patios and landscaping drain away from the home. Coastal properties can be especially vulnerable to water intrusion when small maintenance issues are ignored.

Refresh Your Entry for Fall

You don’t need heavy seasonal décor to make a home feel more welcoming. A new doormat, simple planters, fresh exterior lighting and a clean front door can make a noticeable difference—especially if you’re entertaining or preparing your home for sale.

Enjoy the Coast at Golden Hour

October sunsets tend to arrive earlier, making this a perfect month for an evening walk through the Harbor, along the bluffs or around your favorite coastal neighborhood. It’s also one of the best times of year for casual outdoor dining before temperatures cool further.

Check Your Home’s Exterior Lighting

With shorter days ahead, make sure pathways, stairs and entry areas are well lit. Good exterior lighting improves safety while also adding warmth and curb appeal.

Laguna Beach Village

2315 Hillview Dr

4 BD 4 BA 3682 SF $6,498,000

South Laguna Niguel

11 O Hill Ridge

7 BD 8 BA 15071 SF $11,998,000

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Garry Loss

DRE# 01419428

Realtor®

M: 949.235.3474

[email protected]