Emerald Bay: Recognized as one of the premier, independent, private communities in Orange County, Emerald Bay is located just north of Laguna Beach, California. Founded in 1929 and named after the distinctive hue of its ocean cove, Emerald Bay has evolved from a quaint vacation beach destination to an inclusive community of 524 single-family residences.
Distinct coastal promontories to the north and south, hillsides to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west naturally define boundaries to Emerald Bay. These natural barriers create a sense of intimacy and privacy. Within Emerald Bay, you will find a beautiful coastal retreat that offers relaxed, seaside living with various amenities and community activities available to all residents throughout the year.
A stunning half-mile long sandy beach between two impressive rock promontories is the community’s most important area for recreation, relaxation, exercise and appreciation of nature. Palm trees and park benches dot the grass border and walkway that meanders along the sand’s edge. There are convenient open air showers, and picnic tables, lockers, and fire rings are available on the beach. In the summer certified lifeguards staff the lifeguard towers, and buoys are placed in the ocean to separate swimmers from surfers and watercraft. The beach is cleaned meticulously on a daily basis and the quality of ocean water is kept pristine year round by diversion of runoff. The bluffs, rocks and tide pools at both ends of the beach form a scenic backdrop for all beach users.
Emerald Bay’s Victor C. Andrews Community Center was dedicated by Orange County’s Fifth District Supervisor Tom Wilson on May 30, 1998. The California Craftsman Style building nestles unobtrusively in Emerald Canyon near the main entrance to Emerald Bay. The lower floor consists of a large community room with adjoining kitchen, meeting room, architectural records and security office, tennis pro shop, and restrooms. The community room is decorated with a detailed, wall sized mural depicting Emerald Bay. A large patio adjoins the community room and is equipped with tables and umbrellas for relaxed conversation. The community room houses a piano and is used for the many community gatherings, recreation classes, open meetings of the architectural committee, and private functions. The upper floor of the Community Center is used as the business office for Emerald Bay Community Association and Emerald Bay Service District. The office staff attends to residents’ needs and conducts the EBCA and EBSD administrative, construction and recreation department business.
Tennis is a major social activity in Emerald Bay and is supported by six newly refurbished and well-maintained hard courts. Three of the courts adjoin the Community Center and tennis pro shop, two are located in secluded Emerald Canyon, and one overlooks the beach. Two tennis professionals organize active tennis programs and events, in addition to group and individual instruction for men, women, and juniors. Ball machines and a practice wall are also available. Community wide tournaments and ladies’ league matches at all levels of play attract enthusiastic players and spectators.
An outdoor pool complex located in scenic Emerald Canyon adjacent to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park comprises a heated lap pool, diving pool, children’s’ wading pool, and spa. Ladies’ and men’s’ changing rooms are available, as well as an accessible grassy area for picnics during events. There is an active swim team and swim lessons program for juniors during summer. Adults and seniors use the lap pool regularly for exercise.
Three volleyball courts are available above the tide line at main beach and are in demand throughout the year. Volleyball instruction is available from the recreation department during summer. An annual volleyball tournament is one of the best-attended social events of the year. A basketball court is situated in the community’s largest park area, Swanson Park.
Three parks and several smaller common areas are distributed throughout the community. The largest park, Swanson Park, lies adjacent to the Community Center and includes the tennis courts, basketball court, children’s playground, and restrooms. An attractive path wanders through the grassy park. The annual meeting and several community holiday events are held here. Emerald Green is another grassy park overlooking the ocean, with a single tennis court and restroom facilities. It is used for concerts in the park and other community gatherings. A third park in Emerald Canyon, with a natural bowl for musical events and picnic tables for small gatherings, completes the larger parks.
Two children’s playgrounds, one in Swanson Park and another at main beach, are in frequent use during daytime.
