California Coast Photography
Best of The West | California Coast Top Photography Galleries For 2021
With the impeccable quality, service, selection and value that I offer through my limited edition fine art photography galleries online, it is no wonder that collectors around the world helped make 2020 my best year ever. There is no need to look anywhere else for the highest quality photographic prints available today.
That being said, the vast majority of the country is itching to get outside, after leisure travel has all but ground to a halt by the pandemic. If you are like me, or the great Willie Nelson, you just can't wait to get on the road again. Of all the roads in the world you could choose, State Route 1 along the California Coast is hard to beat. I plan to spend some quality time there myself in the near future and with those plans in mind I thought I would share my choices for the top Fine Art Photography Galleries that the California Coast has to offer.
California Love
Cruising down the coast, windows down, music playing, stopping at every little town along the way to grab a bite to eat, shop, browse art galleries, or take in a show. Doesn’t that sound like the dream?
You can accomplish absolutely all of this along the California coast, which offers not only spectacular beaches, miles of pristine coastline, and a multitude of places to eat, drink, and enjoy yourself, but it also boasts some of the best fine art photography galleries in the entire state.
As you drive down the coast, you can stop at any number of world renowned galleries, offering every type of fine art imaginable. Fine art photography is especially popular, as California has long been one of the best states in the country for outdoor enthusiasts, leading to a booming market for nature photography. After all, California is home to some of the most photographable locations in the world.
That’s why the California coast offers the unique opportunity not only to visit the best fine art galleries, but be among the views and backdrops that inspired the artists housed inside them.
There’s so much to choose from… how do you decide which galleries to visit first? There are a few that are absolute standouts; galleries you just shouldn’t miss on your next trip down the coast.
But, choosing where to go also depends on what type of experience you’re looking for -- and each beach town is different.
So, first thing’s first. Let’s take a look at everything a few of California’s coastal towns have to offer and what kind of shopping experience you can expect everywhere you go.
Laguna Beach | A California Original
Laguna Beach is a small coastal city in Orange County, California. It’s known for its many art galleries, coves and beaches. Main Beach features tide pools and a boardwalk leading to the paths and gardens of nearby Heisler Park. Aliso Beach Park is a popular surf spot. The waters off Crystal Cove State Park are designated as an underwater park. Trails meander through coastal canyons in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Laguna Beach’s history is steeped in art because it was discovered by artists. Beginning in the late 1800s, visitors and artists alike made trips to visit and paint the vivid landscape and dappled sunshine. As these artists settled here, Laguna Beach became known as an “art colony,” and is now home to more than 100 art galleries and studios to discover.
That rich history carries into the environment of Laguna Beach today, where you can feel the legacy of art as you navigate the galleries. The majority of these galleries sit right along the Coast Highway, offering easy access and beautiful shopping right along the coast.
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is perfectly situated along the coast for an easy, relaxing experience.
The Best Laguna Beach Fine Art & Photography Galleries
Marlon Holden Fine Art - 390 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The MHFA gallery provides an authentic experience for our collectors and visitors alike. It provides a foundation that transports ones self to a space that ignites the senses and inspires conversation, beckoning self-reflection on ourselves and on our greater role in the preservation of Mother Earth and her future generations.
Wyland Art Gallery - 509 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Nestled on prime beachfront property next to the landmark Laguna Beach hotel, our flagship gallery at 509 S. Coast Highway is home to Wyland’s first Whaling Wall mural, redone several years ago in stunning fire-glazed tile. This unique studio-gallery complex houses one of the world’s largest collections of limited editions and original Wyland oils, watercolors, brush art, and sculpture.
Kush Fine Art Gallery - 210A Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Kush Fine Art Laguna Beach is located in the heart of the Artist Colony on Forest Avenue. Laguna Beach is the home of the "Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters" bringing in art enthusiasts and collectors from all corners of the earth.
Transform your space with Aaron Reed's luxury fine art photography print, Into The Fire, from his Panoramic Wall Art collection. Order yours today! Fine Art Limited Edition of 100.
La Jolla by The Sea
La Jolla is a smart seaside area, known for its rugged coastline. Trails wind past pine trees and sandstone canyons in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, while the 2 courses at world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course sit atop sea cliffs. La Jolla Cove has sweeping ocean views, and the Shell Beach tide pools are home to anemones and crabs. Posh boutiques and waterfront restaurants dot walkable La Jolla Village.
Fine art is a staple of La Jolla, with art galleries full of world famous artists. The La Jolla Village Art Walk is home to a variety of locally-owned art galleries along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Shopping on Prospect Street allows visitors to experience the heart of downtown La Jolla, an epicenter of arts, culture, and shopping. La Jolla offers a boutique, luxury shopping experience for any type of visitor all in one place.
Most galleries lie right on “Gallery Row,” which also offers access to a variety of bars, shops, restaurants, and plenty of places to stroll along the streets and enjoy the ocean views.
The Best La Jolla Fine Art & Photography Galleries
Lik Fine Art - 1205 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
In the heart of La Jolla Village, this spacious fine art gallery from Master Photographer Peter Lik lies right on "Gallery Row," near plenty of bars, shops, and notoriously superb restaurants. Gleaming hardwood floors and precise stonework lay the backdrop for some of the most captivating pieces of landscape photography one could possible imagine.
Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery - 7916 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
Since opening our doors in 1991, our staff strives to provide each visitor with a memorable and relaxing journey of our natural world through Tom's extensive and inspiring collection of photographs.
Modernist Cuisine Gallery - 1241 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Modernist Cuisine Gallery’s San Diego outpost is centrally located on Prospect Street in the seaside village of La Jolla. The new 2,200-square-foot space is just a short walk from beautiful La Jolla Cove and across the street from the acclaimed restaurant George’s at the Cove.
Transform your space with Aaron Reed's luxury fine art photography print, Out To Sea, from his Panoramic Wall Art collection. Order yours today! Fine Art Limited Edition of 100.
Carmel By The Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California's Monterey Peninsula. It's known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages and galleries of its village-like center. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba entry point. South lie the sea animals and whaling museum of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Carmel by the Sea is home to more than 80 art galleries within one square mile. This mile offers a unique experience where people can visit world-class galleries while also enjoying the quaint, local charm of a bohemian-style village. Visiting Carmel by the Sea is like taking a step back in time while surrounded by modern luxury and refinement.
Carmel by the Sea offers not only a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, but the feeling of being transported to another world. If you’re someone who loves a complete shopping experience, Carmel by the Sea is the place for you.
The Best Carmel by The Sea Fine Art & Photography Galleries
Aaron Chang Ocean Art Galleries - Ocean Avenue Between Lincoln & Dolores, Carmel-by-the-Sae, CA 93921
Aaron Chang is an internationally acclaimed fine art photographer. Aaron’s work inspires collectors and fans through their shared love of the ocean, as experienced through his photography. Whether in health care facilities, businesses or in people’s homes, Aaron Chang’s mission is to bring joy to people through his art.
Zantman Art Gallery - San Carlos between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Zantman Art Gallery is located in the beautiful art haven of Carmel, CA. As Carmel's most reputable and oldest commercial gallery, Zantman's is one of the great success stories of the West Coast art scene since being established in 1959. We are celebrating over 60 years of being in business and as one of the longest running fine art galleries in America.
Gallery By The Sea Carmel - San Carlos Street Between 5th & 6th Avenues, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Owned by Michael and Elizabeth Lynberg, Gallery-by-the-Sea Carmel opened in 2013 and has become a favorite of many people whoo have fallen in the love with this remarkable part of the world.
How Do You Choose?
No matter your style, there’s likely a luxury art shopping experience along the California coast to match your taste. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or prefer a browsing experience that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, this stretch of coastal towns offers something for everyone.
Each location offers some of the best galleries in the world -- all you have to do is identify what kind of experience you’re looking for and from there, you can choose the right galleries for you.
Still Stuck In The House? Visit Aaron Reed Luxury Fine Art Galleries Now
As a family-owned and operated business you will always work with me (the artist) directly, never disconnected office staff, wholesale distributors or pushy gallery directors. I believe in offering the highest quality photographic art available in the world today, while continuously going above and beyond for collectors of my work, providing exceptional and personal customer service. Whether you are simply looking for a single showpiece to transform a room or have a grand vision to fill your home or office with the world's finest photographic art, my level of dedication to you never wavers.
Waves pulverize the living rock in Garrapata State Park, along California’s central coast. The ruddy hues of ice plant beds create an illusion of imaginary fall as evening falls across the far West. Fine Art Limited Edition of 50.
A cold evening fog caresses the sculptured cliffs along Big Sur in California. The evening light inspires a rainbow in the coastal scrub and beds of ice plant as the sun prepares to make its journey across the Pacific. Fine Art Limited Edition of 50.
A lone cypress guards the stony shores along California’s Seventeen-Mile Drive. Part of the only indigenous cypress grove in the world, its twisted visage bears witness to many seasons of chill fogs, bitter gales, and crashing waves. Fine Art Limited Edition of 50.
The weathered sculpture of a Monterey cypress stands alone on a rocky promontory at Pebble Beach, California. The last light of the evening, breaking through the narrow gap between cloud and sea, paints the tops of the farthest trees a crimson red. Fine Art Limited Edition of 50.
