Laguna Hills: Fossil History and City Life

If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Laguna Hills, you can shape your plans around local themes: fossil history, public art, city events or sports programs. These highlights differ in content and occasion, giving you a concrete guide for planning your trip.

Fossil History in Laguna Hills

Fossil history is a special highlight. Costeau Pit is an important fossil site preserved in situ beneath Costeau Park. Here, in situ means that the site is preserved in its original location beneath the park’s surface. Costeau Park was established to protect the thousands of fossils beneath the surface.

One specific historical discovery dates to 1968: bones of mammoths, saber-toothed cats and giant ground sloths, 50,000 years old, were discovered in Costeau Park. This find connects the park to a specific chapter of local fossil history, while the preservation of Costeau Pit draws attention to the site itself.

Fossil Reef Park is also part of this history. It lies in a limestone reef that is 6 miles long and 300 feet deep, and is dated to 17 million years ago. Fossils from Fossil Reef Park were prepared by the city and exhibited at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

The Community Center offers fossil exhibits and programs to the public, as well as tours of the lobby. Alongside the site preserved beneath Costeau Park, visitors can also learn about prepared finds and public educational offerings.

Art and City History

Civic Center Public Art comprises 11 artworks located throughout the Laguna Hills Civic Center. The program’s overarching theme is the early history of California. Informational panels provide visitors with background and reference information about this art program.

Events and Recreation

Laguna Hills hosts several city events throughout the year, including Movies in the Park, Concerts in the Park and Harvest in the Hills. Concerts in the Park is a recurring summer concert series. If you want to include a particular event in your trip, check the event dates in advance.

The city’s recreation programs also cater to a variety of interests. The Get-Fit program includes healthy cooking classes, open-gym basketball, karate, hip-hop yoga and after-school sports programs. Laguna Hills Skate Park is free and designed for skateboarders and roller skaters. Check the skate park’s current rules of use before visiting.

Planning an Event

If you’re planning an event at the Community Center & Sports Complex, there are fixed deadlines for reservation applications: applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the event. Reservations can be requested up to one year in advance.

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