Laguna Hills is best known for the large equestrian estate neighborhood, Nellie Gail Ranch. Laguna Hills is located roughly nine miles inland from Laguna Beach in Orange County California. If you’re interested in having an estate or being able to ride and keep your horses on your own property, then you may have found your city. It is easily accessibly by the 5, 405, and 73 freeways.
Rancho Niguel was purchased by Lewis Moulton in 1894 from Dona Juan Avila. The land was used by Moulton and his partner Jean Peidra Daguerre to raise sheep and cattle. In the 1960’s the Moulton Ranch was subdivided. A part of that is now what we know as Laguna Hills today.
The equestrian community of Nellie Gail Ranch is over 1350 acres of large estate homes and horse trails. Named after Nellie Gail Mouton, wife of Louis Moulton. Nellie Gail Ranch was chosen by Louis and his wife as their family home after they wed in 1908. There is a riding arena, horse stables, tennis court, Olympic sized pool, volley ball court, and all sorts of summer programs for kids.
There is no shortage of parks and family friendly activities in Laguna Hills. To date you’ll find sixteen public parks that include Gallup Park, Dinosaur Park, Stockport Park, Beckenham Park, Costeau Park, Veeh Ranch Park, Knotty Pine Park, Clarington Park, El Conejo Park, Hidden Trails Park, Hidden Hills Park, Marina Hills Park, Briosa Park, Hite Hill Park, Mendocino Park, and Laguna Niguel Regional Park.
Nearby schools include New Vista School, Pathway School, Cornerstone Community School, Laguna Hills High School, Lomarena Elementary School, San Joaquin Elementary School, and Valencia Elementary School.
Laguna Hills Mall has a number of restaurants to choose from including California Pizza Kitchen, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, In-N-Out Burger, King’s Fish house and Ruby’s Diner. Department Stores include JCPenney and Nordstrom Rack. Every Friday from 9am-1pm there is a Farmer’s Market at the west end of the parking lot adjacent to the main entrance.
Neighboring cities include Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Las Flores Coto De Caza and Rancho Santa Margarita.