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Quick Guide:
Blue-green
waves breaking on sandy beaches await you at Orange County
Beaches.
Starting
at the top with Huntington
Beach and ending with San
Clemente at the southern tip of Orange County get ready
to experience the Pacific coast at its best. Huntington
Beach just 16 miles from Disneyland®
Park
is known as "Surf City USA". You can catch a wave, view a
surfing event and visit a surfing
museum. Or drop a line off the pier (where fishing is
free), swim, build sand castles or sunbathe.
Forty-two
miles of beaches, marinas, wetlands, and undersea
treasures lure Californians and visitors during all seasons.
More Detail:
During
your visit we suggest a stop at nearby Bolsa
Chica Ecological Reserve, a great place to view the abundant
life of a tidal marsh, and enjoy year round bird watching
and nature hikes.
When we
think "Newport
Beach" we think islands. This beautiful destination is
home to lovely and quaint Balboa Island with
its galleries, eclectic dining opportunities and sandy beaches.
And just across Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the ocean
is Fashion Island
a premier shopping attraction with over 200 stores including
Bloomingdale’s
and Neiman Marcus. Spend your day in Newport Beach on the
sand, on a surf board or on the boardwalk enjoying this casual
and relaxing California favorite.
Laguna
Beach, where the mountains meet the sea and romantic hotels
dot the bluffs, has captivated artists, Hollywood stars and
everyone in between for over a century. Its numerous attractions
include the famed Laguna
Playhouse, prestigious art galleries, and the yearly Pageant
of the Masters. Whether you choose to lounge on the beach,
go snorkeling or head for the hills to hike (see" Tips")-
Laguna Beach will have you planning your next visit even before
you leave.
Dana
Point has a personality all its own. We like to visit
the marina and ogle the yachts as they slide gracefully out
of the harbor. Then visit the shops and perhaps sample the
catch of the day at long-time favorite Harbor Grill. If your
travels find you in the area between December and April don’t
miss the chance to join a whale watching expedition. Excursions
depart from Dana
Pt. harbor to the open sea where you will get close up
views of these gentle giants as they journey from Alaska to
Baja California (see Tip).
Another
favorite southern California attraction is Catalina
Island (see Tip). Cruises depart year round from Dana
Pt. to the beautiful and romantic island that lies "…twenty-six
miles across the sea".
San
Clemente has plenty to please all ages. This beach town,
tucked into a corner of Orange County, retains the spirit
of quieter times with its Spanish influence and welcoming
atmosphere. We have east coast friends who still dream about
a day spent playing in the surf followed by a romantic stroll
on San Clemente Pier to watch a brilliant sunset. This is
what California is all about.
Tip:
To reach Huntington Beach
take I-5 south to the 55 Freeway which turns into Newport
Blvd. Take Newport Blvd to Pacific Coast Highway (you are
now in Newport Beach) where you will turn right and go north
approximately 10 miles along the coast to Huntington Beach.
Parking at Huntington Beach is metered in addition to pay
parking lots.
Tip:
The southern most beaches- San Clemente, Dana Pt. and Laguna
Beach can be reached off I-5 south by taking the " Beach Cities"
exit approximately 25 minutes from the Disney Resorts area.
Tip:
Go to http://www.orangecountywild.com/
or http://www.lagunacanyon.org/
for hiking opportunities near Laguna Beach.
Tip:
Call toll free 877-432-6276 for service to Catalina on the
Catalina Explorer from Dana Pt. or Long Beach.
Tip:
For Dana Pt. whale watching info go to http://www.danapointwhalewatch.com/boats.htm
or http://dolphinsafari.com/
Tip:
Dana Pt. and San Clemente visitors won’t want to miss
a visit to historic Mission
San Juan Capistrano- just a short drive away.
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