Sample Itinerary - Day 2

Hit the Beach

The minute you arrive in the OC, the coastal breeze will have you yearning for a day at the beach.  With 42 miles of gorgeous coastline, you're in luck!  The Pacific Coast Highway (known to locals as 'the PCH') charts your route along the coast through Orange County's distinctive beach cities.

Begin your morning at Dana Point Harbor, where you can walk along the dramatic, rocky beach, explore wildlife aboard a whale-watching cruise (seasonal event) or head out on the open seas for some great fishing.

Continue north to Laguna Beach, and be sure to see the view from Heisler Park, located on a bluff that looks out over the beach and the cliffside town. Have a margarita at Las Brisas or stroll through the galleries and shops of this seaside, artists colony.

Next on your trek, stop at Little Corona del Mar beach - a great spot to see starfish, sea cucumbers and anemones in the beach's tide pools. Also, don't miss the historic Crystal Cove Shake Shack. Located on the coastal side of PCH, this famous shack is known for its delicious Date Shakes.

As you head further up the coast, you'll reach Newport Beach, the city depicted in FOX's hit television show, The OC. Walk out on the piers, bike along the boardwalk and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on the beach.  After playing in the Fun Zone, be sure to take the auto ferry across to Balboa Island, a cozy, village-like community with quaint streets and shopping.

You can't hit the beaches without experiencing Huntington Beach, dubbed Surf City USA™. Catch sight of world-class wave riders in the water and along the Surfing Walk of Fame. Main Street is lined with restaurants, bars and the best surfwear shops in the country.

End your day with a spectacular sunset at the the slightly more secluded and charming town of Seal Beach at the northern end of your coastal route.  Still haven't had enough? Check out the cool nightlife at the coast's hottest cities!