Frances’s Laguna Beach Guidebook
Nature
What to do:
1) Take an 4 miles beach walk( feel free to walk as far as you like and turn back, the longest walk is 8 miles round trip), enjoy the sea breeze and SoCal sun, explore caves and tide pools, stop at the Historic District or the famous Shake Shack for a drink or snack, walk up the stairs to the paved trails along the cliff for whale and dolphin and bird watching, and breathtaking ocean view and sunset. Park parking is expensive but we know a secret street parking spot.
2) Hike on one of many Crystal Cove Park loop trails on the other side of PCH, make sure you go towards the ocean on your way back to have a memorable ocean view hike. The nearest trail head is 10 min driving from our house. Visit the upscale Crystal Cove outdoor shopping center, relax with a tuna poke or enjoy an Italian feast while the setting sun paint the sky with peaches and oranges and washes everything, including you, with a gentle, golden glow.
Quote from the park website:"One of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore. It features 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and an offshore underwater area.
The park also features the federally listed Historic District, an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930’s & 40’s and nestled around the mouth of Los Trancos Creek."
218 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Estatal Crystal Cove
8471 North Coast HighwayWhat to do:
1) Take an 4 miles beach walk( feel free to walk as far as you like and turn back, the longest walk is 8 miles round trip), enjoy the sea breeze and SoCal sun, explore caves and tide pools, stop at the Historic District or the famous Shake Shack for a drink or snack, walk up the stairs to the paved trails along the cliff for whale and dolphin and bird watching, and breathtaking ocean view and sunset. Park parking is expensive but we know a secret street parking spot.
2) Hike on one of many Crystal Cove Park loop trails on the other side of PCH, make sure you go towards the ocean on your way back to have a memorable ocean view hike. The nearest trail head is 10 min driving from our house. Visit the upscale Crystal Cove outdoor shopping center, relax with a tuna poke or enjoy an Italian feast while the setting sun paint the sky with peaches and oranges and washes everything, including you, with a gentle, golden glow.
Quote from the park website:"One of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore. It features 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and an offshore underwater area.
The park also features the federally listed Historic District, an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930’s & 40’s and nestled around the mouth of Los Trancos Creek."
Popular ocean/mountain/city view hiking/biking trail, trailhead is 5 minute from our house.
Top of the World
Popular ocean/mountain/city view hiking/biking trail, trailhead is 5 minute from our house.
Walk, run, bike, paddle, bird watch......very relaxing place with fantastic view and exceptional air quality. 20min from us taking toll road
36 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Reserva Natural Upper Newport Bay
2301 University DrWalk, run, bike, paddle, bird watch......very relaxing place with fantastic view and exceptional air quality. 20min from us taking toll road
Shopping
Gorgeous outdoor shopping center with coastal view and a Koi pond, offers a large selection of boutiques and national chains, many restaurants, a bookstore, a movie theatre, and Whole Foods. On a clear day you can see the distant Catalina Island from there. Also a very relaxing place just to sit in one of the many comfortable seatings there with a book or people watching. Free parking. 20 min driving taking toll road.
719 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Newport Center/Fashion Island
401 Newport Center DrGorgeous outdoor shopping center with coastal view and a Koi pond, offers a large selection of boutiques and national chains, many restaurants, a bookstore, a movie theatre, and Whole Foods. On a clear day you can see the distant Catalina Island from there. Also a very relaxing place just to sit in one of the many comfortable seatings there with a book or people watching. Free parking. 20 min driving taking toll road.
One of most popular Cali outdoor malls, has more than 130 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, including Improv Comedy Club and Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX. 20 min for us and free parking
554 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Irvine Spectrum Center
One of most popular Cali outdoor malls, has more than 130 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, including Improv Comedy Club and Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX. 20 min for us and free parking
Sightseeing
Hidden gem, can't be seen from the road. The scenetic path down to the beach is filled with plants and there are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the view from a height. 17 min from us, street meter parking, or park at the Montage resort next door and enjoy a drink at its lobby cafe balcony watching the sun set to the ocean.
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Treasure Island Beach
Wesley DriveHidden gem, can't be seen from the road. The scenetic path down to the beach is filled with plants and there are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the view from a height. 17 min from us, street meter parking, or park at the Montage resort next door and enjoy a drink at its lobby cafe balcony watching the sun set to the ocean.
Enjoy a scenic walk/jog in and outside the resort area. The resort is right at the beach. Meter parking outside the resort.
Ritz Carlton Drive
Ritz Carlton DriveEnjoy a scenic walk/jog in and outside the resort area. The resort is right at the beach. Meter parking outside the resort.
City/town information
Dana Point
Expect to spend a day in this harbor town.