The latest from our Heart and Soul
If you’re heading to Orange County, California, you’ll probably want to spend some time soaking up some sun on the beach. Orange County has 42 miles of coastline containing some amazing beach destinations. Here are a few of my picks.
Newport Beach in Orange County is a truly beautiful place to visit. With ocean, sand, mountains and near perfect weather, who could ask for more? Newport is the setting for the popular TV series The OC (checkout this PDF map that covers some of the locations used in the show) as well as Arrested Development. If you look close you might recognize a few local shots.
Love to shop? Then you will love Fashion Island. This large, spacious outdoor shopping area has something for everyone, including Bloomindales, Nordstrom, Kenneth Cole and Anthropologie, just to name a few. If all that shopping makes you hungry, stop at The Cheesecake Factory or grab a coffee at Starbucks.
If you are looking for an amazing meal, visit The Cannery. The food, the view and the décor are something not to be missed.
While in Newport Beach a must-do is the Duffy Boat Tours, electric boats you can rent to tour the harbour. While out I saw John Wayne’s boat, a Canadian Mine Sweeper, which can be rented for events.
Another site to see when touring the harbour are sea lions, both in the water and on the boats. These sneaky guys somehow manage to board boats in order to grab a little rest and sun; however, due to their size, they can in fact sink a boat. I ran into one such person who had their docked boat sunk three times. Some boat owners line their boats with the strangest configurations of orange fencing and/or furniture to try and keep them off.
Ever ridden a Segway? You will love it. The Balboa Peninsula Tour is a wonderful way to see the sites. It will take you around the Balboa Pier area and along the famous Boardwalk. There is something to see everywhere you look – the beachfront homes, the famous surfing spot the “Wedge”. Did I mention the great views of the Pacific Ocean?
Laguna Beach is the second oldest city in Orange County and it has some of the most picturesque beaches in Southern. This seaside community is home to many famous artists and their galleries, not to mention some wonderful restaurants. Speaking of restaurants – Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer is a great place to stop. Whether you are looking for a big meal or some yummy appetizers – you will find it here. The kids menu has something for even the pickiest eaters.
Something you might not know about Laguna Beach is that it is home to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, a non-profit rescue centre for injured, orphaned or sick sea mammals. Unfortunately it is never without guests. The animals stay with the centre as long as needed and the volunteers interact with them only on an “as-needed” basis. This ensures that when they are released back into the wild they will survive. A great place to visit, for sure!
Is surfing in your blood? Huntington Beach is the place for you! Known as Surf City USA, the beaches have some of the best waves in the world (see for yourself with these live beach cams). The Huntington Beach hosts the US Open of Surfing, and attracts surfers and fans from all around the world.
Why not check out the Surfing Museum? In there you will see trophies, how a surfboard is made and so much history – both local and national.
Trip made possible through Air Canada, John Wayne airport, Anaheim Orange County Convention and Visitor Bureau and Disney Parks (Canada).
