Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ORANGE COUNTY BEACHES
Orange County's 42 miles of beaches are a land of gorgeous sunsets, prime surfing, just-
off-the-boat seafood and serendipitous discoveries. Whether you're learning to surf the
waves in Seal Beach, playing Frisbee oceanside with your pooch, piloting a boat around
Newport Harbor, wandering around eclectic art displays in Laguna Beach, or spotting
whales on a cruise out of yacht-filled Dana Point harbor, you'll discover that each beach
town has its own brand of quirky charm.
CHEAP(ER) SLEEPS
In summer the OC's beach accommodations get booked out far in advance, room rates
rise, and some places require minimum two- or three-night stays. You can often save
money by staying multiple nights in one beach town and taking day trips to the others.
Otherwise, look inland to chain motels and hotels inland, closer to I-405 and I-5 Fwys.
Seal Beach
The first enclave over the LA County line is one of the last great California beach towns
and a refreshing alternative to the more crowded coast further south. Look for 1.5 miles of
pristine beach and Main St, a stoplight-free zone bustling with mom-and-pop restaurants
and indie shops that are low on 'tude and high on charisma.
Sights & Activities
Amble Main St and check out the laid-back local scene - barefoot surfers, friendly shop-
keepers and silver-haired foxes scoping the way-too-young beach bunnies. Where Main St
ends, walk out onto
Seal Beach Pier
, extending 1865ft over the ocean.
M&M Surfing School
SURFING
( 714-846-7873;
www.surfingschool.com
;
802 Ocean Ave; 3hr group lesson from $72, wetsuit/surf-
board rental $15/25;
)
Learn to surf.
