Garie Beach

I'm planning day trips to local Southern CA beaches, what are your best tips?

I'm planning bus-walk-hike-and bike trips to local beaches from where I'm staying in Santa Ana. What are the must-see or must-do things for me to see/do when there. Especially if you're a local what are the best kept secrets/hole in the walls etc. I'm interested in ALL kinds of things, especially The different and unique, so all suggestions welcome. OR Where could I find out such info about the less run of the mill tourist things to do/see. WOW! Cheers j g!

Public Comments

1. I have a great time at the beaches in this area, here's some of my favorite places/sites: Newport Beach-A nice walk out to "the wedge" is fun- a surfing favorite,look for dolphins and in February or late fall watch for whales, a harbor cruise will let you see the homes of the stars as well as the place they filmed Gilligan's Island and the OC, the ocean is very clean there, but the waves can be rough in Newport because the peninsula juts out into the ocean. Body surf with care. Crystal Cove State Park - this is a gem and where they filmed the movie "Beaches" with Bette Middler. There are historic beach homes there, beautiful beaches and make sure to have a milk shake at the top of the stairs. I think this state park is a place most people don't stop at, but I sure enjoy it! Artists are usually painting along the beach. There is a restaurant there that is fun. I have taken many of the hikes there and you can catch a bus on the Coast Highway to get to Santa Ana. This is the last open space in the California Riviera. There are campgrounds too. Laguna Beach - another one of my favorite places! Beautiful beaches, flowers, artsy town. Eat at "The Cliff" - great clam chowder and the view of the ocean is fantastic. My daughter and son enjoy Huntington Beach. They are 20-30ish and it appeals to them. Enjoy! I am going in February when the snow gets to me and I need to see "bird of paradise" flowers and the ocean. It is such a lift. Gets me through the rest of the winter up north! I like to stay at the Newport Coast Villa's (Marriot). It is like a tuscan village, with great pools and views. I found the bus system to be very handy for getting up and down the coast, especially from where you are staying in Santa Ana. Check out the Orange County Transit Authority web site for more info. There are trains as well. Have a great vacation.
2. I live in Huntington Beach. It has 8 miles of great beach, and it is known as Surf City. Downtown is way too crowed. My friends and I always go to a less crowded spot on PCH and Warner. It's right by a Jack In The Box. HB is really pretty, especially at sunset. Hope this helped
3. Laguna Beach, Hermosa Beach, Seal Beach are all in Orange county where Santa Ana is. Check with the Chamber of Commerce or a Visitors Bureau if there are any in Orange county.