Trust a local and take a coastal drive down Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and stop at one (or all) of Sarah's 7 top picks to bask in the Southern California sunshine.
7. Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA- This protected beach with a rich history is unique thanks to the 3.2 miles of State Park that has been renovated to include a visitors center for tourist information, dining areas along the beachfront, cultural center, museums and the Park and Marine Research Facility. You will have to pay for parking and do a good amount of walking or take the shuttle. Many locals come to Crystal Cove for a weekend hike or bike ride. The "Crystal Cove Historic District" brags 46 restored beach cottages from the 1920s-30s now available for rent. Do yourself a favor and make reservations at The Beachcomber restaurant that has its historical roots dating back to the 1940s. Residents back then would salute the raising of Doc's Martini flag as Doc Shearer played reveille on his trumpet. That historic moment is re-created every day at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, by the Beachcomber Restaurant to signal the official start of cocktail hour and the serving of Martinis. If you are looking for a less expensive option, stop into the Ruby's Shake Shack on top of the hill with the best overlook seating.
6. Shaw's Cove, Laguna Beach, CA- Easily recognizable by the Hammock shaped palm trees atop the "Twin Points" hill separating Shaw's Cove from Crescent Bay. From PCH, turn into the beachfront neighborhoods between Cliff and Wave streets. Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't believe in paying for beach parking, so I love that there are no meters here. This spot is busy in the summertime and is popular for families with children, but is much more peaceful around sunset or in the off-season. Here you can explore tide pools and poke sea anemones, but it is illegal to take anything you didn't bring with you.
5. Main Beach, Laguna Beach, CA- Welcome to this iconic artist's mecca. You won't get away with free parking here, in fact your best bet is to take the free trolly that runs through the city to avoid traffic as it can be intimidating on the narrow roads with lots of pedestrians if you're unfamiliar with the area. This is a busy place as there is so much to do and see in this premier coastal destination. Take a stroll through downtown and shop in the overpriced, but oh so cute, boutiques or check out the pick up games of basketball or beach volleyball occurring. There are coffee shops and restaurants galore to choose from. "Urth Cafe"is fairly new, but a favorite of mine (especially for their desserts).
4. Table rock Beach, Laguna Beach, CA- Go ahead and skip your cardio workout today.The stairs that lead down to this beach aren't for the lazy, but once you get to the bottom of the wooden staircase, you'll feel as though you've discovered paradise. This one could be hard to find if you're unfamiliar with the area, but start by finding free parking in a neighborhood near the PCH/Eagle Rock cross streets. Tip: there are no public restrooms at or near this beach. Grab a quick lunch at "Papa's tacos" you want to eat like a local.
3. Treasure Island, Laguna Beach, CA- Can't afford to stay at the Montage? Not many of us can, but we can all take advantage of the same stunning beaches their guests do. Pay a meter and park on PCH near the entrance to the Montage or in the structure off Aliso Dr. near treasure Island Park. and walk past the gorgeous villas in a park lined with palm trees, aloe vera plants, and birds of paradise down to the Pacific Ocean. The signs will tell you not to climb the giant Goff Island rock, but if you disregard the warning, I won't tell and you won't regret the views. You'll find tide pools to explore and an element of solitude and peacefulness as the waves display their power and crash against each other.
2. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, CA- So I may be bias because this is my home city, but this is a place to see. With many vantage points such as Heritage Park, Lantern Bay Park, Dana Cove Park, and Ken Sampson Overlook Park, the views are anything but lackluster. Free parking isn't hard to come by and everything here is within walking distance! Go for a morning stroll over to "Coffee Importers" for some breakfast and coffee, then head over to Doheny State Beach to get your tan on with the surfers or rent a kayak or stand up paddle board at Baby beach tucked behind the marina where the waves are blocked off, then hit up any one of the great restaurants or bars in the evening conveniently located in the harbor. If you have children, stop into the Ocean Institute where the Dana Point Harbor Road dead ends. Doheny even welcomes campers if thats your thing.
1. San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, CA- Grab a Bonzai Bowl and follow the signs to the pier through the downtown streets of El Camino Real and Del Mar. As you drive through this quaint Spanish-style village, you'll appreciate the architecture that has held its character since it was one of the first "master-planned" communities in Southern California in the 1920s. If time permits, check out Casa Romantica, once the home of the cities founder (Hanson), but now a cultural center and gardens. Once you make your way down to the pier and cross the train tracks, enjoy views of shimmering waves, talented surfers, and people watching galore. Tip: Traffic enforcement here is not shy to place a ticket on your windshield for illegal/ unpaid parking, so be sure to keep up on your meter or pay station. Feel like taking a stroll? You've selected the right spot as San Clemente offers a 2.3 mile beach trail connecting North Beach to Calafia...You might even spot a dolphin or two along the way. Looking for a place to stay? Hands down, "The Beachcomber motel"(see photo below) is the place to be if you can get reservations in advance.
