Where sun, sea, sand and surf marry blissfully
It’s easy to see why life in Southern California centres on the coast. This region has been blessed with more than its fair share of sandy beaches and sublime surf. So, slap on the sun cream, slip on the sandals and head to the ocean. First port of call: Orange County.
For more than a century, the O.C. city of Huntington Beach has been carving out its reputation as a world-class surf destination. It even holds the trademarked sobriquet ‘Surf City USA’. Out of the water, there is its famous pier, ideal for a bite to eat and a spot of surfer watching. Your dog can come here too; Huntington Dog Beach sees pet pups gallivanting along the shore with their owners in tow. The fun continues after dark, when you can clink glasses and toast s’mores over a beach firepit. Holidays in Huntington Beach have something to offer for everyone.
Laguna Beach holidays promise more of Orange County’s seaside charm. The laid-back city boasts 30 secluded coves, 11 kilometres of golden coastline and one Marine Protected Area for you to explore. If you’re new to surfing, this is a great place to learn. Alternatively, test your wave-riding skills with a spot of skimboarding – a sport devised by Laguna lifeguards in the 1920s. Away from the shore, there are art festivals to visit, wilderness trails to hike and green parks to picnic in.
The final of our O.C. triumvirate is Newport Beach, where fish is the dish of the day. The seafood here is as fresh as the ocean breeze, and served with a smile by the city’s many harbour-side restaurants. For a tour with a tasty twist, hop aboard a Duffy boat to sail from eatery to eatery. For ardent surfers, The Wedge offers board-gobbling waves to ride, while Newport Bay is the perfect launch point for a whale-watching tour.
During your A&K holiday, we’ll show you the very best of Southern California’s tempting coast.