Huntington Beach is the backdrop for a long stretch of the Pacific Ocean. This laidback city has numerous restaurants to please any palate and charming shopping centers. Your entire Orange county vacation will be filled with adventure and thrill. Downtown is a hub of activities. The Huntington Beach Pier cuts a path across the sand with Ruby's Diner at the end, where large windows and two stories give diners a spectacular view of the ocean. The bike path runs for miles along the beach, and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands is a terrific place to take a walk and learn about wetland ecology.
Huntington Beach is also known for being very pet friendly with a dog beach, and Huntington Beach Central Park that has a restaurant with all outdoor seating, water bowls and special doggie treats.
Further south are the cities of Irvine, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano. The Irvine Spectrum is a large outdoor mall with clothing stores, specialty shops, and IMAX and regular theaters. You will definitely enjoy foods in your Orange county vacation. There are plenty of food alternatives for family dining, and adults will enjoy The Yard House, an upscale eatery with rock music and over a hundred different imported ales and specialty lagers to choose from. Dana Point is a great place to take a casual stroll along boardwalks while watching small boats as they enter and exit the harbor. Dolphin tours depart from the harbor and there are numerous restaurants with views of the harbor. The Ocean Institute gives visitors an up close view of ocean animals, and the tidal pools are both educational and fun for everyone. San Juan Capistrano Mission is a Historical Landmark that is truly worth seeing. Visitors can learn the rich history of the mission and the local area with an audio tour for kids and adult, guided tours or with a private Docent.
Balboa Island has something for everyone. A short ferry ride transport people and vehicles to sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and world famous frozen bananas. Kids will love the arcade and couples will love the quiet, romantic stroll along some of the most beautiful real-estate in California. Laguna Niguel sits quietly along the California coastline. Art is bountiful with museums, galleries and the Laguna Playhouse. The Sawdust Festival showcases local artists and Heisler Park is a photographer's dream spot. Day or night, casual or formal, there is always a great Orange county attractions experience waiting for people who love beautiful beaches and lots of sunshine.
Martin Wynn
