An Oceanfront Odyssey in Orange County: A Scenic Drive from Huntington Beach
About the Tour
Orange County’s sun-kissed shores and captivating stories invite explorers to linger longer, and discover the secret corners that only locals know about.
Buckle up as we cruise along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway on a driving tour from Huntington Beach (land of sun, sand and surf) to Seal Beach and, finally, Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historical landmark and cultural center. As you cruise the coastline, you’ll find out how ancient Native American legends and modern celebrities have intermingled here, creating a rich cultural tapestry.
Hungry? Savor beignets right on the beach at Crystal Cove, or indulge in succulent lobster rolls at Newport Beach. You’ll explore some of the world’s most amazing beach towns, from the artists and surfers’ haven of Laguna Beach, to Dana Point with its whale-watching magic.
Along the way, we’ll point out beachy boutiques, high-end art galleries, and other local hotspots where you’ll surely find some treasures.
So pack your shades, roll down the windows, and let the coastal breeze carry you away. On this adventure, you can look forward to:
- Cruising past Southern California’s iconic coastal gems, which have inspired surfers, celebrities, and artists alike
- Checking out the charming coastal resort community of Seal Beach, which offers stunning views of Catalina Island on clear days
- Learning about the ancient Acjachemen and Tongva tribes, the original inhabitants who shaped the region with their beliefs and way of life
- Exploring Newport’s charming islands, where the rich and famous have elegant homes, yachts, and lush gardens
- Hitting Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula, beloved by locals and tourists alike for its quaint shops and cozy cafes
- Taking in the legendary surf scene at the Wedge, where the world’s best surfers test their skills
- Following in the footsteps of roaring ’20s bootleggers’ along Mariner’s Mile, a stretch of highway that, during Prohibition, was notoriously known for its many speakeasies
- Admiring stunning landmarks from Lookout Point to the Crystal Cove Historic District, each showcasing the diversity, creativity, and innovation of this captivating region
- Taking in cliff swallows that dance around the sky as they depart from San Juan Capistrano for the winter
Prepare to be enthralled by the stories that await you, and to leave this tour with a profound appreciation for this sensational seaside paradise. The duration of the tour typically ranges from two to three hours, depending on traffic conditions, but feel free to extend your exploration over a couple of days. Remember, you possess this tour for life, which grants you full control over your adventure.
Get ready for a blend of beauty, history, and beach culture, and let the voyage commence!
Tour Producer
Tom Salazar
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Adventure Inc., the premier provider of fun and exploration in Orange County, based in Huntington Beach, California. Adventure Rentals, your ultimate destination for adventure, offers a wide array of vehicles including jeeps, e-bikes, mokes, and more, allowing you to experience the stunning coastal beauty of Orange County like never before. Established in 2019, by Orange County native, Tom Salazar, Adventure Rentals is driven by a deep appreciation for the cultural treasures, scenic landmarks, and the rich historical landscapes that adorns Orange County.
In early 2024, Tom Salazar forged an exciting partnership with Tour Freely, a leading GPS digital tour company renowned for their exceptional GPS tours across Southern California. Tour Freely developed three enchanting custom driving tours of Orange County, showcasing the breathtaking splendor and profound historical heritage of both Orange County and Southern Los Angeles. As proud partners, Adventure Inc. and Tour Freely are committed to granting customers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the striking beauty, discover the local wonders, and embrace the remarkable diversity that characterizes Orange County.
Preview Location
Location 1
Adventure Rentals Start
We begin our tour here at the parking lot adjacent to The Office of Adventure Rentals in Huntington Beach. Soon we'll get started, and head north along the coast toward Seal Beach, where we'll turn ar... Read More
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Major Landmarks
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The Wedge
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Corona Del Mar State Beach Park
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Frank and Joan Randall Preserve
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Huntington State Beach
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Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District
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Bolsa Chica Conservancy
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Huntington Harbour Yacht Club
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Water Tower House
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Sunset Beach
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Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
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Formerly Crawford Field (Seal Beach Airport)1917- 1943
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Electric Avenue
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Seal Beach Municipal Pier
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Dana Point Lantern District Sign
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
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Treasure Island Beach
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Laguna Beach
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Laguna Art Museum
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Crystal Cove State Park
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Pelican Hill
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Newport Coast
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Balboa Island
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Lookout Point
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Mariners Mile Pet Clinic
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Lido Marina Village
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Newport Beach Balboa Pier
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Newport Beach Pier
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location220 Walnut Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA -
Total distance89km -
Final location31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA -
Distance back to start location36km
Directions to Starting Point
We begin our tour in the parking lot adjacent to the Adventure Rentals store in Huntington Beach, located at 220 Walnut Avenue (zip code - 92648).
We will head north along the coast toward Seal Beach, where we'll turn around and head south, ending our tour in San Juan Capistrano, a California historical landmark. This tour is taken while driving in your car, along the breathtaking Orange County coastline.
Tips
Places to stop along the way
On the tour, we will point out several amazing places to stop along the way, such as the Balboa and Newport Beach piers, the Balboa Pavilion and Balboa Island. If you get hungry, there are many casual eateries to stop at along the way. We will point out several restaurants on the tour route – such as stopping for fresh lobster rolls and lobster fries at Hook and Anchor, in Newport Beach or the historic 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar, in Laguna Beach. Also, there are always loads of Mexican food restaurants where you can enjoy a Southern California favorite, fish tacos!
Best time of day
On weekends, it's best to start early in the morning to minimize traffic. On the weekdays, you'll want to avoid the early morning and late afternoon rush hours.
Precautions
Orange County is an active and sporty region - be on the lookout for riders on bikes, scooters and skateboards.
If you want to break the tour in two parts, an approximate halfway point to stop the tour is after Balboa Peninsula, in Newport Beach. That's a good point to turn around and pick it up the next day. Also, there are lots of dining locations on the peninsula.
Remember - the tour does not expire. You have it for life!
You'll want to go the speed limit or slightly slower to abide by the law and to not miss any stories or directions.
By accessing our GPS tour, you are agreeing to release all liability. Tour at your own risk.
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