The Breathtaking Southern California Coastal Drive From Vacation Homes Orange County

The gentle breeze blowing through your hair, the brilliant California sun warming your cheeks, a hot latte between your fingers and an endless view of the majestic Pacific Ocean your eyes can’t seem to get enough of ~ this is the impressive Orange County Coast.

Known to the world as “The OC,” Orange County offers visitors a chance to experience the ultimate Southern California lifestyle with its scenic beaches, magical themeparks and world renowned shopping malls. It’s no wonder millions of visitors flock The OC annually to immerse themselves in the real California dream.

One of the best ways to truly experience the ultimate California lifestyle is to spend a day driving along the scenic Pacific Coast. From your vacationhomesorangecounty.com, begin your day heading south on Beach Boulevard toward Pacific Coast Highway(PCH.) Your first destination, “Surf City USA” also known as Huntington Beach. Surf City is known for its miles of pristine beaches with unobstructed ocean views, ideal weather, local surfing and casual lifestyle. Park near Main street and head to the sand for some major fun. Spend a few hours soaking in the California sun, build Cinderella’s sand castle, or if you are feeling adventurous, try surfing. The 1/3 mile long Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the west coast offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and courageous surfers showing off their moves even in the cold winter months when water temperatures drop to below 65 degrees. For a quick bite, walk to the end of the pier where you will find Ruby’s Diner, offering classic burgers, fries, soda’s and views of fisherman hoping for the catch of the day.

Next, head south on PCH toward Newport Beach. Offering 10 distinct neighborhoods, Newport Beach is where leisure and style merge. One charming district, Balboa Island, offers something for everyone-restaurants, shopping, water sports, whale watching, and of course, the Fun Zone. A must in Balboa is the ferry ride that has provided scenic ferry rides since 1919 to visitors crossing between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula. Although the ferry crossing is only 800 feet, the alternate route to Balboa Peninsula increases to six miles. It’s no wonder drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike choose the ferry to reach the peninsula. Besides, for only a couple of dollars a vehicle, you get the best view of the multi-million dollar homes (We’re talking not just a couple of million, but ten, fifteen and more than twenty million dollars) lined up side by side, one more beautiful than the other.

Once you have had enough of Newport Beach and the life-style of its rich and famous(and the not so famous but super rich), continue south on PCH toward Laguna Beach with a “must stop” along the way at Ruby’s Shake Shack in Crystal Cove, offering all American burgers, an array of shakes, and views of the coast money can’t buy. This is a local’s favorite that should not be missed, along with their date shake.

Continuing 5 miles south on PCH, you will reach picturesque Laguna Beach, nestled between the sparkling blue Pacific and majestic canyons and offering spectacular views, chic restaurants and hidden coves. Laguna Beach offers seven miles of soft sand and countless hidden coves to explore in. The delicious dining options are numerous, everything from Italian to seafood to casual California cuisine. Art lovers flock Laguna Beach year round for its one-of-a-kind art galleries and unique shops. With unique and unusual merchandise, the walkable village community makes shopping and dining a fun and hip experience. Skim-boarding and paddle-boarding are just a couple of favorite activities here by the locals. Whether you rent a kayak and paddle out to Seal Rock, take a wildlife and beach tour, or hop on a catamaran to see whales and dolphins, there is something for everyone in Laguna Beach. Before you leave Laguna Beach to head back to your vacationhomesornagecounty.com, a must stop for dessert is at the Gelato Paradiso, serving Italian-style gelato inconspicuously tucked away in an alley in the midst of downtown on Peppertree Lane. This is by far the next best thing to gelato outside of Italy and a favorite by the locals.

After a fun filled day experiencing the Southern California Coast, head north on Laguna Canyon Road, also known as the 133. From there, merge on to the 5 North and you are on your way back to your vacationhomesorangecounty.com.

Vacation Homes Orange County offers beautiful furnished homes for all your vacation needs directly across Disneyland. Our 4 bedroom pool homes are beautifully decorated and stocked with everything you need to make yourself at home~ just bring your clothes and toothbrush. www.vacationhomesorangecounty.com