5-Day Relaxing Island Getaway

1. Day 1: Crystal Cove State Park Beach
   25 minutes (13.1 miles) from John Wayne Airport

   Relax on the pristine beach at Crystal Cove State Park. Or, take a hike in the surrounding hills for some scenic views of the coastline.

2. Day 2: Balboa Island
   20 minutes (9.3 miles) from Crystal Cove State Park Beach

   Stroll along Marine Avenue and hop from boutique to boutique, or rent a boat and cruise around the harbor. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants with waterfront views.

3. Day 3: Catalina Island
   1-hour ferry ride from Newport Beach

   Spend the day in paradise on Catalina Island! Relax on the beach, go for a leisurely hike, or take a zip line tour of the island.

4. Day 4: Dana Point Harbor
   50 minutes (42.5 miles) from Catalina Island ferry landing

   Take a whale watching tour or rent a kayak and paddle around the harbor. Visit the Ocean Institute to learn more about the local marine life.

5. Day 5: Huntington Beach
   30 minutes (18.9 miles) from Dana Point Harbor

   End your trip with a relaxing day at one of Southern California's most famous beaches. Grab a surfboard or just soak up the sun.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Crystal Cove State Park Beach (3-4 hours, free)
• Balboa Island (4-6 hours, $30 for a 1-hour boat rental)
• Catalina Island (8-10 hours, $75 for roundtrip ferry ticket)
• Dana Point Harbor (4-6 hours, $45 for whale watching tour)
• Huntington Beach (3-4 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $150

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day trip to Laguna Beach or a visit to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. If visiting in the summer, be prepared for crowded beaches and plan ahead for parking. If you have less time, skip Catalina Island and spend an extra day at one of the other locations.