Coastal Parks Adventure: 7 Days in Orange County

Day 1: Beachfront Bliss

Orange County, California

8:00AM

Sunrise at Crystal Cove State Park

Watch the sunrise over the ocean at Crystal Cove State Park, a stunning coastal preserve.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking at Crystal Cove State Park

Embark on a scenic hike through the park's trails, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Parking Fee: $15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Beachcomber Cafe

Enjoy a delicious beachfront lunch at the iconic Beachcomber Cafe, known for its seafood and ocean views.
$25 per person, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Corona del Mar State Beach

Unwind and soak up the sun at Corona del Mar State Beach, a picturesque spot for relaxation and beach activities.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Balboa Peninsula

Take a leisurely stroll along the Balboa Peninsula, known for its charming shops, waterfront attractions, and sunset views.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Dock

Savor a seafood dinner at The Dock, a waterfront restaurant with a relaxed ambiance and fresh, coastal cuisine.
$40 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Wetland Wonders

Orange County, California

9:00AM

Birdwatching at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Discover a variety of bird species and other wildlife at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Brunch at Pacific Hideaway

Indulge in a coastal-inspired brunch at Pacific Hideaway, featuring fresh, local ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Kayaking at Huntington Harbour

Embark on a kayaking adventure in the calm waters of Huntington Harbour, offering scenic views and a chance to spot marine life.
$40 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center

Explore the exhibits and learn about the ecological significance of the Upper Newport Bay at the Muth Interpretive Center.
Donation-based entry, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Watertable

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner experience at Watertable, featuring a diverse menu and a cozy coastal ambiance.
$45 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cliffside Escapade

Orange County, California

8:30AM

Morning Yoga at Crescent Bay Point Park

Start the day with a rejuvenating yoga session overlooking the ocean at Crescent Bay Point Park.
Donation-based class, 1 hour

10:00AM

Exploring Heisler Park

Stroll through the scenic trails of Heisler Park, known for its stunning ocean views, gardens, and public art installations.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cliff Restaurant

Indulge in a seaside lunch at The Cliff Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the coastline and a diverse menu of fresh cuisine.
$35 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Exploring Crystal Cove Historic District

Step back in time and wander through the historic cottages and scenic trails of Crystal Cove Historic District, a preserved coastal village.
Parking Fee: $15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Inspiration Point

Witness a breathtaking sunset at Inspiration Point, a popular lookout offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Splashes Restaurant

Dine at Splashes Restaurant, a fine dining establishment known for its oceanfront location and exquisite seafood dishes.
$50 per person, 2 hours
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Day 4: Riverside Retreat

Orange County, California

9:00AM

Explore Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park

Spend the morning exploring the serene landscapes and walking trails of Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park, offering a peaceful riverside retreat.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Brunch at The Riverside

Enjoy a delightful brunch by the riverside at The Riverside, featuring a diverse menu and a relaxing outdoor setting.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Picnic at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

Have a leisurely picnic amidst the natural beauty of Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, with picturesque views of the San Gabriel River.
Park Entry Fee: $6, 2 hours

4:00PM

Boating at Puddingstone Reservoir

Embark on a boating excursion at Puddingstone Reservoir, offering opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
$20 per person, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse on the Bay

Enjoy a waterfront dinner at The Boathouse on the Bay, known for its scenic marina views and delectable seafood dishes.
$40 per person, 2 hours
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Day 5: Coastal Canyon Exploration

Orange County, California

9:30AM

Hiking at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Embark on a scenic hiking adventure through the coastal canyons and oak woodland of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
Parking Fee: $3, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Canyon Restaurant

Recharge with a hearty lunch at Canyon Restaurant, offering a menu of delicious dishes amidst a tranquil canyon setting.
$35 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nix Nature Center

Explore the Nix Nature Center, where you can learn about the local flora, fauna, and natural history of the park through interactive exhibits.
Donation-based entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Beach Time at Laguna Beach

Spend a relaxing evening at Laguna Beach, known for its artistic community, tide pools, and stunning coastal scenery.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Driftwood Kitchen

Indulge in a seafood dinner at Driftwood Kitchen, offering oceanfront dining and a sophisticated coastal atmosphere.
$50 per person, 2 hours
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Day 6: Sunset Spectacle

Orange County, California

4:00PM

Visit Dana Point Harbor

Explore the charming Dana Point Harbor, featuring shops, waterfront dining, and stunning views of the marina and coastline.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Sunset Cruise

Embark on a memorable sunset cruise along the coast, offering panoramic views of the ocean and potential sightings of marine wildlife.
$60 per person, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Chart House

Enjoy a waterfront dinner at Chart House, known for its seafood specialties and unrivaled views of the harbor at night.
$55 per person, 2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell to the Coast

Orange County, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ruby's Diner

Enjoy a classic American breakfast at Ruby's Diner, a retro-style eatery with a fun, beachy atmosphere.
$20 per person, 1 hour

11:00AM

Farewell Beach Time at Newport Beach

Savor the final moments by the beach at Newport Beach, taking in the sun, sand, and ocean breeze.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe

Enjoy a farewell lunch with panoramic bay views at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe, offering a diverse menu and a relaxing ambiance.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping at Fashion Island

Explore the upscale shops and boutiques at Fashion Island, a premier shopping destination with coastal-inspired architecture.
Depends on shopping, 2 hours
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