Huntington Beach offers a fantastic base for enjoying the Southern California lifestyle, with its endless beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant surf culture. While there's plenty to do in town, its central Orange County location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring many other exciting destinations. Southern California is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and unique attractions, from charming coastal towns to bustling urban centers and serene natural preserves. Venturing out for a day trip allows you to experience different facets of this dynamic region, adding new memories and adventures to your California experience.
Let's explore some of the best excursions you can take.
Newport Beach and Balboa Island (9 miles)
Just a short drive south of Huntington Beach lies Newport Beach, a city synonymous with luxury yachts, pristine harbors, and sophisticated coastal living. It contrasts distinctly with Huntington Beach's surf-centric vibe, focusing on refined leisure and exquisite dining.
A highlight of a Newport Beach day trip is visiting Balboa Island, a charming, artificial island accessible by bridge or a short ferry ride. Here, you can stroll along the perimeter boardwalk, browse unique shops, and enjoy iconic frozen treats like the Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana. You can also rent Duffy boats to cruise the harbor, offering a leisurely way to admire the impressive waterfront homes and yachts.
A highlight of a Newport Beach day trip is visiting Balboa Island, a charming, artificial island accessible by bridge or a short ferry ride. Here, you can stroll along the perimeter boardwalk, browse unique shops, and enjoy iconic frozen treats like the Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana. You can also rent Duffy boats to cruise the harbor, offering a leisurely way to admire the impressive waterfront homes and yachts.
Crystal Cove State Park (11 miles)
Crystal Cove State Park, located south of Laguna Beach, offers a remarkably preserved slice of undeveloped California coastline, providing a refreshing escape into nature. It features rugged bluffs, sandy beaches, tide pools, and an offshore underwater park, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
A unique feature is the Crystal Cove Historic District, a collection of rustic, vintage cottages dating back to the 1930s and 40s, available for overnight stays (though reservations are highly competitive). Visitors can explore tide pools at low tide, hike trails along the bluffs, or simply relax on the uncrowded beaches. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era of coastal California and provides excellent opportunities for observing marine life and enjoying pristine natural beauty.
A unique feature is the Crystal Cove Historic District, a collection of rustic, vintage cottages dating back to the 1930s and 40s, available for overnight stays (though reservations are highly competitive). Visitors can explore tide pools at low tide, hike trails along the bluffs, or simply relax on the uncrowded beaches. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era of coastal California and provides excellent opportunities for observing marine life and enjoying pristine natural beauty.
Laguna Beach (15 miles)
Continuing south along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, you will discover Laguna Beach, a renowned arts community celebrated for its picturesque coves, tide pools, and vibrant artistic spirit. This city offers a more bohemian and artsy atmosphere compared to its Orange County neighbors.
Laguna Beach boasts numerous art galleries, often showcasing local and regional talent, and hosts famous art festivals like the Pageant of the Masters during the summer. Beyond art, you can explore beautiful coves like Heisler Park for tide pooling at low tide, or simply relax on its intimate sandy beaches. The rugged coastline and clear waters make it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
Laguna Beach boasts numerous art galleries, often showcasing local and regional talent, and hosts famous art festivals like the Pageant of the Masters during the summer. Beyond art, you can explore beautiful coves like Heisler Park for tide pooling at low tide, or simply relax on its intimate sandy beaches. The rugged coastline and clear waters make it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
Long Beach (15 miles)
Heading north from Huntington Beach, the city of Long Beach offers a diverse urban experience with a notable waterfront, historic attractions, and a lively downtown. It provides a different coastal vibe, blending maritime history with a modern city feel.
A primary attraction is the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner permanently docked and open for tours. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era of transatlantic travel. The Aquarium of the Pacific is another major draw, showcasing marine life from the Pacific Ocean in impressive exhibits. You can also explore Shoreline Village, a quaint shopping and dining area with harbor views, or visit the bustling downtown arts district.
A primary attraction is the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner permanently docked and open for tours. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era of transatlantic travel. The Aquarium of the Pacific is another major draw, showcasing marine life from the Pacific Ocean in impressive exhibits. You can also explore Shoreline Village, a quaint shopping and dining area with harbor views, or visit the bustling downtown arts district.
Disneyland Park, Anaheim (20 miles)
For those seeking a day filled with enchantment and classic amusement park thrills, Disneyland Park in Anaheim is an iconic destination just a short drive inland from Huntington Beach. It's the original Disney theme park, filled with beloved characters, classic attractions, and dazzling parades.
A Disneyland visit allows you to enter a world of fantasy and adventure, from exploring Sleeping Beauty Castle to riding Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion. The park offers immersive themed lands, live entertainment, and fireworks displays that cap off the day. It provides a magical escape for visitors of all ages, making it a perennial favorite for day trips from Huntington Beach CA.
A Disneyland visit allows you to enter a world of fantasy and adventure, from exploring Sleeping Beauty Castle to riding Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion. The park offers immersive themed lands, live entertainment, and fireworks displays that cap off the day. It provides a magical escape for visitors of all ages, making it a perennial favorite for day trips from Huntington Beach CA.
San Juan Capistrano (27 miles)
San Juan Capistrano is a charming city known for its rich history, beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling coastal cities, providing a sense of stepping back in time.
The city's centerpiece is the Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of California's most significant historic missions. It is renowned for its beautiful grounds, ruins of the Great Stone Church, and the legendary return of the swallows each spring. Beyond the Mission, you can explore the historic Los Rios Street, the oldest neighborhood in California, featuring quaint adobes and charming shops. The city's equestrian heritage is evident, with numerous horse ranches and riding trails.
The city's centerpiece is the Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of California's most significant historic missions. It is renowned for its beautiful grounds, ruins of the Great Stone Church, and the legendary return of the swallows each spring. Beyond the Mission, you can explore the historic Los Rios Street, the oldest neighborhood in California, featuring quaint adobes and charming shops. The city's equestrian heritage is evident, with numerous horse ranches and riding trails.
Catalina Island (30 miles by ferry)
For a truly unique coastal escape, a day trip to Catalina Island offers an island adventure just off the coast of Southern California. Ferries depart from nearby Long Beach or Newport Beach, making it an accessible, albeit slightly longer, excursion.
Once on the island, you can explore the charming town of Avalon, with its distinctive Casino building, shops, and restaurants. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, or renting a golf cart to explore the town's scenic hills. The island's rugged interior also offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Catalina Island provides a refreshing break from mainland life.
Once on the island, you can explore the charming town of Avalon, with its distinctive Casino building, shops, and restaurants. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, or renting a golf cart to explore the town's scenic hills. The island's rugged interior also offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Catalina Island provides a refreshing break from mainland life.
Balboa Park, San Diego (95 miles)
While a longer drive south, a day trip to Balboa Park in San Diego offers an unparalleled cultural experience that is well worth the journey. This immense urban cultural park is home to numerous museums, performing arts venues, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
You can spend an entire day exploring various attractions, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and the Old Globe Theatre. The park's stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens, like the Japanese Friendship Garden, provide a beautiful backdrop for your visit. It is an incredibly rich cultural destination for a full day of exploration.
You can spend an entire day exploring various attractions, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and the Old Globe Theatre. The park's stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens, like the Japanese Friendship Garden, provide a beautiful backdrop for your visit. It is an incredibly rich cultural destination for a full day of exploration.
Work with Ashley Marie for Your Real Estate Goals in Huntington Beach
If you're considering buying or selling in Huntington Beach, Ashley Marie brings the local knowledge and industry experience to guide you. A longtime Huntington Beach resident and agent with The Agency Orange County, Ashley offers more than a decade of expertise in luxury sales and business operations. Whether you're searching for a waterfront home, a downtown build, or an investment opportunity, Ashley provides white-glove service every step of the way.
Reach out to connect and take the next step in your Huntington Beach real estate journey.
Reach out to connect and take the next step in your Huntington Beach real estate journey.
