The South Coast and Catalina Island Travel Guide
- Overview
- Places to Explore
- Sights
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Travel Tips
- Features
- Fodor's Choice
- Deals
- Guidebooks
Guidebooks
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Fodor's Northern California 2013
Trade Paperback
Photo: John Connell/Courtesy of the Newport Beach CVB
With its tropical flowers and palm trees, the stretch of coast between Seal Beach and San Clemente is often called the California Riviera. Sure, few of the citrus groves that gave Orange County (OC) its name remain, and this region—south and east of Los Angeles—is now ruled by affluent subdivisions, high-tech businesses, theme parks, and shopping malls. But Orange County is still bucolic and refined enough to hold lots of appeal to both outdoor enthusiasts and culture vultures alike.
The South Coast and Catalina Island Hotels
Along the coast there's been a flurry of luxury resort openings in recent years; Laguna's Montage elevated expectations and was followed by the renovation...read more
The South Coast and Catalina Island Restaurants
Much like L.A., restaurants in Orange County are generally casual, and you'll rarely see men in jackets and ties. However, at top resort hotel dining rooms...read more
Things To Do in The South Coast and Catalina Island
Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.
Travel Deals in The South Coast and Catalina Island
- $129* & up -- Premium Economy in Summer to LA, One Way Virgin America
- $116 & up -- Anaheim Hotels near Disney, Save 40% BookIt.com
- $72-$96 -- Anaheim Hotel near Disney w/Breakfast, $100 Off BookIt.com
- $88 -- SeaWorld San Diego: 7-Day Pass, Save up to 85% SeaWorld San Diego
- $189 -- 4-Star Hotel in Downtown L.A., Save 45% — $189 Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel
The South Coast and Catalina Island Experiences
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Catalina Island: Just a short hydrofoil away, Catalina Island feels a thousand miles away from the rest of the state of California. Wander around... Read more
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Water sports rule the coast of Orange County. Those inexperienced at riding the waves along the coastline can get a feel for the waves by riding... Read more
News & Features
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Travel Tips
Check out Corona del Mar for surf and sun away from Los Angeles crowds.... Read more
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Travel Tips
Two colorful reefs (and the fact that it's off-limits to boats) make Corona del Mar State Beach grea... Read more
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· Forums Trip Reports
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Visiting California from Atlanta, I planned an outing for my friend and I, her two kids (11 and 13) and my three kids (12,9,6)
Ferry over Friday morning from Dana Point was a bit rocky but fun.
We arrived Read more -
What better way to spend Memorial Day 2013 than head down to the California Science Center in Los Angeles to check out the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Read more
·California Forum
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we will be disembarking in Los Angeles from a cruise in January. Read more




