The South Coast and Catalina Island: Places to Explore

Just 22 mi out from the L.A. coastline, across from Newport Beach and Long Beach, Catalina has virtually unspoiled mountains, canyons, coves, and beaches; best of all, it gives you a glimpse of what undeveloped... Read more

A small jewel on the Pacific Coast, Corona del Mar (known by locals as "CDM") has exceptional beaches that some say resemble their majestic Northern California counterparts. South of CDM is an area referred... Read more

Dana Point's claim to fame is its small-boat marina tucked into a dramatic natural harbor and surrounded by high bluffs.... Read more

Once a sleepy residential town with little more than a string of rugged surf shops, Huntington Beach has transformed itself into a resort destination. The town's appeal is its broad white-sand beaches... Read more

Even the approach tells you that Laguna Beach is exceptional. Driving in along Laguna Canyon Road from the I-405 freeway gives you the chance to cruise through a gorgeous coastal canyon, large stretches... Read more

Newport Beach has evolved from a simple seaside village to an icon of chic coastal living. Its ritzy reputation comes from megayachts bobbing in the harbor, boutiques that rival those in Beverly Hills... Read more

San Juan Capistrano is best known for its historic mission, where the swallows traditionally return each year, migrating from their winter haven in Argentina, but these days they are more likely to choose... Read more

Ethnically diverse Santa Ana is the region's largest city and the governmental hub of Orange County (the county's administrative offices and courts are here). It adjoins Costa Mesa, the OC's cultural epicenter... Read more