Orange County has world-famous beaches that are as close as your local bus route. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to head over to the sand and surf. For a truly relaxing day, leave the car home and take the bus. It’s an affordable and hassle-free way to enjoy the beach while avoiding traffic and parking fees.
For riders 18 and younger, the Summer Bus Pass makes these destinations easily accessible for only 65 cents a day.
San Clemente – Routes 1 and 191
San Clemente is a top surfing destination and a great place to watch surfers take on the waves. The pier, seaside shops and restaurants, fire pits and a museum are all nearby. The downtown area, which features more places to shop and eat, is only a short walk away. View upcoming events here.
Dana Point – Routes 1, 85, 90 and 187
There is plenty to do in Dana Point, from relaxing on the sand of Doheny Beach to exploring the harbor area. Stop by the Ocean Institute (get a discount with a bus pass) to learn about marine science, or tour a tall ship. Whale watching is available to bus riders at a discount. Lastly, the area has dozens of shops and restaurants, many of which have a view of the boats in the harbor.
Laguna Beach – Routes 1 and 89
For more than 100 years, tourists and locals alike have flocked to Laguna Beach for its many beaches, museums, wilderness parks and more. Shop at dozens of boutiques in the downtown area, and dine at one of many restaurants. There is also a large art festival that begins in July. View upcoming events here.
Newport Beach/Balboa Island – Route 71
The Balboa Peninsula is a three-mile stretch of land with a harbor on one side and broad beaches on the other. Home to the first-ever Ruby's Diner, located on the edge of the pier with rooftop dining options, the area also features a vast shoreline and dozens of shops and restaurants. Other activities include whale watching (get a discount with a bus pass), a museum, arcades and even an 80-year-old Ferris wheel. View upcoming events here.
Huntington Beach – Routes 1, 25, 29, 172 and 173
Dubbed “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach is another top destination. Each year, it hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing, the largest surfing competition in the world. Not surprisingly, Huntington Beach is home to the International Surfing Museum. The city offers a lot more than surfing, such as a pier, miles of sandy beaches, plenty of shopping and dining options, and more. View upcoming events here.
Sunset Beach – Route 72
Sunset Beach, one of the widest beaches in southern California, is perfect for a relaxing day on the sand. Enjoy views of the Long Beach skyline and a 14-acre park that runs parallel to the sand. The area is popular for windsurfing, and is home to annual community activities including art festival and a mile-long garage sale. This is mostly a beachside community but there are restaurants and shops nearby.
Seal Beach – Route 42
For a beach experience that encompasses a wide variety of activities that are perfect for all ages, Seal Beach is a great choice. There are more than 50 seaside shops and restaurants to explore. Seal Beach also offers summer concerts, a Red Car Museum, art galleries and more. View upcoming events here.
These beaches are easily accessible on the bus, and there are plenty of nearby destinations that offer discounts to bus riders.