Octa's transportation blog

Free Trolleys Put the Beach (and more) Within Reach

Free Trolleys Put the Beach (and more) Within Reach 

During the summer, Orange County’s popular southern communities are packed with intriguing possibilities, but they can be difficult to access. Free summer shuttles in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente put the beach--and much more--within reach. 

Many shuttles connect to each other and to transit and Metrolink stops, making it easier to travel to great destinations without a car. These transportation services are partially funded by OC Go (also known as Measure M) which puts tax dollars to work locally. 

Some offer weekend service only, though others provide weekday and holiday service as well. Visit here for an overview of each city’s offering (shuttles are also known as trolleys), including schedules and connections.  

Summer Trolley Highlights 

Dana Point 

Connects with neighboring cities in Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Along its route, the Dana Point Trolley stops at popular restaurants, shops, state parks, the library, popular surfing spots, beaches, hotels and the Dana Point Harbor, where it connects with the Harbor Shuttle for those visiting the Ocean Institute, home to the Brig Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point and the annual Dana Point Tall Ships Festival. 

Laguna Beach 

Follows the coastal route all the way to Dana Point. Quaint shops, restaurants, art galleries and events are some of the major attractions. 

Newport Beach/Balboa Peninsula 

Travels the peninsula to the Balboa Fun Zone with plenty of stops along the way for beach, food and fun. 

San Clemente 

Connects with locations such as the Outlets at San Clemente, Del Mar Shopping District and San Clemente Pier and the Metrolink stop at North Beach. Tip: While train service is temporarily unavailable to San Clemente, you can still enjoy the town and its trolley by taking Metrolink to San Juan Capistrano. The trolleys at San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente are linked. 

San Juan Capistrano 

Along with stops at local attractions through the city's downtown and Mission San Juan Capistrano, this trolley connects to the Dana Point Trolley Service.