Orange County has plenty of wonderful beaches that can be enjoyed year-round. However, with summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to head over to the sand and surf. There are plenty of bus routes that can take you there.
Here are some destinations that are sure to inspire a weekend trip! Some also offer discounts to bus riders, so be sure to show your pass.
San Clemente – Routes 1 and 191
Did you know that San Clemente is a top surfing destination for locals? Besides watching surfers take on the waves, you can enjoy the pier, seaside shops and restaurants, fire pits and a museum. Take a short walk to the downtown area, which features more places to shop and eat. 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 your bus pass!) to learn about marine science, or tour a tall ship. Go whale watching and get a discount with your bus pass. The area features 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. A large art festival 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. It's home to the first-ever Ruby's Diner, which is located on the edge of the pier with rooftop dining options. The area features a vast shoreline, dozens of shops and restaurants, whale watching (get a discount with your 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 as "Surf City USA", Huntington Beach is yet another top destination. Each year, it hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing, the largest surfing competition in the world that draws thousands. Additionally, it is home to the International Surfing Museum. However, Huntington Beach offers much more, including 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 an 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 perfect for all ages, Seal Beach is a great choice. Walk along the pier and watch the local fishermen at work. Or, explore more than 50 seaside shops and restaurants. 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. Click here to plan your trip, and don't forget to share photos with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For riders 18 and younger, don't forget to check out our Summer Bus Pass, which makes it possible to get to these destinations for only 65 cents a day.