Visitor Information - Sightseeing
Newport Landing Whale Watching
Location: 309 Palm Suite A, Balboa, CA 92661
Phone: (949) 675-0551
Hours:
Vary
Newport Landing Whale Watching provides year around whale watching and dolphin cruises. Visitors can view a variety of sea life, including different species of whales, including the giant blue whale and gray whale, several types of dolphins, seals and other marine life. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline, the ocean conditions are calm and comparable to a fresh water lake, which allows whale watchers to fully enjoy the amazing viewing experiences. Captains and crews have backgrounds in marine biology and are incredibly knowledgeable, providing details on marine creatures, environment and eco systems.
Dana Wharf Sport Fishing & Whale Watching
Location: 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone: (949) 496-5794
Hours:
Vary
While aboard the 63-foot Ocean Adventure catamaran is a beautiful, NEW, state-of-the-art vessel with a full-service deli-style galley. A variety of whales can be seen on each cruise, including blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Minke Whales, sharks, large pods of dolphin, sea lions, birds and other exciting marine life. Dana Wharf Sport Fishing & Whale Watching also offers ocean fishing services all year long. Its knowledgeable crew and expert skippers are always eager to help educate and instruct, if needed. The types of fish available to catch include Halibut, Barracuda, Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Bonito and even Tuna. If you do not have fishing gear, Dana Wharf has rods and reels for rent. Different types of fishing trips includes 3/4 day, half day, twilight, all day and overnight fishing.
Beaches
Doheny State Beach:
Located approximately 15 miles south of the 405 and 5 interchange, Doheny State Beach is a great place for surfing and sunbathing. The shoreline is lightly peppered with small rocks brought in by waves from the west. There is a snack bar and bike rental shop on the beach.
Laguna Beach:
Located between Dana Point and Newport, Laguna Beach is known for its pristine white sand and beautiful rock formations. The town sits close to the water so guests can view the ocean while shopping and eating nearby. Laguna has many sidewalk restaurants and eating areas with an ocean view. Laguna Beach is also known for The Festival of Arts, a one-of-a-kind art show experience that takes place each summer.
Malibu State Beach:
Located just north of Santa Monica off of highway 1, Malibu State Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Southern California. With white sand and calm waves, this is a sighting place for movie stars walking up and down the beach. Also known as the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, this serves as a great surfing spot with swimming areas marked off just west of the pier. The Malibu Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center can be reached at (310) 456-9025.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Location: Located at 1 Tramway Road just west of Palm Springs off of Highway 111
Phone: (760) 325-1449
Hours:
Monday - Friday, Trams start at 10 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday, Trams start at 8 a.m.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway moves along the cliffs of the Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs - about two hours by car from Los Angeles and San Diego. When taking the tram, guests can travel by gondola to the snow-capped peak of Mt. San Jacinto, 10,834 feet high. Cars depart at least every half hour and restaurants are located at the top of the mountain, as well as areas to walk around or hike.