An Adventurer's Guide to Orange County, California

All of the coastal towns in Orange County have local options for learning to paddle board, surf or sea kayak. If you don’t need lessons, there are plenty of spots where you can rent equipment. After the surfing all morning, take some time to see gray whales in for the annual Alaska-Mexico migration. Whale watching runs through Late-March off the Southern California coast.

 

If you have some extra time, learn about the culture surrounding Orange County. The International Surfing Museum shows visitors the evolution of the board and surfing movies.  After the International Surfing Museum, head over to the Laguna Art Museum collection features art by Californian artists from the 19th century to present day. Installations and temporary exhibits are spread over two floors that inform visitors of local artists. 
 

If you're looking for a beach side hotel, the Shorebreak Hotel by Huntington Beach is a great place to stay. Local surf conditions are posted by the check-in desk, and the hotel even rents out surf boards to their residents. Travelers who are looking for a place closer to California theme parks should stay at the Hotel Ménage. This Anaheim hotel is right outside Disneyland. Because of its great location, residents can see Disney’s fireworks shows from the pool-side bar.