The Private Orange County Coastal Tour: The Full Experience from Palos Verdes

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This full-day private coastal tour from Palos Verdes offers a fresh take on exploring Orange County—starting with California’s oldest town and traveling north through the coast’s most charming beach cities and scenic waterfronts. With a dedicated local guide, a comfortable private vehicle, and a route designed to showcase the region’s diverse character, you’ll uncover the best of Southern California’s coastline in a single day.

Your journey begins inland in San Juan Capistrano, where you’ll enjoy a 40-minute walking stop in the Los Rios Historic District, one of California’s oldest neighborhoods. Explore the charming adobe homes, artisan shops, and serene gardens surrounding the Mission Basilica—a peaceful, culturally rich way to ground the day.

From there, descend toward the water for a scenic drive past Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, and the dramatic Headlands, where your guide shares stories of maritime history and ocean conservation. Continue along the bluffs into Laguna Beach, where you’ll enjoy a 1-hour lunch break (not included) surrounded by art galleries, oceanfront parks, and sandy coves like Crescent Bay or Thousand Steps Beach.

After lunch, take in the views from Heisler Park, a clifftop promenade known for public art and panoramic ocean vistas. Then pass the preserved shoreline of Crystal Cove, a stretch of undeveloped coast framed by rustic beach cottages and rugged natural beauty. The tour continues through Corona del Mar, known for its dramatic cliffs and golden coves.

Next, stop for 30 minutes on Balboa Island, where you’ll stroll down Marine Avenue, sample a classic frozen banana, and enjoy harbor views from the island’s edge. Then your guide takes you through Newport Beach and into Huntington Beach, the final stop of the day. Here, you’ll have 40 minutes to explore Main Street, Pacific City, and the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, soaking in classic SoCal surf culture.

As the tour wraps up, enjoy a final narrated stretch through the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and past the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, learning about coastal ecology and military history before returning to Palos Verdes in the early evening.

With a route that moves from historic roots to beach-town energy, this tour is your coastal California story in one unforgettable day.

Not planning to visit San Diego or Temecula, but still interested in those destinations?

We offer Temecula wine tours both in Temecula and from Orange County, so you can enjoy wine country without the overnight stay.

We also provide San Diego tours starting in San Diego or from South Orange County, perfect for guests who want to explore La Jolla, Coronado, or the Gaslamp Quarter without the hassle of driving.

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• Private pickup and drop-off from your hotel, vacation rental, or custom location in Palos Verdes
• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle reserved exclusively for your group
• Entertaining live narration from a knowledgeable local guide
• Photo opportunities at coastal destinations including San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach, Balboa Island, and Huntington Beach Pier
• Scenic drive-throughs of Dana Point, Heisler Park, Crystal Cove, Corona del Mar, Seal Beach, and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands
• Free time at four key stops:
• Complimentary bottled water and light snacks onboard the vehicle

• Lunch (available for purchase in Laguna Beach)
• Gratuities for your guide and driver (optional but appreciated)