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There’s more to CA’s iconic beaches. Here’s what else you can do off our coast
Humpback whale seen during Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point.
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Craig DeWitt
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Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari
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Los Angeles is known for its bustling city landscape and even the beaches, but don’t miss out on what our coast has to offer. Here are a few ways to enjoy what’s beyond the sand.
Whale watching
Set sail to see whales, dolphins and more on a whale watching cruise. Harbor Breeze Cruises is just off the coast of Long Beach and the Los Angeles Harbor. Tours run throughout the day and start at $30 or $45 per person. Another option, Newport Whales, is further south in Orange County. Prices for those tours range from $38 to $84.50 per person. Good news, whale watching season never ends, so there’s always something to see.
People wanting to get out on the ocean can give sportsfishing a try
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Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Los Angeles Times
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Sports fishing
For a little more action, give sports fishing a try. Marina del Rey Sportsfishing offers 4.5-hour and 7-hour fishing trips every day. You can rent a tackle kit, which includes a rod and reel. Valid fishing licenses are required for people ages 15 and up. You can get one at most local sports stores.
Learning to surf at one of L.A.'s beaches is a great way to enjoy the ocean.
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Kevin Carter/Getty Images
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Getty Images North America
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Surfing lessons
If you’ve been meaning to take up a new hobby or sport, why not give surfing a chance? L.A. has no shortage of surf spots, meaning it also has no shortage of surf schools. Down at Santa Monica Surf Tours, $185 per adult or $165 per child gets you a 5.5-hour lesson that includes gear and lunch. Malibu Makos has “Surf Saturdays” where for $99 a person, you can get a 4-hour surf instruction with gear included.
As you drive up the high peaks of Catalina Island’s rural communities, endless views of the Pacific Ocean can be seen.
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Zaydee Sanchez
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LAist
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Catalina Island
From snorkeling to submarine tours, Catalina Island has excursions for everyone to enjoy. One-way tickets from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon cost about $45. Once you land, there’s no shortage of daytime adventures, including kayaking and fly fishing. You can find more information on activities here.
The Point Vicente Lighthouse trail in Rancho Palos Verdes is a breezy 1.6 miles and a great stop for ocean views.
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Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Los Angeles Times
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Beach Hikes
Beach hikes might not count as an ocean exploration, but they can give you some of the best views of the Pacific. Here are a few (of many) coastal hikes for every skill level:
- Point Mugu Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop in Malibu - 2.6 miles
- Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu - 2.9 miles
- Los Leones Trail in the Pacific Palisades - 4.2 miles
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