I spent last week in theoc. What is theoc? Orange County California! Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Crystal Cove, Balboa Island, Irvine, Orange, Anaheim…so much to see and do! Shopping, beaching, whale watching, eating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a million other activities await you in Orange County. There is something for everyone.
Staying at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach was a good decision, not only did I love everything about the iconic hotel, but the location was perfect. On my first day I headed over to Balboa Island (it is walking distance from the Hyatt) and decided to either paddle board or kayak. I chose a sit on top kayak at Island Paddleboard for a specific reason. Next January I am headed to Antarctica, and there will be a lot of kayaking and walking. My spine, which is fused from L-2 through the sacrum complete with titanium rods and eight pedicle screws, does not like kayaks very much, so I have to get comfortable with kayaking prior to my trip. The sweet folks at Island Paddleboard set me up and set me loose. I wish I had seen a sea lion, but alas, they just weren’t around that day. I spent two hours paddling around the island, and enjoyed every moment of it. I did have to lie back once in a while, and switch leg positions, but all in all it went very well. I paddled against the wind for ninety minutes, so I certainly had a great workout.
The next morning I was up bright and early to go Whale Watching with Captain Dave’s Dana Point Whale Watching. When you are in California, you have to go whale watching. I went on the early morning cruise, hoping to see the animals active. I was not disappointed. Gray Whales were in season, and these animals very rarely breach. We saw two breaches from a momma Gray Whale! There were many bottlenose and common dolphins along with sea lions and plenty of birds. The most exciting animal was a Fin Whale! Fin Whales are baleen whales, and are second in size only to the Blue Whale. They can grow up to 90 ft in length…a huge animal. It came close to the boat, but did not breach (I’m not sure it could it is so huge!). The Fin was an amazing sight.
These two days, spent in Orange County, were incredibly fun. As everyone knows by now, I love water, so two days spent on the ocean was marvelous, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I highly recommend the tour companies mentioned, and of course, the wonderful Hyatt Regency Newport Beach!
Have you ever been to Orange County, California? What activities did you enjoy?
I love visiting southern Calif. I wasn’t expecting this kind of adventure from you today, but it was way fun to read!
Carol Cassara recently posted…Don’t worry. But have an advance directive.
I love adventure in whatever form it comes!
I love Dana Point! Whale watching is so cool.
Next time you are that close my water loving friend, call!!!
I didn’t know you lived in SoCal. Where are you?
I was just asked to visit this area, and wrestling with a decision. Not any more!
Cheryl Nicholl recently posted…10 Things To NEVER Worry About If You’re A Blogger
You do not want to miss this! It has something for everyone…but go whale watching! And take Dramamine.
You got some great shots. I was there too. How fun that you got to go Kayaking. I used to live in the OC and now live in LA.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski recently posted…Savor Laguna Beach History – Art and Food
Were you at WITS?
I’ll be on a press trip soon to Morro Bay and you’ve got me super excited about whale watching now! I sure hope it’s on the itinerary!
Lovely shots.
Lisa at Grandma’s Briefs recently posted…Snow monster! Plus, GRAND Social No. 200 link party for grandparents
Surely it must be!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time in OC. Looks like fabulous whale watching. What really amazing is your active lifestyle considering your back issues. Good for you in not letting that get in the way of stopping you from all the travel, diving….. It can’t be easy. Glad you are out and about having fun and living life !!
It is not always easy….travel days are the worst.
Time for a weekend in Orange County. I shall copy your itinerary. What a blast!
Put me in the water with sunshine and I am happy!
What a beautiful place. Glad the Kayaking worked out for you! Tweeted & G+
The OC is truly magnificent! Mountain views, ocean views…what more could one ask for?
There’s so much to do in Orange County and I definitely don’t do enough there – especially considering I live only an hour away! Newport Beach is such a beautiful area.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…travel in style!
San Diego is pretty spectacular, too!
It looks absolutely beautiful – and that blue, blue sky just tops it off. You did well paddling against the wind for an hour and a half – I’d be dead armed withing 30 minutes!
My shoulder hurt for days afterward, but I think if I did it more often it would be better. I enjoy it so much, maybe I’ll get a blow up kayak!
Great place!!
Nice activity, love kayaking, and whale watching must be amazing!!
Also, like the pictures
Thanks for sharing!!
James recently posted…Best Sit on Top Kayak of the Market – Top 7 in 2018