OCEAN SIGHTSEEING
Activities at Sea in Dana Point
Dana Point, the country’s only Whale Heritage Site, offers offshore opportunities with unmatched access to marine life and expansive beaches. A hub for watersports, Dana Point Harbor is where visitors can participate in stand-up paddle boarding with iHeartYoga and kayaking. Dana Point’s responsible whale-watching outfitters, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari and Dana Wharf Sportsfishing & Whale Watching, are known for their whale and dolphin tours, but they also provide private boat rentals, sunset cruises and fishing charters. Doheny State Beach’s Girl in the Curl Surf Shop offers surf lessons and camps with patient professional instruction and high-quality equipment.
Whitewater of the Sea Adventures
Experience a playful exploration of the Mendocino Coast with Liquid Fusion Kayak's Whitewater of the Sea Adventure. On the three-hour trip, guests can play in the waves, whitewater and rock gardens. If ocean conditions permit, guests can kayak into the neighboring sea caves. The experience is unique to each participant.
Oceanside Harbor Offers Endless Options for Water Enthusiasts
As the only harbor for more than 60 miles between San Diego and Orange County, Oceanside Harbor is a perfect place for water enthusiasts. The 100-acre harbor offers easy launch access and a variety of boat tours including whale watching, fishing charters and duffy electric boats for cruising the harbor. The calm harbor waters are ideal for kayakers and stand-up paddlers. Oceanside Harbor Beach is one of San Diego’s top surf spots and a great place for a surf lesson too. It’s also a great place to catch the USA Surf Team training in action.
Sea Yourself on the Water in Del Norte County
Get out to sea in Del Norte County with a variety of off-the-coast activities for all ages. Depart from the Crescent City Harbor on a boat tour from Stella’s Adventures. Experience whale watching, bird watching and lighthouse tours, or catch your limit in salmon, crab, tuna and lingcod. Kayak to a 14-acre National Wildlife Refuge or circle a historic lighthouse in search of wildlife with Redwood Rides. Paddle a half-mile offshore to Castle Rock, a protected National Wildlife Refuge, to see a plethora of rare nesting birds, seals, sea lions, elephant seals, harbor porpoises and even gray whales.
Parasail Along Santa Barbara’s American Rivera
Visitors to the American Riviera can take their vacation to new heights with Santa Barbara Parasailing. Participants are lifted 1,000-feet above the sparkling seas below, with 360-degree views of the city’s signature red-tile roofs, palm-lined beaches backdropped by the Santa Ynez Mountain Range and the offshore Channel Islands. Guests decide how exhilarating their experience is: whether they choose to take a “dip” into the waters of Butterfly Beach or sit back and enjoy Santa Barbara's idyllic scenery. Vessels are operated by United States Coast Guard licensed captains, and all experience levels are welcome, making it an ideal family-friendly attraction (ages 5 and over are permitted.)
SEAWORTHY HOTEL ACTIVITIES
The Ranch at Laguna Beach Whale Watching Excursions and Dolphin Safaris
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a coastal ranch resort in the iconic town of Laguna Beach. Located near Dana Point, which was recently named the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas due to its diverse whale and cetacean population, The Ranch at Laguna Beach works with local outfitters to take guests on whale watching excursions and dolphin safaris. Daily free shuttles to the beach are available for guests to spot whales, sunbathe or explore Laguna’s 30+ coves and beaches.
Creatures of the California Coast at Pebble Beach Resorts
Pebble Beach Resorts’ location along Central California’s rugged coastline provides resort guests with endless opportunities to observe a rich array of wildlife, whether golfing Pebble Beach Golf Links or kayaking Stillwater Cove. In the water, sea otters, seals and sea lions can be spotted throughout the year and many species of whale make their way past the resorts and golf courses in their annual migrations, including humpbacks, gray and blue whales, orcas and minkes. To book an outdoor adventure, visit www.pebblebeach.com/activities-and-sightseeing.
Coastal Voyage at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Experience Waldorf Astoria Coastal Voyage, an unforgettable experience that features a private yacht for a celebratory voyage and an indulgent stay at the famed Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and the recently rebranded Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point. Guests will board a 40-foot private yacht, welcomed by custom Waldorf Astoria amenities, culinary delights and signature cocktails, and set sail on a three-hour voyage along the Pacific Ocean capturing sweeping views of the coastline. The voyage can begin at either resort and includes two-night accommodations, dining, luxury car transportation, golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links and more.
Pendry San Diego Excursions with Adventure IO
Pendry San Diego is proud to partner with Adventure IO, a curator of unique and locally inspired day trips and activities created and hosted by professional athletes and local experts for guests to experience. Get lost at sea with the Fish & Surf with Salty Crew experience and explore the city’s best surfing and deep-sea fishing spots with World Surf League legend Damien Hobgood and Salty Crew Captain Kody Kessell during this memorable San Diego sea outing. The experience is 8-9 hours for up to six guests.
Aqua Adventures at Terranea Resort
Poised above coastal bluffs with sweeping views of the Pacific, Terranea Resort is the premier luxury destination resort on the Southern California coast. Celebrated for its natural beauty, the 102-acre estate features an Adventure Concierge dedicated to providing bucket list experiences including whale watching, tide pooling, standup paddle boarding, coastal fishing, surfing lessons and kayaking. The breathtaking location gives guests a front-row seat to magnificent wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions and whales.
Sunset Paddleboard Experience at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Newly reopened for the summer, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort's popular Radiant Rides experience offers guests the unique opportunity to tour the calm waters of Newport Beach’s Back Bay after sunset on an illuminated stand-up paddleboard which sets the water beneath a glow with colorful neon light. Radiant Rides are available on weekends by reservation for groups of eight or fewer. For more information and to book, call (949) 729-3863.
LAKE, ISLAND & CHANNEL ACTIVITIES
Off the Coast of Oxnard
Take a trip to the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (considered “North America’s Galapagos”) located an hour off the coast of Oxnard. Island activities include hiking, birding, walking, camping, sports fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Ocean kayak with Wild Blue Adventures to paddle through crystal clear waters, sea caves and beneath volcanic arches. Go diving in the marine sanctuary to see California’s kelp forests. Whale watch with Island Packers to spot gray, minke, blue, humpback and orca whales, as well as dolphins and other wildlife.
Play on the Water in L.A.'s Marina
Marina del Rey is known for its easy access to the ocean, making it the city’s leading recreational hub for on-the-water activities. Landlubbers can hop on coastal bike trails, bask in seaside parks and breezy beaches and explore the area on kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and more. Marina del Rey WaterBus returns this summer with its popular scenic ride for $1 per-person, one-way and operates from eight stops in the Marina. Of course, a Marina del Rey boat rental or yacht charter is a quintessential Southern California experience.
Catalina Island: Activities at Sea
Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island offers a wide variety of things to do on the water including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, sport fishing, glass-bottom boat tours, parasailing and more. Visitors looking to explore the island’s thriving marine life can head to Catalina Divers Supply, Catalina’s oldest dive shop, which offers guided dives, snorkeling, SCUBA and more along the beautiful coastlines.
Lake Adventures in Tuolumne County
Along the road to Yosemite National Park, Lake Don Pedro proves itself to be a destination all its own. Kayak, tritoon, fishing boat rentals and other services are available at the Moccasin Point Marina. Located in Tuolumne County's High Sierra, Pinecrest Lake is best experienced from the water. Bring a kayak or rent one at Pinecrest Lake Resort. Paddle boats, sail boats, party boats and motorboats are also available. The Pinecrest Lake Marina is open seasonally from late-April to mid-October (weather permitting).