Before I joined the ship this time I flew out ahead of my embarkation date and spent three days in Los Angeles.
I stayed with some friends that live in Dana Point. This is a beautiful part of California, right by the beach and harbour.
Dana Point
Dana Point is beautiful, the beach is long and sandy. Perfect for surfers and wildlife spotters.
To me, this was the real California on the coast and whilst I was there the TV show ‘The OC’ was in my head constantly ‘California, California, Califoooornia’! Do you remember that TV show?
The marina there is a nice walk, to see all the yachts and sit and have a coffee or a light snack.
Laguna Beach
Down the road from Dana Point is Laguna Beach which is another very pretty place to walk along the beach and around the town.
The small town is full of restaurants, surf shops, art galleries and cute beachy gift shops.
One of the galleries that is nice to have a look around is the Wyland Gallery. The gallery is all sea life, especially dolphins and whales.
He is a painter and sculptor. Some of the pieces are out of this world. Also, at the back of the gallery, you can go outside and see amazing views of the coastline.
Balboa Island
Balboa Island was like stepping out of California as there are cute small wooden houses very close together by the water.
It was like a small seaside town that reminded me of New England. The main street had nice little gift shops, beach clothing stores and ice cream shops. We had some delicious frozen yoghurt there.
Outlet Shopping
If in California you must make the most of the shopping! Especially the outlet malls. I’m from the UK and we do not have outlet malls like the American styles and you cannot beat the prices!
My friend loves to shop, so she knew all the great places to take me. The San Clemente and Carlsbad malls were so good! I got some great deals that I would not have got in Europe.
After three days I shopped until I literally dropped, as I was so jet-lagged. I saw some beautiful beaches and coastal towns. Now I will be California dreaming until I make another trip!
Essential Info
Weather: Spring 18*C – 26*C
Currency: US Dollars
Language: American English
Top Tip: Wear comfy shoes for walking around the malls and along the beach.
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Happy Travels
