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The seaside community features five different beaches that offer their own draws to locals and out-of-towners alike. If you brought your four-legged family member along for the trip, or you just love dogs, don’t miss Huntington Dog Beach. Huntington City Beach features the Huntington Beach Pier, a great place to enjoy the ocean and take in the sights without getting sand everywhere. There’s also Bolsa Chica, located across from the ecological preserve of the same name; Huntington State Beach sports calmer waves and fire pits, an excellent choice for an evening beach visit; Sunset Beach is the least developed of the beaches, making it perfect for quiet escapes.

After you’ve soaked up enough rays—hope you didn’t forget sunscreen—make your way inland to Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Start at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. You can learn more about the park thanks to interactive exhibits and take in panoramic views from the center’s roof. The preserve bills itself as a mecca for bikers, joggers, cyclists, hikers, horseback riders, and more. It won’t take you long to see why.