6 Best Sights in Corona del Mar, Orange County and Catalina Island

This half-mile beach is actually made up of two beaches, Little Corona and Big Corona, separated by a cliff and rocky jetty. Both have soft, golden-hue sand to set up chairs and towels for the day. You can find a parking spot on the street on weekdays. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

Midway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park, a favorite of local beachgoers and wilderness trekkers. It encompasses a 3.2-mile stretch of unspoiled beach and has some of the best tide-pooling in Southern California. Here you can see starfish, crabs, and sea anemones near the rocks. The park's 2,400 acres of backcountry are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, but stay on the trails to preserve the beauty. The Moro Campground offers campsites with picnic tables, including spots designated for RVs and trailers.

This Mediterranean-inspired upscale strip mall is across the street from Crystal Cove State Park, with the shimmering Pacific Ocean in plain view. Crystal Cove Promenade offers a mix of well-known storefronts such as Williams Sonoma and Trader Joe's, plus unique boutiques, and popular restaurants that include Javier's, Mastro's Ocean Club, and Bear Flag Fish Co. 

One of the largest retail gardens in Southern California, Roger's showcases some of the best garden ideas and holiday decorations during Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. The on-site Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens restaurant is popular with visitors and locals during lunchtime and dinner. The chefs prepare locally sourced menu items to enjoy while overlooking the bucolic gardens.

This 2½-acre botanical garden and library specializes in the history of the Pacific Southwest. You can wander among cactus gardens, rose gardens, a cool fern garden, and a tropical conservatory. There's a good garden gift shop, and a restaurant named 698 Dahlia that serves lunch on Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm. 

Located in Crystal Cove's Historic District, The Park Store carries fine art works by local plein air artists, as well as sea glass and ocean-themed jewelry, children's toys, snacks, and beach toys and apparel.