Beach-Bound Getaways in Orange County - 2

Farther north, you can rent a Duffy from an outfitter at Sunset Beach and go around the islands of Huntington Harbor, or pull up to Peter’s Landing shops and restaurants. Duffy Electric Boat Company, tel. 562-592-3028.

If want to party in the posh lanes, past yachts and celebrity homes, the Balboa Bay Club and Resort has cushy Duffies for rent.

Puppy Love

Some vacation destinations encourage families to go to the dogs! Let Fido in on the fun with these pooch-friendly O.C. spots:

• Huntington Dog Beach has a dedicated canine culture that’s been visited by dogs from around the world.
• The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach is happy to have dogs 20 pounds and under as guests.
• There’s also the Best Friend Dog Park, an inland spot for dogs at Huntington Beach Central Park. For $100 you can add your pet’s name and paw prints in the Doggy Walk of Fame; the funds help support the nonprofit park.
  

Wild Things

For less-domesticated animal encounters, families can head out on the ocean to view seals, dolphins and (at certain times of the year) whales. Dana Point Harbor is one of the wonderful coastal launching sites for individual kayaks or group tours and charters on larger boats. Trips can stay in the local harbor or motor to Catalina Island. The OCean Adventure is a large catamaran with knowledgeable guides for seeking out whales and dolphins.

• Fun and easy-to-use Duffy electric boats are available for rent in Newport Beach.
• Courtesy of Duffy Electric Boats

Bird lovers and hikers can enjoy the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, which host more than 200 species of birds during the year. www.bolsachica.org

Family-Friendly Hotel Programs

Many hotels will help arrange the above activities, but some offer their own family programs that are worth looking into. Check out the family-friendly activities and wonderful swimming pools at oceanside hotels, including Montage Resort and Spa, the Hilton and the Hyatt Regency. A full listing of beachfront hotels around Huntington Beach can be found at www.theoceanfrontca.com.

This summer, the elegant St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach in Dana Point offers weekly activities for families, including butterfly releases, a marine adventure with the Ocean Institute, storytelling around campfires and stargazing with telescopes. www.stregismb.com

The Surf & Sand Resort, which is close enough to the beach that you can feel the waves’ spray, offers a pop-up tent in the room with “S’mores and Snores” service for kids of all sizes. It also screens poolside movies at dusk. www.surfandsandresort.com