The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cerritos, CA to Lake Forest, CA
Cerritos and Lake Forest are two beautiful cities located in Southern California that have many exciting activities for road trippers to enjoy. This journey will take you through the bustling city of Santa Ana as you make your way from Cerritos to Lake Forest. Let's take a look at the highlights of this trip and what you should add to your list of activities!
Stop #1: Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a beautiful seaside city with plenty to offer for beach-goers. On your road trip, make sure to stop by this beach city to enjoy the following activities:
Visit Newport Pier: The Newport Pier is a central landmark that extends well over 1,000 feet into the ocean. You can enjoy walks along the pier while appreciating the stunning views surrounding it.
Shop at Fashion Island: Fashion Island is the go-to shopping destination in Newport Beach. This outdoor shopping mall is home to countless luxury boutiques and restaurants.
Take a boat tour of the harbor: Newport Harbor is a beautiful marina with thousands of boats. Take a boat tour to explore the marina while learning about its history.
Interesting Fact
Newport Beach is home to the largest small-boat harbor in the world.
Stop #2: Huntington Beach
The next stop on your road trip is Huntington Beach, which is commonly referred to as "Surf City USA." This laid-back beach town is perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.
Visit Huntington Beach Pier: The Huntington Beach Pier is an iconic landmark with stunning ocean views. You can take a stroll on the pier while enjoying the restaurants and shops lining it.
Learn to surf: Since Huntington Beach is called "Surf City USA," it's the perfect place to learn how to surf. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all skill levels.
Visit Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a beautiful area with walking trails and stunning views of the wetlands. It's a great spot for bird watching.
Interesting Fact
Huntington Beach is home to a German-themed bar called Old World Village that serves traditional German food and drinks.
Stop #3: Laguna Beach
The next stop on your road trip is Laguna Beach, which is a beautiful coastal city with stunning beaches and a vibrant arts scene.
Visit Main Beach Park: Main Beach Park is a central location in Laguna Beach with beautiful views of both the ocean and the sand. It's home to basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a playground.
Take a stroll along Heisler Park: Heisler Park is another central landmark in Laguna Beach. It's a beautiful oceanfront park with walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the coastline.
Visit Pageant of the Masters: The Pageant of the Masters is a unique art exhibit that takes place every summer in Laguna Beach. The exhibit features live actors posing as famous works of art.
Interesting Fact
Laguna Beach has been a popular location for filmmakers since the 1920s and 30s.
Stop #4: San Juan Capistrano
The fourth stop on your road trip is San Juan Capistrano, which is a historic city with plenty of cultural significance.
Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano: The Mission San Juan Capistrano is a national historic landmark with stunning architecture and gardens. It's a great place to learn about the history of the area.
Explore Los Rios Historic District: Los Rios Historic District is a charming area with historic homes and buildings dating back to the 18th century. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Visit the Zoomars Petting Zoo: The Zoomars Petting Zoo is an interactive farm that's perfect for kids. You can pet and feed the animals while learning about their behaviors.
Interesting Fact
San Juan Capistrano is home to the oldest residential street in California, Camino Capistrano.
Stop #5: Irvine
The final stop on your road trip is Irvine, which is a bustling city with plenty of activities for everyone.
Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center: The Irvine Spectrum Center is a sprawling outdoor shopping center with over 130 stores and restaurants. There's plenty to do and see at this popular Orange County destination.
Hike at Bommer Canyon: Bommer Canyon is a beautiful nature preserve with plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. It's perfect for nature lovers looking for a scenic escape.
Visit the University of California, Irvine: The University of California, Irvine is a beautiful college campus with cutting-edge architecture and world-renowned academic programs. It's a great place to take a stroll and appreciate the beauty of higher education.
Interesting Fact
Irvine is home to the largest baseball stadium west of the Mississippi, Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
Conclusion
The road trip from Cerritos to Lake Forest is a beautiful journey filled with exciting destinations and activities. It will take a little over an hour if you stick with the freeways, or longer if you choose to take the scenic routes through smaller towns. No matter which path you choose, this road trip will be an adventure you'll never forget!