San Clemente, a short drive south from Newport Beach is a great place to wander the shops in the cute village and dine on the pier. Surfers do their thing just below you as you dine under umberellas on the deck. The seafood was as great and the Margaritas hit the spot as we enjoyed the evening sun. Jennifer spied lovely shell mirrors and artworks, while Julie and Mac checked out a cute old Porsche roadster. We’d noticed an abundance of beautifully restored classic convertible cars on the coast roads.
Laguna Beach is a cool village that spills onto the beach. Quaint houses step up steep little roads and flowering bourganvilleas and jasmines spill out onto the sidewalks. Surfboards prop most garden walls and windows face the ocean views. Famous breakfast desination is Los Brisos on the cliff which offers the best buffet ever. We visited for Mothers Day, had a wonderful view of the coastline while the staff were cooked us mouthwatering breakfast crepes with a mexican twist amongst other delights. A walk along the beach sent Jennifer into transports over the glorious collections of kelp and seaweed washed ashore.
A short trip on the ferry from Newport Beach takes you to Balboa Island and another world of laid back beach living. Great seafood restaurants, stores renting bikes, selling icecream and seashells line the main street. We biked along the ocean for miles then wound our way through the streets lined with cute houses and gardens that perfumed the air. Roses were bursting into bloom everywhere along with jasmine and tropical climbers.
Corona del Mar is a mecca for art galleries and antique shops. There is a lovely little garden at the Sherman library and Garden, a small entrance fee allows you to wander the exotic gardens and have lunch afterwards. 
