Laguna Beach, CA Outdoor Activities

ClimbX's indoor, ever-changing rock walls mimic the dusty color of actual outdoor crags. In this environment, climbers of all ages and abilities strap on safety equipment and climbing gear and learn to master the hand and toe grips that cover the arena's artificial rock formations. The outgoing and experienced staff teaches introductory-level climbing courses that impart basic safety procedures, proper belay technique, and climbing commands. A kids' climbing club coaches climbers aged 17 and younger through the basics of tying top-rope knots and securing handholds tightly even when those handholds start to quietly chuckle. When not helping people turn into spider-people, the staff also hosts birthday parties and corporate teambuilding events.

Located at a private patio and dock upon the 880-acre Newport Harbor, Newport Fun Tours launches self-guided or escorted jaunts that allow customers to explore the harbor’s sandy beaches, gentle surf, and varied marine life. Guests ride down the beachfront boardwalk on bicycles, tandem bikes, and surreys, taking in the sights of moored yachts and million-dollar mansions with moored yachts on their roofs. Chatty, knowledgeable Newport natives lead segway tours on land, and water excursions depart via kayaks, electric loungers, and 10-person electric boats. As days on the water conclude, numerous dockside dining establishments tend to appetites, all offering parking for boats and passenger whales.

GW Tours’ fleet of segways and Scoot Coupes glides along the wet sands of Huntington Beach in both predesigned routes and custom carved paths. Before embarking, each segway participant receives a protective helmet and all the instruction necessary to handle the Segway X2, an extrarugged machine with all-terrain tires tough enough to steer away from obstacles and awkward conversations. The popular Beachcomber expedition takes segway pilots past major Surf City sites and across the hard, dark sand of the beach at low tide. While rolling, guides regale their flock with tales from Huntington Beach's storied past and snap photos of the group.

Segway riders then return to GW Tours’ stables, where they receive a photo CD with images of them shredding along like Darth Vader when he’s late to a meeting. Because almost anyone who can stand can operate a segway, tours are a wonderful gift for the young, old, and anyone else with flat-soled shoes and a sense of adventure. GW Tours also offers custom rides and caters to corporate groups.

Presented in part by Dan Clark, also known as Nitro, of American Gladiator fame, the Gladiator Rock'n Run 6K pairs an obstacle-heavy running course with post-race entertainment, including beer, music, and food. Six kilometers’ worth of collective scampering awaits participants as muscle-testing obstacles impede progress to the finish line. Those prepared to race must dance through tires, army-crawl through mud, and clamber up rope ladders to avoid barrels thrown by giant apes. The roar of spectators rings throughout the course as bystanders cheer on runners to inspire strong finishes. Gladiator Rock'n Run proceeds go toward a good cause, helping to raise money for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), an organization that provides education, support, and information to aid parents in helping their children diagnosed with autism.

Catalina Island may reside a mere 75 minutes from Newport Beach, but that's no reason why visitors shouldn't travel there in style. The Catalina Flyer allows them to do just that, accommodating as many as 600 passengers who spend their speedy journey relaxing on the sun decks, enjoying a drink in one of two full-service cocktail lounges, or gazing out the viewing windows and watching for migrating schools of sushi rice.

After disembarking in Avalon, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of Catalina Island's many shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities, which include everything from golf and ziplines to horseback riding, undersea tours, and even buffalo watching. Hotel accommodations facilitate overnight stays, ensuring that weekenders have ample time to enjoy the island before taking the afternoon voyage back to the mainland.