Winter Beach Days: Diamonds on the Ocean

The weather forecast for Orange County beaches calls for an average temp of 70 degrees for the next two weeks, making a winter visit to the beach one of our best kept secrets.

A jog in the soft sand from Newport Pier to Balboa Pier is one of the coolest workouts you could ask for. The tide foam makes a sizzling noise as it rakes the coastline, leaving pock marks where critters dig into the sand to hide from the sandpipers’ long bills. A salty scent fills the air and you just gotta take off your shoes and let the ocean swirl around your ankles because the water feels so refreshing. The sun shines gently, bright but not glaring, creating diamonds of sparkling light on the still, glass-like surface of the Pacific Ocean. Flocks of small birds skim the water, changing direction in perfect unison. Off in the distance is the craggy outline of Catalina Island.

In a word: Paradise.

Evan Marks of The Ecology Center offers up the winter wave report. “Winter storms come from the north, which break differently than summer storms that originate in the south. Surfers follow the weather, which encourages us to try out new beaches in the winter and get to know the coast’s subtle differences with the change of seasons. When you are on the surfline after a storm you literally see the downstream effect of the entire watershed and it makes me appreciate the work we do at the center and how nature connects us all.”

Rosy and orange streaks of the setting sun are beautiful all over Orange County, but I have to say, there is nothing quite like a sunset over the Pacific Ocean with a cocktail in hand. Here’s a list of some favorites places to catch happy hour on the coast:

 Duke’s in Huntington Beach is right on the boardwalk, offering a view of the pier and the ocean. Aloha hour in the Barefoot Bar offers discount prices on drinks and appetizers like coconut shrimp and Baja fish tacos.

If you are looking for a bit of swank, then 21 Oceanfront in Newport Beach is the place for you. Grab some Tempura Lobster Skewers and an apple martini and you won’t be disappointed.

The Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach serves up signature fresh fruit Mojitos and one truly amazing panoramic ocean view while sampling small bites and California casual cuisine.

And since we have it so good, in winter the ocean in Orange County recedes into the watery depths at about sunset, giving you the perfect chance to admire the exposed seashells and feel the tranquility that comes with end of a winter beach day.