Kijubi.com is a company based in Laguna Beach, Calif. that specializes in arranging outdoor activities. Through Kijubi, you can arrange a helicopter ride over Bel Air or day charter a yacht. But most budget travelers aren't interested in such luxuries. They'd simply like to find vendors who will arrange a kayaking trip or teach surfing and rock climbing. Check the 10 links here for some outdoor adventures that won't break the budget--most are under $50--and enjoy a memorable day during your
budget visit to Southern California.
Mountain Bike Rentals in Laguna Beach offers rentals at $15/hour or $45/day. This area has some incredible hills that will test the stamina and skills of any rider. The shop will also provide a guided tour for another $100, but most budget travelers will probably opt for the free maps and chart out their own independent adventures. You'll need to be at least 18, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card to use as a deposit.
A fishing charter in the waters near Dana Point can be arranged for less than $8/hr ($39 for five hours for adults, $25 for those 12 and younger). In these warm coastal waters, there is great diversity of species. Much depends on the time of year and even the time of day. You'll need a one-day fishing license if you're older than 16, and gear can be rented if you don't have your own. Don't forget your sunscreen and your camera--you might catch some whales or dolphins at play through your lens as you're trying to catch tuna or rock cod on your hook.
This one is a bit of a splurge. It's $47 for about a one-hour ride. If it were in an ordinary setting, that would be unthinkable for many budget travelers. But consider that you're taking the Hidden Cove Trail Ride near Santa Barbara. The Gaviota Coastline covers about 38 miles in the western part of Santa Barbara County. Enjoy avocado groves, breathtaking coastal views and the Santa Ynez mountains as a backdrop. The trip is guided, so you'll hear about the wildlife and the history of the area as you ride.
For $15/hour, you can rent a single kayak or try your luck with a double kayak for $25/hour. The Newport Beach waters afford views of sailboats and yachts, multi-million dollar bayfront homes, and even sea lions. Hours of operation shorten in winter. A driver's license and credit card are required at time of rental.
Rock climbing is a popular activity in this part of California, but novices should "learn the ropes" before they make any attempt at climbing. In Anaheim, you can book a one-person lesson for $55 or book as a couple for $90. Learn about rating systems, belaying, knot tying, belay commands, equipment, and basic climbing techniques. An advanced leading class is also priced at $55. Classes last about 90 minutes and include harness, shoes and a three-week unlimited membership at the practice facility.
Spectacular views of the San Diego skyline, the Naval Air Station and the Coronado Bridge are a part of this fully narrated, 25-mile, two hour cruise. The cost is $25 for each person in your party age 13 or older, half-price for those 3-12 years old and free for children under age 3. There's a full-service galley where you may purchase food and drink during the cruise. There are six tours a day, leaving between 10 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
This guided snorkeling trip in La Jolla Cove costs $40. If you'd like to wear a wetsuit, one will be provided at no additional cost. All equipment is provided except for underwater cameras, which are available for purchase. The trips are offered only during the Spring and Summer months, and they tend to fill up quickly, so reservations are important. You'll see the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and its abundant wildlife, and swim by the La Jolla Sea Caves. Trips leave at 10 a.m. and 12 noon and 2 p.m. You must be able to swim in order to take the snorkeling trip.
What list of outdoor adventures in Southern California would be complete without some surfing? You can take a semi-private surfing lesson for $55 in San Diego's Mission Beach area. In summer, an additional hour of surfboard rental is included at no extra charge. Times for the 90-minute classes vary by tide schedule. Board handling, positioning, standing-up technique, etiquette and safety measures are included in the instruction.
Explore the rugged coastline of the Torrey Pines State Reserve on this two-hour walking tour. Cost: $25/person, and a minimum of two people is required to form a tour. The pace is not strenuous and most of the walking surface is flat. Abundant marine wildlife and plant life is visible from the trail, and guides take care to talk about the history of the area as well as explaining the sights and sounds. The starting point at noon Saturdays is about 14 miles from the center of San Diego.
Many believe Dana Point is a reference landmark for whales as they migrate from Arctic waters to the warmer seas off California and Mexico. It has become known as the "Whale Watching Capital of the West." Gray whales migrate in winter, blue whales in summer. Whale and dolphin sightings at Dana Point are very common, but not guaranteed on this trip, which costs $29/adult and $19/children ages 3-12. The trip lasts about two hours. If you've priced whale-watching trips on the East Coast, you'll consider this a bargain. The law requires the boat to stay at least 100 yards from whales, but the guides report some whales may swim right up to the boat. No touching, feeding or swimming with the wildlife is permitted.
