While Orange County, one of the five most heavily populated parts of the United States, is famous for its tourist traps, there remains plenty for those wanting to experience a different side of California.
That's thanks to tour company OC Wildlife and Beach Tours.
Laguna Beach as arts, music and, of course, its fabulous beach.
"Many people who come to this part of California want to see attractions like Hollywood, Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm," says owner Cheri Ikerd.
"We get people who want to see our beautiful beaches and wildlife, which many people don't even know we have. It's a whole new way to see Orange County."
While OC Wildlife and Beach Tours is based in the Laguna Hills, it offers door-to-door service at several hotels throughout the county.
Ikerd takes tourists to the Gold Coast -- sometimes called the Californian Riviera -- which includes 68 kilometres of oceanfront land in Orange County.
One hidden treasure is located in Newport Beach, a coastal city about 45 minutes south of Los Angeles. The 1,000-acres Upper Newport Beach Nature Preserve is an extreme rarity in the midst of massive California's urban sprawl.
Immediately upon entering the preserve, people can see sights like an osprey, a cousin to the American bald eagle. Further into the wetlands are thousands of nesting shorebirds, a common sight, Ikerd explains.
"We're on the Pacific Flyway, which is one of the four major flyways in the U.S. We have thousands of year-round birds because of the weather but we also have birds that migrate on their way to and from Canada and other places."
Those wanting to learn more can stop at the Muth Interpretive Centre. This innovative, earth sheltered building is tucked into the ground, hidden from view at street level. Its energy-saving construction and operation is a model for all of California.
Leaving Newport Beach and driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway, Ikerd relates one of her missions -- telling people about the wildlife often forgotten in this bustling part of the state.
"People don't realize it but we're home to 165 species of birds, 20 mammals and 70 fish."
Before arriving in the town of Laguna Beach, the tour makes several quick stops along the coast, including a tide pool. In a matter of minutes, Ikerd is able to point to sea urchins, anemone, sea stars, volcano barnacles, and thousands of mussels, all in their natural habitat.
Also a nature preserve, this stretch of the beach is another uncommon sight.
Ikerd reminds the tour that visitors aren't allowed to touch or collect any of the species and that littering or polluting is strictly forbidden.
Another interesting stop is known as Seal Rock.
"This is a favourite play area of seals or sea lions," Ikerd says. "Quite often you'll see them playing in the ocean behind the rock or sitting on it. It's also a popular place for brown cormorants."
After the beach, the tour heads to Laguna Beach.
"The town has long been used by native Indians and then settlers, but grew after being discovered by artists in the early 20th century," Ikerd reports.
"Today it's home to numerous artists, galleries and resorts."
One of her company's alternative offerings is a tour of artists' studios, including an optional wine tasting.
Laguna Beach is also home to quaint shops, gourmet restaurants and a TV show of the same name. Ocean aside, the town, its architecture and businesses are reminiscent of Banff, Alta.
The last stop on the tour is the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, a rescue and rehabilitation shelter for seals and sea lions.
"We're one of seven similar groups in California," says Melissa Sciacca, director of development and marketing for the center.
"Our goal is to rescue injured or ailing animals, nurse them back to health and then release them back to their homes."
While visitors are asked not to touch or even talk to the mammals, for fear that they'll become too friendly with humans, it's hard not to fall in love with these gorgeous creatures.
After about four hours of surf, sun, sand and seals, the tour ends. On the way back to the Pacific Coast Highway, it passes through the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
At 6,500 acres, it's another rare preserve that begs more exploration.
"I did this to teach people about our wonderful world here in Orange County," says Ikerd, who worked in the corporate world until a year ago.
"I want the tours to be not only fun but educational, touching on conservation, the environment and how people can make an impact wherever they're from."
For more information, visit www.ocwildlifebeachtour.com or contact Ikerd at 949-500-6981.
Canwest News Service
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