Touring *

From Interstate 5 at Capistrano Beach, exit onto Camino Las Ramblas and head toward the beach. Follow signs to the Coast Highway and turn left. Park at the curb on the west side of the street. Map: Orange County Bikeway Map, available free by calling the County of Orange, EMA/Transportation Planning office at (714) 834-3111.

Intermediate-level skaters with an urge to skate on the Coast Highway can take the flat sidewalks and bike lanes that connect Capistrano Beach with the town of San Clemente. Sandy bluffs line the route on the inland side, but the Atchison-Topeka railroad tracks between the highway and the ocean balance out the beauty factor. Skate south next to Doheny State Beach on the wide sidewalks that connect it with Capistrano Beach Regional Park. During the summer, the sun isn't likely to warm your way unless you start skating after noon. Until then, the region's morning coastal fog is a familiar and expected companion. When the sidewalks end, take to the bike lanes that run all the way to Avenida Pico in San Clemente, a straight shot. The ocean view is blocked for the south half of this route by the beachfront homes located at the side of the smoothly paved road. The route ends at San Clemente, an unassuming but rather charming little surfer town. Upon your return to Doheny State Beach, another great skating route can be accessed less than half a mile north. Going north up the Coast Highway, cross the San Juan River and turn left to follow the signs to Doheny State Beach. The entrance to the San Juan River Trail is at the south end of the parking lots.