In last week’s trendspotting post, I highlighted that vape brands are becoming more eco-conscious and creating solutions to vape hardware waste. I was delighted to learn that a dispensary opening in Costa Mesa, High Seas will carry the vape company I admired for its recycling and sustainability program.
A breathtakingly beautiful, new boutique with 2,000-gallon saltwater aquariums and exotic fish, High Seas raises the bar on the luxury c*nn*bis shopping experience. You’d be surprised that this place caused such a ruckus with city officials, all because one person in power has a problem with c*nn*bis. I had to go Orange County to check it out for myself to see what the fuss is about – keep reading to find out what happened.
Come with me on a baked day trip and get my itinerary for the best secret spots to enjoy your high along Pacific Coast Highway.
High Seas in Costa Mesa
Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve
Crystal Cove Shack Shack
Crystal Cove State Beach
The Beachcomber Cafe and Bootlegger Bar
A reminder that public consumption of c*nn*bis, and smoking on the beach and in public places is prohibited. Consume discreetly and responsibly. Don’t litter.
🌊 Travel Itinerary: Day Trip to OC Beaches
For the high-minded, eco-conscious, plant enthusiast, here’s where to find my favorite spots along Orange County’s beaches.
High Seas
1921 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, California 92627
My favorite part of any road trip is curating the w**d treats. If you don’t already have your own stash, visit Costa Mesa’s newest c*nn*bis boutique, High Seas. At the end of the 55 freeway, about 5 minutes from the beach is one of the most elegant dispensaries to open in Southern California, this one is worth the visit.
From breathtakingly beautiful cloche displays to the giant saltwater aquariums inside the showroom, and warm hospitality immediately upon arrival, it hardly feels like I'm in a c*nn*bis d*sp*nsary. I’m offered complimentary draft cold brew coffee and kombucha on tap to enjoy while browsing.
An undercover police raid, bullying by a local official, and a delayed permit that cost this business close to $750k. The story of what it took for High Seas to finally open is wild. Read the full story in the Los Angeles Times and on SFGate.
A soothing calm washes over as me like a wave as I step into the showroom. Soft ocean grey tones, creamy blonde wood exposed beam ceilings, butter-smooth concrete, and swirling marbled countertops makes this place feel like a day spa rather than a dispensary.
A rainbow of artfully curated edibles are displayed under glass cloches, which allow the colorful array of adult confections to sparkle and shine. Flower is displayed in clear glass jars in a way that you can smell and admire the nugs. A charming tea display showcases Kikoko teas alongside a pink and gold w**d teacup set. I’m drawn to the row of colorful Juana all-in-one vapes and enamored by its discreet, ergonomic design.
Soothing ocean water sounds, and the occasional seagull, provide the backdrop to the shopping experience as lionfish, triggerfish, a Moray eel, and variety of saltwater sealife float about with the grace of underwater ballet dancers. I get lost admiring the fish.
These aquariums visually express High Seas’ commitment to ocean preservation and their belief that “responsible business practices can coexist harmoniously with environmental stewardship.” Another reason to love this boutique is that their team hosts beach cleanups and supports organizations that champion ocean conservation.
In honor of protecting our oceans and coastline, the next stop on this baked day trip itinerary is to the protected natural wetlands just 15-20 minutes north on PCH.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve
18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, California 92648
Head north on California Highway 1 and past Huntington Beach, you’ll find a stretch of natural marshland that’s home to more than 200 avian species. There’s multiple parking lots and entry points where you can explore the 4-mile network of hiking trails that are free and open to the public.
A stony walk through the pristine wetlands amidst a chorus of squawky birds and brilliant blue topaz colored water recharges my soul. This 1,300 acre coastal estuary is home to waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, raptors and vultures, songbirds the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve is also a nursery for marine invertebrates, local fish and shark species.
This stretch of preserved land are the remnants of a once-extensive marshland. The view of oil rigs and luxury track homes in the background is a stark reality check of the environmental conundrum that still exists today. It’s a dazzling spectacle of mother nature’s gifts and testament to mankind’s ability to reverse past mistakes and restore natural habitats.
There’s an Interpretive Education Center and entrance off Warner Avenue, and a quieter entrance off PCH across from Bolsa Chica State Beach with free parking.
Crystal Cove Shake Shack
7703 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, California 92657
Feeling the munchies? Let’s head south on PCH and stop for burgers and a date shake at the famous Crystal Cove Shake Shack (not affiliated with the NYC-based Shake Shack burger chain). Parking is limited and there’s almost always a line of cars waiting their turn to snag a coveted parking spot. But the oceanfront view and idyllic SoCal vibes are worth the wait and a handsome reward for your patience.
Originally opened in the late 1920s as a roadside date shake and orange juice stand, the lemon yellow shack perched on a cliff above Crystal Cove State Beach used to be called Sunshine Cove, Date Shack, and Ruby’s Shake Shack throughout its many years and various owner-operators.
Visiting this spot is like time traveling through Southern California history. The current menu serves up burgers, fish tacos, soups, sandwiches, and famous shakes and malts. Order a classic date shake, served with a compostable paper straw, along with a Cove Deluxe Burger and sit outside on the umbrella-covered patio to enjoy the best burger you’ve ever tasted, because everything tastes damn delicious when you’re high.
Don’t leave your car parked here and wander down to the beach, it will get towed. Give up the spot to a waiting car and head over to the official paid beach parking lot or the last stop on this day trip.
Crystal Cove State Beach
Crystal Cove Trail, Newport Beach, California 92657
This beautiful slice of paradise on earth is located between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Less crowded than Laguna Beach or Huntington Beach, which can feel like it caters to tourists, Crystal Cove State Park has beach access, hiking trails, wooded canyons, tide pools, beach cottages, white sand, and coves for exploring. I like to frolic in the tide pools searching for crabs and sea anemones, the occasional octopus, and collect seashells. In addition to the three miles of idyllic beachfront, there are 18 miles of hiking routes through 2,400 acres of native wilderness where you can see native plants and wildlife.
The most charming feature here are the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. Built as a seaside colony between 1920 and 1940, the historic cottages have been lovingly and painstakingly restored to their 1940s heyday and are available to rent year-round. Take a stroll around to admire the architecture and plan your next staycation.
Learn more about Crystal Cove Conservancy’s efforts to restore the century-old beach cottages, provide STEM education program to low-income students, and protect native endangered habitats and wildlife.
How to get here:
Crystal Cove State Park has parking available on the ocean side of PCH (at Reef Point Drive and Newport Coast Drive) and on the inland side at El Moro Canyon (next to El Morro Elementary School). Parking is $15 a day, or $5 per hour, unless you have a California State Parks pass.
The general park area is open between 6 am and sunset, and the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District is open until 10 pm. There are four entrances to the park; two by the bluffs at Pelican Point and Reef Point, one from Los Trancos, and one by the El Morro parking area.
If you’re planning to stay and enjoy the sunset at The Beachcomber Cafe, I recommend parking at the Los Trancos lot and take the shuttle to the historic district, or walk the ½ mile path towards the beach cottages.
The Beachcomber Cafe and Bootlegger Bar at Crystal Cove
15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, California 92657
While you’re here, grab a tiki drink and snack on the outdoor patio at this adorable vintage beach cottage restaurant where you can sip on tiki-themed drinks on the beach. Every evening at 5 p.m. or sunset, a martini flag is raised as a salute to a Crystal Cove Historic District tradition dating back to the 1940’s.
As the story goes, Crystal Cove local, Doc Shearer would gather a group of friends around a flagpole outside his cottage every Saturday at four o’clock. Everyone stood and saluted as he blew Réveille on his bugle and raised the flag his wife, Babe had sewn, a simple black flag bearing the outline of a martini glass. That tradition continues today at the Bootlegger Bar!
Since alcohol isn’t my thing and the time is 4:20 o’clock, I order a mocktail and discreetly add a little c*nn*bis-infused liquid into my beverage. If you picked up a tin of Kikoko tea, a cup of hot w**d tea by the beach sounds nice doesn’t it?
From the menu, nosh on grilled chimichurri shrimp skewers, tiny ahi tacos, and char grilled artichokes. For dessert, I recommend the beignets and butterscotch budino.
To really do it up, book a beach fire pit to barbecue, make s’mores, or just enjoy a roaring fire on the sand.
Generous thanks to High Seas and Rachel Xin for inviting me to visit their store, giving me the full tour, and providing the w**d treats for this baked adventure. Onwards and upwards!
XOXO, Christina W.
Baked Day Trip to OC Beaches