Leave your car at home and explore the beach with free trolley rides in Los Angeles

Planning to hit the beaches in Orange County this summer? Leave the car at home and jump on a free trolley instead. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can ride free trolleys in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Newport Balboa Peninsula. These trolleys make beach trips in Los Angeles, easy, without the hassle of parking or gas costs.

The Newport Balboa Peninsula trolley runs on Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 to September 2. With 22 stops, you can check out places like Balboa Village & Fun Zone and Lido Marina Village. Trolleys arrive every 15 minutes, and you can bring your bike, surfboards, and beach gear along.

Dana Point's open-air trolley operates daily from May 24 to September 2 and on weekends through September. This service runs every 15 minutes and takes you to spots like Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy kayaking, surfing, and beach volleyball at these spots. The route includes North and South Loop options and connects with trolleys from Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente.

Laguna Beach's summer trolleys run along the coast to the transit depot from June 28 to September 2. Riders have the option of two routes: the shorter coastal route, which spans from North Laguna to 7th Avenue and Mission Hospital, and the longer route, stretching from the Transit Depot to the Ritz-Carlton. This bike-friendly service also links to the Dana Beach line, ideal for a day of exploring beaches.

Laguna Niguel’s trolley runs from May 23 to September 2, coming every 20 minutes. The route takes passengers inland to Crown Valley Park and out to Salt Creek Beach. Crown Valley Park is ideal for a summer picnic, while the coastal end of the route allows transfers to Dana Point and Laguna Beach trolleys. This service is great for events like Laguna Niguel’s annual summer concert series.

The San Clemente trolley runs daily from May 24 to September 30. With 16 stops and trolleys every 15 minutes, there are lots of places to visit. The trolley has two routes, taking you to the San Clemente Pier, Del Mar Shopping District, downtown San Clemente, and North Beach. It also stops at the San Clemente Metrolink station, so you can extend your trip across Southern California using the Metrolink’s $15 summer day pass for extra savings.

San Juan Capistrano’s trolley runs every 20 minutes on weekends and holidays up to Labor Day. The trolley takes you to attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Los Rios Historic District, El Adobe Plaza, and the Ecology Center. It also connects with the Dana Point Trolley and stops at the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink Station. Special trolley service is available for the 'San Juan Summer Nites Concert Series' on select dates in June, July, August, and September.

These free trolleys are a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore Orange County's top attractions. Whether you're planning to hit the beach, shop, or take a historic tour, these trolleys make summer travel easy.