Hop Aboard: Your 2025 Guide to Coastal OC’s Free Summer Trolleys
- Missy Wiesen
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Summer in Orange County means golden sunsets, salty breezes, and yes — packed parking lots. But what if you could soak up all the coastal charm without circling for a spot or feeding a meter? Good news: you can.
From Newport Beach to Dana Point, the free summer trolley systems are back in 2025 and better than ever. They’re convenient, scenic, and totally free to ride. Whether you’re beach-hopping, brunching, or browsing art galleries, these trolleys are your local insider pass to summer done right.
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Newport Beach – Balboa Peninsula Free Summer Trolley
Dates: Weekends & select holidays from May 24 to September 1, 2025
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Route: 22 scenic stops along the Balboa Peninsula, including the Balboa Pier
Parking: Free at the Avon Street Parking Lot (near Tustin Avenue)
Good to Know: Wheelchair accessible and ready for your bikes and beach bags
Whether you’re meeting friends at the Fun Zone or taking in a sunset from the pier, this trolley lets you skip the peninsula parking struggle and enjoy the view instead.
Even better? Newport Beach is currently considering expanding the route to include Balboa Island and Corona del Mar. While nothing’s confirmed yet, this potential extension would give locals and visitors even more access to coastal favorites — no parking pass required.
Laguna Beach Free Summer Trolley
Summer Season: June 27 – September 1, 2025
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Routes:
Coastal Route: Heisler Park to the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point
Canyon Route: Act V Parking Lot to Downtown
Summer Breeze: Free parking in Irvine (16355 Laguna Canyon Rd) with trolley to downtown and the art festivals
Frequency: Every 20–40 minutes
Art, ocean views, and zero stress. Laguna’s trolley system makes it easy to see the best of the city without ever touching your car keys.
Dana Point Free Summer Trolley
Dates: May 23 – September 1, 2025
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Route: North and South Loops serving beaches, Dana Point Harbor, and connections to Laguna Beach and San Clemente trolleys
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Live Tracking: Use the Dana Point Trolley Tracker App
Want to cruise the coast or hop over to San Clemente for lunch? Dana Point's trolleys make it a breeze.
Laguna Niguel Summer Free Summer Trolley
Dates: May 22 – September 1, 2025
Route:
North Line: Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station to Crown Valley Park
South Line: Crown Valley Park to Salt Creek Beach
Connections: Transfer between lines at Crown Valley Park
Live Tracking: Use the PassioGO! app (also works for Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano trolleys)
If you’re looking for a more low-key way to get to the beach or just want to explore a new part of town, Laguna Niguel’s trolley system is a fun, family-friendly option.
Final Thoughts
Free, scenic, and incredibly convenient — these trolleys are one of the best-kept secrets for living your best OC summer. Whether you're a local trying to avoid beach traffic or a visitor wanting to see it all, you can't beat this kind of access.
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