Today’s Coastal Hike & Ecology Tour turned out to be one for the books. Not only did the coastline keep me on my toes, but I also had one of my first truly big groups come together through my listing on Airbnb Experiences, and it completely transformed the way I look at running my tours.
When the Trails Change the Plan
After a week of heavy rain, I had a feeling the Dana Point Headlands might be closed. And sure enough, the gates were locked. These closures can last up to 72 hours after a storm to protect the trail system, and today was one of those days.
The Headlands overlook is one of the crown jewels of the tour—chaparral, coastal sagebrush, and sweeping views that never get old—so it’s always disappointing when nature reroutes us. But flexibility is part of outdoor adventure, and the day had plenty of beauty in store.
A Diverse Group Brought Together Through Airbnb Experiences
Today’s guest list included:
- Two women visiting from Long Beach
- A mother and daughter from Aliso Viejo
- A man from Boston staying in a nearby Airbnb
What made today especially unique was that every single guest booked through Airbnb Experiences—and I was genuinely impressed with how seamless the entire process was
Why Airbnb Experiences Was a Game Changer Today
I’ve used different platforms over the years, but Airbnb Experiences stood out in a big way. The onboarding is clean, intuitive, and surprisingly personal. But what really saved the day was the built in group chat, which instantly became the MVP of the tour.
Here’s how it made all the difference:
1. Helping Lost Guests—Fast
One guest ended up completely off track thanks to a rogue Google Maps pin.
Normally, that could delay the whole group, but the Airbnb group chat let me guide him instantly to the correct meeting point.
2. Managing Late Arrivals Smoothly
The two women from Long Beach were running behind, and rather than making the other guests wait, I kept them updated in real time.
We started as planned, and they rejoined us effortlessly 10–15 minutes later because everyone knew exactly where we were headed.
3. Creating a Sense of Community Before We Even Started
Everyone could chat, introduce themselves, and share updates. It felt like the group connected before we even stepped onto the sand.
After today, I honestly wish I had started posting my tours on Airbnb Experiences long before my website launched. It made managing a larger group feel easy, efficient, and surprisingly enjoyable.
Sunshine, Salt Air & The Art of Pacing
The weather was perfect—mid 60s, clear skies, and that crisp, fresh air that always follows a storm. But with a group this size, pacing became the day’s biggest challenge.
The mother, daughter, and the Long Beach friends hit it off instantly, strolling leisurely along the coast and chatting like old friends. Meanwhile, my Boston guest wanted to pick up the pace—he was ready to power-walk the entire route.
To keep everyone happy, I split my time. I moved ahead with the faster guest first, sharing stories and covering most of the tour together. The bonus? I got to introduce him to my 5K History Tour, a jogging-based experience for active travelers who want to learn local history while keeping their workout routine alive. He loved the idea immediately—turns out he was missing the structure of exercise while traveling.
Once we wrapped up his portion, I jogged back (free cardio for me!) and rejoined the rest of the group for a slower, more conversational stroll. It gave me the chance to enjoy deeper one on one conversations, and they appreciated the relaxed pace.
Every Tour Tells Its Own Story
By the end of the day, I was reminded once again that no two tours are ever the same. Trails change, tides shift, groups form new friendships, and unexpected moments become unforgettable lessons.
But the biggest surprise of the day was how much Airbnb Experiences elevated the entire process—from communication to coordination to the sense of community.
This adventure wasn’t just a coastal hike. It was a reminder of how technology, nature, and people come together to create something truly special.
We would love to have you join us on our next Coastal Hike and Ecology Tour through Airbnb Experiences!
Interested in other tours, we offer 6 coastal experiences throughout the coastline of Dana Point.
