Golden West's "Twin Otter" flights from LAX to John Wayne were the highlight of my entire journeys from DFW to CA and back.
Frequently, we lifted off from a LAX taxiway, and always flew just offshore with spectacular views of Long Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and then went feet dry over Newport...
FWIW, JW's General Aviation parking ramps always have some of the world's coolest toys parked there... '-)