I must confess, I love California. Well, except for parts of Los Angeles. California has it all, and nowhere is that more evident than in OC. I have traveled there a few times, but I am attending a conference, Women In Travel Summit (WITS), in mid March, and I am determined to stay a while, and really explore OC.
The choices of what to do are overwhelming! Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland (the original, I’ve never been!), Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, city of Orange and the shopping! South Coast Plaza is known for being the largest mall on the West Coast, and a favorite of those who like to “lick the windows” as the French would say, meaning window shopping. The architecture alone is worth looking at, Victor Gruen designed a masterpiece of light. It has 286 stores, including Dior, Hermes, Chanel, Coach…the list goes on! I will have to go and lick some windows!
Orange County is a culinary hot spot and home to top chefs. Laguna Beach has a tour called the Flavors of Laguna, a food tasting and historical tour of Laguna Village. Hmmm…sounds rather yummy, don’t you think? The restaurants are too numerous to count, but I do have a few I would love to try: The White House, Orange Hill, and Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine (all proceeds to charity) are just a few.
Being an ocean person, there are plenty of ocean activities I’d like to try…kayak? yachting? whale watching? I’m sure there are plenty to choose from!
So, any ideas on other sights I need to take into consideration? Spas? Resorts? I would love to hear from you!
I live in San Diego and I haven’t experienced the pirate dinner in Irvine. How fun would that be!!! Thanks for sharing the tips…some of these are truly beautiful and romantic. Great ideas for a fun Valentine weekend for us. The drive is easy.
oh, yes, I’ve made that drive a few times, the scenery is so gorgeous the drive goes by in a second!
I haven’t spent much time in Orange County, but there seems to be so much to do! I have pinned your post to my Travel board so we can consider it for the next time we want to do a weekend away.
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I’m glad. It’s like the county that has everything!
I live in Los Angeles but went to high school and college in the OC. It’s a beautiful place. I also happen to like LA. LOL I’ll see you at WITS. I’m going too. Can’t wait! We’ll have to hook up!
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Oh yes, let’s do! It’s really just parts of Los Angeles, LOL. I know there are beautiful aspects to LAX. See you at WITS!
If you want to head down to San Diego, you should go to Sunset Cliffs for the best sunset ever! I wrote a 1-day guide to San Diego (including a bomb lunch spot) and I’d love to have you check it out!
Liz, I will have to do that! I love San Diego…I jumped off a cliff in La Jolla! Paragliding!
I’m green with envy! I love California too, and I really love Laguna Beach. Have a wonderful time!
Thank you…I am pretty confident that I will!
I am so excited to meet you in person and to help show you my favorite things in Orange County. It is a beautiful place with lots of fun and delicious things to do!
If I recall correctly, you did the Laguna food tour, Flavors of Laguna? After looking at Laguna Niquel, I can’t believe you left! Wow!
I am an OC Local and will see you at WITS! I recommend a Duffy Boat tour of Newport Harbor (hotel can arrange it) and the promenade by Montage in Laguna Beach. There is so much to do here. I need to play tourist at home more often!
Duffy Boat tour! I’d love to stay at Montage and enjoy a spa day!
Sounds like a wonderful and interesting visit .. And what a wonderful way to interface your personal and professional interests! Can’t wait to hear more! Wish I was accompanying you.
Nancy
Randy will probably spend the weekend of WITS with the Hursts. 🙂
How wonderful! Every time I think of California I get a ‘old Hollywood’ feel. All that sun and surf and palm trees!! Enjoy your trip!!
I am looking forward to sun and surf and palm trees, for sure!
Hi Tam! Have fun in the OC. My favorite is always hanging out on Balboa Island and just walking around, looking in the shops, watching the people and enjoying myself. You will have a blast! ~Kathy
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I am excited to go! Any restaurant suggestions?
We just ate at Harbor House three weeks ago visiting San Diego – rent a bike and ride the harbor for miles – beautiful tall ships and sail boats on the very blue water! The Gaslamp District full of wonderful shops and restaurants and bars! Jealous of you my “Travelin’ Tam”
Murph
Sounds lovely, Murph! Hugs and Kisses.
Tam, thanks for making sure Huntington Beach was included. Don’t forget we have dog beach hosting the annual Surf City Surf Dog, and the International Surf Museum. Speaking of delicious things to do – don’t forget about all the amazing food establishments and savory choices here in Orange County. There is a great food truck scene too. Endless things to see, do and food and drink to enjoy! Looking forward to being featured in a future blog post!
My son went to school at U of Redlands, and he spent a lot of time in Huntington Beach at the Dog Park! I’ll have to get out there again and pay a special visit to HB!
The dog park is near located at Central Park, another great location but dog beach is a local hot spot too. Either way, when you come this way – make sure to stop and say aloha!!
I will!