I recently moved to the beautiful and constantly sunny Orange County, California. Because this is my first summer in California, I am still finding the coolest places and “local” spots. But, I have found a few little gems so far, and here’s what I would recommend if you’re planning a trip to Orange County anytime soon.
Where to stay…
If you’re coming to the west coast, why not stay right on the beach? Crystal Cove State Park is nestled between the beaches of Newport and Laguna. It’s a historic district dating back to the 1930’s and there are over 20 cottages you can rent. They are the perfect old-timey beach house where you can walk out your front door and dive right into the ocean. Plus, a four bedroom room starts at $71 per night, so you won’t break your bank and can enjoy some of the finer things in life, like food.
Where to eat…
If there is one thing California is known for, it’s fresh food and a wide variety of cuisine. For breakfast, I recommend going to Sidecar Doughnuts in Costa Mesa. They have unique flavors like butter and salt, s’mores, or my personal favorite, huckleberry (pictured above). They make fresh batches every hour so you’re always ensured a warm, delicious breakfast treat.
After Sidecar, I would say to head to the beach and have an early dinner. Since you’ll be eating right next to the ocean, you might as well indulge in some seafood. Rockin’ Baja Lobster is a fun and tasty spot located right next to the Newport Pier. They have homemade tortillas, delicious mexican corn, and best of all, a tin bucket full of flash-fried lobster tails. Yes I know, it sounds too good to be true, but just look at that picture. They are soft, buttery and a must have when visiting Orange County.
What to do…
There are so many things to do in Southern California. From Disneyland to farmer’s markets, the possibilities may seem endless. However, if you only have one day to spend, you have to go to the beach. There is nothing quite as relaxing as spending a day at the beach, listening to waves crash into the shore. I would go to Newport Beach because it’s cleaner than Huntington and there’s more to do than Laguna. You can rent a bike and ride up and down the boardwalk, or just chill in the waves. No matter what, you’re bound to have a great time while staying in Orange County.