Orange County

The many unique and interesting areas and neighborhoods of Orange County make it a very compelling holiday destination. These six are among the most popular:

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City, is the go-to area for surfers, as its nickname implies. It’s also home to the International Surfing Museum. Huntington Beach also has the longest pier on the west coast. Visitors can go horseback riding at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, or explore the Bolsa Chica Wetlands’ trails.

Irvine

Irvine is characterized by its big open spaces and wide streets. It has plenty of attractions and things to do. There are some stellar restaurants with vast choices of various foods. Shopping is plentiful with plenty of appealing shops offering different goods. For outdoorsy types, there’s Tanaka Farm, William R. Mason Regional Park, Bommer Canyon Trails, and Turtle Rock Community Park. San Diego and LA are just a stone’s throw away.

Laguna Beach

The main industry in this beach town is tourism and it’s no wonder. The quaint, seaside city has gorgeous beaches, incredible views, a robust art scene and a healthy surf culture. Laguna Beach is home to more than 100 art galleries and art events including the Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational and the Pageant of the Masters.

Newport Beach

Tourists flock to Newport Beach for the pristine beaches, shopping and Balboa Island with its fun zone, games and rides. Scenic Corona Del Mar has some of the most magnificent views along this part of the coast. Vacationers who love to snap pics might also enjoy a pit stop by the lovely Environmental Nature Center and the Sherman Library and Gardens.

San Clemente

San Clemente sits at the southern edge of Orange County. San Clemente State Beach is known for its sweeping views, mild climate, and high winds. Tourists also enjoy Del Mar Street for the restaurants, bars, and shops, while the San Clemente Pier offers a scenic walk with a cool, ocean breeze. Hikers seek out the Ridgeline, Las Ramblas, and San Clemente Beach trails. Such a delightful place may be just right to spend time on a holiday, especially when staying at the most impressive Villa Anita. This beachfront property is beautifully appointed in every way. There are too many incredible amenities to list them all, however, some include an outdoor heated pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, wine cellar, and an outdoor dining space. Luxury travelers looking for warmth and sophistication in holiday accommodations should consider this outstanding villa.

Yorba Linda

Yorba Linda is primarily known as the birthplace of Richard Nixon, however it’s also known for its pleasant weather, top-notch equestrian facilities and a central location close to other areas including Anaheim and Corona. The city is a mix of urban amenities and small-town charm with many restaurants, cultural attractions and shopping areas. Green spaces are plentiful with more than 100 miles of multi-purpose trails.

When travelers want to step away from their Orange County mansion rental for an elegant dinner, any of these five fancy culinary gems would fit the bill:

A&O Kitchen+Bar

A&O (Anchors & Oceans) is an elegant gastropub with reclaimed barn siding walls, rustic wood floors, and an iron-clad bar tap overlooking the harbor. It’s located in Balboa Bay Resort, a waterfront resort in Newport Beach. Guests can get started with something small like jalapeno cheese empanadas then sink their teeth into one of A&O’s classic dishes like beef tartare or braised osso bucco. They also have some very tempting desserts like pumpkin spice and bacon caramel corn.

Marche Moderne

Guests can eat a sumptuous meal in Marche Moderne’s main dining room or head to the bar for a glass of wine or a cocktail, as well as light snacks or a full meal. This modern fine-dining restaurant is constantly experimenting to add new dishes to its menu. Sample this addition to the culinary repertoire: roasted duck breast with truffle, potato and duck sausage, death trumpet with Cassis and Port Sauce.

Mesa

Mesa is known for its innovative eats and creative cocktails in a contemporary lounge setting. It stands out with its unique architectural design, retractable roof, living wall, local art displays and movies that are projected onto the walls. There is a wide selection on the menu, such as smoked duck breast and grilled sourdough which are simply to die for. Wash down that delicious meal with a glass of wine, cocktail, or champagne. Mesa is a chic 21 and over establishment, with recommended attire being smart casual.

Oak Grill

Oak Grill is a true California original. There is a fire pit and two private dining rooms to add to the ambiance. The robust program of craft beers are mostly local, 12 on tap and are all delicious. Choose from more than 50 wines by the glass with a perfect pairing for every dish. Diners also love the fireside patio area with the glorious view of Newport Beach.

Studio

Studio has the amenities and conveniences of an ultra-luxury beachfront hotel coupled with the warmth and appeal of a cozy craftsman-style inn. At Studio, diners can enjoy modern French cuisine influenced by California fare with ever-changing à la carte menus. Dishes pair well with a wide selection of wines with more than 2,500 different labels from the world’s major wine regions. Get a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and sit back and relax in an elegantly comfortable fine-dining atmosphere.

There are many galleries, shops and boutiques in Orange County that feature local artists, and there are some very wonderful museums. Have a look at these four:

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is an award-winning non-profit cultural center that used to be the sprawling 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival coastal residence of Ole Hanson, City of San Clemente founder and one-time Seattle mayor. Perched on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, it is the ideal place to visit for some incredible photos. Guests can also enjoy innovative concerts, theater performances, lectures, exhibitions, and films or a tranquil stroll through the fragrant gardens.

Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Museum’s mission is to collect, care for, and exhibit works of art created by California artists or that represent the life and history of the state. Through its permanent collection, special loan exhibitions, educational programs, library and archive, the museum enhances the public’s knowledge and appreciation of California art of all periods and styles. It continues the tradition of the Laguna Beach Art Association founded in 1918 by the early California artists who discovered the town and transformed it into a vibrant arts community. The gallery that the association built in 1929 is still part of today’s museum.

Orange County Center for Contemporary Art

The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art provides emerging and established member and guest artists a forum to explore and develop ideas in contemporary art in an atmosphere promoting experimentation and risk-taking, but without the shadow of censorship. Located in the heart of Santa Ana's Artist Village, the center presents a variety of programs: films, forums, concerts, workshops, classes and first Saturday artist receptions.

UCI Institute and Museum of California Art

The University of California, Irvine, is home to a significant collection of California art. To bring these collections together, the University founded the UCI Institute and Museum of California Art (IMCA) with plans to construct a new museum facility on campus realizing the original vision for the University of California’s expansion into Irvine in the early 1960s. Through a comprehensive offering of exhibitions and publications, research, seminars and conferences, lectures and artist talks, tours, and educational outreach, the museum strives to expand the understanding of California’s artistic past and present, its distinctive social and cultural framework, and its contribution to shaping and challenging the art historical catalog.

Check out the vibes of these six chic and upscale venues to have a good time in the OC once the sun has set:

The Blind Rabbit

This isn’t just any ordinary place. The Blind Rabbit is literally hidden somewhere in the Anaheim Packing District. Reservations are required and can be made the same day. Because of the intimate nature of the experience, party sizes are limited to no more than six and a strict dress code is enforced. When guests walk through the hidden door, they will be taken to a different world – one reminiscent of the 1920s prohibition era.

FLOE Lounge

Mix and mingle in one of Irvine’s premier spots, FLOE Lounge. Located in the Marriott Hotel, FLOE features an outdoor patio and restaurant terrace where guests can soak up the perfect SoCal weather in relaxing seating, play on an oversized chess board or sip cocktails by the pool. Prohibition Monday highlights FLOE’s Bourbon ambassador program and turns the bar into a modern day speak-easy.

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge

Offshore 9 is located on the 9th floor of The Twin Dolphin Tower at The Waterfront Beach Resort. Take in the stunning panoramic views from Orange County's highest coastal rooftop lounge. Enjoy a unique menu of small plates and hand crafted specialty cocktails or a selection of high-end wines and champagne by the glass. Offshore 9 offers the perfect setting to relish a Southern California sunset or to end the night after a busy day of sightseeing.

Orange Hill Restaurant

High above Orange County with an unprecedented view of Catalina Island, Downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland’s magical fireworks show, and the gorgeous California coastline, guests will be sipping on their handcrafted cocktails, looking over Southern California, and happily relaxing. If wine is preferred, check out Orange Hill’s wine list curated by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan. Yes, Michael Jordan.

Time Nightclub

This stunning, upscale venue boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and fully immersive lighting experience. There's a huge LED screen making up the DJ wall, and a programmable chandelier over the dance floor with more than 5,000 programmable spheres. While Time is an electronic dance music club, it also has a removable DJ booth and a stage that can accommodate a five-piece band. Owners say Time won't be limited to just DJs. That could include DJs playing Top 40 hits and hip-hop, or live music, including country, especially on quieter nights.

180BLU

180blu is an oceanfront dining, Pan-Latin lounge on the main floor of the Ritz Carlton hotel. This outdoor lounge and terrace offers spectacular Pacific coastline views and well as delicious cocktails to sip on as the sun sets over the ocean. Particularly tasty is the passion fruit mojito made with Bacardi, passion fruit, mint and lime. If guests are a bit hungry, try the wonton shells filled with swordfish salad with a hint of spice topped with mango salsa and pickled jalapeno. It’s a creamy, crunchy, and tangy delight.

There are many events that might peak the interest of visitors to Orange County. Check out these four that may be great to attend:

Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights is all about the Christmas spirit. Elaborate Christmas light displays of bay front estates with their Ring of Lights competition and one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country. Hundreds of decorated ships of all sizes compete for top awards in more than half a dozen categories. The parade is viewed by more than 1.5 million people each year and is one of the largest boat parades visitors will likely ever see. Millions of holiday lights are a part of the festivities making Newport Bay a must see during the holiday season.

Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado

This annual parade, organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, celebrates the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph’s Day, March, 19. This is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades. It is a spectacular event vacationers will want to attend. This is one of the best celebrations in Orange County and not to be missed if in the area!

Laguna Beach Music Festival

This festival features emerging artists on the cusp of greatness and has been named one of the top five music festivals in Orange County. The festival is co-presented by Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. The festival is a multi-day series of classical and contemporary concerts, community outreach programs and dynamic special events all to entice attendees. Former performers include Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and cellist Jay Campbell.

Surf City USA Marathon and Half Marathon

The Surf City USA Marathon is a runner's dream. The annual marathon weekend features two days of running with 5K and half-marathon distances. The oceanfront course takes participants through the best of Huntington Beach. From Pacific Coast Highway to Central Park, the mostly flat course is ideal for new marathoners and is even used by some as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. In addition to the full marathon, the event includes a half marathon and the largest beachside health and wellness expo on the west coast. Registration for the marathon opens in late spring each year. This may be an event of interest for visitors who are avid runners and plan to be in the area.

Orange County is replete with many activities and experiences for the luxury traveler. Here are five that sound well worth it:

Disney California Adventure Park

Buckle up for an exhilarating ride around Pixar Pier on the Incredicoaster, or zoom through the desert landscape of Cars Land on Radiator Springs Racers; how about exploring a campus created for the next generation of Super Heroes at Avengers Campus? It’s a charge, even for many adults, to see their favorite Disney characters come to life. Disney parks are touted as being the happiest and magical places on earth and for vacationers who have kids and/or who are kids at heart, a visit to Disney Adventure Park while in the OC is a must.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Fun is the name of the game at California’s original theme park. With 160 acres of world-class rides, shows, restaurants and attractions in four themed areas, all guests are sure to find something to make them smile. Whether it’s at Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk or Camp Snoopy, visitors, young and not so young, always have a blast at Knott’s Berry Farm. And remember to take some delicious boysenberry jam back to the Orange County luxury vacation rental!

Pacific Coast Highway Drive

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from north to south keeps travelers in the lane closest to the ocean. To feel a part of the magnificence and strength of nature, this drive is a must do. Travelers will be surrounded by dense green forests and gorgeous beaches. This land is still mostly wild, open and astoundingly beautiful. Travelers can drive for miles and miles and have the scenery all to themselves. California stops on the drive can include San Diego, LA, San Luis Obispo, San Simeon, Monterey, San Francisco, Mendocino, and Redwood National Park.

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

This library commemorates the life of former President Richard Nixon and the legacy he left. Visitors are able to visit the president’s childhood home and the 70 exhibits in the museum highlight his personal life and career. The public can climb inside a Marine One presidential helicopter on site, explore a re-creation of the East Room of the White House and conduct research at the library which has the most extensive collection of presidential archives in existence.

Visit OC’s Five Piers: Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Balboa, Newport Beach and San Clemente

Any trips to Orange County beaches should definitely include a visit to its five piers: Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Balboa, Newport Beach and San Clemente. They’re all lovely, but the most iconic is the pier at Huntington Beach. It’s the most photographed and at 1,850 in length, it’s one of the longest piers on the west coast. On a clear day the views from the end of the pier are simply incredible as miles of coastline with snow- capped mountains in the background are easily seen. Stroll down the pier and watch the surfers below, browse the shops or grab a milkshake from Ruby’s Diner.