TRAVEL GUIDE: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
After a few days in Palm Springs (a new guide coming soon!), my girlfriends and I headed to Orange County for a few days at the beach! It was my first time to the area and I instantly fell in love with the gorgeous beaches and charming towns. Today’s travel guide is all about our favorite spots and things to do for your visit to Southern California!
WHAT TO DO
Go Beach Hopping
One of the best parts of Orange County is the endless options of gorgeous beaches. We loved spending a little time in each city, from the Huntington Dog Beach to Laguna Beach’s Diver Cove, there’s a beautiful beach for whatever mood you’re in. We were so grateful for Toyota lending us a 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE AWD to get around with. It was such a gorgeous SVU and drove so smooth during our road trip!
Shop in Newport and Laguna Beach
Newport Beach and Laguna Beach both offered great shopping options for a day you want to take a break from the beach. Newport Beach has LIDO Marina Village, which is a gorgeous outdoor shopping area on the marina filled with stores like LoveShackFancy, Stoney Clover Lane and Clare V. as well as restaurants and coffee shops. In Laguna, it’s more of a casual downtown vibe so great for walking around and feeling like a local.
Rent A Duffy Boat
We didn’t get to do this but was recommended from a few people to rent a duffy boat in Newport Harbor if you have the time! Duffy Boats are electronic boats that you can drive around the harbor and bring drinks and food on so a perfect OC afternoon activity!
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Bear Flag Fish Co.
The most recommended spot in the OC I received is Bear Flag Fish Co. This casual seafood spot (there’s a few locations!) has an amazing assortment of fresh fish and seafood to choose from and enjoy as tacos, poke bowls or more. The cocktails and fresh guac are also a must!
Rose Bakery Cafe
My friend Kate is from Newport Beach originally and recommended this casual cafe on the PCH for breakfast burritos and they did not disappoint. Grab these before driving into Laguna and you have a perfect Cali morning!
Herst Coffee Roasters
Located in LIDO Marina Village, this coffee shop is so chic and had amazing pastries and of course coffee. They had lots of outdoor seating as well so a perfect place to start your morning.
Topside at LIDO House
Before dinner in Newport Beach, we grabbed cocktails at this rooftop hotel bar. Incredible views, fun cocktails and great music, highly recommend stopping here for a drink!
LIDO Bottle Works
Located in LIDO Marina Village, we had a great dinner here right on the marina. We shared lots of farm fresh small plates and a great bottle of wine.
Mosaic Bar at Montage Laguna Beach
One of my favorite things to do in new cities is visiting different hotels and the Montage Laguna Beach is one you don’t want to miss. Right on the ocean, head to their poolside bar for an afternoon drink or lunch.
Zinc Cafe
We didn’t have time to eat here but we grabbed coffee from their Laguna Beach location (there’s also one in Newport) but loved the market style and Nancy Meyers vibes.
Raw Bar at Slapfish
In classic California dining, this seafood spot is in a strip mall in Huntington Beach. We had so much delicious seafood our last night, from oysters to lobster tots, this was a great casual spot after a day at the beach.
Avila’s El Ranchito
Our first night in Huntington Beach we wanted to stay in and ordered Mexican takeout from this spot nearby. It was SO good and the portions were huge so highly recommend sharing!
WHAT I WORE
