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Orange County
(FAST FACT: Gum is not sold anywhere at Disneyland, nor has it ever been.)
Now known as “The O.C.” thanks to pop culture trendsetters, Orange County features 42 miles of picturesque coastline. Anchored by Disneyland, this family-friendly zone features several entertaining attractions, including Knott’s Berry Farm. This region, south of Los Angeles, also offers countless chic stays, cultural draws and leisurely activities.
Anaheim and Surrounding Areas
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Who doesn’t visit Mickey on a trip to the O.C.? This year, see Disneyland from the vantage of a V.I.P. tour. Starting at $125 per hour with a six-hour minimum, parties up to 10 can get priority seating at Disneyland Resort restaurants, plus special seating at live shows and parades, and behind-the-scenes insights. 714.300.7710. www.disneyland.com.
While there, drop into the new and evolving destinations surrounding Disneyland. The much-touted Anaheim Garden Walk, located between Disney’s Magic Kingdom front gate and its recently announced third park, is a new venue rich in shopping, dining and entertainment options. Scheduled to be fully opened by June 2008, the center includes restaurant draws like McCormick & Schmick’s, The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s and Roy’s. It also houses an upscale bowling lounge, “300,” the first in Southern California; the hot spot Heat Ultra Lounge; a 14-plex theater; and a boutique hotel. www.anaheimgardenwalk.com.
Likewise rising in the vicinity is Platinum Triangle, Anaheim’s 820-acre mixed-use urban development, predicted to be Orange County’s “new downtown.” The high-density development encompasses Angel Stadium, and popular sports and entertainment venues like Honda Center and The Grove of Anaheim. When complete, the Platinum Triangle will house up to 18,000 residential units and 5.5 million square feet of commercial space. www.anaheim.net.
Though known for entertainment, Anaheim is also abundant with culture. Don’t miss new museum and cultural arts center The Muzeo. 714.956.8936, www.muzeo.org.
In operation since 1990, the newly renamed Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda (previously called the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace) became the 12th Presidential Library in the federal system in 2007 and is now operated by the National Archives. Numerous hours and pages of sought-after presidential tapes and documents are being transferred to the museum for public viewing. www.nixonlibrary.gov.
Santa Ana has become a mini arts mecca. Through Oct. 12, Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is hosting the U.S. premiere of one of the largest and most noteworthy Chinese exhibits outside of China, “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of the first Emperor.” Also, don’t miss the Bowers Kidseum, where kids can play international dress-up, tinker with tribal instruments and explore other languages in hands-on interactive activities. www.bowers.org.
Also in Santa Ana, at the O.C. Pavilion, fine diners shouldn’t miss local favorite Ambrosia Restaurant, a five-star restaurant under chef Michael Rossi serving “seasonal marketplace” cuisine. Before leaving, stop into The Vault V.I.P. Lounge, referred to by patrons as Orange County’s hottest jazz club. www.ocpavilion.com.
The CAMP in Costa Mesa is another must-see, especially if you’re big on holistic health or the outdoors. The “compound” includes several outdoor and active sports outfitters, bike and scuba shops, and a yoga studio not to mention healthy fare, including vegan options, in the form of new restaurant 118 Degrees, which serves gourmet organic and raw food, as well as a hip bar. www.thecampsite.com.
Huntington/Newport
Two trendy new beachfront developments purport to transform Huntington Beach’s downtown district. Opening this fall, The Strand will include casual draws like RA Sushi, Ben & Jerry’s and a boutique hotel called Shorebreak. Anticipated mid-2009, the other project, Pacific City, will house high-end fashion boutiques. By summer 2010, a W Hotel with a signature restaurant, destination spa and residences, will form the development’s hub.
Nearby Newport Beach, central on the O.C. coastline, is frequently referred to as the “Hamptons of Hollywood.” Composed of nine neighborhoods, the destination offers visitors the best of both worlds: city and coast.
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Need a reason to visit? You may be familiar with the Toshiba Classic in March, an official PGA Champions Tour event. Likewise, the Grunion Run (best witnessed in March through July) tends to garner national press. Two other events worth visiting in April are the Lexus Newport-to-Ensenada International Yacht Race (the world’s largest international race of its kind) and the Newport Beach Film Festival, which laidback affairs attract numerous celebrities.
Newport boasts some of the best shopping around. Stroll and shop outdoors at Fashion Island, home to a Bloomingdale’s and Orange County’s only Neiman Marcus. Closer to the coast, Corona del Mar Plaza and Crystal Cove Promenade also offer upscale retail and restaurant venues. Those in search of one-of-a-kind wares will love ambling through the shops in the village of Corona del Mar (tip: Most streets are named after flowers and in alphabetical order) and the unique establishments of Balboa Island (Starbucks is the only chain store you’ll find).
Make sure to schedule time in between window shopping to view the wildlife. Newport is home to about 30,000 migratory birds, some of them rare or endangered. The Back Bay estuary is a great place to jog, bike or hike while wildlife watching. Better yet, kayak through the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve with a knowledgeable naturalist to learn background on the wildlife and their habitat. While exploring the preserve, don’t miss the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, which provides educational resources on preservation and the like. Kayak Tours via Newport Bay Naturalists & Friends, 949.923.2269; Interpretive Center: 949.923.2290, www.newportbay.org.
For a customized Orange County stay, elite travelers can consult Le Rêve Destination Services for the ultimate in personalized travel and concierge services. In addition to arranging stress-free custom itineraries, they’ll provide butler, domestic and personal chef services; shop for you; and even hire a professional photographer to compile a photo-journal of your vacation memories. www.lereveoc.com.
Carolyn Clark, the knowledgeable guide behind Newport at Your Feet, conducts extensive and diverse tours of Newport—and she can customize them to your specs. Our fave: Clark hosts tours of featured sites from “The O.C.” www.newportatyourfeet.com.
Dine
Newport offers plenty of fare for foodies. Opened in November 2007, The Crow Bar gastropub is quickly becoming one of the hippest new eateries on the Newport scene. Expect gourmet pub grub, and food and beer pairings emphasizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients. www.thecrowbarcdm.com.
Housed in a former commercial fish cannery dating to 1921, The Cannery has been a culinary hot spot since the decline of commercial fishing in the harbor in the 1960’s. Dock and dine at this historic venue. (For a guide to other dock-and-dine venues, consult www.visitnewportbeach.com. We recommend historic Harborside Restaurant for satisfying seafood in a classic setting.) www.cannerynewport.com.
Points South
Orange County’s southern coastal resorts offer the ultimate in amenities. A few of our faves: the four-diamond Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa at historic Dana Point, with a full-service spa and wellness center, The Spa at Laguna Cliffs. Also in Dana Point, the prestigious St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach is the only O.C. resort to boast the esteemed Mobil Five Star designation. In upscale, artsy Laguna Beach, Montage Laguna Beach is an ultraluxurious beachfront hotel, decked out in Craftsman-style architecture and Early California artwork. While there, jaunt to The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel to experience its new wine tasting room, ENO. The wine, cheese and chocolate pairings—including 50 rotating artisanal cheeses and 16 compelling drink flights (think Chocolate Buzz or Drawing a Blanc)—should more than satisfy the palate.
Stay
Within walking distance of both the Orange County Museum of Art and popular shopping destination Fashion Island, the AAA five-diamond The Island Hotel in Newport Center is a favorite of leisure and corporate travelers alike. Its Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge attracts a significant local following on weekends. 866.554.4620, www.theislandhotel.com.
Elite individuals from past presidents (Ford, Nixon and Reagan) to celebrities (John Wayne, aka The Duke) frequented the Balboa Bay Club. Today, at the four-diamond Balboa Bay Club & Resort, stylish rooms afford priceless views of California’s Riviera. Visitors can enjoy casual sophisticated dining at on-site First Cabin Restaurant and dockside Duke’s Place. www.balboabayclub.com.
In search of a bohemian beachside stay? Reserve a cozy cottage in Crystal Cove’s historic district. The highly coveted houses, former film site locations and founding residents’ abodes, were recently restored. Lounge on the beach, hike at the adjacent state park, tour beachfront historic guideposts, and grab breakfast or refreshments at the popular Beachcomber Café or Shake Shack. www.crystalcovebeachcottages.org.