Luxury
Southern California Trip Itineraries
First Time in Orange County
Destination(s): Dana Point
Orange County is a wide and varied patchwork of cultures and communities, so it always benefits from more than one look. However, for new visitors to the area, there are certain locales more equal than others. First timers gravitate to the coastline, and the beach towns of Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach (do you see a theme yet?), and San Clemente. The original Disneyland in Anaheim is a must, even for those without children. And don't forget to hire a car: this is a land built around the internal combustion engine, where people use the term "freeway close" with no trace of irony. read more about First Time in Orange County
Chart House Restaurant
- 2801 Coast Highway, West
- tel:9495485889
- Visit website
- Newport Beach, 92663
The Coach House
- 33157 Camino Capistrano
- tel:+1 949 496 8930
- Visit website
- San Juan Capistrano, 92675
Aliso & Wood Canyons Park
- 28373 Alicia Parkway
- tel:+1 949 923 2200
- Visit website
- Laguna Niguel, 92677
Beach House Restaurant
- 619 Sleepy Hollow Ln
- tel:949.494.9707
- Visit website
- Laguna Beach, 92651
Established in 1968 and located in the former home of Hollywood character actor, Slim Summerville, The Beach House is an elegant, long standing asset to the wide and varied Laguna Beach restaurant scene. The interior reminds you of the timescale of the buildings origins, 1920's woodwork, wrought iron, and fixtures remain in place, and the menu is a stunning blend of seafood and grill. Examples of the cuisine include Shrimp Fritter Lollipops and the superb Lobster Quesadillas. It's pricey, but the ambience and the cuisine make up to good value.
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Disneyland
- 1313 South Disneyland Drive
- tel:+1 714 781 4565
- Visit website
- Anaheim, 92802
Opened in 1955 and with the construction overseen by Walter Elias Disney himself, the Anaheim Disneyland will always be the original Magic Kingdom. Open all year round, Mickey Mouse, Snow White and friends are always in attendance to greet you and your family. The park itself is divided into a series of distinct 'realms' populated with various rides and experiences. Besides that, an itinerary of parades and a shopping district help to broaden out the experience. The hours at Disneyland change according to whichever season you're visiting in, so ensure you check the website or call before finalizing your plans - you don't want to miss out on having the insanely infectious "It's a Small World" tune running through your head.
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Landmark
- 3520 East Coast Highway
- tel:(949) 675-5556
- Visit website
- Corona Del Mar, 92625
The Landmark is a steak house, bar and club all linked in a stylish combination of low lighting, comfortable booths and a heated outside terrace. On the weekends, it becomes standing room only as the young, hip and well off of Orange County descend to drink and make merry (if you've got the cash, bottle service is a good option). Good wine list.
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Ruby's Diner
- 1 Balboa Cvs
- tel:949.675.7829
- Visit website
- Newport Beach, 92663
Walking into a Ruby's feels like stepping back in time to a more innocent age. A chain of diners that have become as much a part of the Orange County scenery as the Pacific Ocean, Ruby's has spread nationwide since its launch in 1982. Inside you'll find a fully retro decor, from the red vinyl booths to the uniformed waitresses. Service is always polite and timely, and favorites include the classic burgers with secret RubySauce and the awesome milk shakes (best shared). Also serves good quality American fare for breakfast.
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Harbor House Café
- 34157 Pacific Coast Highway
- tel:+1 949 496 9270
- Visit website
- Dana Point, 92629
Mission San Juan Capistrano
- 31414 El Camino Real
- Ortega Hwy. (Calif. 74), San Juan Capistrano
- tel:+1 949 234 1300
- Visit website
- San Juan Capistrano, 92675
