It's an Orange Adventure
Description:
Orange County is a beautiful nestled in the bustling Southern California. It is definitely not to be overlooked for it boasts a multitude of great activities. It is centrally located with great access to both the majestic Pacific Ocean as well as the harsh deserts of California. There are many state parks and preserves in this area as well, such as Laguna Niguel Regional Park, or the Corona del Mar State Beach. The Ocean Institute is another great stop to make. Along the way your taste buds will have a trip of their own visiting the likes of Flamingo's Mexican Grill and Bar, Cowboy Seafood, and Brio Tuscany Grille,just to name a few. After this trip you will be sure to be saying "orange you glad we came".
Author: njacobson
Day 1 - Orange County, Santa Ana, Dana Point
Begin your trip by waking up on the beach at the Capri Laguna Inn on the Beach, once your have wrestled yourself from the comfort of their beds, head to The Cottage for some great breakfast and some history as well. The building is original from 1917, and feels just like a cottage, be it one that serves amazing breakfast favorites. When you have had your fill head over to the Aliso & Wood Canyons Park. This 3,789 acre site has something for everyone, cycling horse back riding or just plain old walking. Walking may be the best way to go because of all the remnants left by the native peoples. Its great exercise, and just generally a really cool place. Just a short distance away is the Laguna Niguel Regional Park, it is a very different place from the Wood Canyons Park for this 236 acre park surrounds a beautiful lake full of fun activities for all ages. From land to lake, to lunch and boy is Flamingo's Mexican Grill and Bar the place to recharge. You must experience some of the Mexican flare when visiting Southern California and this is the place. Enjoy the great chips and salsa before diving into your authentic burrito or tacos. They offer a wide selection of beer and wine as well. Now that you are full, lets head to yet another of the natural marvels of Orange County, the majestic Pacific Ocean. 1,000 steps beach lives up to its reputation for beauty but not 1,000 steps. It is only around 225 so that is good, but it is definitely worth the walk. After enjoying the beach head home and get ready for a fun and exciting dinner at Brio Tuscany Grille, a place in which you will be surprised with the fusion of a steakhouse with and Italian twist. Before or after dinner you will surely be drawn to dance this is the place for it. Dance the night away and have fun at the bar.
3
Aliso & Wood Canyons Park
Location:
view in google maps28373 Alicia Parkway
Orange County, CA 92677
Phone:
+1 949 923 22004
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Location:
view in google maps28241 La Paz Road
Orange County, CA 92677
Phone:
+1 949 923 22405
Flamingo's Mexican Grill & Bar
Location:
view in google maps25342 McIntyre Street
Santa Ana, CA 92653
Phone:
+1 949 768 38117
Brio Tuscany Grille
Location:
view in google maps24050 Camino del Avion
Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone:
+1 949 443 1476Day 2 - Dana Point, Newport Beach
After you full day yesterday and possibly into the night enjoy the Capri's beds, and when hunger finally finds you take advantage of their complementary breakfast. Once you are ready to begin your day it is off the the Ocean Institute one of the man notable attractions of Orange County. This institute is a pinnacle of academic instruction, thousands of people flock here to learn a little about the Pacific Ocean. If after visiting the Ocean Institute you are hungry head to the Harbor House Cafe to enjoy either breakfast again of their assortment of burgers and fries or many other options. Your next stop is a very special one, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and Preserve houses six endangered species which are always a treat to see. You can tour the preserve either by kayak, canoe or those good old feel. Be sure to enjoy some of the life the Newport offers at the Newport Landing Boardwalk, this is a great place to come and walk around just to enjoy the sun, fun and each other. When you have had your fill of the boardwalk Amelia's is a great stop for dinner. They offer great Italian and Seafood dishes for a very reasonable price, Amelia's is a great way to spend the night.
3
Harbor House Café
Location:
view in google maps34157 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone:
+1 949 496 92706
Amelia's
Location:
view in google maps311 Marine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Phone:
+1 949 673 6580Day 3 - Newport Beach, Huntington Beach
Enjoy today, sleep in when you are ready either grab a light breakfast and the Capri Laguna Inn on the Beach or head straight to Cowboy Seafood for an early lunch. This is a cool place that is an off shoot of a Houston restaurant. The name is very telling they are all about seafood so be sure you are up for their assortment ranging from grilled tuna to smoked trout. Give it a shot this is vacation be adventurous. Once you have finished with the Cowboy Grill mosey on over to the Corona del Mar State Beach. This is an extremely affluent area that is full of beautiful architecture. There are many points of interest for you to look at here, so check them out and pick your favorites. When you have had your fill of the state beach the Oceanview Promenade is a must see. The only thing to say about this place is to make sure you have enough time to enjoy it because there is enough stuff here for a whole vacation. Perusing the Promenade may create some hunger so when that happens head to Huntingtion Beach Beer Company, again the name of the establishment is telling, they know their beer. Here you will also find some good bar food food, ranging from pizza to pasta. Come for the beer, stay for the fun.
2
Cowboy Seafood
Location:
view in google maps850 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone:
+1 949 718 01875
Huntington Beach Beer Company
Location:
view in google maps201 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone:
+714 960 5343