I was born, and raised, in Orange County… left for 4 years to go to college in San Diego (The University of San Diego), and then came back for graduate school (Chapman University). I grew up vacationing up and down the state, and we’ve done the same with our girls… from Palm Springs to San Diego, up to Santa Barbara and even further to Carmel… California has so much beauty to offer. All that to say, when I left Orange County, I swore I would never come back…. too boring, not enough to do, etc…. was my 18 year old complaint.

20 years later, I’ve set my roots in the very city I grew up in, craving that sense of calm… although I see it a bit differently now. It’s a great place for families, and even better if you’re here for a visit. From Disneyland to the beaches, you can easily fill a good 5-7 days with activities… or even just a long, extended weekend….

So today I compiled a small list of our personal favorites- from hiking tails, to beaches and restaurants…. they’re all here. I focused this mainly on the coastal areas, since this is most frequently where people travel to. And since we did a quick stay in Malibu last year, and have headed up that way for lunches, etc frequently, I included a few favorite spots there as well (after the Orange County section).

I hope it’s helpful if you’re planning a trip here sometime soon!
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ORANGE COUNTY

Hike laguna canyon, see photo below (Bommer trail is our favorite- more challenging)

Or hike Crystal Cove (more of a nice walk with some hills) via the pelican hill/PCH entrance. 

The Beachcomber has spots where they will set up a bonfire for you, so fun!  

take a happy hour electric boat ride with eats and drinks- we rent through electric boat rentals– you can get food from any of the local restaurants on lido, or from anywhere else. 

Eats + Drinks:

Breakfast:
KIT for avocado toast + caffeine (they also have amazing breakfast burritos)
Beachcomber
Urth Cafe (laguna)
Haute Cakes Cafe 

Lunch/Dinner:
Driftwood Kitchen (great views)
Wild Taco (great casual tacos and beverages)

Javier’s (mexican) 
Malibu Farm (see below)

Nobu 
Zinque , see below (we recently had breakfast there and it was so good) 

Cocktails at 180blu  (see below)

The Farmhouse, Roger’s Gardens (all fresh and farm to table, and a beautiful, outdoor, rustic setting)

FAVORITE BEACHES

Corona Del Mar Tide Pools (fun for kiddos)
Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach
Salt Creek, Dana Point
Crystal Cove (the PCH/Pelican Hill entrance point)

MALIBU

STAY: @thesurfridermalibu It’s a small, 20 room, boutique hotel… beautifully appointed. It has a gorgeous rooftop deck, only open to the guests, so at no point did it feel overly crowded (not sure what the summer is like though). The Calamigos Ranch is on my list of places I’d like to stay as well…

DO: we hiked Point Dume (did it twice since it’s short) and the views were spectacular. Also recommend malibu country mart if you’re in the mood for shopping… and of course relaxing on the beach if it’s warm enough.

Eat: Malibu Farm (right on the pier, always a favorite), Nobu (delicious sushi overlooking the ocean), Broadstreet Oyster Co , Sunlife Organics, The Malibu Cafe (at Calamigos Ranch)