We’ve been on the run
Driving in the sun
Looking out for number one
(Orange County) California here we come
Right back where we started from.
(OC) CALIFORNIAAAAA HERE WE COME!
Orange County California
I don’t know about you, but Orange County has always been one of those places I’ve had to visit since the TV series OC California. But I have to admit: when the series went on air in Germany, I was only 13 years old and knew next to nothing about America. Also not that my favorite series at the time was not filmed in Newport Beach, the location of the series, but in Redondo Beach. This one isn’t in Orange County, it’s in Los Angeles. In this article you will find out why you should definitely visit Orange County, which is actually also called “The OC”.
Endless beaches, gorgeous coastal townsa casual surfer lifestyleand lots of sun and palm trees. This is Orange County at its best. Between Los Angeles and San Diego there are many beautiful places that perfect for a beach vacation are.
The most beautiful beach destinations in Orange County
And of course we want to get to know California’s beaches. After a few exciting days in Los Angeles we feel like the beach, surfing and the relaxed “Cali lifestyle”. And what better place to do that than by the sea?
Orange County is not a place but, as the name suggests, a county. It consists of several sympathetic coastal towns. Here are my favorites that you definitely shouldn’t miss on a trip to Southern California.
Huntington Beach
We start in Los Angeles and drive just a few kilometers along the coast to our first stop: Huntington Beach. The stretch of beach is considered one of the Top Surf Spots in California. That’s why Huntington Beach is also known as “Surf City” known. And in the village itself, everything revolves around surfing. Main Street and the many small side streets are full of surf shops, surf bars and such International Surfing Museum. Once a year, Huntington Beach also hosts the US Open of Surfingthe largest surfing competition in the USA, instead of. Huntington Beach also has the right waves for surfing beginners. One of the many surf schools of the city will be happy to help you on the board.
But Huntington Beach also has a lot to offer for non-surfers. After a little shopping tour in the brand new shopping center “Pacific City“We want to explore the area a little more. The 18 km long coastline invites you to go for walks and bike rides. We decide on the more comfortable option and borrow one Pedego Bikes e-bikes and cruise towards the sunset on the beach promenade.
Before the sun goes completely down, we’ll stop by Sandy’s Beach Shack. The Bahama Mamas are highly recommended here as a sundowner.
Newport Beach
The next day we make our way to Newport Beach. We’re only a few minutes’ drive from Huntington Beach. The coastal town of Newport (just like you know it from the OC California series ????????) is a place for the rich and famous. One or the other villa catches our eye. We are also drawn to the beach here. The boardwalk of Newport Beach is well maintained. Likewise the wide beach and the small marina. Here you can endure it!
Crystal Cove
In the afternoon we make our way to the Crystal Cove State Park. The national park consists of several beaches and a beautiful landscape in the hinterland. Here you can biking, hiking or the Historic District, a small collection of houses from the 1930s. Also, this is here Beachcomber Cafe. Here we are tonight campfireand enjoy the sunset.
Laguna Beach
The next morning we leave early: Laguna Beach wait for us. Laguna Beach is not just for its beach, but for its artist community known. The small coastal town has more than a hundred galleries and the Laguna Art Museum, which exhibits works by Californian artists. In the summer, Laguna Beach also hosts various art festivalssuch as this Sawdust Art & Craft Festival and the Festival of Arts Pageant of the Mastersinstead of.
But not only the village, but also the nature in and around Laguna Beach is beautiful. From the Heisler Parkright in the middle of Laguna Beach has a beautiful view of the coastline. Also the main beach and the Thousand Steps Beach are worth a visit. There are also some great ones around Laguna Beach hiking trails. The most famous leads to the viewpoint aptly named “Top of the world“.
Orange County restaurants
What should not be missing on a road trip are of course good restaurants. And there are quite a few of those in Orange County. Here are my personal favourites.
Active Culture – My favorite breakfast cafe in Laguna Beach. Super good bowls and bagels. The only downside: There is no coffee here. ???? Nevertheless, it’s worth stopping by here. You will find the Active Culture here.
Nirvana cricket – Cozy restaurant in Laguna Beach. There is a mix of American cuisine and home cooking here. All the dishes we tried were delicious. You will find the Nirvana Cricket here.
The American Dream – A typical American restaurant in Huntington Beach. The burgers here are a dream! We also liked everything else on the menu. You will find The American Dream here.
Sandy’s Beach Shack The place to be for sunset drinks in Huntington Beach! You will find Sandy’s Beach Shack here.
Duke’s Huntington Beach – Located directly on the beach, nice restaurant with delicious dishes. Here, too, everything revolves around surfing and the sea. You’ll find Duke’s Huntington Beachhere.
Hotel tips for Orange County
Even if you want to visit several places in Orange County, I recommend that you spend the time in a hotel. The best thing to do is see which place you like best and then choose your accommodation. The distances between the places are not far.
Kimpton Shorebreak/ Huntington Beach – Our choice fell on the Shorebreak Hotel in the “Surf City” of Huntington Beach. Cool surfer vibes, a cozy bar and nice staff. My highlight: The great, spacious rooms with well thought-out add-ons, such as a record player and suitable music. Here you are right in the middle of the (relaxed) hustle and bustle of Huntington Beach. We can recommend the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel. You can book that directly here.
The Ranch/ Laguna Beach – If you prefer Laguna Beach, I recommend the wonderful The Ranch Hotel. It is located just outside of Laguna Beach. Here you are in the middle of nature. Nevertheless, it is not far to the beach and to the village. You can book The Ranch here.
Conclusion on Orange County
If you’re going on a California road trip, you should definitely make a stop in Orange County. The individual beach destinations all have their own character and are definitely worth seeing. Whether it’s surfing, exploring the beautiful outdoors, or just relaxing, Orange County has it all.
By the way: Orange County even has its own Airport. However, only national flights and a few machines from Mexico and Canada take off and land here. The best way to travel from Germany is via the airports in Los Angeles or San Diego. You can find the best flights here.
To really get to know Orange County, you definitely need one rental car. You will find the cheapest rental car offers here.
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