Out of all the beaches in Orange County I would have to say that Laguna and Dana Point are the most romantic places out of all. Both have plenty of harbor side restaurants and eateries with spacious views of the ocean and Pacific coastline. My recommendations would be Las Brisas in Laguna Beach and Cannons Seafood Grill in Dana Point. Las Brisas is a Mexican style restaurant with menu pricings from $15-$40. Cannons Seafood Grill, in my opinion has better views (it's up on a cliff so you have a full view of the ocean and neighboring beach cities such as San Juan Capistrano) and better food for the prices. Their menu pricing ranges from $12-$35 and if you sign up to be a part of their club (it's free!) they will send you coupons for free desserts or buy one get one free entrees).
Laguna Beach has a quaint little shopping district right on the edge of Highway 133 and the Pacific Coast Highway and is infamous for its art galleries and shows. My mom stayed at the Aliso Creek Inn, a hidden gem located right across Aliso Park where people can go kayaking and such. She has continued to rave about the place ever since. Dana Point has the Ocean Institute maritime museum which hosts various special events throughout the year and the Mariner's Village Boardwalk which has several restaurants and shops for your leisure. Hotels in Laguna Beach and Dana Point range from $100+.
Disneyland/California Adventure Resort
If you live in southern California or are visiting the area, a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure is a must. I am Annual pass holder to both parks, and each time I go I am always as excited and glad as before. The parks have 3 hotels located close by: The Grand California Hotel & Spa, Paradise Pier Hotel, and the Disneyland Hotel. The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is located conveniently next to Downtown Disney shopping District (which offers a great shopping, eatery, and concert experiences such as the LEGO store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Rainforest Café. and House of Blues). All parks can be very pricey though and require a minimum of a two-night stay. Vacation rates can vary depending on season and promotions and range from$400 to $1000+. I would recommend staying a regular chain hotel nearby that will offer equivalent lodging at half the price. The theme parks' admissions range from $70 and up depending on which ticket you choose. There are also two-three day "park hopper" tickets available at a discounted price. For California residents they often offer a promotion for half of the year called the "2fer" allowing residents to purchase one park admission ticket and getting into the other park on another day for free.
San Diego and Surrounding Vicinity
A road trip down to San Diego only takes me about an hour and half to two hour drive from my hometown on the suburbs of Los Angeles. My parents have even taken the Amtrak train from Los Angeles down to San Diego and have said the experience is a must. There is so much to see and do in San Diego. There is Old Town, Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, Hotel Coronado, USS Midway, and my favorite, Balboa Park which houses the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Outdoor activities such as kayaking, surfing, and fishing are ideal here as there are miles and miles of beaches to explore. Plus, nearby there is Sea World, LEGOland, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park. These theme parks often have special discounts, especially for those with children. For shopping aficionados, there are also the Cabazon Outlets. Hotels in this area range from $70+.
No comments:
Post a Comment