Food scene
Walk or ride down the Victoria hill and enjoy a delicious, casual Italian meal.
Basilico's Pasta e Vino
21501 Brookhurst StWalk or ride down the Victoria hill and enjoy a delicious, casual Italian meal.
Amazing, super casual dining. I usually get a Mesa Bowl or a fish burrito.
35 locals recommend
Taco Mesa
647 W 19th StAmazing, super casual dining. I usually get a Mesa Bowl or a fish burrito.
2145 Placentia Ave
2145 Placentia Avenue2145 Eats is too good and too close for you to pass up. Go!
Mongolian Bar-B-Que Pan Asia
369 East 17th StreetA very kid-friendly way to get protein and veggies into little bodies.
I like the sourdough pancakes because they have less calories and I eat them guilt-free.
36 locals recommend
The Original Pancake House
10035 Adams AveI like the sourdough pancakes because they have less calories and I eat them guilt-free.
Seasons 52
3333 Bristol StDate night
Donut Stoppe
21461 Brookhurst StreetButtermilk old-fashioned is my fave, but, seriously, all their donuts are delicious.
Down the hill on the left side right before you get to Brookhurst. Hint: get your coffee and then go for donuts (see above).
Starbucks
21532 Brookhurst StreetDown the hill on the left side right before you get to Brookhurst. Hint: get your coffee and then go for donuts (see above).
Het gets four and eats them in front of me. It's really not very kind, but I love him anyway.
12 locals recommend
Sprinkles Newport Beach Ice Cream
952 Avocado AveHet gets four and eats them in front of me. It's really not very kind, but I love him anyway.
Darya
3800 S Plaza DrMy parents' favorite place. You will love the proteins and gorgeous mounds of rice.
Fast sandwich on the go, if you don't have time to make one in the lovely kitchen you have at your disposal.
Firehouse Subs Mesa Verde
2701 Harbor BoulevardFast sandwich on the go, if you don't have time to make one in the lovely kitchen you have at your disposal.
When you want the best prime rib you've ever tasted, but you don't feel like getting all dressed up. If Rachelle is your server, she loves dogs.
Gulliver's Prime Rib
18482 Macarthur BoulevardWhen you want the best prime rib you've ever tasted, but you don't feel like getting all dressed up. If Rachelle is your server, she loves dogs.
Excellent wine recommendations. Love their butter lettuce and goat cheese salad with added chicken.
11 locals recommend
Olea. Cellar,Craft,Cook
2001 Westcliff DrExcellent wine recommendations. Love their butter lettuce and goat cheese salad with added chicken.
Supplies
Trader Joe's
3329 S Bristol StQuick trip down Victoria to get groceries.
Target
3030 Harbor BlvdRun out of diapers, need razors or sunscreen?
Nordstrom Rack
901 South Coast DriveWhen you want to look around for deals.
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol StThe real deal
Weekend mornings. Wear comfortable shoes, hat and shades. Sunscreen. Find the bagel guy, and you can never have too many pairs of socks.
OC Fair-Yellow Gate
Weekend mornings. Wear comfortable shoes, hat and shades. Sunscreen. Find the bagel guy, and you can never have too many pairs of socks.
Ikea Way
Ikea WayJust in case you need it.
The Home Depot
2300 Harbor BoulevardYou never know when you need something from Home Depot.
Sightseeing
Jack's Surfboards
101 Main StFun to walk around this whole area.
Newport Beach Dog Park
San Miguel DriveScented poop bags and sculptural art along the walkways.
Breakfast spot coupled with people-watching. Parking is challenging, but this is always the situation on Balboa Island.
15 locals recommend
Wilma's Patio Restaurant
203 Marine AveBreakfast spot coupled with people-watching. Parking is challenging, but this is always the situation on Balboa Island.
Aquarium Way
Aquarium WayGreat, educational place to engage kids.
Discovery Cube is an interactive, educational place to take kids. Good for content, but bring snacks or eat elsewhere.
2500 N Main St
2500 North Main StreetDiscovery Cube is an interactive, educational place to take kids. Good for content, but bring snacks or eat elsewhere.
Wear sunscreen, bring hat/shades and a light jacket. Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are essential. Food can be expensive on property, so plan around it.
59 locals recommend
Paradise Gardens Park
1313 Disneyland DrWear sunscreen, bring hat/shades and a light jacket. Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are essential. Food can be expensive on property, so plan around it.
Balboa Peninsula
Worth sight-seeing if you have some time available.
I used to love watching them make taffy through the windows od the candy shop.
129 locals recommend
Knotts Berry Farm station
I used to love watching them make taffy through the windows od the candy shop.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Wear sunscreen. Bring a windbreaker and sunglasses.
Orange County is sunny, but even on overcast days you can easily get a sunburn. Everyone wears sunglasses. You'll feel left out if you forget yours. Due to the ocean's proximity, cool daytime breezes and get quite chilly after sunset.