Chandra's Guidebook for South Orange County
Parks & Nature
Nice trail for hiking and biking. Goes out to the ocean.
30 locals recommend
Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
28373 Alicia PkwyNice trail for hiking and biking. Goes out to the ocean.
Nice park for large group gatherings for BBQ's, picnics, kid's birthday celebrations, etc. Can also hike around the reservoir along the trails. There's plenty of parking inside but there is a entrance fee if you take your vehicle. You can also park in the adjacent shopping center and then walk into this park.
19 locals recommend
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
28241 La Paz RdNice park for large group gatherings for BBQ's, picnics, kid's birthday celebrations, etc. Can also hike around the reservoir along the trails. There's plenty of parking inside but there is a entrance fee if you take your vehicle. You can also park in the adjacent shopping center and then walk into this park.
One of the best beaches in OC. Much less crowded that Newport Beach or Huntington Beach. Hourly parking rate if you park over by the Ritz Carlton. Free parking if you park at the official "Salt Creek State Beach" parking lot on Selva Road.
129 locals recommend
Salt Creek Beach
Ritz Cove DrOne of the best beaches in OC. Much less crowded that Newport Beach or Huntington Beach. Hourly parking rate if you park over by the Ritz Carlton. Free parking if you park at the official "Salt Creek State Beach" parking lot on Selva Road.
This park at the beach features camping grounds, RV parking, picnic tables volleyball courts. Can also rent all sorts of beach and water sports gear too.
94 locals recommend
Doheny State Beach
This park at the beach features camping grounds, RV parking, picnic tables volleyball courts. Can also rent all sorts of beach and water sports gear too.
Main Beach is located right in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach. Parking is available just a short walk away and across the street in three different public parking lots as well as metered parking on the streets.
53 locals recommend
Main Beach Park
Main Beach is located right in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach. Parking is available just a short walk away and across the street in three different public parking lots as well as metered parking on the streets.
Arts & Culture
Sawdust is one of the three art festivals open during July and August each year in Laguna Beach. Has the most Indie flare of all the art festivals.
91 locals recommend
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon RdSawdust is one of the three art festivals open during July and August each year in Laguna Beach. Has the most Indie flare of all the art festivals.
Festival of the Arts is another one of the three art festivals open during July and August in Laguna Beach. It is home to the historic Pageant of the Masters show.
113 locals recommend
Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon RdFestival of the Arts is another one of the three art festivals open during July and August in Laguna Beach. It is home to the historic Pageant of the Masters show.
Home to America's 37th President, the Nixon Library offers not just a historical archive, but also features many current, prominent media personalities for lecture & book signing events.
77 locals recommend
The Richard Nixon Library & Museum
18001 Yorba Linda BlvdHome to America's 37th President, the Nixon Library offers not just a historical archive, but also features many current, prominent media personalities for lecture & book signing events.
This is another one of the Laguna Beach art festivals open during the months of July & August. Definitely worth a stop when you're visiting Laguna Beach.
Art A Fair
777 Laguna Canyon RdThis is another one of the Laguna Beach art festivals open during the months of July & August. Definitely worth a stop when you're visiting Laguna Beach.
Entertainment & Activities
Dana Point Harbor is home of a number of restaurants and shops. Plus, if you wish to go whale watching, deep sea fishing, etc. it is where the boat chartering services are located.
167 locals recommend
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is home of a number of restaurants and shops. Plus, if you wish to go whale watching, deep sea fishing, etc. it is where the boat chartering services are located.
Disneyland is the most well known attraction in Orange County. No visit to OC is ever complete without spending some time going through Disneyland, California Adventure & Downtown Disney.
3085 locals recommend
Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland DrDisneyland is the most well known attraction in Orange County. No visit to OC is ever complete without spending some time going through Disneyland, California Adventure & Downtown Disney.
During July & August, the Orange County Fair takes place in Costa Mesa. It is the largest county fair in CA and definitely worth a stop if you're into all that county fairs have to offer.
52 locals recommend
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair DrDuring July & August, the Orange County Fair takes place in Costa Mesa. It is the largest county fair in CA and definitely worth a stop if you're into all that county fairs have to offer.
For whale watching tours that run nearly 365 days a year, head to this location to book a tour.
30 locals recommend
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
34675 Golden LanternFor whale watching tours that run nearly 365 days a year, head to this location to book a tour.
Everything Else
Another local park for hiking. Has a great ocean view as you hike up the hill. This park features a 4 mile and an 8 mile loop hiking trail.
218 locals recommend
Crystal Cove State Park
8471 North Coast HighwayAnother local park for hiking. Has a great ocean view as you hike up the hill. This park features a 4 mile and an 8 mile loop hiking trail.
This is the shopping center in Aliso Viejo. Plenty of different restaurants, shops, grocery stores and also the movie theaters.
11 locals recommend
Aliso Viejo
This is the shopping center in Aliso Viejo. Plenty of different restaurants, shops, grocery stores and also the movie theaters.
Food Scene
Local favorite restaurants
Casual setting, ocean view from the patio, this restaurant features great seafood Mex at a very reasonable price.
26 locals recommend
Coyote Grill
31621 Coast HwyCasual setting, ocean view from the patio, this restaurant features great seafood Mex at a very reasonable price.
Driftwood Kitchen
619 Sleepy Hollow LnGood food, reasonable price and fantastic ocean view.
Fun, western style restaurant & bar just across from Dana Point Harbor. Great gourmet style American food that's reasonably priced.
34 locals recommend
Jimmy's Famous American Tavern
25001 Dana Point Harbor DrFun, western style restaurant & bar just across from Dana Point Harbor. Great gourmet style American food that's reasonably priced.
Upscale, Asian fusion restaurant with an "old school" bar/lounge vibe. The food, desserts and hand crafted cocktails are a to die for experience. Highly recommend to those that consider themselves "foodies".
14 locals recommend
Starfish-Laguna Beach
30832 S Coast HwyUpscale, Asian fusion restaurant with an "old school" bar/lounge vibe. The food, desserts and hand crafted cocktails are a to die for experience. Highly recommend to those that consider themselves "foodies".
Stella's Serious Italian is a local favorite for a fine Italian dining experience. The restaurant has an elegant, old world style decor. They frequently feature live music as well.
8 locals recommend
Stella's
17 Monarch Bay PlazaStella's Serious Italian is a local favorite for a fine Italian dining experience. The restaurant has an elegant, old world style decor. They frequently feature live music as well.
Hidden gem right across from Dana Point Harbor that offers fresh, healthy, but good size portions of salads, soups, sandwiches, various apps and also adult beverages.
11 locals recommend
What A Dish Cafe & Catering
24921 Dana Point Harbor DrHidden gem right across from Dana Point Harbor that offers fresh, healthy, but good size portions of salads, soups, sandwiches, various apps and also adult beverages.
Charming place in the historic Los Rios Distric perfect for afternoon tea or Sunday brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
The Tea House On Los Rios
31731 Los Rios StCharming place in the historic Los Rios Distric perfect for afternoon tea or Sunday brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Great, healthy seafood in a casual environment. Good value for the price with indoor and outdoor seating as well as take out.
Fish District
26541 Aliso Creek RoadGreat, healthy seafood in a casual environment. Good value for the price with indoor and outdoor seating as well as take out.
Excellent indoor and outdoor setting for breakfast, brunch and lunch featuring a Hawaiian based menu. Come with your appetite!
Plumeria Cafe by Stacks Pancake House
Excellent indoor and outdoor setting for breakfast, brunch and lunch featuring a Hawaiian based menu. Come with your appetite!
Excellent BBQ in a fun western atmosphere at a very reasonable price.
6 locals recommend
Bad to the Bone BBQ
31738 Rancho Viejo RdExcellent BBQ in a fun western atmosphere at a very reasonable price.
Great Mediterranean food in Chandra's neighborhood at a reasonable price.
Zesty Olives - Laguna Niguel
Great Mediterranean food in Chandra's neighborhood at a reasonable price.
Great Indian eatery in Chandra's neighborhood. They have good service and a nice selection of Indian food and drinks at a reasonable price.
Chaska India
Great Indian eatery in Chandra's neighborhood. They have good service and a nice selection of Indian food and drinks at a reasonable price.
Essentials
Albertsons
29941 Alicia PkwyThis is the closest grocery store to my place. Just right up the street about 1/2 mile.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great wine store with wine tasting available all hours that they're open. Plus they have always have a great selection of cheese platters and hot appetizers to serve up along with their wine. Usually have live music Friday & Saturday nights.
Salt Creek Wine Co
30100 Town Center DrGreat wine store with wine tasting available all hours that they're open. Plus they have always have a great selection of cheese platters and hot appetizers to serve up along with their wine. Usually have live music Friday & Saturday nights.
Great food and libations from a a local brewery. It does get crowded in the evening and this place does not take reservations, but its definitely worth a visit. They even have a gift shop.
Webb's | Distillery & Brewery
Great food and libations from a a local brewery. It does get crowded in the evening and this place does not take reservations, but its definitely worth a visit. They even have a gift shop.
Another local favorite in Chandra's neighborhood. They offer 8 craft cocktails on draft, 10 Californian wines & 61 local independent craft beers on draft! OC Mexican Cocina operates independently in their kitchen, offering fresh Mexican cuisine made from scratch.
OC Local Taproom
Another local favorite in Chandra's neighborhood. They offer 8 craft cocktails on draft, 10 Californian wines & 61 local independent craft beers on draft! OC Mexican Cocina operates independently in their kitchen, offering fresh Mexican cuisine made from scratch.
This is another local favorite brewery for beer connoisseurs. The beer menu is full of solid recipes with some mild surprises and the food is to die for. Located on the scenic East Bank of San Juan Creek amid the ruins of a former airport, with the rustling of eucalyptus trees being blown by ocean breezes, as you're away from the hustle and bustle of the city nearby.
Docent Brewing
This is another local favorite brewery for beer connoisseurs. The beer menu is full of solid recipes with some mild surprises and the food is to die for. Located on the scenic East Bank of San Juan Creek amid the ruins of a former airport, with the rustling of eucalyptus trees being blown by ocean breezes, as you're away from the hustle and bustle of the city nearby.
Local beer done the Laguna way. Relax & unwind with craft eats & beers. Dog & family-friendly! Come enjoy locally brewed beers in our awesome beer garden! We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. They are all about good beer, good food, and good vibes! Is a great location within the Laguna Canyon area to go to after visiting the nearby art festivals during July and August.
Laguna Beer Company
Local beer done the Laguna way. Relax & unwind with craft eats & beers. Dog & family-friendly! Come enjoy locally brewed beers in our awesome beer garden! We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. They are all about good beer, good food, and good vibes! Is a great location within the Laguna Canyon area to go to after visiting the nearby art festivals during July and August.
Popular bar and lounge in Chandra's neighborhood that serves primarily Italian food.
Knolls Restaurant
Popular bar and lounge in Chandra's neighborhood that serves primarily Italian food.