Orange County, CA

A few weeks ago I visited Orange County, CA. And Los Angeles. It will probably be a couple separate posts but I was only there for 5 days. I went to college in Orange County, a small private school, and this trip was mostly about seeing friends (it had been almost a year!). It was of course AMAZING to see them but I was also glad for nice weather, a few touristy places to visit, and a few of our favorite places to hang out and catch up. Orange County is huge but I'm mostly referring to the area in and around Newport Beach. I lived in Costa Mesa, just inland from Newport Beach, for 7 years. I've been to many places around Orange County/LA but will mostly refer to this area when it comes to activities.

Orange County is beautiful almost any time of the year.  Mild temperatures until summer, palm trees, lots of outdoor activities, shopping, arts, and the beach. It's spectacular. It's also a little overwhelming. I had only visited CA twice when I decided to move there, and I had never stepped foot on campus until Welcome Week. Of course, after 4 years of college I knew my way around, had favorite places, friends, and a life there. But it took a long time. It's hard to translate my experiences into a two week vacation experience but I will definitely let you in on what to do and see.

It's a great place for a vacation. It's also great to combine Orange County and LA for a memorable trip in two very different places. LA will have to be it's own post and probably several in fact because there are SO many things to do. You can have a million different combinations of experiences in LA depending on what you are interested in.

Let's start with the basics. Travel into the area depends on lot on when you come. Summer travel the rates are higher, but because there are so many airports that means a ton of airlines and therefore a lot of competition for prices. I've found deals as low as $59 each way (from Seattle) when I flew mid week into an Orange County airport (usually Long Beach or LGB). The MAIN airport when you book to Southern California is LAX. Not in Orange County, but close enough if you have good transportation. LA also has a few other smaller airports. The main airports into Orange County are Santa Ana (SNA) otherwise known as John Wayne or Long Beach (LGB). There are other smaller ones further away but these are pretty central. I've also paid around $300 RT from Seattle around Spring Break. There is a big variance in prices. Unfortunately there is limited transportation options leaving the airport to get to your destination unless you have travel arranged with your hotel, rent a car, or are staying with people in the area. LA has a very limited subway system but they do have a bus. Orange County has a limited bus system especially out to the aiports so it probably means airport pick up or a taxi.

When it comes to booking your hotel it's probably best to get something centrally located. Disneyland is a HUGE attraction for Orange County and most hotels around Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, have transportation available. But if you are staying in say Newport Beach or Irvine, you may not have that option.   Renting a car is probably the best scenario. If you are traveling with several people you can split the cost which would be helpful. Speaking of renting a car, yes driving can be intimidating in LA/OC but it's manageable, and traffic really will be bad at peak times but it's just a matter of waiting it out, or taking side streets instead of the freeway.

Parking can be tricky depending on where you are staying. Most residential neighborhoods are free to park in OC but may require parking permits and have street cleaning hours. Those tickets are not fun. Check and double check the signs. In downtown areas and close to the beach parking will be metered and often have time limits too. And weekends around the beach or main streets will be a mess, so if you really want to go to the beach, get there early or late...or suffer through the waits and locals fighting for spots.

Where to stay. Really...there are a million options. Obviously you want to find an area that you want to stay in and chose a hotel that coordinates. If you are only going to Disneyland on your trip then plan to stay somewhere centrally located to Harbor BLVD in Anaheim. There are a ridiculous number of places to stay for the parks. If you pick the coastal cities, you have so many options. From beach front resorts, B&Bs, family owned places, rental properties, etc. Definitely look around and see what works for you. Some people will be fine with a hotel a few blocks from the beach or some want to stay right on the water. There are lots of options for house rentals, if you are staying long term, have a lot of people, or are a family who want more of a "home" type feel. There aren't too many hostels or really discounted places to stay unfortunately. And sleeping on the beach isn't allowed unless it's a designated campground. I haven't looked into it but couchsurfing could be an option, if there are only one or two people and you don't mind couches or air mattresses. It's a great way to meet people and hear where the locals go as well.

So that's airports, price points, flights, renting a car, hotels, etc information. I'm again probably not the best expert on where to stay because I stay with friends and family. I don't rent a car when iI'm there either. but those options are always available. I do however have a great amount of knowledge on beaches, parks, restaurants, outdoor activities, markets, the fair, entertainment, theater, arts, and fun things to do from my 7 years living there. I will probably have to create several posts on the subject (LA and Orange County separately) but i feel like there will be a good amount of information for a great trip. Check back later for more!

i mean just LOOK how beautiful!!!!