The Queen Mary - Things to Do in Orange County 26

Romantic Evening or a Night of Terror on a Luxury Cruise Ship - The Queen Mary

Docked on the port of Long Beach is the Queen Mary. The Queen Mary was in service from 1934 to 1957 as a luxury cruise liner, and was used as a cargo carrier during World War II.

Today, the Queen Mary sits proudly at the port of Long Beach as the city’s icon. Inside the Queen Mary is an experience of its own, where you can stay at its cabin hotel, dine at its fine restaurants, enjoy an evening at its luxurious bar, or party on at its boiler room. The Queen Mary is about a 25 minute drive from Orange County.

During the day, the Queen Mary conducts tours that are popular to tourists. The prices of admission are $22.95 for adults, and $11.95 for children (5-11 years old).

In the evening, the night view of the city is the main reason you should visit the Queen Mary. It is stunning.

To enter the Queen Mary, you will need to purchase a ticket, or have a hotel or restaurant reservation for the evening. I was able to sneak in by telling the bouncers at the door that I’m going in to visit the bar. I’m not sure how lenient they are on admission, but this technique worked for me.

At the bar, you can enjoy the beautiful night view of the city with your favorite cocktail. This place is perfect for a romantic date.

The Queen Mary is also known for its “Ghosts and Legends.” During Halloween they have an annual Halloween Terror Fest where it turns haunted for a few weeks. Anybody courageous enough should definitely try it out.

You can enjoy the Queen Mary as a romantic night out, or as a night of terror. Whichever you choose, you will definitely enjoy the history and the atmosphere at the Queen Mary!  Just about a 20 minute drive from OC.

The Queen Mary
1126 Queen's Highway
Long Beach, Ca. 90802
(562) 435-3511
http://www.queenmary.com/index.php

Parking:
0 to 30 minutes: FREE
31 minutes to 1 hour: $3.00
1 hour to 24 hours: $10.00

Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel - Things to Do in Orange County 20

A Royal Treatment at the Best Hotel in Orange County – Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel

World famous for its service and dining, the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel will not disappoint you with its reputation. Considered by many to be the absolute best hotel in Orange County, the Ritz Carton stands tall in the city of Dana Point overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Its dining area has one of the most spectacular views in Orange County. With its huge windows, the sun shines right through with the full view of the ocean while you enjoy dishes that have been perfectly prepared. The beach is conveniently located right next to the hotel, and it is literally only steps away from it.

Looking to stay a night here? Be ready to spend at least $450 a night for a room. It’s been said that the rich and famous come here over the weekend from around the world to enjoy the atmosphere at the best hotel in OC.

For people like me that can’t afford to dish out that much for a hotel room, I just enjoy visiting the hotel and walking around in it. Maybe even have a cocktail. :) Even a short 1-2 hour visit will make you feel like a royalty when you visit the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

You can visit the hotel and walk around or make lunch or dinner reservations to enjoy the dishes that they perfectly prepared. The Sunday Brunch at the Ritz Carton ($75 per person) is probably the most famous brunch in Orange County. Although it is a bit pricy, it is really worth every penny, and you should consider it for your next anniversary or that special date.
The first time I went, I visited with a good friend of mine to have lunch. The lunch was wonderful and the view was priceless. And the service? It was absolutely perfect!

You can have your wedding here, or enjoy recreation like surfing, spa, or golf.

I’m really hoping one of these days, I can have the chance to stay at the beautiful Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel, the best hotel in Orange County!

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, California 92629
Phone: 949-240-2000
Fax: 949-240-0829
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Default.htm

Parking: Valet Parking, or parking meter across the street