San Onofre State Beach - Things to Do in Orange County 35

A Surf Mecca– San Onofre State Beach

On the very Southern border of Orange County is a little beach called San Onofre State Beach. Next to the beach is world famous Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. You can also see the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station from the San Onofre State Beach.

San Onofre Beach is a Mecca for surfers. Surfers of any level whether just starting out or have been surfing for a long time can enjoy this great beach. Its waves are considered one of the best in Orange County, and even in the world.

The beach is a small walk after you park in the parking lot. You’ll need to cross a railroad track to get to the beach. The view is wonderful and to walk to the beach is just fantastic. Walking across the rail road track makes you feel good for some reason. It’s a cool feeling. The track is actually a working railroad track, and you’ll see Amtrak trains passing by at least a few times a day.

The Trestles is a collection of surf spots famous to surfers at the San Onofre State Beach. The Trestles include Uppers, Lowers, Old Man's, Churches, and Cotton's surf spots. Lower Trestles is the standout and the waves here are considered by surfers to be one of best in the world. Their long steady waves make it easy for a beginner and good for a novice to enjoy a long ride.
Because of this great condition, you’ll find a bunch of surfers here all year long!

You can also set up your gear and enjoy a day of camp here on the San Mateo Campgrounds.
And lastly, it’s been told that there is actually a nude beach on the very Southern edge of the San Onofre State Beach. I’ve never seen it myself, but it’s one of those great myths of Orange County! Maybe you can go check it out for yourself to see if it really exists.

San Onofre Beach or often called the “Tresltes” is a surfing Mecca for surfers from around the world!

San Onofre State Beach
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=647
San Clemente, CA 92672
Exit I-5 at Basilone Road
Parking: $10 per day

Sherman Library & Garden - Things to Do in Orange County 34

Enjoy a Lovely Garden and Terrace at the Sherman Library & Garden

At the Sherman Library & Garden in Corona Del Mar, you can relax to enjoy their beautifully landscaped garden on a nice sunny day. This lovely garden in South Orange County is where locals go to hang out and relax.
The Sherman Library & Garden used to be a personal residence, but since 1966 it has been accessible to the public.

The garden isn’t that big compared to the Huntington Library. It has got a greenhouse, a rose garden, and a cactus garden on it. There is also a gift shop at the Sherman Library and Garden where you can pick up a small gift. Around the fountain, you’ll see beautiful flowers blooming, and you can sit and relax, staring at the flowers all day long. :)

The Sherman Library & Garden is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only. And the Library only includes books from the South Pacific.

You can also enjoy lunch here at the Café Jardin. Reservation is recommended here at the café to ensure you a seat when you get there. All of the seats face the garden, so the view that you can enjoy with your meal is excellent! Enjoy your afternoon here with great conversations, excellent food, and a beautiful garden.

Sherman Library & Garden is located in the city of Corona del Mar in South Orange County. Hope you have a chance to visit soon!

Sherman Library & Garden
2647 East Pacific Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
http://www.slgardens.org/default.asp

Admission: $3

Hours: 10:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's day.

Library - Tues., Wed., & Thurs.9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Parking: Free

Cafe Jardin
Monday - Friday, 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Sunday Brunch: 10:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
For Reservations (949) 673-0033

Mission San Juan Capistrano - Things to Do in Orange County 27

The Oldest Church & Chapel in Orange County – Mission San Juan Capistrano

During the last 18th Century, the Spanish missionaries arrived in Orange County via Mexico. One of the great missions that they built was the Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is the oldest mission in Orange County.
There are over twenty missions in California, but the Mission San Juan Capistrano is considered a jewel among them all, and it is a very beautiful mission.

At the Mission San Juan Capistrano, when you walk in, you will be welcomed by the garden that is well maintained with a lot of flowers, plants, and cactus. It is best if you can visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano on a nice sunny day to get the most out of the trip. During the weekends, the mission frequently conducts a mini concert for its guest.

One of the “must see” at the mission is its stone made church. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed by the earthquake in the year 1812, but the remaining portion is still a sight to see. The church is massive, and you can feel its rich history and culture just by standing inside it!

The Mission San Juan Capistrano also has the oldest chapel in California. The mission also has an exhibition of how the missionaries interacted and lived with the locals when they first arrived in the area. It is interesting to learn about some of the early history of the OC when you visit here.

Lastly, the gold altar brought in from Spain is also a sight to see at the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located in the city of Sun Juan Capistrano. You can get here by car, or by train, as the Amtrak station is walking distance away from the mission. Visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano to experience the history and culture of Orange County!

Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300
http://www.missionsjc.com/

Hours: 8AM-5PM
Admission: $9 for Adult, $5 for Children
Parking: Free Parking on Street or Public Parking Area

Heisler Park - Things to Do in Orange County 25

Enjoy a View that’s “Priceless” at the Heisler Park!

Laguna Beach is a city filled with European influences, and it is known by the locals as a place to relax and enjoy art. Laguna Beach is not well known to tourists, so it’s a great little place visit in Orange County.

The main beach in Laguna Beach is always a lively place, but there’s actually another park called the Heisler Park a bit up the hills. And this is a secret little place only locals know about. The view from the Heisler Park is absolutely one of the best in Orange County. Heisler Park can be accessed by going North on PCH then making a left on Cliff Drive. You should see the park on the left hand side.

For some reason the beach that you can see from Heisler Park seems more “blue” compared to other beaches in OC. The waves will come crashing into the shore to splash up in emerald green colors.

You can enjoy a barbeque or a picnic at the park, and has great facilities on the premise. The view is excellent, and you can also get to the shore by using the stairway down. I recommend that you go down to see the beach from the shore as well.

There are a lot of sea shells down on the shore, and I even found some very pretty blue mussel shells. There are other marine animals that live down in the beach too. Just be careful not to bring them with you because you’re not allowed to take any of the marine animals from the beach.

And as I was leaving I came across a herd of pelicans. They were huge!!

Next to the Heisler Park is one of Orange County’s best Sunday Brunch place called Las Brisas. It is one of the best fresh Mexican food restaurants around, and if you’re going to visit Laguna Beach, this place is a “must go.”

Enjoy the priceless view and maybe a picnic at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach soon!

Heisler Park
375 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking Meter: $0.25 for 15 minutes.

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