A s Orange County’s shimmering waves lap on the coastline, flowers bloom and warm rays of sunshine beat on our skin, it is a call to spring into a weekend adventure.
Saturday breakfast on the beach 10:00 A.M. - Grab a hearty and filling breakfast at Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach while sitting on the outdoor patio overlooking the glittering beach. Locals rave for the grilled New York steak and eggs glazed in chimichurri sauce, granola crusted french toast and blue crab omelet.
Explore the glittering coast
12:30 P.M. - To burn off some calories, trek along the “Top of the World” trail that is nestled within the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Take in the sweeping panoramas of the coastline, Pacific Ocean and even Catalina Island on a clear day. The hiking trails are well-maintained and range from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes. Whether you’re visiting for a scenic sunset or a peaceful escape, “Top of the World” is a serene, must-visit destination that lives up to its name.
2:15 P.M. - Afterwards, swing by Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Beach to devour the freshest seafood in town. Choose from the popular poke bowl, specialty fish tacos and burritos, sushi rolls and even soup served in a delicious bread bowl.
3:30 P.M.- Take a stroll alongside the shores of Crystal Cove State Park right across the street. It is a preserved slice of Old California, offering both natural beauty and historical charm that stands out from more developed beaches.
If you have a sweet tooth and are craving a sweet treat, located above the state park is Crystal Cove’s Shake Shack. Dubbed a “cult classic,” the shack that offers a captivating view of the beach is celebrating 20 years of service as a tried-and-true option for Southern California shake enthusiasts. With over 20 malts, their fan favorites range from strawberry, and oreo to salted caramel.
Dining and entertainment
5:00 P.M.- Travel up north to the Irvine Spectrum for dinner at CUCINA Enoteca, one of Southern California’s first retail wine shops with over 200 wine labels inside a restaurant concept. The contemporary Italian cuisine has standout dishes such as the rich short-rib mafaldine, pepperoni with hot honey pizza and appetizers including burrata with roasted pear.
6:15 P.M. - After digesting your dinner, ensure that you have confirmed your booking for the new Holey Moley Golf Club and Hijinx Hotel in Irvine. The mini golf experience features 27 holes that have mindblowing obstacles, neon lights, a killer soundtrack plus specialty cocktails from the Caddyshack bar for an unforgettable night out.
Not tired yet? Hijinx Hotel is a social gaming experience and the first one opening in America. The signature challenge rooms include shooting glow-in-the-dark basketballs or playing life-sized Scrabble before the clock runs out. The best strategy is to book nine holes of mini golf and one set of challenge rooms for your first visit.
Sunday breakfast at the charming teahouse
10 A.M.- Start off your quaint, serene morning with breakfast at The Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano. The flower-covered cafe serves savory fare such as shepard’s pie, rosemary roast chicken, and quiche Lorraine along with specialty teas and desserts. Reservations online are highly recommended.
Into the heart of Orange County
12:15 P.M.- Travel up north to Costa Mesa to the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. General admission is free with the opportunity to stroll through four intriguing exhibits from artists Raymond Saunders, Jon Serl, Steve Roden and Sophie Calle. Swing by the museum’s shop that curates books and limited-edition products and cafe Verdant that offers a fresh, innovative, plant-forward menu.
2 P.M.- Swap crowds for quiet with an afternoon hike in Orange County’s rugged backcountry. Head toward Santiago Oaks Regional Park or Silverado Canyon, where shaded oak groves, rolling ridgelines and panoramic vistas offer a refreshing escape from city life. Trails range from easy nature walks to more challenging climbs, making it easy to tailor your adventure to your fitness level while spotting native wildlife and seasonal wildflowers along the way.
Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Many trailheads provide free or lowcost parking, and several routes connect to overlooks with sweeping views of the county below.
It’s a grounding way to recharge, breathe in fresh mountain air and experience a quieter side of Orange County.
Dining and entertainment
5:15 P.M. - Following your hike, drive over to the Anaheim Packing District to select from a variety of cuisines in a restored historic citrus packing warehouse. Over 20 vendors offer food from Southern comfort food to international flavors like Indian and Syrian that will satisfy diverse tastes. Support other individual businesses within the packing house such as Japanese-inspired Sumo Dogs, Urbana Mexican gastronomy, or Ahumadero BBQ and bar. Their MAKE building also features multiple craft breweries and wine companies to quench your thirst, from Pali Wine Company to even The Blind Rabbit, a speakeasy and gastropub.
6:30 P.M. - To wrap up the night, visit the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, a world-class performing arts center bringing Orange County together through the arts. Purchase tickets for the “SIX” musical where the six wives of Henry VII take to the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of girl power. The musical won 23 awards in the 2021 and 2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.