48 HOURS OF LUXURY IN THE ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

By: Christian Stan

Known the world over as “The OC” – Orange County, California offers a laid back luxury lifestyle, attainable to visitors 365 days a year. So get behind the wheel of your luxe convertible and head to Pacific Coast Highway, where you’ll find gourmet dining, beachfront hotels, world-class spa treatments with ocean views and unparalleled designer shopping.

The OC offers the best food and beverage, art and design, culture and adventure that money can buy.

DAY 1:

Fly first-class into John Wayne Airport, a convenient state-of-the-art airport that is easy to get in and out of and is located in the heart of Orange County.

Shop

Start your trip with a day of incredible shopping at the world-famous luxury shopping destination, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.  Take advantage of their many amenities including valet services, personal shopping experts and private concierge services which hosts VIP guests in their exclusive Access Lounge. Shop 250 boutique and designer stores, the highest concentration of luxury, designer and fashion retailers in the U.S., and dine at some of the best restaurants in Orange County.  Hop over to shop at Fashion Island in Newport Beach for a change of scenery.

Eat

Fine dining in Newport Beach is a must, with many celebrity chef outposts stationed there like Nobu and Pizzeria Mozza.  Local upscale restaurant favorites include Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Gulfstream and Fig & Olive. Dine with sophistication at a French-inspired bistro like Pescadou or Basilic. Listen to the waves at 21 Oceanfront Restaurant, located in the historic McFadden Building, offering an elegant oceanfront ambience and a private wine cellar with an impressive selection of vintages.

Play

Costa Mesa is known as the City of the Arts®, with world-class shows, concerts and plays at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Concert Hall and South Coast Repertory Theater,  and a stunning collection of free public art may be viewed in the city’s Art Walk.

Stay

Book an indulgent stay in The OC’s newest hotel properties including: The Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point;  Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach or Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach.

DAY 2:

Shop

Browse art galleries, upscale boutiques and artisan gifts on Forest and Ocean Avenues in Laguna Beach, tour Lido Marina House in Newport, or shop high-end interior design showrooms at SOCO in Costa Mesa.

Eat

Visit SOCO and The OC Mix for a day of indulgent eating and drinking. Go wine tasting at LCA, buy gourmet chocolate confections at ST Patisserie Chocolat or enjoy a three-course brunch at Food & Wine’s Best New Chef and LA Times Restaurant of the Year, Taco Maria — all in Costa Mesa. Make reservations for an exclusive and unforgettable ocean-view dining experience at Studio in Laguna Beach or Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Orange County, only at Monarch Beach Resort.

Play

Wrap up sightseeing with a world-class spa treatment at one of the many oceanfront hotel spas, like Pacific Waters Spa at Hyatt Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.

Stay

Stay inland where the action is at the Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Costa Mesa. Get that quintessential coastal luxury vacation with Montage Laguna Beach; or book a classic luxury resort experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Looking for even more ideas for your trip? Make sure to check out these Great Places to Shop in The OC.