CRYSTAL COVE
STATE PARK
DISTANCE: 10 MILES
ADDRESS: 8471 N COAST HWY., NEWPORT COAST
Just a few miles beyond Laguna Beach is
Crystal Cove State Park, which offers
stunning coastal views, exciting outdoor
activities and more. On the park’s inland side,
more than 15 miles of hiking trails are wait-
ing to be explored among the wooded Moro
Canyon and rolling hills leading up to Moro
Ridge, which offers an elevated vantage point for looking out to the Pacific. Stroll along
the clifftop walkways to take in the panorama, then walk down to the historic district of
cottages along the oceanfront. Enjoy lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe, which offers stellar
seafood dishes and tropical cocktails (reservations recommended). Pick a spot along the
park’s 3.2 miles of beach where you can splash in the waves, check out the tide pools or
simply bask in the sun.
SOUTH COAST PLAZA
DISTANCE: ABOUT 25 MILES
ADDRESS: 3333 BRISTOL ST., COSTA MESA
Known as the birthplace of Orange County, San
Juan Capistrano is a charming town with plenty
of history. The city’s crown jewel, Mission San
Juan Capistrano, dates back to 1776 and is the
seventh of 21 missions built by the Spanish
throughout California. The landmark is also known
for swallows that return every spring to nest after
a 6,000-mile migration from Argentina. Just a short walk from the mission, explore Los
Rios Historic District, which was established in 1794, making it the state’s oldest remaining
residential street. For those who like to shop, a visit to
South Coast Plaza (the West Coast’s
largest shopping center) is a must.
With more than 250 boutiques and 30
restaurants, other U.S. shopping centers
pale in comparison. This luxury center
boasts a VIP lounge, valet parking and
the flagship loc tions of several high-end
brands. Whether looking for clothing,
jewelry, shoes or other items, shoppers
are sure to find imp essive options at
these stores. After shopping to your
heart’s content, enjoy a meal at one of
many acclaimed restaurants. Families
will also want to ride the beautiful
carousels. Notably, the larger carousel’s
horses are replaced with reindeer in
winter and bunnies in spring. The mall
is also across the street from Segerstrom
Center for the Performing Arts, for
those who want to enjoy exceptional
live entertainment.
TIP: A great place for breakfast or lunch is Ramos House Café in the Los Rios Historic District.
Enjoy the likes of huevos rancheros, duck mac and cheese or cinnamon apple beignets.
Legend has it that this board-and-batten home, built in 1881, included a hideout under the
main bedroom for vaqueros seeking to escape their captors. TIP: Visit the concierge desk to receive
complimentary valet parking at South
Coast Plaza, a VIP passport and entry to
the Access Lounge.
TIP: Rent a fi e pit on wheels from The Beachcomber Cafe to barbecue and make s’mores on
the beach at Crystal Cove. Different packages are available that come with the fi e pit, such as
food to grill, s’mores ingredients, drinks and beach chairs for up to 12 people.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
DISTANCE: ABOUT 5 MILES
ADDRESS: 26801 ORTEGA HWY., SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
MONARCH BEACH RESORT 21