From sushi to spas, workout classes and more, here are our favorites from Orange County in 2023.
The Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa recently toasted its first anniversary in 2023. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
The Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa consistently brings innovative, diverse exhibits to its well-known site, in addition to the household OCMA Collection containing over 4,500 objects spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. On display through Jan. 7, 2024, Jennifer Guidi: And So It Is showcases layered painting practices and meditative states of being on canvas, emphasizing the importance of color in relation to place.
For The 6 Best Art Museums in Orange County, click here.
Founded by Jeff Clinard in 2014, Bear Coast Coffee has grown from a pop-up to a beloved brew house with locations in Dana Point, Laguna Beach and San Clemente. Grab a cup of coffee at its waterfront shop in San Clemente and head across the street to walk the pier while sipping a warm beverage accented by its in-house sauces and flavorings, from lavender-infused caramel to nutmeg-accented vanilla.
For The 13 Best Coffee Shops in Orange County, click here.
Trust your locks to owner Tera Stephens and her deft team of hair whizzes at Lido Marina Village’s TReSs Apothecary + Salon. Set inside a 1940s beach house designed by local architect Rand Krause, the chic 1,250-square-foot waterfront space harbors every beauty buff’s dream—products from Kerastasé and Supergoop; personalized services by stylists specializing in color, cuts, extensions, essential oil treatments and makeup touches; concierge offerings like beverages and meal delivery; and top-of-the-line technology. “Our mission is to anticipate our clients’ needs and surprise and delight with our attention to detail,” says Stephens. A cut above the rest, indeed.
For The 6 Best Hair Salons in Orange County, click here.
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Five-star luxury awaits at The Spa at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL
An oasis of relaxation, The Spa at Pelican Hill is Newport Beach's only Forbes Five-Star spa. Open daily, the 23,000-square-foot space invites guests to enjoy body treatments, massages, facials, hair and nail services, and the Acqua Colonnades featuring herbal steam rooms, saunas and saltwater soaking tubs.
For The 12 Best Spas in Orange County, click here.
The hottest workout guaranteed to make you sweat is Drenched OC, a boutique fitness experience incorporating reformer Pilates with a heated studio space. From mastermind Angela Parretta, a former cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs, this invigorating workout improves circulation and torches plenty of calories. Come for the burn, but stay for the vibe in a studio equipped with hand weights, gold-trimmed mirrors and exhilarating club music.
For The 9 Best Workout Classes in Orange County, click here.
Golfers will love how close to the ocean the greens are at Monarch Beach Golf Links. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
The experience at Monarch Beach Golf Links is unlike any other as it is one of the few oceanfront courses in California. Tee off at the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed fairway before sipping a cocktail or grabbing a bite at the award-winning Monarch Cafe. Open to the public and resort guests alike, the links feature competitive tournaments, talented instructors and an all-encompassing getaway at the adjacent Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, all awhile providing breathtaking views from just about every hole.
For four more Orange County golf courses to tee off at, click here.
Hana Re chef Atsushi Yokoyama prepares delicacies like tsubugai. PHOTO COURTESY OF HANA RE
Orange County’s sole Michelin-starred sushi restaurant is tucked within The Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. Opened in 2015 by chef Atsushi Yokoyama and restaurateur Fred Fukushima, the intimate Japanese concept consists of three small dining rooms and a sushi counter with 10 seats. The draw of the menu is omakase, during which Yokoyama presents dishes teeming with foie gras, uni, Japanese A5 wagyu beef, caviar, abalone and lobster. Guests can toast the experience with sake and end on a sweet note with panna cotta.
For The 20 Best Sushi Restaurants in Orange County, click here.
This gelato is as authentic as it gets. Two Italian brothers bring you recipes and raw materials straight from Italy to Newport Beach. Enjoy the highest quality ingredients, from Sicilian pistachios to Belgian chocolates, and see your gelato made before your eyes for a true Italian experience.
To read more, click here.
Taste decadent pastries at Moulin. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
A trip to one of Moulin's five Orange County locations can satisfy a craving for a stroll down the Seine with a morning pastry in hand. The brainchild of chef-owner Laurent Vrignaud, the beloved bakery brings guests the most authentic Parisian experience possible with the best in pâtisserie, plus classic dishes like le croque monsieur. Spring specialties include the exotic fruit dome with roasted pineapple and coconut mousse, the exotic tarte with mixed fruits and chocolate sucree, and the pistachio raspberry choux featuring pistachio creme and fresh raspberries.
For The 5 Best Bakeries in Orange County, click here.
Sandwiches (hello, chicken ricotta bacon burger), shareable plates (think crudités with red pepper hummus) and larger dishes (like Korean short ribs) have patrons stepping outside of standard brunch fare at Lido Marina Village's Malibu Farm. The inventive dishes are the reality of chef Helene Henderson’s dream to bring farm-to-table cuisine to the masses with ingredients sourced from SoCal purveyors. Swedish mini pancakes topped with whipped cream and a seasonal fruit compote and more are also on offer.
For The 11 Best Brunch Spots in Orange County, click here.
Open for outdoor dining on its covered patio, Oliver’s Osteria boasts authentic traditional Italian meals with modern upgrades. Owner and executive chef Erik De Marchi, originally from Imola, Italy, adjusts the menu each season to embody the season’s finest ingredients. If you’re seeking a genuine Italian dinner (or brunch), reserve a table at Oliver’s in the Laguna Canyon.
For The 13 Best Italian Restaurants in Orange County, click here.
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