ORANGE COUNTY RELOCATION GUIDE
ORANGE COUNTY Orange County is so much more than a mass of suburbs. The area has wide, beautiful beaches and charming coastal towns with gorgeous harbors (Newport), art galleries (Laguna) and tree-lined coves shading beautiful yachts (Dana Point). You could definitely spend an idyllic vacation here, especially considering that the area is also home to luxurious resorts—several Forbes Travel Guide Fiveand Four-Star resorts are located here. These resorts have top-notch spas and restaurants, making a stay here relaxing and pampering. Catalina Island is also located nearby, and it’s a place that locals and tourists both love. Catalina doesn’t have the white sand and bluegreen water of typical island vacation spots, but it has a charm of its own. The island’s landscape is identical to the mainland, with the dry, chaparral topography that characterizes most of Southern California. You’ll see more craggy cliffs and shores than wide-open beaches, and the water is a deep navy blue where it meets the island’s edge. So while it may not be a sunbathing mecca, Catalina’s warm, clear water (with temperatures in the mid to high 60s) and scenery make it ideal for kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. The island’s hilly landscape also provides excellent terrain for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The quaint town of Avalon is home to the charming Inn on Mt. Ada, the former colonial-style home of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. Of course, Orange County is also known for major attractions such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. If you have time, you can also hop over to Disney’s California Adventure, a theme park that specializes in more intense rides and is the new host to Disney’s Electrical Parade, a nighttime event that showcases light-bulb-encrusted Disney floats. Knott’s Berry Farm is another fun diversion for the family with rides and games
History
Human settlement in the Orange County geographic region spans as far back as 7,500 BC and was inhabited by two tribes: the Acjachemen (Juaneño) people in the southern part of the county, and the Tongva (Gabrielino) people in the north. These Native Americans thrived on abundant natural resources, which negated any significant development of agriculture. After the arrival of Spanish missionaries in 1769, populations of native peoples drastically declined due to the introduction of disease, conflict and cultural assimilation into the Catholic Church. Mission San Juan Capistrano is the only Mission in Orange County and was founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1776. After Mexico won its independence from Spain (1821), the new country was unable to maintain the California missions, which were secularized in 1834. The Padres and most Native Americans abandoned the missions which were left in disrepair. By 1846, almost all of Orange County was partitioned to Mexican settlers to establish rancheros. Trading ships traveled along the coast of California to collect cattle hides and tallow for manufactured products from the United States and other countries. In 1848, the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, but the fighting stopped in California a year earlier with the Treaty of Cahuenga. The Gold Rush of 1849 hit California with a wave of new settlers and miners, which boosted the local economy, but came at the price of robbery, murder, and the struggle of defending land ownership. Orange County was at the heart of the “wild west,” where the cultural shift in combination with droughts, floods, diseases and American courts drove many rancheros to ruin. Ranchos under names of Grijalva, Yorba, and Peralta gave way to American names like Stearns, Bixby, and Irvine. California officially became a state in1850, and sheep ranching began to replace cattle during the Civil War (1861-1865). The first American town established in Orange County was Anaheim (1859), founded by German immigrants who were living in San Francisco. Their intent was to start a new community based on viticulture on a portion of Rancho San Juan Cajon de Santa Ana. After
Anaheim was established, the towns of Santa Ana, Tustin, Orange, Westminster, and Garden Grove came to follow. Agriculture was the region’s economic base until the 1950’s, and major crops consisted of grapes for wine and raisins, wheat, barley, and corn. In the 1870’s the first orchards of walnuts, apricots and oranges were planted. Southern Pacific Railroad held a monopoly in Southern California until 1885 when Santa Fe entered the market via the Cajon Pass. This competition drove down ticket prices, setting off a real estate boom throughout the region, which triggered new and existing towns to grow rapidly. On August 1, 1889 the County of Orange was officially formed, breaking away from Los Angeles County with Santa Ana as the county seat. The name Orange was chosen mainly to boast the Mediterranean climate of the area and attract real estate, despite the fact there were few orange orchards established at that time. Orange crops flourished only after the grape industry was decimated by blight. The development of Orange County was also propelled by the oil industry. The first successful oil well was drilled in 1890, which lead to oil fields in La Habra, Olinda, and Brea Canyon. Major oil strikes occurred on Placentia and Huntington Beach. Many local oil wells continue pumping today. During World War II, Orange County was the seat for several military bases, and later served as a home for many post-war veterans. After the war, the region’s population exploded, where single family residential housing dominated the landscape and new cities were incorporated every year. Disneyland opened in 1955, putting Orange County on the map for international tourism. In addition to the booming tourism industry, manufacturing, services, and aerospace corporations also boosted the region into a higher economic margin that was able to support more jobs, hospitals, restaurants, and businesses. In 1963, the population surpassed one million people. Today, Orange County is home to more than 3.1 million people and contains 34 incorporated cities.
Climate
The Mediterranean climate of Southern California is notorious for warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Pacific Ocean has the greatest influence on regulating temperatures along the coast, resulting in cooler summers and warmer winters when compared to inland conditions. Orange County boasts an annual average temperature of 73 degrees and 328 days of sunshine, making any season a good time to visit. Wildfires in Southern California have become an annual expectation, and Orange County is no exception. The areas directly affected by wildfire are located in the east along the urban-wildland interface, which is where development are in direct or near proximity to chaparral open space. Thus, wildfires are a relatively recent problem to people due to urban encroachment. Fire events typically occur in the fall, where weather conditions are windy, hot and dry. It is important to note that although human-chaparral relationships have been strained, we depend on this ecosystem to maintain healthy watersheds, reduce sedimentation, and is home native plant and animal species.
Private Schools
Name
City
Grade Range
Acme Academy
Los Alamitos
other
Abiding Savior Lutheran School
Lake Forest
elementary
Acaciawood School, Inc.
Anaheim
other
Agape Academy
Mission Viejo
K-12
Al-Ridah Academy
Mission Viejo
elementary
Aletheia Classical Academy
Fountain Valley
None
Aliso Viejo Christian
Aliso Viejo
elementary
Allied National High School
Laguna Hills
high
Alternative Educational Services
La Habra
K-12
Alton School
Cypress
other
Amaanah Montessori School
Anaheim
elementary
Anaheim Discovery Christian Jr./Sr. High
Anaheim
None
Anaheim Hills Montessori
Anaheim Hills
elementary
Anaheim Magnolia Christian School
Anaheim
None
Anneliese’s School
Laguna Beach
elementary
Anneliese’s School
Laguna Beach
elementary
Anneliese’s Schools, Inc.
Laguna Beach
elementary
Annunciation Catholic School
Fullerton
elementary
Appletree Montessori
Mission Viejo
elementary
Appletree Montessori
Mission Viejo
None
Arbor Christian School
Lake Forest
elementary
Arborland Montessori
Fullerton
elementary
Arborland Montessori- Hughes Campus
Fullerton
None
Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian
Santa Ana
elementary
Aslan Academy
Cypress
other
Beacon Day School
Orange
elementary
Bethany Christian Academy
Westminster
elementary
Bethel Baptist
Santa Ana
K-12
Bethel Baptist Academy
Buena Park
K-12
Blessed Sacrament Catholic
Westminster
elementary
Brethren Christian Junior And Senior High
Huntington Beach
high
Bright Hall Academy
Costa Mesa
None
Ccos Academy
Coto de Caza
None
Calvary
Buena Park
None
Calvary Baptist Church Preschool And Kindergarten
Anaheim
elementary
Calvary Chapel Anaheim
Anaheim
elementary
Calvary Chapel Christian School Of Cypre
Cypress
elementary
Calvary Chapel High / Maranatha Christian
Santa Ana
K-12
Calvary Chapel Private School Program
Santa Ana
K-12
Calvary Chapel Of Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda
elementary
Calvary Christian
Santa Ana
elementary
Camelot Academy
Orange
None
Canyon Montessori Center
Anaheim Hills
None
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
San Juan Capistrano
K-12
Capo Beach Christian School
Capistrano Beach
elementary
Carden Academy Of Basic Education
Mission Viejo
elementary
Carden Academy Of Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach
elementary
Carden Conservatory
Huntington Beach
elementary
Carden Hall, Inc
Newport Beach
elementary
Children’s Choice / Mcdowell School
Laguna Niguel
elementary
Children’s Learning Center, Inc.
Buena Park
elementary
Christ Lutheran
Brea
elementary
Christ Lutheran Elementary
Costa Mesa
elementary
Christian Montessori Academy
Costa Mesa
elementary
Christine North School
Garden Grove
other
Cleta Harder Developmental
La Habra
K-12
Clever Endeavors Early Care & Education, Inc.
Orange
None
Community School Of Central Orange County
Anaheim
elementary
Coram Deo Academy
Yorba Linda
None
Cornelia Connelly School Of The Holy Child
Anaheim
high
Cornerstone Community School
Laguna Hills
elementary
Covenant Christian
Orange
elementary
Covenant Christian Academy
Westminster
K-12
Crean Lutheran High School
Irvine
None
Creek Preschool And Kindergarten, The
Orange
elementary
Creekside Christian
San Juan Capistrano
K-12
Crescent Avenue Christian Elementary
Buena Park
elementary
Crystal Cathedral Academy
Garden Grove
K-12
Cypress Branch Christian
Anaheim
other
Cypress Montessori Academy
Cypress
elementary
Del Sol School
Cypress
None
Discovery Depot Child Care Center
Yorba Linda
elementary
Eastside Christian
Fullerton
K-12
Edgewood Preprimary Academy
Tustin
elementary
Eldorado Private School
Fountain Valley
None
Escalade Academy
Lake Forest
other
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Anaheim
high
Fairmont Private School Anaheim Hills Ca
Anaheim Hills
elementary
Fairmont Private Schools, Edgewood Campus
Santa Ana
elementary
Fairmont Private/Citron
Anaheim
elementary
Fairmont Private/Mable Campus
Anaheim
elementary
Faith Christian Academy Of The Cma
Anaheim
K-12
Farm School
Aliso Viejo
None
Foothill Montessori School, Llc
Santa Ana
None
Foundation Christian School
La Habra
K-12
Fountain Valley Montessori Center
Fountain Valley
elementary
Friends Christian School
Yorba Linda
elementary
Fulbright Montessori Academy
Lake Forest
elementary
Fusion Academy
Huntington Beach
None
Fusion Academy
Mission Viejo
None
Grace Christian Academy
Fullerton
None
Grace Christian School
Lake Forest
elementary
Grace Christian School Of Cypress
Cypress
elementary
Grace Classical Academy
Laguna Niguel
elementary
Grace Harbor School
Tustin
elementary
Grace Lutheran School
Huntington Beach
elementary
Grand Avenue Christian School
Santa Ana
elementary
Halstrom High/Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo
high
Harbor Day School
Corona del Mar
elementary
Heart Christian Preparatory Academy
San Juan Capistrano
elementary
Hebrew Academy
Huntington Beach
elementary
Heights Christian School / Brea Friends
Brea
elementary
Hephatha Lutheran School
Anaheim
elementary
Heritage Christian School
Mission Viejo
None
Heritage Christian/San Clemente
San Clemente
K-12
Heritage Montessori School
Huntington Beach
None
Heritage Oak Private Elementary
Yorba Linda
elementary
Hillsborough Private School
Anaheim Hills
elementary
Hillsborough School
Anaheim Hills
None
Holy Family Elementary
Orange
elementary
Hope Christian
Trabuco Canyon
K-12
Hope Christian Academy
Garden Grove
K-12
Huntington Christian
Huntington Beach
elementary
Immanuel Lutheran
Orange
elementary
Independence Christian
Anaheim
elementary
Int. Christian Montessori Academy
Costa Mesa
None
Integrity Christian School
Anaheim
K-12
International Christian Montessori
Orange
None
International Christian Montessori Acade
Orange
None
Ivy Crest Montessori Private School
Fullerton
elementary
Jserra Catholic High School
San Juan Capistrano
high
Jenny Hart Early Education Center
Irvine
elementary
John Bunyan Academy
Costa Mesa
K-12
Kids Adventure Learning Center
Fullerton
elementary
King Of Kings Lutheran Elementary
Garden Grove
elementary
Kingdom Life Academy
Laguna Niguel
None
L.I.F.E. Christian Academy
Garden Grove
K-12
La Purisima Catholic School
Orange
K-12
Laguna Niguel Jr. Academy
Laguna Niguel
other
Laguna Niguel Montessori Center
Laguna Niguel
elementary
Lake Forest Montessori School
Lake Forest
elementary
Leport Schools
Mission Viejo
elementary
Leport Schools Montessori Children Cente
Huntington Beach
None
Leport Schools Of Irvine
Irvine
None
Liberi Dei Academia
Anaheim
None
Liberty Christian
Huntington Beach
K-12
Living Word Christian Academy
Mission Viejo
elementary
Lutheran High School Of Orange County
Orange
high
Lycee International De Los Angeles
Santa Ana
other
Mardan School Of Educational Therapy
Irvine
K-12
Marina View Preschool And Kindergarten
Laguna Niguel
elementary
Mariners Christian
Costa Mesa
elementary
Master’s Academy, The
Mission Viejo
K-12
Mater Dei High School
Santa Ana
high
Minaret Academy
Anaheim
None
Mission Hills Christian School
Rancho Santa Margarita
elementary
Mission Lutheran
Laguna Niguel
None
Mission Parish School
San Juan Capistrano
elementary
Mission Viejo Christian School
Mission Viejo
elementary
Mission Viejo Montessori
Mission Viejo
elementary
Monarch Bay Montessori Academy
Dana Point
elementary
Montessori Child Development Center
Huntington Beach
elementary
Montessori Education Center
Anaheim
elementary
Montessori Greenhouse Schools, Llc
Garden Grove
elementary
Montessori Harbor Mesa Elementary
Costa Mesa
elementary
Montessori House Of Children
Anaheim
elementary
Montessori Learning Center
Anaheim
elementary
Montessori At The Park
Rancho Santa Margarita
None
Montessori Of Brea Inc.
Brea
elementary
Montessori Of Ladera Ranch
Ladera Ranch
elementary
Montessori On The Lake
Lake Forest
elementary
My First Montessori Preschool
Huntington Beach
None
New Horizon Elementary School, Irvine
Irvine
elementary
New Vista School
Laguna Hills
high
Newport Avenue Preschool And Kindergarten
Tustin
elementary
Newport Christian School
Newport Beach
other
Newport Montessori
Newport Beach
elementary
Northwood Montessori School Of Irvine
Irvine
elementary
Oc Montessori Academy
Westminster
None
Oak Hill Academy Of Learning
Mission Viejo
None
Oakridge Private
Orange
elementary
Open Door Christian Academy
Anaheim
K-12
Orange Coast Private School
Anaheim
None
Orange County Christian School
Anaheim
K-12
Orange Crescent
Garden Grove
elementary
Orangewood Academy
Garden Grove
K-12
Our Lady Queen Of Angels
Newport Beach
elementary
Our Lady Of Fatima Parish School
San Clemente
elementary
Our Lady Of Guadalupe Elementary
La Habra
elementary
Our Savior’s Lutheran Elementary
San Clemente
elementary
Padre Pio Academy
Garden Grove
other
Page Private/Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa
elementary
Page Private/Garden Grove
Garden Grove
elementary
Pathway School, Inc.
Laguna Hills
elementary
Patti’s Preschool, Inc.
Huntington Beach
elementary
Petra Christian Academy
Huntington Beach
K-12
Prince Of Peace Lutheran School
Anaheim
elementary
Pyramid Autism Center
Orange
K-12
R. S. M. Montessori Elementary
Rancho Santa Margarita
elementary
Rancho Viejo, The
Rancho Santa Margarita
elementary
Red Hill Lutheran
Tustin
elementary
Redeemer Christian
Santa Ana
other
Riverbend Classical Academy
Irvine
None
Rosary High
Fullerton
high
Rossier Park Elementary
Orange
elementary
Rossier Park School
Buena Park
None
Saddelback Valley Christian Schools Pssp
San Juan Capistrano
None
Saddleback Christian Academy
Laguna Niguel
K-12
Saddleback Valley Christian
San Juan Capistrano
K-12
Sage Hill
Newport Coast
high
Saint Bonaventure School
Huntington Beach
elementary
Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac
Tustin
elementary
Saint Michael’s Prep School
Silverado
high
Saints Of Glory
Anaheim
K-12
Salem Lutheran
Orange
elementary
Santa Clara Nursery School
Santa Ana
elementary
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Rancho Santa Margarita
high
School Of Our Lady
Santa Ana
elementary
Serra Catholic Elementary
Rancho Santa Margarita
elementary
Serrano Heights Academy
Anaheim Hills
None
Servite High School
Anaheim
high
Shoreline Christian School
Fountain Valley
elementary
Slater Montessori Academy
Fountain Valley
elementary
Socal Christian School
San Juan Capistrano
elementary
Sonrisa School
Mission Viejo
elementary
Sovereign Grace Academy
Anaheim
other
Speech And Language Development Center
Buena Park
K-12
Spirit Academy
Tustin
K-12
St. Angela Merici Elementary
Brea
elementary
St. Anne
Santa Ana
elementary
St. Anne School
Laguna Niguel
elementary
St. Barbara Elementary
Santa Ana
elementary
St. Callistus Elementary
Garden Grove
elementary
St. Catherine Of Siena Parish School
Laguna Beach
elementary
St. Catherine’s Academy
Anaheim
elementary
St. Cecilia Elementary
Tustin
other
St. Columban
Garden Grove
other
St. Edward The Confessor Parish
Dana Point
elementary
St. Francis Of Assisi
Yorba Linda
elementary
St. George’s Academy
Laguna Hills
elementary
St. Hedwig Elementary
Los Alamitos
elementary
St. Irenaeus Catholic Elementary
Cypress
elementary
St. Joachim
Costa Mesa
elementary
St. John The Baptist Elementary
Costa Mesa
elementary
St. John’s Episcopal
Rancho Santa Margarita
elementary
St. John’s Lutheran School
Orange
elementary
St. Joseph Elementary
Placentia
elementary
St. Joseph Elementary
Santa Ana
elementary
St. Juliana Falconieri
Fullerton
elementary
St. Justin Martyr
Anaheim
elementary
St. Margaret’s Episcopal
San Juan Capistrano
K-12
St. Mary And All Angels
Aliso Viejo
elementary
St. Matthew’s Montessori School
Newport Beach
elementary
St. Michael The Archangel Academy
Irvine
K-12
St. Michael’s Christian Academy
San Clemente
K-12
St. Norbert
Orange
elementary
St. Paul’s Lutheran
Orange
elementary
St. Paul’s Lutheran School
Garden Grove
other
St. Pius V
Buena Park
elementary
St. Polycarp Elementary
Stanton
elementary
St. Simon And St. Jude Elementary
Huntington Beach
elementary
St. Theophan Academy
Placentia
None
Stepping Stones Christian School
La Palma
elementary
Stoneybrooke Christian Schools
Ladera Ranch
None
Stoneybrooke Christian Schools
Ladera Ranch
middle
Stoneybrooke Christian Schools
San Juan Capistrano
elementary
Storybook Preschool & Private
Santa Ana
elementary
Sunflower Montessori
Mission Viejo
elementary
Sunflower Preschool & Kindergarten
Santa Ana
elementary
Sycamore Tree, The
Fountain Valley
K-12
Talega Preparatory Academy
San Clemente
K-12
Tarbut V’Torah Community Day
Irvine
K-12
The Hope Institute, Inc.
Costa Mesa
None
The Islamic Education School
Anaheim
elementary
The Whitworth School, Inc.
Orange
None
Therapeutic Education Centers
Orange
None
Therapeutic Education Centers
Santa Ana
other
Towne And Country Early Education Center
Placentia
None
Trinity Lutheran Christian
Anaheim
elementary
True Love Remnant School
Fullerton
None
Turtle Rock Kindergarten And Academy
Irvine
elementary
Tutor Time
Irvine
elementary
Tutor Time
Yorba Linda
None
University Montessori Of Irvine
Irvine
elementary
Vandamme Academy
Aliso Viejo
elementary
Veritas Christian Academy
Santa Ana
other
Victory Christian School
Anaheim
elementary
Village Bible Academy
Garden Grove
other
Village Montessori Of Irvine
Irvine
other
Vine Preparatory Academy, The
Laguna Niguel
elementary
Vineyard Christian School
Anaheim
K-12
Waldorf School Of Orange County
Costa Mesa
other
Warner Avenue Christian Academy
Huntington Beach
other
West Fullerton Christian School
Fullerton
elementary
West River Academy
Dana Point
None
Westminster Bible Academy
Westminster
None
Westpark Montessori School Of Irvine
Irvine
elementary
Whittier Christian High
La Habra
high
Wisdom Mission
Cypress
other
Zion Lutheran Elementary
Anaheim
elementary
• Orange County Department of Education - http://www.ocde.us/Pages/Home.aspx • Anaheim Elementary School District - https://anaheimelementary.org/ • Anaheim Union High School District - http://www.auhsd.us/district/index.php • Brea Olinda Unified School District - http://www.bousd.k12.ca.us/ • Buena Park School District - https://www.bpsd.k12.ca.us/ • Capistrano Unified School District - http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/ • Centralia School District - https://www.cesd.k12.ca.us/ • Cypress School District - https://www.cypsd.org/ • Fountain Valley School District - https://www.fvsd.us/ • Fullerton Joint Union High School District - http://www.fjuhsd.org/ • Fullerton School District - https://www.fullertonsd.org/ • Garden Grove Unified School District - https://ggusd.us/ • Huntington Beach City School District - https://www.hbcsd.k12.ca.us/
Public School Districts
• Huntington Beach Union High School District - https://www.hbuhsd.edu/ • Irvine Unified School District - https://iusd.org/ • La Habra City School District - http://www.lahabraschools.org/ • Laguna Beach Unified School District - https://www.lbusd.org/ • Los Alamitos Unified School District - https://www.losal.org/losal • Lowell Joint School District - https://www.ljsd.org/ • Magnolia School District - http://www.magnoliasd.org/ • Newport-Mesa Unified School District - http://web.nmusd.us/ • Ocean View School District - https://www.ovsd.org/ • Orange Unified School District - https://www.orangeusd.org/ • Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District - https://www.pylusd.org/ • Saddleback Valley Unified School District - https://www.svusd.org/ • Santa Ana Unified School District - https://www.sausd.us/ • Savanna School District - http://www.savsd.k12.ca.us/ • Tustin Unified School District - https://www.tustin.k12.ca.us/ • Westminster School District - https://www.wsdk8.us/
Resorts
Have A Thrilling Time In The O.C. Credit: Visit Anaheim
10 Top Orange County Attractions
Enjoy theme park thrills The O.C. is home to two of America’s most famous theme parks: Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. At Knott’s, be sure to queue up for GhostRider — the largest (and fastest) wooden roller coaster on the West Coast — and don’t miss the Wild West Stunt Show. At Disneyland, it’s magical fun for the whole family with rides, Disney character photo ops and nightly light parades. If you’re a Jedi at heart, plan to visit the popular park in 2019 when Galaxy’s Edge, the world’s first Star Wars theme park, opens. Luckily, you don’t need to wait on the Resistance to enjoy Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, a delightful resort that provides direct access to the park, newly renovated rooms, a host of restaurants and a pool area with so many options Mickey could probably get away with charging admission.
Go on an epic shopping spree Los Angeles may have Rodeo Drive, but the O.C. has South Coast Plaza. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017, the open mall has 250 boutique stores, offering mostly luxury brands (see: Prada and Fendi) and 20 restaurants — plenty to keep a shopaholic entertained for hours. If you’re a fan of fashion, but prefer to avoid the crowds, check out the O.C.’s mall alternatives, such as The Lab or The Camp. These trendy spaces feature mostly small boutique shops and hip eateries.
Take a bike tour With 42 miles of coastline, Orange County is ideal for a scenic bike ride. Rentals are available near most boardwalks for easy access to the self-guided beach bike trail. If you prefer an inside track on the local sights, opt for a guided bike tour. Irvine’s Pedego Electric Bikes offers excellent 20-mile, two-and-a-half hour outings covering everything from natural wonders (Mountains to the Sea Trail) to urban history (The East Irivne Tour) from the seat of an electric bike — ideal for any fitness level.
Relish the rays in Surf City USA Catch some sunshine, people watch or take some incredible sunset selfies as you stroll along the famous Huntington Beach Pier. Also known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is not only home to the longest pier on the West Coast (jutting 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean), but it’s also one of the few beaches in Southern California that allows dogs (and campfires). This fido-friendly spot has about a mile and a half of sandy shore for your pooch to run free, off-leash.
Kiss on the Hand Living Painting. Credit: www.visitlagunabeach.com
Arrange an art affair If you’re an avid art lover, then Laguna Beach (often called the “art colony”) is a must-visit O.C destination for you. Beyond the dozens of galleries, an array of events draws creative types to this small coastal city, including the locally focused, biannual gatherings hosted by the Sawdust Art Festival. Another huge draw for art aficionados is The Festival of Arts Art Show and Pageant of the Masters. This two-month summertime event features 140 of Orange County’s top artists displaying paintings, ceramics and jewelry, as well as a unique showcase of live paintings where actors dress the part of characters from famous masterpieces. If you need help sorting out the festival schedule or even planning a realistic game plan for visiting a few of the more than 90 area galleries, staffers at Five-Star Montage Laguna Beach love art as much as you do and will be happy to help you draw up the perfect itinerary for checking things out.
Indulge in island amusement Balboa Island, a man-made vacation destination in Newport Beach, offers a bit of something for everyone. Pick up stylish souvenirs at one of the local boutique shops, catch a ferry to the Fun Zone at Balboa Village to ride the famous Ferris wheel or hail a romantic gondola ride. Whatever you do on this popular stretch of sand, don’t miss sampling the island’s two iconic desserts: the Balboa bar (an ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and rolled in sweet or salty toppings) and the frozen banana, made even more famous by the popular TV series Arrested Development.
Whale Watching in Dana Point. Credit: Dana Point Harbor Association
Make time for whale watching Home to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, Dana Point is where to go for an excellent ocean safari. Because of this range, you can spot an array of sea life in their natural habitats nearly all year long. Should you stay at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel or the impressive Monarch Beach Resort, the concierge can help you charter a whale-watching cruise to see humpback or gray varieties, orcas, dolphins and exotic sea birds. Check out this daily whale sighting log for an idea of what’s in store.
Feast in a food hall Featuring local vendors selling everything from meat pies and mussels to cupcakes and croissants, food halls have been trending for several years in cities across the nation. And the O.C. is no exception. Along the iconic PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in Huntington Beach, you’ll find Lot 579. Costa Mesa boasts The OC Mix. And just a 20-minute drive inland will bring you to the Anaheim Packing House. For the newest foodie-focused destination, check out McFadden Public Market in Santa Ana —here you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy culinary delights and even an arcade.
Mission San Juan Capistrano. Credit: Mission San Juan Capistrano
Walk through history Founded in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra, Mission San Juan Capistrano has been dubbed “The Jewel of the Missions” for its lush gardens and classic Spanish architecture. Opt for a self-guided audio tour or follow a knowledgeable docent for a deep dive into the building’s fascinating past. While you’re in the area, stroll through the Los Rios Street Historic District, California’s oldest continuously occupied neighborhood.
Let’s Play Ball. Credit: Visit Anaheim
Cheer on the home team Home to two professional sports teams, Orange County offers year-round entertainment for avid fans. Enjoy America’s pastime as two-time American League MVP Mike Trout and MLB’s Los Angles Angels step up to the plate at Angel Stadium from April to September. If you’re in town between October and April, catch the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks on the ice at the neighboring Honda Center.
1.
Alan H Nguyen, DDS 27882 Forbes Rd | Ste 204 | Crown Valley Dental | Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 249-2995
2.
Mint Dental 28221 Crown Valley Pkwy | Ste E|Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 542-6468
3.
Smile Moderne 25500 Rancho Niguel Rd | Ste 200 | Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 554-1563
4.
Paul Ferraro, DDS 28261 Marguerite Pky | Ste 100|Mission Viejo, CA 92692 (949) 364-6110
5.
Ladera Dentistry 27412 Antonio Pkwy | Ste R4 | Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 (949) 347-7083
6.
Aria Dental 27652 Crown Valley Pkwy | Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 364-9600
Helpful Vendors
7.
Aveed Samiee, DDS- OC Lifetime Dental 25500 Rancho Niguel Rd | Ste 170 | Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 421-5033
8.
Michael Mostofi, DDS 27791 La Paz Rd | Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 831-5511
9.
Rancho Dental Studio 28261 Marguerite Pkwy | Ste 150 | Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 682-7378
10.
Todd Snyder, DDS- Aesthetic Dental Designs 25500 Rancho Niguel Rd | Ste 230 | Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 643-6732
1.
Corona Del Mar 2948 East Coast Hwy | Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
1.
(949) 644-8160
2.
Newport Center Animal Hospital & Pet Hotel Suites 1333 Avocado Ave | Newport Beach, CA 92660
Newport Animal Hospital 21157 Newport Coast Dr | Newport Coast, CA 92657
2.
Jeffrey W Hooykaas, Dvm 2948 E Coast Hwy | Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
3.
Newport Hills Animal Hospital 2670 San Miguel Dr | Newport Beach, CA 92660
4.
Back Bay Veterinary Hospital 4263 Birch St | Newport Beach, CA 92660
Michelle Bennett, MD, FAAP 17742 Beach Blvd|Ste 240 | Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Beach Pediatrics 17742 Beach Blvd|Ste 360 | Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (714) 848-0868
5.
(949) 759-1911
6.
9900 Talbert Ave | Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 842-0444
(949) 644-8160
5.
Lam Nguyen, MD - Edinger Medical Group (714) 965-2500
(949) 706-8380
4.
17742 Beach Blvd | Ste 360 | Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (714) 848-0868
(949) 644-5460
3.
Ann Ha, MD
Surf City Pediatrics 17742 Beach Blvd | Ste 240 | Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (714) 842-0444
6.
(949) 756-0554
Margaret Zimmerman, M.D 18035 Brookhurst St | Ste 2100 | MemorialCare Medical Group | Fountain Valley, CA 91708 (877) 696-3622
7.
Baker Bristol Pet Hospital 2976 Bristol St | Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 546-0010
7.
Kumaratne Mohan MD 17692 Beach Blvd|Ste 200 | Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (714) 847-6975
8.
Aliso Viejo Animal Hospital 23411 Aliso Viejo Pkwy | Ste A|Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (949) 426-7700
8.
Emily Edwards, M.D 17762 Beach Blvd | Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (877) 696-3622
9.
Huntington Beach Pet Hospital 8851 Adams Ave | Huntington Beach, CA 92646 (714) 962-3639
10.
The Purr Doctor Newport Beach, CA 92660 (650) 455-5560
9. 10.
Jerome Jones, MD Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Kevin Ho ,DPM 14571 Magnolia St | Ste 206 | Westminster, CA 92683 (714) 379-6400
Hoda Hajirnia Residential Agent Inc. Senior Associate
949.527.2414
hoda@themcmonigleteam.com DRE #01955150
Drew D’Angelo Residential Agent Inc. Senior Associate
949.244.6754 drew@themcmonigleteam.com
DRE #01935951
©2021 Residential Agent Inc. is an Equal Housing Opportunity service provider. Residential Agent Inc. and its affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing. Residential Agent Inc. DRE #02068079