Winter 2022

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the Winter issue of Tableau Magazine!

This is the issue that almost wasn’t — a project that felt overwhelming amid the chaotic days of a midterm election, fast-paced work days, and all the other things that come up with family, pets and just trying to live in our crazy world right now.

But here it is, granted it’s a little more abbreviated than our typical issues of Tableau…or should we say more curated, LOL?! Thank goodness for our talented and intrepid writers who, despite their hectic work/ life/holiday schedules, came through with some amazing content that I know you will love and appreciate. (Insert huge sigh of relief here.)

The holidays can be magical and painful, festive and stressful, fun and a lot of work. Here’s wishing you a balance of all things and, in that, mostly good things.

Speaking of which, this issue of Tableau has a host of good things for your reading pleasure. In these virtual pages, you’ll find:

• The definitive guide to the best day hikes in OC, along with links to all of the trail maps!

• A list of deserving charities who could really use your help this holiday season, and all year ‘round.

• Coverage on local places to shop and dine that includes some hot new spots as well as some hidden gems.

• A thoughtful feature on how to live slower — and we think better — to enhance your overall sense of wellbeing.

There’s more, of course, but that’s up to you to discover!

Happy holidays and happy winter to you and yours from the Tableau Magazine family.

With gratitude,

Photos courtesy of Burger Monster, Amis De La Terre, Low Tide Aliens, and Sara Hall

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Anissa Brown

Anissa is a freelance writer based in Southern California. She recently completed grad school and has written journalistic pieces for various publications and companies such as Starbucks and Disney. She is also experienced in social media, marketing and consumer insights.

Sara Hall

Sara has nearly 14 years of experience at several daily and weekly newspapers, including The Record Searchlight in Redding, The Daily Advocate in Greenville, Ohio, the Newport Beach Independent, and most recently at Stu News Newport and Stu News Laguna. Her work has included photography, writing, design and layout. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and pets.

Alyssa Hamilton

Alyssa is a lifelong Southern California resident. She has been writing professionally for over 20 years, primarily for health websites and magazines. She is an MFA candidate at Sierra Nevada University and is currently working on a novel. She enjoys biohacking and preventative health practices, full soil immersion in her native garden, and spending time with her two teenage sons and their black Lab named Bear.

Jo Murray

Jo Murray, a native Californian, has been writing professionally for almost 10 years. Her stories have appeared in the Orange County Register, Long Beach Press Telegram and she has a weekly column in the Grunion Gazette. She enjoys Farmers Markets, lending a hand during wine crush season, and learning from the best (like Emeril). Her “JoVentures” include taking tea, collecting tiki bars swizzle sticks and photographing quirky roadside attractions.

Carrie Freitas,

Amy Rabun Charlie Vejvoda

TAKE NOTE

By Anissa Brown

A New Twist on Afternoon Tea

Located in South Coast Plaza, Tableau Kitchen and Bar elevates New American cuisine showcasing the inventive global influences and unexpected twists on classic dishes for which he is known. Tableau’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer something for every palate and every meal makes a difference, with a percentage of proceeds donated to local charities. What makes this eatery even more interesting is its afternoon tea program from 3-5 p.m. daily which features delicious and unique teas and snacks created by Chef John. Chef John’s tea menu includes unique items like a kumquat marmalade financier, a chocolate chip scone with strawberry lavender jam, a blueberry rhubarb pie, a prosciutto provolone scone, and more!

Website: www.tableaukitchenandbar.com | IG: @TableauKitchenAndBar

Photos courtesy of Tableau Kitchen

Painting the Past, Present, and Future

The new OC Museum of Art opened its doors in October and visitors are in store for an incredible experience that encompasses exhibits from the museum’s impressive collections, as well as exciting new exhibits to mark the total reimagining and rebuilding of this world-class museum. One of our favorite new exhibits is 13 Women, which is centered around powerful female artistry and marks the museum’s 60th anniversary, while paying homage to the 13 women who founded the Balboa Pavilion Gallery, the earliest iteration of OCMA, which opened in 1962. The exhibition presents work from the 1960s to the present by artists central to the museum’s collection. Each rotation is centered on the work of 13 pioneering female artists, each of whom shares the visionary qualities of the museum’s founders. Works from the 13 female artists included in the first rotation are on view from October 8 through March 2023. Website: https://ocma.art/exhibitions/13-women/ | IG: @OCMAmuseum

Your

Dreams

Are Only A Microphone Away

Calling all aspiring TV show hosts and podcasters! There’s a new studio in Costa Mesa that makes it simple and easy to kick-start your dreams. Sunset 17 TV and podcast studio has everything you’ll need to launch your TV show or podcast, including state-of-theart equipment and full recording, editing, hosting, and promotion services. Check out their complete podcast recording starter package that includes podcast coaching & consultation, a full podcast file with audio & video, and up to two cameras. So, what’s the hold-up? Stardom awaits! Website: https://www.sunset17.com/

Zero Waste, 100% Amazing

Jessica Walden and her husband Chris McGuire are dedicated to bringing awareness to plastic pollution in the ocean and they do so with their new zero waste market, Amis De La Terre. It is the first zero-waste grocery in Orange County, located near Fermentation Farm in Costa Mesa. The name is inspired by the two years Jessica spent in France – it means “Friends of the Earth.”

This très chic shop is devoted to eliminating excess plastic packaging from entering the waste stream by tackling the packaged food problem. For those who may be a little unclear on their mission, co-founder Jessica explains, “We are a shop that has organic and natural food. You can bring your own container or use store-provided glass and paper containers to fill with their products.”

You don’t need to be a marine biologist to feel connected to science or the environment; the most important thing is being able to affect change and make a difference. We know we’ll be shopping Amis De La Terre to do our part!

Website: https://www.amisdelaterremarket.com | IG: amisdelaterremarket

A Journey Into the Multiverse

Low Tide Aliens (LTA) is your personal guide as you travel into new dimensions. They are the world's first member-only live experiential Sand Art where membership gives you access to sand art mandala, labyrinth classes, private groups, ads, highfrequency merch, and more.

Work alongside LTA instructors and learn how to create your own labyrinth. Raise your inner consciousness through this ancient meditative art and connect with your inner child by drawing powerful sacred geometry in the sand. They offer unique yoga classes inside a Mayan labyrinth design. See yourself, feet grounded in the sand, as you breathe in the crisp ocean air, connecting with Mother Gaia. Giving thanks while getting a great workout, in one of the most beautiful atmospheres. Namaste. Website: owtidealiens.com | IG:@low.tide.aliens

Photos courtesy of Amis De La Terre, Low Tide Aliens, Tacos Arandas, and Burger Monster

WORTH THE DRIVE: STEELCRAFT BELLFLOWER

Bellflower may not be on your radar, but it should be! It's charming, central to OC, Long Beach, and South L.A., and is starting to really bloom with cute shops and worth-the-drive restaurants. At the heart of the walkable downtown is SteelCraft Bellflower, the outdoor urban eatery that helped to kick off Bellflower's growing renaissance three years ago. Like SteelCraft's other two locations -- Long Beach and Garden Grove -- SteelCraft Bellflower is a delicious culinary curation of the hottest eateries and foodie favorites you can find under one (open-air) "roof." Steelcraftlb.com; @steelcraft

Not-Just-for-Tuesday Tacos

If you’re looking for a meal with flavor and spice, Tacos Arandas will become your new favorite Mexican food addiction. Just take a look at their Instagram feed and you’ll see why Tacos Arandas’ delicious dishes are a massive hit at SteelCraft Bellflower. Since 1996, Tacos Arandas has built its reputation by serving up authentic tacos, burritos, mulitas, dobladitas quesadillas, agua frescas, desserts and more. But don’t take our word for it, come sample for yourself! Website: Tacos Arandas - SteelCraft (steelcraftlb.com) | IG: @tacosarandasofficial

Scary Good Burgers and Fries

Don’t let the name fool you. Gourmet burgers and food trucks may seem like contradictory terms, but one time at Burger Monster will make a believer out of you. The concept began as a food truck fearlessly focused on serving handmade menu items. Now, this foodie favorite has a new, brick-and-mortar home at SteelCraft Bellflower. The owners behind the brand honor their commitment to quality food with freshly baked buns and scratch-made sauces. Burger Monster’s array of classic horror film-themed burgers such as The Dracula and The American Werewolf perfectly complement the scary good Monster Fries. Website: Burger Monster - SteelCraft (steelcraftlb.com) | IG: @ocburgermonster

Award-Winning Brews

In 2010, father and son duo Dan and Jesse began home-brewing out of their garage in Southern California. Two years later, they decided they wanted to share their passion with a larger audience and thus, Ten Mile Brewing was born. Now, the multi-award-winning Ten Mile Brewing at SteelCraft Bellflower uses only the finest and freshest ingredients in its brewing process. They also offer a unique hand-crafted beer that is truly an experience, with seasonal and other special offerings you won’t want to miss. Website: Ten Mile Brewing - SteelCraft (steelcraftlb. com) | IG: https://www.instagram.com/tenmilebrewing

A Sweet Delight

Need a new place to quench your boba addiction? With innovative recipes originating from traditional and modern boba cultures around the world, you’ll be coming back for more. The owners of Brown Cup Boba are heavily influenced by the best dessert cafes and tea shops from China, Hong Kong, and Korea. Flavors span from Thai Tea, and fruity Lychee tea to creamy Hokkaido Milk Tea and Mango Smoothies! Feeling hungry? Stop by for a tasty French macaron.

Website: Brown Cup Boba - SteelCraft (steelcraftlb. com) | IG: @browncupboba

Photos courtesy of Ten Mile Brewing, Brown Cup Boba, Solid Coffee Roasters, Off Duty Wine Bar, and Pinky’s Hot Box

Not Your Average Joe

Solid Coffee Roasters is making a name for itself with brews crafted from in-house roasted beans, including pour-overs and Nitro Cold Brews that will have you energized just in time for that 9 a.m. meeting — or for that afternoon pick-me-up. Their menu also includes specialty teas, cappuccinos, lattes and more.

Website: Solid Coffee Roasters - SteelCraft (steelcraftlb.com) | IG: @solidcoffee

It’s Wine O’Clock

Somewhere

Off Duty Wine Bar is your local good-time wine getaway. With their rotating selection of red, white, and specialty wines, they have something for everyone. Although wine is their focus, they pour so much more, including margaritas, bellinis, and sangria. They also host “Paint & Sip” classes and offer a variety of tasting menus and fun activities every week. It’s the perfect spot for an after-work reset, or a date night dining al fresco. Come in for a tasty time accompanied but live music and entertainment on weekends. Website: Off Duty Wine Bar - SteelCraft (steelcraftlb.com) | IG: @drinkoffduty/

A Hot Take on Chicken

Wildly popular at their first location in Torrance, Pinky’s Hot Box now is bringing the heat to Bellflower with its Nashville-inspired hot chicken. This minority woman-owned eatery offers a variety of inventive chicken sandwiches capturing a world of flavors with their special takes on hot chicken ranging from Nashville to Korean, Alabama to Sichuan and Hawaiian available in chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings and more! For more sensitive palates, they offer no spice, mild, and medium, For thrill-seekers, dare to try HOT or BLAZING which is rated 10/10 on the heat scale. WARNING! Pinky’s Hot Box uses two of the hottest chilis in the world. Enjoy at your own risk — and pleasure! pinkyshotbox.com; @pinkyshotbox

GIVE BACK

MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

By Sara Hall

There are a number of ways to donate your time or money this holiday season, including several local nonprofits where donations can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our neighbors. Donations can provide critical therapy or wellness counseling for kids with special needs or facing unique challenges. Some monetary support can help feed a family or empower a young girl to reach for greatness. Even small amounts can help local youth with public transportation or buy school textbooks.

The following list rounds up some wonderful Orange County-based nonprofits and ways you can be the change.

Photos courtesy of Girls Inc of Orange County and Beyond Blindness

Bridge the Gap

Beyond Blindness (formerly Blind Children's Learning Center) empowers children with visual impairments and other disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. The organization helps prepare kids for a life of independence through early intervention, education, and family support.

Donations ensure children with visual impairments and other disabilities receive the consistent support they need to thrive. Donors help bridge the gap between existing funding and the cost of providing innovative, world-class services for our children and families.

For more information, visit beyondblindness.org/get-involved

• $50 covers an early intervention session for one hour.

• $75 covers TVI/O&M session for one hour.

• $100 covers an optometry appointment.

• $150 covers a developmental assessment.

• $175 covers one week of summer camp.

• $250 covers welcome orientation for a family of four, plus a meal and gift.

• $300 cover two weeks of summer camp for one child.

• $250 covers one day a week for one month for preschool or one day a week of the toddler classroom.

• $500 covers two days a week for one month of preschool or two days a week of the toddler classroom.

• $750 covers three days a week for one month of preschool or three days a week for one month for the toddler classroom.

• $1,250 covers five days a week for a month of preschool or four days per week for the toddler classroom.

• $2,500 covers two months of the preschool classroom.

• $3,000 covers Halloween at Pretend City.

• $5,000 covers four months of preschool or four months of toddler classroom.

• $6,000 covers the 2023 family event for 200 people.

Inspire Young Girls

Girls Inc of Orange County aims to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold by providing research-based programs for girls ages 5 to 18 focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), literacy, college and career readiness, healthy relationships, sound body image, and advocacy.

For girls in Orange County, every day brings new opportunities, challenges and choices. At Girls Inc. of Orange County, they know every girl – regardless of her age, background, interests or dreams – has the potential for greatness.

The support of donors help keep the girls safe, learning, and moving forward.

For more information, visit girlsinc-oc.org/support/donate-now

• $150 funds essential items for five baskets for GIOC’s College Shower girls, preparing them to become college ready when they head off to college in the fall or spring semester.

• $250 helps fund one-on-one mentoring with a trusted Girls Inc. educator to keep the girls on track, focused on school, and avoiding the pitfalls that many young girls face.

• $500 funds books for 62 elementary girls through the Literacy Lab, a fun, interactive, hands-on program that supports girls to reach grade-level reading standards by fourth grade, inspiring a lifelong love of reading.

• $1,000 funds 22 girls with STEM-in-a-bag program supplies, including at-home STEM kits, robotics circuitry, and STEM related program incentives to reward participation and encourage K-3rd graders to fall in love with STEM.

• $2,500 funds Zoom for an entire year for 150 College Bound girls, virtually giving access to our staff educators and volunteer essay writing coaches, helping girls reach their full potential.

• $5,000 will fund online college essay writing classes and coaching to 45 girls so they can submit competitive college applications.

• $10,000 will fund 57 girls participating in Girls Meet the Workforce, so they are set up for future success by receiving comprehensive career and workforce readiness training, introducing them to the world of work.

• $25,000 funds an entire year, or 150 college application fees for our College Bound girls. Many girls limit the number of colleges that they apply to due to application fees, reducing their chances of attending college.

Photos courtesy of Girls Inc of Orange County and MaxLove Project

Invest in Healthy Hope

MaxLove Project is dedicated to improving the quality of life of families facing childhood cancers and pediatric rare diseases with evidence-based integrative healthcare with a focus on culinary medicine, whole-body health, mental wellness tools, therapeutic social support, and expert-designed educational resources.

MLP focuses on all the things families can do outside the hospital to achieve maximum quality of life for the patient and the whole family. They do this through tailored cooking classes, whole-family wellness resources and therapies, targeted peer social support, and professionally designed, facilitated, and researched health and wellness programs. The organization also offers a private online platform that connects families facing similar challenges.

Donors help families thrive against the odds of critical illness. Supporters help families find support with quality-of life care and therapeutic community.

For more information, visit maxloveproject.org/invest-in-hope

• $50 funds one Fierce Foods Kitchen cookbook to a MLP SuperFamily.

• $100 supports Ohana Wellness acupuncture for one family for one week.

• $250 funds grief coaching & support for one family.

• $500 funds one mother to attend our MaxLove Mommas Holistic Wellness retreat.

• $750 funds nutrigenomic counseling for one family.

• $1000 supports one "Parents Rising" emotional health cohort.

• $1500 funds one Fierce Foods Academy culinary medicine class.

Support a Youth

At Orangewood Foundation, they believe that every young person deserves to be safe and supported. Whether they need groceries, a place to call home, help landing their first job, or scholarships to pursue higher education, Orangewood Foundation programs provide resources for youth in Orange County to achieve their full potential by providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Monetary donations help the organization achieve equity for our youth by valuing and supporting the life they envision. Every contribution, regardless of the gift level, is critically important to help continue to serve more youth.

Your gift goes much further when you help a teen in foster care thrive: Join their support system as a Collaborative Foster Parent through Orangewood Foundation’s Youth Connected Program. YCP works in partnership with Samueli Academy to provide access to on-campus housing during the school week as well as socio-emotional and educational resources for students in foster care. A Collaborative Foster Parent provides a safe haven for teens outside of their school week at Samueli Academy. Each family commits to building an emotional connection and opens their home as a safe space for nurture and growth on weekends, summer, and holidays.

For more information, visit orangewoodfoundation.org/ways-to-give

• $40 pays for a one-month bus pass for an Orangewood youth.

• $100 pays for one month of personal care items.

• $350 pays for a high school graduation expense.

• $500 pays for a college student’s textbooks for a semester.

• $1000 pays for a youth’s one-on-one weekly therapy sessions for three months

Photos courtesy of Orangewood Foundation and Orangewood Foundation

Nurture Special Needs Students

Speech and Language Development Center aims to provide education and therapy to children and adults with special needs in the areas of language, learning, and/or behavior in an environment that nurtures growth, inspires achievement, and maximizes their potential.

SLDC provides special education services for K-12 and transition, adult day programs, and full therapy services. Every child has their own custom intervention plan. As a therapy center, SLDC provides outpatient speech, OT, PT, Counseling, and Behavior services to families in our community.

The school and therapy center values the individuality and potential of all their students and clients.

All donations support the mission of providing programs for nearly all stages of life. Donors help provide immediate help to those who need it most.

For more information, visit sldc.net/donate-now

• $100 provides a one-hour early intervention occupational therapy session.

• $250 provides new athletic equipment.

• $500 provides a student an iPad with management and communication software.

• $750 provides a new elliptical machine for SLDC’s gym.

• $1,000 provides an update to the rock-climbing wall in OT gym.

• $1,500 provides a Saratoga table handcycle (a seated arm bike), which is fundamental to SLDC students’ motor skills and coordination.

• $2,500 provides a treadmill, which will allow to students work off some steam and strengthen their motor skills.

Feed a Family

South County Outreach aims to end hunger and homelessness in Orange County through programs, including a Food Pantry and a Homeless Prevention Program.

Donations will instantly go to work at South County Outreach, helping to keep Orange County families housed and fed, as well as funding programs to stop the cycle of homelessness and prepare clients for secure and stable futures through education, financial literacy, job training, and more.

As the holiday season kicks off, SCO asks others to consider what diverse, traditional holiday meals look like for people from different backgrounds? Because many dishes require fresh ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter that expire quickly, that are not regularly stocked at the food pantry. Many rely on assistance from SCO during the holidays so they can cook a delicious meal while celebrating togetherness with their loved ones. For more information, visit sco-oc.org/donate/holidays2022

• $10 will help a child bake two dozen cookies.

• $25 will provide eight gallons of milk to families in need.

• $50 will provide a family of four with enough fresh food to make a delicious Thanksgiving feast.

• $100 will provide 25 seniors with enough milk, eggs, and butter for the holiday season.

• $500 will enable 60 individuals to have a delicious and complete holiday meal.

• $1,000 will provide 111 households with essential dairy items and eggs.

Photos courtesy of South County Outreach

CLEAN BEAUTY

Orange County Squeezes Fresh New Life Into the Clean Beauty Industry

By Anissa Brown

Clean beauty is all the rage right now. The trend is rapidly gaining momentum and revenue, and in fact, the clean beauty market is expected to reach $22 billion by 2024, according to Forbes. There is no doubt that people are intrigued by the trend, and the scene in Orange County is no exception.

Let’s explore three clean beauty suppliers that are creating a huge buzz in the community.

Photos courtesy of OmniaPiel

The Salon by Ana Paz Hair

The Salon by Ana Paz Hair is a boutique salon specializing in luxury hair care and hair accessories.

Ana Paz has been in the hair industry for over 16 years. She worked her way up from an assistant at 17 years old. Her career went through many stages - renting stations, freelancing, and owning a salon suite in West Hollywood and Huntington Beach. In 2006, she opened her own establishment, The Salon by Ana Paz Hair at SOCO and The OC Mix in Costa Mesa.

Ana Paz uses Alterna Haircare, one of the first clean haircare lines that originated in the 90s using hemp. Now, Alterna uses caviar, which is the most hydrating natural ingredient out there (talk about luxurious!). The products are free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic colors and smell. For anyone looking for an extra “golden” touch, the salon also sells a solid gold, reiki-infused jewelry line curated by the owner herself!

Aside from working behind the chair, Ana Paz is a nationwide haircare educator and leads on-set stylists for luxury haircare lines like Alterna Haircare and T3Micro.

Looking for extensions to accentuate your lovely locks? Whether you are looking for fullness, depth, length, or all of the above, Ana’s consultations will determine which technique is best for you.

The salon specializes in healthy hair and will not do anything to compromise the nourishment or wellbeing of your scalp. Clients are encouraged to book a consultation before booking an appointment, during which the owner will determine what your hair needs are, pricing, and planned treatment before your visit.

Paz strives to connect with each client on a deeper level. She wants to share an intentional connection with every individual who sits under her scissors and leave them feeling better than when they came in the door.

You only get one head of hair, treat it right and treat yourself to a day of peaceful and elegant pampering.

Website: The Salon by Ana Paz Hair IG: https://www.instagram.com/anapazhair/

Photos courtesy of The Salon by Ana Paz Hair and ROOTS Beauty,

ROOTS Beauty

If you haven’t heard about ROOTS Beauty, you’re in store for a treat that your whole body will thank you for. ROOTS Beauty is a one-stop shop for all things beauty that is good to you and good for you. They offer a range of services & products that cater to all your clean beauty needs including hair, skin, nails, body, and make-up as well as in-depth cosmetic consultations.

Since its inception 10 years ago in Laguna, ROOTS Beauty has approached clean beauty from a new perspective. Owner Laura Linsenmayer has over 20 years of experience in the professional beauty industry and over time, saw the need to create a space for customers to receive the best care possible by moving to all non-toxic cosmetics.

Her mission is to educate those who may be misinformed about clean beauty products, such as organic hair color. She explains, “A common myth about organic hair color is that you can’t cover grey or reach platinum tones with organic color & highlights.”

However, ROOTS Beauty wholeheartedly believes that clean beauty hair products can yield equal if not better results than big commercial brand products. Linsenmayer says, “Wonderful clean brands have sad

stories about what motivated them to dive into the clean beauty industry. Our angle is about prevention and a positive vibe.” She also says that clients come to give their hair that natural look from top-notch stylists while staying away from cancer-causing or illness-inducing chemicals.

ROOTS Beauty also houses a full-spectrum cosmetic store with nontoxic products that can be purchased online and in-store. Additionally, ROOTS Beauty offers to help clients diagnose, customize, and personalize their beauty routines. First, clients can take a picture or share a list or inventory of the products they currently use. Replacements are then assessed to fit what the client is comfortable with. During this process, professionals spend an hour or more reviewing the client product's “wish list,” based on their routine.

Besides being known for outstanding products, the team at ROOTS Beauty wants everyone to know that they love what they do, but more than that, they love the human connection that comes with it. They empower each customer through the power of selfcare made possible by clean beauty.

Website: rootsbeauty.com | IG: @rootslagunabeach

OmniaPiel

OmniaPiel is revolutionizing the medical aesthetics industry and overall experience of injectables. OmniaPiel prides itself on being an inclusive community that gears its treatments towards people of all colors and demographics. They work hard to create an environment where all skin types and tones are represented.

The original location resides in Norco, CA, and opened more than 5 years ago. Orange County residents can visit their second location in Costa Mesa at SOCO & The OC Mix. Co-Founder Lauren Timpe spends time at both locations as the lead injector.

Services include fillers, PDO threads, neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport, and Potenza, which combines micro needling with radio frequency to aid in skin tightening, texture improvement, and minimizing fine lines. Microneedling is one of OmniaPiel’s most popular services and has benefits like pigmentation improvement and collagen reproduction for patients with all skin types.

The experience at OmniaPiel begins with a consultation with a practitioner who takes the time to find out what a client’s biggest concerns are.

Providers suggest clean beauty alternatives for patients to create a specific plan to achieve their ultimate skin care goals. Their specialty is accentuating a patient’s natural features, as opposed to conceding to aesthetic trends, which traditionally do not cater to all colors and skin types.

“Everyone has a uniqueness to their beauty, and we want to highlight that,” says Manager Tavania Gulla.

Another popular procedure is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)/ Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) in which natural body stem cells are used and applied to the face with microneedling to erase fine lines and smooth texture. The most alluring aspect of this procedure is the fact that it is all-natural, derived directly from the patient.

What’s their #1 skin care tip? To be more mindful of skin damage that comes from harsh sun exposure. Sunscreen is a must for all shades of skin because illnesses such as cancer can affect all skin types.

OmniaPiel recommends Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex. This is a great base for any make-up or as a stand-alone. Fun fact: OmniaPiel staff often use it in place of a foundation because it offers coverage and most importantly sun protection. They also carry a brush-on for reapplying throughout the day and total eye protection that is a 3 in 1 which provides protection from the sun, eye concealer, brightener, and hydrator!  What are you waiting for? It’s time to take a trip to the fountain of youth.

Website: https://www.omniapiel.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/omniapiel/

TO ORDER

By Jo Murray

History

That is the healthy eating advice that Michael Dene’s mother, who lived to be almost 100, taught him. It is the philosophy behind Michael's on Naples Ristorante

“Farm fresh produce, fresh caught fish, seasonal cooking-that is a lifestyle that I cannot forget” Dene said when he speaks of his upbringing.

After years trekking internationally in his lighting industry career -he wanted to find a California city he could call home. His second calling as a restaurateur was his destiny after decades of consulting with those designing some of the most beautiful restaurants in the world.

“Michael, don’t eat out of a can!”

Photos courtesy of Jo Murray

Back in 1993- wife Patti Dene spent 6 months looking for the city in California where she and Michael would be most happy. They were worldly New Yorkers with miles of travel under their belts.

After a six-month search, Michael was surprised to learn that Patti had carefully selected Long Beach as home.

“I love this neighborhood. It is a big-little city, people here look me in the eye when I talk to them, stores are a quick walk” she told her husband on why Long Beach had captured her heart.

The couple had found their home. The concept of opening a restaurant wasn’t even on the horizon yet.

Fifteen years later Patricia and Michael entered a new chapter in their lives when they opened Michael's on Naples Ristorante. Today the restaurant embraces Naples’ community passion for all things Italian. Patti’s passing in 2015 was tough on the Dene family and the community that loved her- yet her insightfulness in choosing Long Beach lives on.

Just a bit North

Near the north-western region of Orange County, the Naples area of Long Beach is a hidden gem. Romantic canals with gondoliers serenading couples, Italian street names, and one of the first Long Beach eateries to garner top Zagat ratings.

Food critics agree- Michael’s is not only one of the finest restaurants in Long Beach- it is among the best in all of Los Angeles County.

Diners enjoy an authentic Italian culinary experience in an understated two-story building - where downstairs there are elegant Murano glass lamps and white linen tablecloths. Upstairs, a rooftop terrace with a dining area and bar beneath a retractable roof that creates a comfortable open-air lounge for a more casual evening.

The philosophy

“We love what we do here - the food, the wine, the presentation,” Owner Michael Dene says with passion in his voice.

A visit to Michaels is more than a great dinner. It is an experience. It starts with a philosophy inspired by Italian freshness- seasonal food prepared in-house fresh each day.

The evening might begin in the upstairs patioopen to the sky, yet protected from the elements. The General Manager, Massimo Aronne, leads a 20-minute discussion each day with his well-trained staff to share news on sourcing and how things are prepared. He goes over the menu items and suggested wine pairings.

Aronne understood “farm to table” and where food comes from long before it became trendy. It was a way of life. When he first interviewed with Dene while the restaurant was under construction, the connection was instant and the two shared a vision of what an extraordinary dining experience must include.

Having every member of the staff see their role is key.

The results of those pre-shift tags-ups are evidentservers pronounce Italian terms with flair, offer wine pairings or cocktail suggestions, and they can explain with confidence how menu items are prepared in great detail.

Aronne grew up in his family’s Italian seaside restaurant in the town of Liguria, where dinner menus were written on a chalkboard each day. The selections were based on what the local fishermen had caught. Liguria is often credited with being the home of pesto sauce, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.

The menu at Michaels often has two tasting menus- a 5 course dinner at $85pp or $125 with wine pairings and a 4-course meal for $65pp or $105 with wine pairings. The Sous Chef JJ and the entire kitchen staff collaborate on creating these and everyone at the table needs to opt for the tasting menu.

Always learning

Everyone has a pulse on the newest ideas and trends in California and the world. Dene hosted Chef Samaniego’s recent visit to Italy where he worked in the kitchens there and ate and drank the local offerings. Aronne and Samaniego plan to travel to Italy together soon for inspiration. Michael has been spending time with family in Calistoga- exploring wineries, tasting and thinking how to apply the innovations he learns locally.

The Offerings

The staff is well trained and are all storytellers at heart. Each course that is served is an opportunity to learn about the locally sourced ingredients, the farmers that are part of the Santa Monica farmers market, and the method of preparation.

Craft Cocktails- There are 11 different cocktails on

Photos courtesy of Jo Murray

the Negroni menu. An Italian classic, Negroni has perfected the balance of bitter and sweet. The mixologists are skilled at customizing cocktails.

Sunday Brunch- on the Rooftop from 10:30AM2:30PM -The rooftop is warm, sunny, and vibrant on most Sunday mornings. A popular way to start the day is with a Ciacco D’Oro- coffee infused Whistle Pig 10-year, maple, lemon, Pancetta.

The brunch menu features Pane Tosato- Carmel mascarpone stuffed French toast, farmers market apples, and toasted walnuts.

Pizza- Michael’s Pizzeria 2nd St. recently merged with the restaurant so those that enjoy their famous made from scratch Napoli style wood-fired pizzas can now enjoy them on the rooftop, in the dining room, or at the bar with their favorite cocktail.

There are 10-12 different pizzas offered each evening- they often include creative blending of tastes - such as: The Puttanesca that has both anchovies and capers on a pizza with a classic red sauce and house-made mozzarella cheese.

The Carbonara has a thin crust with crisp edges and a crisp bottom while still soft on the top. The eggs make the pizza special as they come as a runny yolk bringing flavor in every bite.

The Market- Michael’s is a completely scratch-based kitchen located where the pizzeria was located. All of the pastas and sauces are handmade daily.

During the pandemic shut down, many of the regular diners longed for the house made pasta, the mozzarella cheese, the flavorful sauces- and frequently ordered food to go. The Market takes that concept to the next level. It also is a nod to Patti Dene’s attraction to Long Beach and the local friendliness.

With the addition of the market-diners can take home their favorites- ready made. The popularity of the market has prompted extended hours-until 8PM on weekends.

Chef de Cuisine Eric Samaniego

Chef Samaniego was born in Orange and he, with his two siblings, were raised by a single parent- their electrician father. When one sibling became seriously ill, the family moved to Visalia, an agricultural city. His father’s mother, Carmen lived with them to help the family.

Eric spent time in the kitchen learning from her and cooking with fresh vegetables grown by nearby farmers. She taught him how to make many of their family recipes. Often- even today- she will prepare some of his favorites and put them in containers in the refrigerator -just for him. The grab and go

Photos courtesy of Jo Murray

refrigerator section of the new Michael’s Market has a vibe like Grandma Carmen’s containers of homemade goodness.

Grandmother and grandson enjoyed watching public television’s Julia Child “The French Chef.” He held onto every word and the “ingenuity, resourcefulness, and lively spirit” that Child is known for.

Thanks to Carmen and Julia, at an early age Chef Samaniego knew he wanted to be a chef.

At age 15, he started working as a buffet attendant at his local Hometown Buffet. In his career he has held positions at Charlie Trotters, Sona, Comme Ça, and was the opening chef at Santa Ana’s Little Bird.

Chef Samaniego, who appeared on Bravo’s “The Best Restaurant” a few years back, is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Denver where he studied Culinary Arts and Food Service Management.

Other notable graduates of Johnson & Wales include: Chef Emeril Lagasse, the chef-proprietor of ten restaurants nationwide, a TV personality, and best-selling cookbook author, Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper, the winner of the Fox Network’s “Hell’s Kitchen” grand prize, Chef Adrianne Calvo, recently named one of the best chefs in the world by Chef Report, Chef Tyler Florence, culinary TV personality on the Food Network and currently host of Tyler’s Ultimate, Chef Michelle Bernstein, 2008 James Beard Award Winner, cohost of the Food Network’s Melting Pot, and a winner of Iron Chef America, Chef Anna Olson, the host of Fresh with Anna Olson on Food Network Canada, and Chef Jeremy Fox, Chef and Partner of Ubuntu in Napa.

WELLNESS

Making Time for Slow Living

By Alyssa Swanson Hamilton

What exactly is slow living? Many of us have likely come across elements of this ideology on social media or in books, but what is it and how do we put it into practice? Hint: it really has nothing to do with speed, and you don’t have to be a homesteader to benefit.

“Slow living is a philosophy, incorporating mindfulness, maintaining a steady and consistent pace with daily activities, nourishing consistent connections with yourself and the world, releasing the need for busyness, and learning to say “no.” It means structuring your life around meaning and fulfillment. It’s similar in practice to “voluntary simplicity” (seeking to minimize dependency on institutions you cannot control (such as government, oil companies, and large agribusiness food companies and to maximize your harmony with nature) and “downshifting,” (adopting long-term voluntary simplicity; for example, focusing on consuming less in order to reduce your ecological footprint).

Slow living encourages a release of all that does not serve us. Donating, recycling, and giving away excess household items a few times a year is a route to a slow living lifestyle. This lifestyle prizes quality over quantity. It might incorporate frequenting your local refill shop (Fill Up Buttercup in Costa Mesa was featured in a previous issue and Amis De La Terre in this issue) and buying in bulk to avoid excess single-use plastic consumption, household chemical applications and waste. It could include shopping at physical or online secondhand stores (Goodwill, Poshmark) to avoid purchasing unnecessary new items. Slowing down our material consumption benefits the planet. The fashion

industry (“fast fashion” in particular), for example, is a top international polluter. Slow living also can incorporate daily rhythms such as following the cycle of the sun and detoxing from digital devices.

It’s a discipline in a world of distractions.

Does slow living mean a return to Little House on the Prairie days? Do you need to buy a farm and take a baseball bat to your iPad, a là Office Space? Instagram may have popularized prairie boho chic, but the actual practice of slow living includes a digital declutter or detox. One of the biggest challenges of slow living might be not posting about it at all.

Intrigued? Here are 10 key tips to get you started on your path to slow living freedom:

1. Recognize “busyness” and understand that it is a choice. We have the same 24 hours in the day that we’ve always had, and modern conveniences have taken over many manual labor chores we once held. “Busyness,” i.e. overscheduling, running out of time, etc. can be a symptom of our modern age rather than a true time issue. Busyness may serve as a badge of honor – showing our importance or value in a fast-paced society – a form of job security (the company couldn’t function without me!), or be a symptom of FOMO (fear of missing out), a byproduct of the digital age i.e. Highlight Reels and competitive social media posts.

2. Begin the process of identifying and putting into practice your life’s purpose. Say yes to what matters to you the most. In Japan, this is called ikigai “Ikigai, which is the highest level of desire, may be considered to be essentially the processes of cultivating one’s inner potential or that which makes one’s life significant. Needs associated with ikigai are not simply equal to the desires for biological satisfaction or the desires of humans as social creatures. They are the individual desires of humans as spiritual beings.” Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Héctor García and Francesc Miralles.

3. Practice saying “no” to everything else (the non-essentials).

4. Start slow and small by “downshifting,” or incorporating elements of minimalism. Don’t try to do everything at once.

5. Practice being present (even in the mundane). Even chores such as vacuuming or doing dishes can be meditative. Try eating without your phone or a book at the table, focusing only on your food and any dining companions, and do household work without the TV or a podcast on. See if you can drive in silence.

6. Create space and margin in your day. If you have free time, do not rush to fill it. Allow it to remain unscheduled.

7. Invite a “slow information diet” into your life.

Best-selling author Cal Newport (a computer science professor at Georgetown University and a New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including A World Without Email, Digital Minimalism, and Deep Work, which have been published in over 35 languages) says that the purpose of a digital detox or declutter is to help you reset your digital life to something more intentional and meaningful.

He recommends a three-step process:

• Take a break from optional technologies (for the entire month of January, for example)

• Identify what really matters (and what you really want to be doing with your time)

• Reintroduce technology (in an intentional manner)

During this break, you’ll confront life directly, without the dulling mediation of a screen, allowing you to rediscover which activities and behaviors really provide value in your life, and which are mindless distraction…” he says. “In general, the most important thing is to fix some set of rules for the digital declutter that make sense to you. Then do your best to follow these rules, while simultaneously going easy on yourself when the inevitable backslide or exception emerges.”

8 Commit to putting your life before work.

This is a challenging one for many of us. Some suggestions include time blocking (deliberately scheduling white space into your calendar, even if it’s 10 minutes for a meditation or a 20 minute walk or restorative nap) and accepting the truth that the human brain is not wired to multi-task. Close out of your DMs and socials when you’re in a meeting. Turn off email and text notifications and instead choose designated times to check your accounts. Sleep with your phone on airplane mode or turned off. If you need the ringer on at bedtime, put your phone in another nearby room or the hallway and silence non-essential notifications.

9. Get outside. “An EPA study found that Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors…We are, after all, animals, and it’s hard to forget that, even if some try real hard, surrounding themselves with walls, metal, glass, and screens. Those people tend to pay a price, often with their health and quality of life.” —NPR.

org. Walking even 20 minutes a day, preferably in a natural setting, is a powerfully restorative practice. Current research also supports the importance of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm (your 24-hour sleep-wake cycle). Even two minutes of early morning sunlight exposure (sit or stand outside facing east or walk toward the sun, without sunglasses, glasses or contacts in order to receive the full spectrum of sunlight) helps the body make cortisol, as well as dopamine and serotonin (which will later convert to melatonin, helping you sleep soundly). Blue light from screens interrupts our circadian rhythms and contributes to anxiety and sleeplessness. Regulating our circadian rhythms, and powering down all screens an hour before bedtime increases quality of sleep and overall health.

10. Find inspiration in a slow living challenge!

From slow living to fashion, travel to money, there are countless ways to begin. Click here to learn more.

OF INTEREST

By Charlie Vejvoda

Whether you’re looking for the best holiday gifts, a home decor refresh, or a great meal, you’ll find all of it — and more — at SOCO and The OC Mix in Costa Mesa! This unique destination in the heart of Orange County features more than 60 of the world’s best design/home stores, a wonderfully curated selection of boutiques and services, and award-winning, crave-able eateries. No matter when you visit, you’ll always find inspiration and something new to excite and delight you. While SOCO’s “big names” — like Design Within Reach, Pirch and Room & Board — may be most familiar, there’s much more to discover here. Check out these must-visit offerings the next time you visit!

FOOD + LIBATIONS

Birdie Bowl & Juicery

If shopping has you in need of a pick-meup or you’re wanting to try a new craveable eatery, pop in and indulge in one of Birdie’s delicious specialty acai and pitaya bowls or cold pressed juices. Plus, all Birdie products are vegan, gluten-free, and fresh-daily!

Home | Birdie Bowl And Juicery (birdieacai.com)

Photos courtesy of Birdie Bowl & Juicery, Easterwings, G. Bar Lash & Brow, Local Fare, and Sisu

FASHION + LIFESTYLE

Local Fare

Whether shopping for a loved one or showing yourself some love, you must check out Local Fare! No matter the occasion, you are bound to find inspiration and unique gift ideas at Local Fare. They have sought out and found the best local brands that specialize in everything from home goods down to apparel and accessories. | Unique Gift Ideas – Local Fare (oclocalfare.com)

Easterwings

Spice up your wardrobe by heading into Easterwings and find your new go-to closet staple! Each piece was carefully designed and selected with the Korean style and flare that we know and love. Take our word it or take it from Telegraph UK and Valentino as featured in their magazines. | K-pop and fashionable clothing and accessories | Easter Wings | The Mix Costa Mesa

G. Bar Lash & Brow

G.Bar Lash and Brow will have your turning heads. Stop by G. Bar Lash and Brow for your tailored treatment that is unique to your hair, skin, and face! They have more than 20 plus years of experience in perfecting the G. Bar method. Who doesn’t want luscious lashed and bodacious brows? | Costa Mesa | Gbar | G Lash and Brow | Eyelash Extension | Microblading | Lash Lift | SMP (gbeautbar.com)

Sisu

Do you have a passion for nature and arts? If so, Sisu is just the store you have been searching for! Sisu has brought this same shared love of the nature and arts into their outdoor gear, and lifestyle clothing. Did we mention that it is just as aesthetically pleasing as it is sustainable? | Sisu (shopsisuca.com)

HOME + DESIGN

C. S. Wo & Sons

If you love one-of-a-kind antique furniture, you must check out C.S. Wo & Sons for the largest selection in the OC! They have the largest selection of unearthed antique furniture that you will not find in anyone else’s home. At the store, you know you’re in good hands with their complementary design consultants, who are there to bring your ideas and aspirations into reality! | https://www.cswofurniture.com

GATHER Home

GATHER Home knows how important it is to come together with loved ones, and they want to be part of creating an environment for you and your loved ones to enjoy and gather in. They help achieve this through beautifully curated pieces that were carefully selected or designed just for you! https://gatherfurnishings.com

Ligne Roset / Scavolini

It is no surprise that Ligne Roset has consecutively won the Red Dot “Best of the Best” award. Ligne Roset is consistently committed to excellence and producing only the most prestigious and designforward furniture. When Ligne Roset imprints its name on your piece, you know it was handsewn and stamped to perfection. | Ligne Roset - Contemporary Design Furniture - Official Site (ligne-roset.com)

Calligaris OC

There truly is no place like a Calligaris Home! They offer everything you need to make your home showcase your authentic and unique self from your home’s living room to the bedroom and every room in-between. It is time to tell your story with your home! | Arredamento Casa: Mobili dal Design italiano | Calligaris

Photos courtesy of GATHER Home, Calligaris OC, C. S. Wo & Sons, Ligne Roset, Roomscapes, Robert Westley, and TFS Natural Home & Futon Shop

Roomscapes

Bring your beautiful home aspirations to life with the Roomscapes remodel experts. Whether you are ready to tackle a full kitchen remodel or are in need of a slight room refresh, no project is too big or small. Roomscapes experts are ready to help you find the right style to align with your needs and goals! | Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Newport Beach | Kitchen & Bathroom Design | Roomscapes

TFS Natural Home & Futon Shop

Rest easy at night with a handcrafted, all natural and organic mattress from TFS Natural Home and Futon Shop. They have made chemical free living affordable to everyone, because everyone deserves the choice to sleep and live healthy. | Futons Costa Mesa California | Organic Mattresses Costa Mesa California | The Futon Shop

Robert Westley

Step into a life of modern home luxury with Robert Westley Designs. They have brought their brilliance and impeccable style from Los Angeles to SOCO Collection. You now have access to the most exclusive and prestigious furniture manufacturer brands from Stressless to BDI and Elite Modern that you will find anywhere else! | Home | Robert Westley Designs

ENVIRONS

BEST ORANGE COUNTY HIKES FOR EVERY OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

By Sara Hall

Orange County is home to a diverse environment: The Pacific Ocean and sandy beaches, forested and flower-covered hills, desert and rocky landscapes, and the Santa Ana Mountains.

That means OC hikers have a variety of trails to choose from when heading into the great outdoors. There are Orange County hikes with waterfalls, redwoods, or mountains. Or take an easy hike on a nature trail and enjoy bird watching and a variety of wildflowers.

Tableau reviewed the best hikes in Orange County with varying features and highlights, lengths and difficulty ratings, and locations across the county. Read on to learn about our top 20 choices and discover your next outdoor adventure

Photos courtesy of Jacque Iverson and Sara Hall

Know before you go

Before you hit the trails, there are several top tips to keep in mind when hiking in Orange County.

“OC Parks offers plenty of trails for hikers of all skill levels. We suggest planning your route with a trail map, and make sure you’re prepared. Bring plenty of water and a charged phone, stay on the trail, wear sturdy shoes and take time to enjoy your outdoor adventure,” OC Parks Public Information Officer Marisa O’Neil told Tableau magazine in an email.

These precautions are particularly important to follow when you’re further out into the wilderness. Always check the official map and know your route Forest Service, Cleveland National Forest Public Affairs Officer Nathan Judy said in a phone interview with Tableau magazine.

Cells phones don’t always work out on the trail, Nathan says. He suggests letting someone know your route and expected return time.

“We want people to enjoy their national forest when they're out there, but be cognizant you’re in a wildland area,” he says.

Nathan also warned hikers to check fire regulations when camping in the forest. Even on chilly nights, with so little rain, the fuel moisture is low.

“One spark can start a large wildfire,” he says.

State Parks reminds visitors to recreate responsibly. Officials urge hikers to plan ahead and play it safe. Follow Leave No Trace principles by leaving areas better than how you found them. This means staying on designated trails and picking up all trash.

Other things to keep in mind:

• Check the weather, road conditions, and trail status before heading out.

• Bring plenty of water, food, and other essentials with you.

• Stay on the designated trail: No shortcutting.

• Check parking requirements and park fees.

• Watch for wildlife, including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and coyotes.

• Be on the lookout for poison oak and the lesser known, but just as irritating, poodle dog bush, both of which grow in the mountains and hills in Southern California.

Due to the dry environment, most hiking trails in Orange County offer little to no shade. Officials strongly recommend hiking in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during the hot summer months. If you’re going to hike during the middle of the day, plan accordingly with lots of sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and extra water.

Editor’s Choice: Back Bay Loop Trail in Newport Beach

Location: Newport Beach Length: 2.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

This beautiful coastal trail is a favorite among both locals and visitors for good reason. It’s one of the best easy hikes in Orange County.

The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve cover approximately 1,000 acres of open space. Surrounded by bluffs, the “critical estuary” habitat is home to distinct plant communities and thousands of birds, including some endangered species.

The park features both paved pathways and dirt trails. If you want to stay primarily on the dirt trails, there’s a 2.8-mile loop to explore. It takes hikers along the

waterway with expansive views of one of the largest coastal wetland areas in Southern California.

The paved path extends 5.5 miles out and back. The full loop around Back Bay clocks in at about 10.5 miles and connects to city street sidewalks. Horses are permitted on portions of the trail.

Photos courtesy of Sara Hall and U.S. Forest

Best “Best of” Alternative: Joplin Trail

Location: Silverado

Length: 6.6 miles

Difficulty: Hard

On a number of “best of” lists for top hikes in Orange County, Black Star Canyon is often mentioned. While it has a lot of highlights, it’s not for everyone due to how strenuous and rugged the full hike is: It starts off with an easy to moderate incline, but to see the falls it gets rocky and tricky to navigate, including some boulder scrambling and bushwacking.

A great alternative is the Joplin Trail along Santiago Canyon in Cleveland National Forest. It’s accessed off the Santiago Truck Trail off Modjeska Grade Road. It’s a challenging but rewarding route. The full length of the trail is nearly 10 miles (one-way) and almost 4,000 feet in elevation gain from the trailhead to the top of the ridge, where hikers can access both Modjeska Peak and Santiago Peak.

For a route comparable to Black Star Canyon, hikers can head up along the Joplin Trail, aka Santiago Truck Trail, for about 3.3 miles and 780 feet in elevation gain before heading back down. At that turnaround point, hikers will see Vulture Crags, an unusual outcropping of rocks, and an American flag alongside a U.S. Marine Corps flag.

Adventurers can enjoy views of Santiago Canyon, the Santa Ana mountains, and the cityscape, all which get better if trekkers opt to continue ascending. This is also a popular trail for mountain bikers. An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass is needed to park in Cleveland National Forest. Unfortunately, there’s no parking at the trailhead so hikers with vehicles will have to find a spot nearby to park, adding a half mile or more to the trek.

Super Summit: Bedford Peak

Location: Silverado Length: 7.3 miles

Difficulty: Hard

This underrated trail is a great workout to get up to a peak that most locals forget about, but has a lot going for it. It’s a difficult, but manageable hike that rewards trekkers with a sense of accomplishment at the summit and awesome views. This is one of the most scenic hikes Orange County.

Birding

Paradise: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Location: Huntington Beach

Length: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Break out the binoculars to get the most out of your visit to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach. Although it’s not an expansive network of trails — about 4 miles over 1,300 acres — there are more than 200 avian species that call the estuary home. Habitats at the estuary include open water, mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, riparian, and freshwater marsh.

Nesting bird species: Ridgway’s rail (formally lightfooted clapper rail), Western snowy plover, California least tern, Belding’s Savannah sparrow, white-tailed kite, black skimmer, elegant tern, Forster’s tern, Caspian tern, white-faced ibis, American avocet, and black-necked stilt.

Other noteworthy birds: Peregrine falcon, burrowing owl, California gnatcatcher, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s hawk, osprey, reddish egret, and tri-colored blackbird.

Although this an easy trail in Orange County and most hikers won’t need any pit stops, you’ll want to take a break on one of the many benches along the path to stop and watch our feathered friends. There’s a small, free parking lot at the trailhead, next to the interpretive center at PCH and Warner Avenue.

From the Maple Springs trailhead, take the Silverado Motorway trail all the way to the top. The switchbacks start immediately and they’re steep and exposed, so start early to avoid the afternoon sun. It levels out once you reach the ridge and then just over one mile to the peak.

It’s also a bit rocky and gravelly, so only sure-footed hikers should attempt this challenge.

On your trek, enjoy views of the Santa Ana Mountains, Cleveland National Forest, and even Catalina Island on a clear day. The trail also features exposed rock that showcase the formation of the canyon, An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass is needed to park in Cleveland National Forest.

The nearby Sitton Peak in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness (just outside the Orange County border) is also a favorite for SoCal hikers.

Photos courtesy of Sara Hall and Jacque Iverson

Best Views: Top of the World

Location: Laguna Beach

Length: 2.4 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Moderate

Top of the World offers the best 360 views in Orange County of the Pacific Ocean, nearby cities, and the surrounding hills in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. It’s a must see for hikers of every skill level.

There are several routes to get to Top of the World Laguna Beach, including the short and easy way: Walking less than a quarter of a mile up to the top from Alta Laguna Boulevard (dead ends at the trailhead) or the nearby Alta Laguna Park.

For a moderate Top of the World hike that will allow you to really soak in the experience, trekkers should try Canyon Acres Trail. It’s a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with 862 feet in elevation gain. It starts from the coastal side of the mountain, so there’s no shortage of ocean views during your trek.

For something a bit more challenging, hikers can get to the Top of the World via West Ridge Trail (4.5 miles). Or opt for the strenuous 10-mile (or more, depending on the route variation) Aliso Creek and Wood Canyon trails to Mathis Canyon or Car Wreck trails, leading to TOW.

Top of the World is also a good starting point for a number of other trails, but remember, what goes down must come back up.

There’s free street parking at several trailheads and paid lots from the park’s official staging areas.

Most Diverse Hike: El Moro Canyon to El Moro Ridge

Location: Newport Beach

Length: 8 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Moderate

Crystal Cove State Park covers sandy beaches, shady canyons, steep hills, and ridge lines with expansive views of the coastline and inland cities. While hiking Crystal Cove, there’s no bad choice, but the best route to get a little bit of everything is Moro Canyon to Bommer Ridge and return via Moro Ridge. This might even be the best hike in Orange County.

Start off in the shade of the canyon and enjoy a gentle incline for a few miles. There are a few ways to climb up to the ridge, including the Slow-N-Easy Trail or the steep and rocky Elevator Trail. Once up top, there are several trail options to descend back into the canyon, but Moro Ridge is a favorite route for its spectacular views and its direct and easy-to-follow trail. You can follow Moro Ridge all the way back to the parking lot or use I Think I Can trail to cut back to the canyon a little earlier.

For a refreshing conclusion to your Crystal Cove hike, head through a tunnel under Pacific Coast Highway and enjoy the sand and surf. The park has some of the best beach trails in Orange County.

You can also book a site at either Upper Moro or Lower Moro campgrounds and backpack in for an overnight adventure. Upper Moro is better shielded from the wind, but Lower Moro offers better views right out your tent door.

Visitors need to pay to enter the state park. Alternatively, hikers could park for free and start from Ridge Park Road, adding about a mile and making it a lollipop loop.

Photos courtesy of Sara Hall

Most

Interesting Landscape: Red Rock Canyon

Location: Lake Forest

Length: 4.1 miles (with longer options)

Difficulty: Moderate

Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is one of the most interesting landscapes in the region. It's also one of the most popular Orange County hikes, so be ready for a crowded trail. It starts under the shade of sycamores and other trees and meanders alongside a seasonal creek. It starts opening up with more brush and less tree coverage before ending at one of the county’s most impressive geological wonders: Red Rock Canyon. The colorful sandstone is akin to what travelers might see in Arizona or Utah, so it’s a special treat to find it in Orange County.

Borrego Canyon Trail connects to Red Rock Trail, which dead ends at the colorful canyon. Borrego Canyon links up with a number of other trails in Whiting Ranch Wilderness, including Dreaded Hill. If you extend your hike you’ll have to back-track at some point to return to the canyon and the parking lot.

While the scenic rock formations are the highlight of the approximately 2,500-acre park, there’s plenty more nature to enjoy, including riparian and oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills and steep slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. There is a small paid parking lot at the trailhead.

Top Trail for Kids: Oak Canyon Nature Center

Location: Anaheim

Length: 1.4 miles (with longer options)

Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking to explore the outdoors with children, Oak Canyon Nature Center is the perfect introduction.

There’s a nature-themed interactive playground, an interpretive center for educational fun, historical mining equipment on display, and several shady trails to hike that travel over bridges, alongside a creek, and feature a few small waterfalls.

Although this earned our “Best for Kids” badge, this 58-acre natural park has something for everyone. It’s small, but there’s a lot to enjoy with four miles of hiking trails that connect three canyons, traverse oak woodland, and coastal sage scrub. Check the official map for something that works for you.

A nice 1.4-mile loop that offers a bit of everything starts out on the Main Road. Take any of the short connecting trails up to Bluebird Lane and enjoy tree coverage as you gently head uphill. The trail ends at the park’s edge, but hikers can easily exit and return on a different trail via the nearby gate. From there, climb up to the exposed Roadrunner Ridge Trail for a view of the Walnut Canyon Reservoir. Cut back down via Quail Trail to Stream Trail to get back in the shade and connect to the Main Road. You can make a figure eight and include Wren Way and Tranquility Trail to get more mileage.

If you’re looking for shaded hikes in Orange County, stay on the Main Road and Bluebird Lane trails, as they offer plenty of tree coverage. There’s free parking in a small lot and street parking.

Workout While Hiking: Peters Canyon Trail

Location: Orange

Length: 5.9 miles (with shorter options)

Difficulty: Moderate

Peters Canyon Trail is a very popular route for Orange County hikes. The hills, particularly on the East Ridge View Trail, are a great workout. They aren’t big climbs, but the continual up and down is bound to get your heart pumping. The full 5.9 loop circles Peters Canyon Reservoir and covers the entire length of the park.

The area is very exposed with almost no shade, so take precautions before hitting the trail. Many of the hills are steep and slick with loose rocks, so watch your step both when ascending and descending. Although the majority of the trail doesn’t offer the most scenic views, the black willows and cottonwoods by the creek provide some shade and a serene atmosphere. The short Creek Trail is a mustdo detour.

You can pay for parking in the lot at the north end of the park or you might be lucky enough to find a spot on the street at south entrance.

Photos courtesy of Sara Hall

Hidden Gem: Bommer Canyon Trail

Location: Irvine

Length: 4.6 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Moderate

Bommer Canyon Trail may not be the most popular trek on our list, but it has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts.

In spring, greenery and wild mustard cover the hills. In autumn, oak and sycamore groves feature leaves changing colors. Patches of cacti and rocky outcrops add some interesting highlights along the trail. It also features one of the region’s last working cattle camps (currently undergoing renovation with a detour around the camp). While the meandering trail in the canyon and meadow are easy enough for kids, the hills and connecting trails offer a challenge for hikers looking for something a little more intense.

There are a lot of “make your own adventure” trail options starting from Bommer Meadow Trail. A moderate route that will give you just a taste of what

this secret spot has to offer includes the Nature Loop, Bommer Pass, and the West Fork Trail to Bommer Ridge.

You can make the hike longer by heading up the switchbacks to Turtle Ridge and then returning to Shady Canyon Drive through a hidden community trail in a residential neighborhood.

It abuts Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Canyon Wilderness and there are numerous trails to extend your adventure.

Irvine Ranch also offers guided programs at Bommer Canyon, allowing access to areas that are otherwise closed to the public.

There's a small parking lot at the Bommer Canyon trailhead, with overflow allowed across the street at the Turtle Rock Community Park or down the road Quail Hill Community Center (both have trails or sidewalks that connect to Bommer Canyon).

Sandiest Path: San Clemente Beach Trail

Location: San Clemente

Length: 4.5 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Easy

If you want to get your feet sandy and feel that ocean breeze on your face, the San Clemente Beach Trail is the answer. The relatively flat 4.5-mile out-and-back path runs alongside the train tracks with very little elevation gain. Hikers will enjoy coastal bluffs on one side and crashing waves on the other. While there are a lot of beach hikes in Orange County, this is our top choice.

Since it’s more of a leisurely stroll than a hike, you can connect to the Sea Summit Trail for a more challenging trek. It will take to the hills above the city for wider views of the ocean.

Tallest Trees: Redwood

Grove Trail

Location: Brea

Length: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

There are only a handful of places to see the official state tree — the majestic coastal redwood — in Southern California, but luckily for local residents a grove of the tall trees is located right here in Orange County. There’s something special about walking under the canopy of 100-foot redwoods and this short and sweet hike hits the spot.

The 124-acre Carbon Canyon Regional Park is mostly developed with large grassy fields, play structures, and picnic tables, but about three acres are used as open space with a few trails.

An easy 1.5-mile loop leads hikers to the grove and along the base of the dam. To extend your adventure, use the connecting trail to hike to the top and across the dam.

As the story goes, saplings were being given away by a local bank to new account holders in the early 1970s. At the end of the promotional event, the leftover plants were donated to the county and planted in 1975.

It’s a popular trail, so be prepared to share the path with others. There are ADA approved sections and much of the walkway is stroller-friendly. There are several access points to jump on the trail wherever you want.

Best Walking Path: Oso Creek Trail

Location: Mission Viejo

Length: 3.2 miles (with shorter options)

Difficulty: Easy

More than just a sidewalk, this path features native riparian plants, artwork, and areas to rest and relax. It’s mostly paved, so it’s a great option for strollers or wheelchairs, although a section on the west side of the creek is packed dirt and mulch.

The creek naturally flows from north of the Santa Ana Mountains and eventually joins the Trabuco Creek, ultimately leading to the Pacific Ocean.

More than 60 varieties of plants were placed to create the “walking garden” along the trail. The creeks edge has been replanted with indigenous plants that occur along a riparian streambed, including coyote brush, mulefat, Mexican elderberry, toyon, and willows.

The pathway also includes a Peace Obelisk to honor victims of 9/11, mosaic walls in the Character Garden, painted butterfly sculptures, a plant maze, a “Wave Wall,” and community murals.

You can park and access the trail from various city streets or the community center.

Stunning Sunsets: Bommer Ridge Trail

Location: Newport Beach

Length: 7.4 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Moderate

There’s nothing quite as stunning as seeing the sun slowly set behind the Pacific Ocean, and in Orange County, the best spot to see that is along Bommer Ridge in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Explore the San Joaquin Hills at sunset by starting at the Pacific Ridge Trailhead by Coastal Peak Park in Newport Beach. Trekkers follow Bommer Ridge Trail, skirting the edge of Crystal Cove State Park and crossing the city border into Laguna Beach. You can hike the full 3.5 miles until it ends at a junction or turn around at any point.

You’ll see sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean for almost the entire hike, aside from the dips where you’re hidden behind brush. There’s essentially no bad spot to see the sunset anywhere along the ridge.

There are some hills along the way, but nothing too strenuous for most hikers. The entire Bommer Ridge Trail is about 734 feet in elevation gain.

For a more strenuous hike, start on the Laguna Beach side. A tough, but popular route starts in Willow Canyon and then climbs up to Bommer Ridge. It’s a steep ascent, so hikers should be prepared for a challenge. Check the official map for a route that best works for you.

It’s also a popular trail network for mountain bikers. Parking is free, but tight at the park and on the street by the trailhead.

Top Trail Network: Chino Hills State Park

Location: Brea

Length: 12.6 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Moderate

With more than 90 miles of trails, there are so many route options at Chino Hills State Park that a hiker can return multiple times before taking the same path twice. Some of the top hikes in Orange County can be found in or linked to this park. It’s so large, it actually crosses county lines into San Bernardino County.

The open-space area in the hills around the Santa Ana Canyon has more than 14,000 acres of rolling, grassy hills and valleys to explore. In spring, the hills glow golden with wild mustard and wildflowers, including California poppies, that can be found throughout the park.

It’s also a critical link in the Puente-Chino Hills biological corridor, an unbroken zone of habitat stretching nearly 31 miles. It allows wildlife to move through the wilderness nestled in between urban cities.

A great hike at this expansive park is Telegraph Canyon to North Ridge loop. The entire route is 12.6 miles with 1,627 feet in elevation gain. Telegraph Canyon is a wide dirt road with a gentle incline. At the junction, also known as Four Corners, there are picnic tables and porta-potties, making it a great spot to rest before the climb up to North Ridge. Alternatively, you can hike back via South Ridge, but it’s more exposed and not nearly as green in the spring. Along North Ridge, be sure to take a short detour to Gilman Peak.

You can shorten the hike a few miles by heading up to the ridge via Sycamore Trail (there are several connecting trails, but some are overgrown and/or very slippery and steep and aren’t recommended).

There’s a large, paid parking lot on Carbon Canyon Road. There's also free street parking by the Rimcrest Trailhead in a residential neighborhood in Yorba Linda (it gets full very early) and from there you can access Telegraph Canyon via Easy Street Trail

Loveliest Lake Trail: Barbara's Lake Loop

Location: Laguna Beach

Length: 2.8 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Easy

There are many waterfront hiking options in OC, but Barbara’s Lake tops the list with a nice walk with some tree shade, interesting flora and fauna, lake views, and small hills to get your muscles moving.

Start your hike at the Dilley Staging Area and walk along the relatively flat Lake Trail. When the path comes to a junction, keep heading straight along Edison Trail, this will take you to Barbara’s Lake and then it curves back around to the top of the hill. There’s another junction and you have several options to return to the parking lot.

Alternatively, hikers can start at the Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area by Nix Nature Center and head under the highway to connect to the lake and follow the same loop.

Both start locations have large paid parking lots.

If you’re looking for something more strenuous, Barbara’s Lake Trail connects to several other Laguna Coast Wilderness trails leading to other hiking areas, including Bommer Canyon and Crystal Cove State Park.

Escape the City: Buck Gully Trail

Location: Newport Beach

Length: 4.5 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Easy

Nestled in between the large homes on the hills of Newport Coast and the busy village of Corona del Mar, Buck Gully Reserve is a respite from its urban surroundings.

The trail follows a stream up the canyon to Newport Coast. It’s a gentle incline to the edge of the 254acre reserve. Hikers can add an extra 300 feet in elevation gain by climbing up Bobcat Trail to Harbor Watch Park.

This peaceful walk along the watershed has improved in recent years. Buck Gully Reserve was recently renovated to improve traveler impact on the sensitive habitat, including placing four bridges by helicopter.

Free parking is available on the streets around Poppy Avenue or the nearby Oasis Senior Center auxiliary lot. For the upper trailhead, parking is free at Canyon Watch Park or Newport Coast Community Center. Bicycling is one-way directional only from the Poppy Avenue entrance.

Most Variety of Multi-Use Trails: Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Location: Orange

Length: 4.1 miles (with shorter or longer options)

Difficulty: Hard

Hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, nature lovers, and kids can all find what they’re looking for at Santiago Oaks Regional Park.

The 1,269-acre park includes a nature center, equestrian trails, challenging hills, a historic dam and quiet creek, and technical tracks for mountain bikes. There are many route options, so be sure to check out the official park map to find something that best fits your skills and what you’re wanting to achieve. Horses and bikes are allowed on most of the trails, but check the trail guide on the map to confirm.

For a challenging hike that hits a lot of highlights, start off on the Wilderness Trail and then take either Oak Trail or Peralta Hills Trail to connect to Anaheim Hills Trail. That will lead you up to Robber’s Roost (a rock outcropping where you can feel like king/queen of the world), an American Flag positioned on an overlook point, and then connect to Barham Ridge Trail. Be sure to check out the Barham Ridge lookout point for some sweeping views of the hills and cities stretched out across the landscape. From there,

carefully make your way down the Mountain Goat Enhancement Trail (the original Mountain Goat Trail is still accessible, but it’s very steep and technical and is only recommended for experienced hikers). You’ll eventually hit Santiago Creek Trail, which will lead you back to the parking lot. A nice, shady detour is the Historic Dam Trail, which also leads back to the parking area.

This route starts and ends in the shade, but the majority of the hike is exposed. There are also many steep, rocky, and slippery hills, so even sure-footed trekkers should step carefully.

Another fun route starts in Irvine Park, follows Roadrunner Loop and then up the moderately challenging Chutes Trail. It connects to Barham Ridge and you can carefully take the Mountain Goat Enhancement Trail back down. Cross in front of the big dam on Santiago Creek Trail and then head up a big paved incline before connecting to the Great Egret Trail and the sandy Willow Trail to return to Irvine Park. This loop is about 4.5 miles.

Visitors need to pay to enter the park at the main gate. There’s a large parking area with restrooms, picnic tables, and shade.

Photos courtesy of Sara Hall and U.S. Forest

Wonderful Waterfall Hike: Chiquito Falls

Location: Lake Elsinore

Length: 9.1 miles

Difficulty: Hard

This waterfall hike in Orange County actually covers two falls, but the highlight is Chiquito Falls. It’s a total of about 9 miles out-and-back with about 1,580 feet in elevation gain, so be ready for a challenge. Chiquito Trail continues onward and upward past the falls, connecting to San Juan Trail and providing access to Sugarloaf Mountain and other trails in Cleveland National Forest.

Hike through a shady woodland area for the first section of this hike, which is popular and typically pretty busy, up to the smaller San Juan Falls. Leave the crowds behind and continue following the creek. There’s some boulder hopping and a steep climb, but it’s worth the work. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains and Orange County.

The trail can be rocky and steep in some sections, so hit the trail with the appropriate footwear and gear. It’s seasonal, so the best time to visit is after a spring rain. It usually dries to a trickle by summer.

An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass is needed to park in Cleveland National Forest.

Another popular Orange County waterfall hike, also in Cleveland National Forest, is the Holy Jim Trail. Although it’s currently closed while volunteers continue work to restore it following recent fires in the area.

Quick Outing: Quail Hill Loop

Location: Irvine

Length: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

For a quick escape into nature, outdoor enthusiasts should check out Quail Hill in Irvine. It’s also good start for trail runners or beginner mountain bikers who want to test their feet or wheels out with a few loops.

There’s a small hill on this family-friendly hike, just off the main trail. On a clear day, you can see the San Gabriel Mountains.

If you want to learn while hiking, the trail also features a self-guided audio tour, which provides insights about the natural resources in the area.

The short loop doesn’t have any shade, so come prepared.

Parking is free, but it’s a popular starting point for longer hikes, so arrive early to get a spot.

See all our top Orange County trails on a map with individual route details and reviews here.

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