The Orange County Travel Guide
May 14, 2025
We’re all about making bucket lists and finding the fun. Here’s where to stay, eat, and shop in California’s Orange County, according to Tuckernuck.
The OC Look
Newport leans more classic-coastal. Think shades of blue, Americana stripes, and denim cutoffs. Laguna leans more bohemian. Think easy dresses, light layers, and neutral, earthy palettes.
Getting There
Fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) then grab a car or an airport shuttle to be at most hotels in about ten minutes. Alternatively, fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for more flight options and about an hour-long car ride to the OC.
Explore Balboa
Take the ferry for a quick ride to exploring, shopping, and restaurants. Don’t skip Balboa Island Berries for fresh fruit and chocolate-dipped treats!
Go Biking
The Newport Beach Bike Path is the best route!
Take a Duffy Boat Ride
Get a group together for sunset drinks around Laguna Harbour.
Have a Beach Day
Head over to Little Coronia del Mar. Protected from swells and surf, this beach is great for families with little ones.
Drive Down The Pacific Coast Highway
Rent a car and drive the scenic highway along the coastline, taking in views of Crystal Cove and Laguna Beach.
From beach-house chic to luxury boutique, choose your stay (good views guaranteed).
Lido House
Right on the marina, Lido feels like a Cape Cod beach house transported to California. Visit the spa, take a pilates class (free on weekends!), and grab drinks at Topside, Newport’s only rooftop bar. Fun fact: You can rent a private cottage, each brought to life by a different interior designer!
Balboa Bay and Resort Club
A great family stay, this 15-acre Newport resort is known for its bay location. With direct access to the water, spacious suites, and always-on events, this is a treat no matter the size of your party.
Pelican Hill
With an Italian-inspired-meets-California feel, this 504-acre Newport resort is a true escape and great for families. Pamper yourself at the spa, play the 36-hole golf course overlooking the ocean, or enjoy a complimentary coach service to the beach.
The Pendry
Steps away from Newport’s beaches, dining, and shopping, this luxury stay still has a tucked-away feel. With daily events, an on-site kid’s club, and complimentary cars, strollers, and personal shoppers, you’ll feel pampered throughout your whole trip.
Hotel Joaquin
Nestled above Laguna’s Shaw’s Cove, this adult-only boutique hotel has a laid-back, Cali-cool feel. From oceanside complimentary coffee to yoga classes and movie nights under the stars, there’s always something to do at this hidden gem.
Casa Loma
A recently renovated, design-forward Laguna stay that combines classic California and Mediterranean styles. Don’t miss Cecilia’s, the guest-only tapas restaurant, plus art galleries and shops just a quick walk away.
Montage Laguna Beach
East coast charm meets west coast luxury. Spanning 30 acres, this family-friendly stay offers daily excursions and tours, wellness classes, and a lobby lounge with panoramic ocean views.
Casa Laguna
Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, this castle-like stay is made up of early 20th-century buildings with Spanish Colonial architecture. Enjoy a daily European continental breakfast, then visit the spa for a deep tissue massage.
The only dining option? Healthy, delicious, and complete with a seaside view.
Coffee and Bakeries
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
“World’s Freshest Doughnuts?” It’s true, and they’re not to be missed. Pair one of their baked-from-scratch goods with your morning coffee, whether it’s a classic old fashioned or the lemon pound cake.
Alta Coffee
With all-day breakfast and a rotating coffee menu, this hole in the wall is for serious coffee drinkers (read: authentic and strong). Our order? The surfer’s burrito and honey latte.
Hearst
From fresh pastries to delicious matcha, this relaxed, slightly high-end spot is conveniently located in Lido Marina Village. Enjoy the fireplace lounge and outdoor seating, or order ahead pre-beach.
A Market
For the savory breakfast lover. Grab a house coffee and the avocado toast with veggies.
Breakfast
Zinc Cafe & Market
Our go-to for brunch or lunch! From eggs benedict to avocado toast, the Laguna location is full of can’t-resist classics. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio, then shop the market for a cookbook and gifts for back home.
Rose Bakery Cafe
Find all of your breakfast classics at this well-loved Newport cafe. Craving sweet or savory? Try the bear claw doughnut or a custom omelette platter.
Orange Inn
A roadside Laguna cafe known for their delicious takeout coffee and breakfast options. Stop for pastries, bagels, or an acaí bowl before heading out for the day.
Rye Goods
A family-owned, organic sourdough bakery with a seasonally-changing menu but ever-present, daily-baked bread and pastries. There are two locations (one being in Lido Marina Village), so don’t miss it! Grab an egg bagel “sammy” on your way to the beach.
Anastasia Cafe
A cozy Laguna brunch option you’ll be happy you found. This whole-foods cafe serves freshly squeezed juices and espresso drinks that pair well with their omelettes, salads, and sandwiches.
Lunch
Bear Flag Fish Company
For all seafood lovers! Poke bowls, fish tacos, sashimi, sushi rolls—everything at this Newport gem is caught daily and is sure to satisfy your craving.
The Pantry
A Laguna must for an early morning bite or post-beach pick-me-up. Indulge in the Nutella waffles and coffee, or grab a classic turkey sandwich and an iced tea.
La Sirena Grill
This family-run Mexican spot is the best in Laguna for from-scratch tacos and the signature aqua fresca—a refreshing blend of fruit, water, and lime juice.
Mercado Laguna
Your one-stop-shop for farmers’ market produce, pre-made meals, and gifts to bring back home. Pick up the farro or steak salad while browsing the seasonal decor!
Dinner
The Dock
Known as Newport’s “little gem on the bay,” this feels like your own dockside boat house. It’s the ideal date night spot —get there for sunset, then watch the other boats roll in during dinner.
Javier's
Upscale, authentic, and high-energy, this is where you’ll find the best Mexican (and the freshest margs) in Newport Beach. Request patio seats!
Oliver's Osteria
A Michelin-star Laguna spot with a welcoming bar and the freshest Italian. Order the daily-made arancini and one of the black truffle entrées that they’re best known for.
R+D Kitchen
Hillstone fans, rejoice—there’s a branch on Newport’s Fashion Island. A burger, martini, and ice cream sundae is always a good idea.
Farmhouse @ Roger's Gardens
Enjoy a true farm-to-table dining experience, all while surrounded by topiaries and flower beds at this Newport nursery. From enchiladas to lemon tarts, everything is locally sourced using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Stroll the gardens before your meal!
The Cannery
Whether you’re dining inside this Newport favorite or renting a Duffy Boat, you’ll find the freshest seafood at your fingertips. Order a signature sushi roll and a bottle of wine from their extensive list.
Selanne Steak Tavern
Elevate date night in this 1930s Laguna home turned award-winning steakhouse. Bonus: If you’re a wine lover, there are over 2,000 options.
230 Forest
A casual spot with an indoor-outdoor feel thanks to its original, 1930s accordion-style doors. Pop in to the bar for a blood orange paloma and char-grilled artichoke, or stay for dinner for everything from sushi rolls to filet.
The OC way? On the go and active.
Explore the Coast
Visit Main Beach for a family-friendly playground and beach volleyball court, head to Thousand Steps Beach for the best-for-body-surfing waves, or take advantage of the small, quiet atmosphere of Shaw’s Cove.
Go Antiquing
There are plenty of antique stores in the OC for home decor, clothing, and collectibles. Try The Old Barn Antique Mall for over 60 vendors, or head out to La Casa Verde Granada for shopping that feels like a scavenger hunt (that you always win).
Go to Lido Marina Village and make your first stop Alchemy Works, for fashion, art, and home goods that always feel special. Then venture out to A’maree’s, the always-edited, luxury boutique for women, men, and the home.
Visit Art Galleries
Founded as an art colony, Laguna is home to lots of festivals and over 100 galleries. Pick one that interests you and stroll through the exhibits for instant inspiration.
Hike Crystal Cove
If you love an adventure, hike the backcountry of Crystal Cove, with 2,400 acres of wildlife and over 3 miles of beach. Don’t miss The Beachcomber for lunch, a no-fuss spot in an old converted cottage!
Sail to Emerald Cove
Rent a boat and sail down to Emerald Cove, a secluded section of Laguna known for stunning views and a remote vibe. It’s amazing for snorkeling!
We hope this inspires you to book
a trip, pack your bags, and plan
your itinerary!
a trip, pack your bags, and plan
your itinerary!