Charity & Landon
Things To Do
Doheny State Beach
Charity calls Doheny Beach "The beach of my childhood". It's where she grew up...outside of home. Camping here nearly every year since she was born, Charity was pleased to learn that Landon had also camped here as a kid. Early November could bring a beautiful 75 degree day with a gorgeous sunset, or it could bring rain and/or cooler temps. If the weather is looking to be cooler, we would keep our recommendations to volleyball, surfing (depending on the waves), and bike riding: a short ride north to the Dana Point Harbor and Marina for coffee or ice-cream, or a slightly longer ride south to the San Clemente Pier (See: San Clemente Pier and Bear Coast Coffee).
San Clemente Pier
This place is particularly special to Landon and Charity. This is where Landon first asked Charity to be his girlfriend on April 4th, 2018, and then later on February 1, 2020 at the same place, Landon asked Charity to be his wife. One of their favorite places to go for Date Night, the San Clemente Pier is within walking distance of several restaurants and shops including Bear Coast Coffee!!
Bear Coast Coffee
Bear Coast Coffee is a personal favorite for both Landon and Charity. Being close to the San Clemente Pier and offering outdoor seating with a view of the ocean are just a few of the reasons why they love it. It's one of the best espressos Charity has ever tasted. Their go-to drinks here are an iced breve latte for Charity and a lemon grass tea for Landon.
Reborn Coffee
Reborn is a favorite for its closeness, its tasty americanos, the vegan donuts, and the outdoor patio seating which makes for a great place to catch up or visit when the weather is nice. Secret Tip: Grab your coffee and head over to Whole Foods to pick up a light lunch, dessert or snack. Then enjoy it all in the courtyard at the southwest corner of the shopping center.
Pho Lily & Mongolian BBQ
This is hands-down Landon and Charity's favorite place to eat. If you go, Landon and Charity recommend the mongolian over the pho. It's recently under new ownership, and this factor combined with COVID restrictions makes the dine-in experience a little less enjoyable. Landon and Charity recommend ordering Take-Out.
Downtown Disney District
The Disney District is Charity's home away from home. Unfortunately these uncertain times have disrupted a lot of what makes Downtown Disney feel like home and the recommendations below are constantly subject to change. We hope by this time that things will feel more normal, but we recommend that you check online before making any definite plans. Enjoy a thorough ambiance of Christmas just outside Disney's first theme park! Favorite thing to do here: Enjoy the live music and Disneyland's firework show (starting at 9:30pm - depending on the weather) while sipping on some hot coffee or chocolate. WARNING: Parking can take a bite out of your wallet if you don't get validation. Tip: The best place to watch the fireworks is from the balcony at Catal Restaurant. ($$$) [Validation stamp at this restaurant is good for 5 hours.]
Ralph B Clark Park
This park can be SUPER peaceful and a great place to have a picnic by the lake! Charity and Landon love to come here just to relax and enjoy the quiet taste of nature in the middle of a busy world. NOTE: There is a small parking fee on weekdays.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith park is a great place for picnics and hikes with great views! We recommend going earlier in the morning to beat the crowds. Once you're up there it's hard to believe that you're in the middle of the heavy metropolis that is Los Angeles. The observatory itself has been closed due to COVID-19, but the lawn, the views, and the hikes should still be accesssible!