Things To Do

Beaches and Water Sports/Activities

Huntington Beach Pier

This is the iconic pier of Janice's home town -- if you're around the area, it is definitely something to see!

The Wedge

Newport Beach is a great seaside town, and if you're planning to rent a house and stay longer than the weekend, this is a good area to stay in. Loads of places to eat and great beaches to choose from that accommodates those that want to lay in the sand and those that prefer to get in the water and have a really active day

Island Paddleboard

Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Newport Beach

Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing

For those that wanted to venture out further away from shore

Crystal Cove

This is Janice's favorite beach in Southern California. It has some of the most beautiful views you'll find in Orange County and is the perfect picnic spot. Located in Laguna Beach, it is more north than San Clemente - but if you've got a chance, it's worth the trip!

San Onofre State Beach

Interested in surfing? Kayaking? Hiking? Laying in the sand and getting a tan? Surfing? Check out the website the best options/locations in this area to do so.

Pure Watersports - Dana Point

Kayaking and Paddleboarding for those staying closer to San Clemente

San Clemente State Beach

No better place to get a great tan than the beach! This is the closest one to the venue, and is nearby loads of great places to eat.

San Clemente Surfboard Rentals Company

If you'd like to be even MORE Californian than Janice (since she can't surf), here is a place to start!

Shopping

Pacific City

A little bit of everything with an ocean view. Also, they have gelato-pops here!

Fashion Island

Fashion Island is a beautiful outdoor mall that is in Newport Beach in case you're in need of some retail therapy

South Coast Plaza

Also there for all your retail therapy needs

Outlets at San Clemente

Sales on sales on sales

Rainbow Sandals Factory Outlet

This is the best place to get those forever pair of flip-flops to go with your beach filled weekend. Janice's current pair has made it through 8 weeks of backpacking through Europe, 2 years of St. Maarten living, 1 year of living in the United Kingdom, and all-day-every-day Southern Californian use without a hole in sight!

Eating and Drinking

Sushi On Fire

Janice's FAVORITE sushi in Huntington Beach

TK Burgers

Classic beachside burgers. They do one thing well.

Normita's Surf City Taco

Literally a hole in the wall....but this is where you get fish tacos

Solita Tacos & Margaritas Huntington Beach

Because it would be a CRIME to not eat Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo weekend

Cauldron Ice Cream

Ice cream made from liquid nitrogen. Enough said.

Amorelia Mexican Cafe

More Mexican food...

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Fancy. Gourmet. Delicious. Doughnuts.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Cons: It is $$$ Pros: They are delicious! Also they have mini cupcakes. Also also their ice-cream shop is right next door.

Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen & Udon - Irvine

One time Dee made me drive all the way across town JUST so he could have one more bowl of ramen before he left...

Banzai Bowls

In our opinion, there is NOTHING that beats an acai bowl on a warm day

Ellie's Table At North Beach

Breakfast, snacks, and COFFEE!

Bear Coast Coffee

Because who WOULDN'T want a cup of joe to go with their morning/afternoon/evening walk on the beach?

La Siesta Mexican Restaurant

Even more Mexican food...

Pizza Port

Great pizza. Great beer.

Sancho's Tacos

Tacos.

Left Coast Brewing Co.

Brewery and tasting room for after a fun day in the sun....or for whenever.

Sonny's Pizza & Pasta

Italian food for a great carbo load

Nomads Canteen

If you're looking for "Californian" food, you can look here!

The Fishermans Restaurant & Bar

Recommended because happy hour is right on the pier, and we can't think of a nicer way to appreciate the sunset!

Other

Disneyland and California Adventure

If you're going to be here for a little longer than the weekend and you want all your childhood dreams to come true and you're willing to wait in line(s), then make sure you take the time to visit the magical kingdom!

LEGOLAND California

Literally a land filled with Legos. In sculpture AND ride form.