Travel Note
Orange County is very spread out so there can be a lot of driving to get from place to place. The good news is that the OC Airport, the suggested hotels, and many shopping and entertainment options are all close enough to where we live for Uber rides that don't cost too much.
Hotel
This hotel is close to the airport and other restaurants and shopping (South Coast Plaza, The Lab, The Camp, The District at Tustin Legacy, The Tustin/Irvine Marketplace). It is pretty new (built in 2017) and offers modern looks and amenities including free WiFi and daily breakfast. Parking is only $18 per day which is not as bad as some of the other airport hotels. They also offer free shuttle service to and from the airport and is only about 10-15 minutes from our place and the Umbria Clubhouse.
Hotel
This hotel is close to the OC Airport and offers a free shuttle to any location within 3 miles of the hotel, including the airport. South Coast Plaza (huge shopping center) is located about 2 miles away. There is plenty to do in that area and it is close to the freeway entrance. It would take about 10-15 minutes to drive to where we live from here on the freeway.
Hotel
This hotel is a bit pricier but is close to us and also the Spectrum which has shopping and restaurants and loads to do. They have a cool rooftop bar which we plan to have drinks at Friday night, May 17th.
Flight
This airport is a lot easier to fly in and out of than LAX and it is very close to where we live (about a 15 minute drive). The downside is that it can be a bit pricier.
Flight
LAX is definitely an option and can be a bit cheaper than John Wayne/OC but it is also a nightmare to navigate and about a 1-hour drive from where we live, without traffic. Depending on the time of day, traffic can add up to 30-60 additional minutes.