Author: Andrea Nicholson

Day in the Life of an OC Local

Picture this: it is a crisp spring morning and you are waking up at Capistrano Surfside Inn, just steps away from the beach. The winter rains have brought new life to Orange County, painting the hillsides orange with native California poppies. The beaches are less crowded than summer, but...

Things to do in San Clemente

From walks along the pier to boutique shopping and exploring the arts and cultures at Casa Romantica, San Clemente offers an endless amount of activities and attractions for you and your family to enjoy. Here are a list of things to do while visiting the beautiful coast of San...

Festival of Whales

Grab your binoculars and sunscreen! Each year Dana Point hosts The Festival of Whales in honor of the magnificent sea creatures that frequent our waters. Gray Whales make their way past Orange County during their annual 10,000 mile migration starting in November through March. Gather your whale-loving pod and...

Best Fireside Spots in OC

Grab the marshmallows and let’s get toasty! Enjoying cooler nights by the fire is a great way to enjoy the season. Thanks to its 42 miles of sandy coastline, Orange County is home to a number of locations perfect for a bonfire.   Aliso Beach Fire Pits: 31131 S....

Gift Guide for the Jet-Setters

The holidays are upon us and it is time to start planning! If you’ve got a jet-setter in your life and you are looking to gift them with something thoughtful and practical, then we have the perfect guide for you. To help curb the gifting jitters, we have curated...

10 Best Hiking Trails Near OC

Ditch the flip flops and get ready to lace up your hiking boots. From picturesque views of the Dana Point Headlands to stunning red rock canyons of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Orange County offers a trail for everyone. We have listed the 10 best hiking trails near OC for...

4 Things to do in OC This Fall

Although it may feel like summer in Orange County, fall is officially here! Southern California may not have the typical fall ambiance people are looking for, but it is one of our favorite seasons here – less crowded beaches, brisk mornings and warm afternoons, and plenty of fun-filled fall...

Easy and Delicious Cowboy Caviar Recipe

We’re saying “giddy up” to this fresh and simple dip that makes the perfect side dish for any summer potluck, picnic, or pool party. The best part aside from being mouth-wateringly delicious? You can throw it together in under 15 minutes. Ingredients: Dip 3 Roma tomatoes seeds removed, diced 2 ripe avocados diced...

The LAB Anti-Mall

Are you craving a unique shopping experience? The LAB Anti-Mall is anything but your average, everyday shopping mall and you are not going to want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. The LAB stands for “Little American Business” and is the backbone to this anti-mall concept. This open-air...

Best OC Surf Spots for every Level or Just to Watch

Everybody’s Gone Surfin’! Orange County has some of the best surf spots anywhere in California. With 42 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. We compiled a list of the best surf spots in OC for every skill level…or just to watch! Trestle Beach Trestle...