Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
This nature reserve is found in the city of Huntington Beach, California. Bolsa Chica means little bag in Spanish. The reserve was established with the aim of protecting the coastal wetland that is home to a number of threatened and endangered species.
Huntington Beach was incorporated on 17th February 1909.
At 8.5-mile, long Huntington Beach is best known for its mild climate. The waves in this area are caused by edge-diffraction of ocean swells by the Catalina Island. The beach is excellent for surfing.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Dana Point
On 175 acres on a bluff facing the ocean in the seaside town of Dana Point, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a favorite with couples, who come for the romantic ambience. The rooms and suites come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the best have direct ocean views. All feature elegant and luxe decor, spacious marble bathrooms, and furnished balconies. Book a ground floor room if you want a private fire pit on your patio.
It is a five-minute downhill walk to the beach, where there are complimentary chairs and umbrellas for guests to use. You can also reserve daybeds and cabanas for a fee. If you don’t feel like walking, the hotel runs a golf cart shuttle service every 15 minutes during daylight hours.
Amenities here include two swimming pools, a posh spa with its own lap pool reserved for its guests, and a golf course. For dining, there are five on-site restaurants, including AVEO, which serves Mediterranean-inspired fare.
Pack Your Bagsyoure Going To Want To Stay At These Hotels For A While
In a time when fuel costs are rising , the staycation is growing ever popular. You wont find us complaininghere we are in one of the nations entertainment capitals, and there are many perks to catching some R& R locally. According to the Orange County Annual Report, 50.16 million visitors flocked to Orange County in 2018. Featuring the original Disneyland and the most scenic beaches, its no wonder Orange County is the place to be. While millions travel from far and wide to vacation here, it seems were at a significant travel advantage because we live in vacationland! Heres our list of the top hotelsthe cream of the cropin OC.
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Why Go To Orange County
Situated in between Los Angeles and San Diego,Orange County was once considered a chain of sleepy suburbs strung along the I-5, I-405, SR-55, and SR-91 freeways. Once upon a time, Californians elsewhere derided the cultural wasteland that lurked behind the Orange Curtain.
In the past 25 years, that conversation has completely changed. While OC continues to offer oodles of family fun with the Disneyland Resort and additional local theme parks, OC increasingly features exciting adult playgrounds with its casually opulent beach cities, its increasingly vibrant urban core, and a plethora of natural treasures that always invite you to come play outdoors. Heres the full lowdown on the best highlights of this enchanted wonderland we call Orange County.
The Cut Handcrafted Burgers
Theres a reason why The Cut describes its grub as intricately simple: For such a seemingly simple burger joint in an Irvine suburban strip mall, The Cut truly is a cut above the rest thanks to its use of top-quality and all-natural meats , and its excellent craftsmanship. Even if youre not in the mood for a burger, come for their Nashville hot chicken sandwich and their mac and cheese. The Cut even has a full cocktail menu to turn your stop here into the ultimate lunch or dinner experience.
- Best for Lunch and Dinner
- $$
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There’s A Place Like Home In Orange County Ca
Today, Orange County is an assortment of beaches, amusement parks, ballparks and other sundry tourist hot spots. Many people rightfully associate the county with sunshine, Disneyland, and world-class beaches. Nonetheless, this expansive piece of real estate has a great deal more to offer. Along with other Orange County entertainment spots, Disneyland remains a key destination, and tourists from around the world flock to Anaheim to experience it. Newport Beach and Huntington Beach are two hot destinations for sun bunnies and surfer dudes. And, on any given day, one can find all kinds of people enjoying any number of the areas forty miles of beaches. Download and share all your beachy photos on our free Wi-Fi in all of our locations. Whatever brings you Extended Stay America, you will enjoy our locations in Orange County.
Orange County, CA
San Clemente Beach Campgrounds
San Clemente State Beach, just north of San Onofre, provides excellent camping areas for large groups of people including essential amenities spots are available for a standard rate of $40 per night.
Right on the bluffs, this is an optimal location for watching the Pacific Oceans waves roll in and participating in water sports, the most popular being surfing due to the areas impeccable surf conditions.
Downtown San Clemente, considered the halfway point between San Diego and Los Angeles, epitomizes a small beach town vibe. It is filled with iconic surf shops and locally owned brands.
The town is designed with Spanish Colonial-style architecture, explaining the red roofs and large archways.
The campground is situated on the southern end of the greater San Clemente region, but the area is close enough together that you will get a chance to explore all the town has to offer.
Distinct from the city, the accessible outdoor recreational activities are enough to intrigue visitors. Coastal bluffs and steep mountains create excellent hiking and mountain biking trails.
Trestles Beach, a hot spot for professional surfers, is located an 8-minute drive from the camping area. Whether you surf or enjoy watching the waves, remember to be considerate of locals, as the zone tends to draw in large crowds.
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Doheny State Beach Campground
Doheny State Beach, located across Dana Points harbor, is a family-friendly beach with fields, volleyball courts, and picnic tables.
Doheny and Boneyard are excellent surf spots for beginners and ideal for bringing your whole family to try to catch some waves! In summers, the snack shack serves refreshments and snacks right on the sand.
Across from Doheny Beach, a local yoga studio, iHeartYoga hosts yoga in the park overlooking the coast every morning and sunset.
The campgrounds are walking distance from the town of Dana Point if you are looking to for local dining and shopping options.
To get your caffeine fix and drink coffee like the locals, visit J.C. Bean, a coffee shop with a convenient drive-thru and an assortment of delicious drinks and breakfast items.
It is hard to run out of ways to fill your days while camping in Dohenys campgrounds!
Best Style: Avenue Of The Arts Costa Mesa A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Located within walking distance of OCs iconic South Coast Plaza luxury mega-mall and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Avenue of the Arts hotel fits very well with the neighborhoods sophisticated vibe. Though the hotel building may appear somewhat bland on the outside, inside youll find fun music-inspired decor thats fit for a rock star. Even better, the hotel rooms really stand out with unique wallpaper, eco-friendly hardwood floors, top-notch bedding, and floor-to-ceiling granite bathrooms. If youre up for a splurge, youll discover bold colors and even more thoughtful touches of chic design in their larger suites. The hotel houses the cozy yet chic Silver Trumpet Restaurant on premises, and theres no shortage of tasty eateries at nearby South Coast Plaza.
- Nearest Airport: John Wayne Orange County
- Time: 10-15 minutes by car
- Distance: Four miles
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Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa Laguna Beach
If you’re looking for a romantic, good-value property in Laguna Beach, check out Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, which is a boutique property in a historic building with resort amenities. Catering to couples, the rooms and suites here have a max occupancy of two people, regardless of age. They are artsy and comfy, with splashes of bright colors and bespoke furnishings, and many feature ocean views. The beds are covered in luxe, eco-friendly linens, and the TVs have smart technology that allows you to stream your favorite shows.
Amenities include private beach access and a free-form swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and flower pots, and breakfast is included. If you need to work some tension out of your muscles, the spa here offers a full range of treatments. And while Casa Laguna does not cater to human children, the four-legged variety is welcome â the hotel is dog friendly.
Orange County Travel Guide: Where To Stay What To Eat And More
Disneyland may bill itself as The Happiest Place on Earth, but theres plenty more to Orange County, California, that will turn that frown upside down. From 42 miles of spectacularly beautiful beaches to world-class dining featuring cuisine from around the world, its easy to lose yourself in this unique corner of California and forget about those bigger cities up and down the freeway. Find out where to stay, what to eat, and more in our Orange Country travel guide.
If youre looking to make the most of your Disneyland vacation, or if youve simply come to Orange County to enjoy the sunny beaches, heres what you need to know about the best that OC has to offer.
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Blue Lantern Inn A Four Sisters Inn
The Blue Lantern Inn perches on the bluffs overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Most of the rooms feature a magnificent Pacific Ocean view in this luxurious boutique hotel, and the property boasts other amenities such as a fitness center and bicycles to explore the area. Its also considered to be one of the most affordable beach resorts.
Located in the Lantern District, The Blue Lantern Inn is mere steps away from fine dining, popular cafés, and a revitalized downtown.
Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn, 34343 Street Of The Blue Lantern, Dana Point, CA
Best For Business: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
Located directly on the shore in Huntington Beach, the Hyatt Regency is ideal for not only beach vacationers but also guests in town for work. The Spanish-style hotel offers free Wi-Fi and has a bevy of amenities to make life easier, including fridges and USB ports in rooms, a Starbucks on-site, a 24-hour gym, and room service. Rooms are spacious, with flatscreen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, free bottled water, and balconies or patios with firepits. There are four restaurants on property as well as grocery store, and when the sun goes down, guests can unwind over cocktails at Watertable, or roast smores by the fire pit. Its also close to the pier, with the Pacific City outdoor shopping mall nearby.
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Casa Tropicana San Clemente
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108 steps are all that separates you from the Santa Clemente Pier Beach when you stay at the tropical-themed Casa Tropicana hotel. Each guest room is equipped with a jacuzzi tub for two, and your room rate includes beach chairs with umbrellas, a beach bag with towels, snacks, a deck with an amazing view and a morning goodie basket.
Best Value: Doubletree Suites By Hilton Anaheim Resort
Located about a mile from Disneyland, the Doubletree Suites is your best bet for a nice hotel in the Anaheim Resort district that wont cost you an arm and a leg. The area is served by Anaheim Resort Transit shuttles, and its within walking distance of multiple restaurants and shops. The rooms tend to be large, and the premises tend to be quite clean, but keep in mind that the hotel does charge for on-site parking.
- Nearest Airport: John Wayne Orange County
- Time: 20-30 minutes by car
- Distance: 14 miles
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Best Kids’ Club: The Resort At Pelican Hill
Courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill
Checking into The Resort at Pelican Hill? Be prepared to say goodbye to your kids for hours at a time! The hotel’s Camp Pelican is a veritable kids paradise designed for children ages four to 12, the clubhouse offers a wide variety of activities and amenities as well as outings to the kids pool which is complete with a sand area and bubble jet fountain. For mini introverts, there are ample computers and books, as well as plenty of arts and crafts and a movie night, while budding stars will enjoy the camps karaoke and talent shows.
Rooms at the 504-acre Mediterranean-flavored resort are luxurious, and adults will enjoy activities like 36 holes of golf at the Pelican Hill Golf Club, three and a half miles of Crystal Cove beach, a five-star spa, and the Coliseum pool done up with hand-laid glass mosaic tiles. Rooms are refined and elegant, with sumptuous feathertop beds, European-style linens, private terraces many with ocean views espresso machines, fireplaces, and spacious tubs. While the resorts location is close to numerous dining options in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, the hotel also offers eight restaurants on-property, including Northern Italian spot Andrea.
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach
Live like royalty in this lavish hotel in Newport Beach, only 2 miles from John Wayne Airport.
This property offers posh rooms radiating with beautiful and traditional decor. Each one is equipped with a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and a flat-screen TV, to name a few. Certain rooms come with balconies. Meanwhile, soaking tubs, wet bars, and living rooms are present in every suite. End your day with a quick workout in the modern gym or loosen up in the hot tub or outdoor heated pool. Also, you can relish craft beers at the hotelâs gastropub after savoring a tasty meal in the restaurant. A cafe and a free airport shuttle are available, too.
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Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What are people saying about hotels in Orange County, CA?
This is a review for hotels in Orange County, CA:
“Lovely hotel! Reasonably priced for how close it is to the Spectrum center and even Disney. Very nice staff. We only stayed here for a night but the room was absolutely lovely, hotel was easy to navigate, and we basically had nothing to complain about. Really loved the layout of the single king room as well. Didnt take any pics but you can be sure that your stay here will be pleasant.”
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is one of the best places to surf in SoCal and one of the closest Orange County beach towns to Los Angeles. It is also a popular family destination, and one of the top resorts for families here is the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.
The 4-star property is located right by the Huntington Beach Pier, where the surfing happens. The hotel has more than 500 rooms and suites with upscale decor, comfy beds draped in high quality linens, and furnished balconies. There is also a private beach house that can be rented.
If you have the kids with you, the Hyatt Camp here features daily staffed activities for children between the ages of three and 12 years. Other amenities include three pools with cabanas, a restaurant, and a spa. No need to leave your dog at home either, the hotel is pet friendly.
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Where To Stay In Orange County
Centrally located, away from the traffic zones around Anaheim. Easy on and off the freeway. Always pleasant staff! Just remember that if you don’t say that something is wrong with your stay at this hotel, they won’t be able to fix it. And “fix it” should be added to the hotel’s name because they are always there to make your stay the best part of your trip.
- Trip type: Travelled with family
- Value
- Service
0.7 km
- Pool
0.5 km
- Free Wifi
0.6 km
- Free Wifi
1.7 km
- Free Wifi
2.3 km
- Free Wifi
3.7 km
- Free Wifi
2.2 km
- Free Wifi
5.4 km
- Free Wifi
5.5 km
- Free Wifi
5315361,346
I have stayed here three times this time was not what I expected. Loud party that went on until midnight. Front desk told me to call managements in morning. I was given two free days of parking. I also had a very warped front door which was letting light in. All of these concerns were addressed to staff. I expected a little more from staff. Never offered a different room or any sort of complimentary items. This is the third time I stayed here. They should remember they need me more than I need them.
- Trip type: Travelled with family
- Value
- Service
- Trip type: Travelled with friends
- Sleep Quality
- Trip type: Travelled as a couple
- Location
Laguna Beach: One Of The Most Beautiful Places In Socal
If you watched Lauren Conrad and Kristen Cavallari grow up on MTVs Laguna Beach and The Hills, youll recognize Laguna as the sleepy town on the Pacific Coast Highway that started it all. With bluffs tumbling down into the Pacific Ocean andsun-kissed beaches protected by coves, it is no wonder Hollywood producers chose to cast their show here.
Not only is the landscape simply stunning, but there is plenty to see and do along Lagunas seven-miles of coastline. It is easy to spend a weekend just chilling on the beach or exploring the sea caves and natural tidal pools by kayak or SUP board. Should you want to up the adventure ante, the city also hosts some 20,000 acres of protected wilderness area with mountain biking and hiking trails for all levels in the canyons behind the beach. The town itself is also filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants and bars.
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