I've lived in Orange County my whole life and as a native, I've had the good fortune to explore and discover so many great restaurants, places, and events. If you're new to the area, planning to visit OC, or just looking for a new adventure, please consider these wonderful spots. They are my best of the best places in OC and I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I have. Cheers!
My Favorite Theaters & Festivals
The Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach during the Summer
http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/
The Orange County Performing Arts Center & Segerstrom Center
The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts - reminds me of an opera house in Europe!
http://www.cerritoscenter.com/
The Hollywood Bowl - amazing concerts in the Summer
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/
The Groundlings - Comedy Troupe in LA
http://www.groundlings.com/start.htm
The J. Paul Getty Museum - Beautiful architecture and amazing views of downtown LA
http://www.getty.edu/
My Favorite Restaurants
Zov's Bistro, Tustin
http://www.zovs.com/
Pacific Whey Bakery, Newport Coast
http://www.pacificwhey.com/
Plums Bakery & Cafe, Costa Mesa
Madison Square and Garden Cafe, Laguna Beachhttp://www.madisonsquare.com/
Memphis Cafe, Santa Ana
http://memphiscafe.com/index1.html
Zinc Cafe, Corona del Mar
http://www.zinccafe.com/
Rutabegorz, Tustin
https://tustin.rutabegorz.com/
Studio, The Montage Resort, Laguna Beachhttp://www.montagelagunabeach.com
Sapphire Grill, Laguna Beach
http://www.sapphirellc.com/
The Loft, The Montage Resort, Laguna Beach
http://www.montagelagunabeach.com
Avila's El Ranchito, Corona del Mar
http://www.avilaselranchito.com/
Nick's Pizza, Costa Mesa
http://www.nickspizzapasta.com/
My Favorite Beauty & Relaxation
Hair - Brian Kudsi, Kud'Ci Salon, Corona del Mar
949.675.5053
Massage - Marjorie Panzer, Integrated Wellness, Newport Beach
http://integrated-wellness.com/
Luxury Spa - Spa Montage, The Montage Resort, Laguna Beach
http://www.spamontage.com
Down-To-Earth Spa - Montanya Day Spa, Santa Ana
http://www.montanya-spa.com/
My Favorite Florists
Sussanna Davidson, French Buckets, Costa Mesa
http://www.frenchbuckets.com/
The Elegant Hive, Tustin
http://www.floristtustinca.com/
Roger's Garden Floral Studio, Newport Beach
http://rogersgardens.com/
Blooms, Corona del Mar
http://www.yelp.com/biz/blooms-corona-del-mar
Favorite OC Charity
Southern California Bulldog Rescue
http://www.socalbulldogrescue.org/