Jacqueline’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Beaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
The easiest beach to access is Aliso Beach. Make a right onto PCH after Crown Valley Parkway soon after Third Street, the parking lot will be to your left. The beach is right at the parking lot. There are restrooms, an outdoor shower and a diner.
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
アリソ ビーチ
2 Monterey StBeaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
The easiest beach to access is Aliso Beach. Make a right onto PCH after Crown Valley Parkway soon after Third Street, the parking lot will be to your left. The beach is right at the parking lot. There are restrooms, an outdoor shower and a diner.
Beaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
Another fun beach is Thousand Steps Beach. Turn right onto PCH from Crown Valley Parkway. You’ll want to find parking around Ninth street, at the top of the ridge along PCH. Note that it is impossible to park in the neighborhoods around Thousand Steps Beach and it’s probably safest to park on the side of the street that the beach is on. The steps down to the beach are located on PCH and though not exactly a thousand steps, they are a climb.
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
1000 Steps Beach
1000 Steps BeachBeaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
Another fun beach is Thousand Steps Beach. Turn right onto PCH from Crown Valley Parkway. You’ll want to find parking around Ninth street, at the top of the ridge along PCH. Note that it is impossible to park in the neighborhoods around Thousand Steps Beach and it’s probably safest to park on the side of the street that the beach is on. The steps down to the beach are located on PCH and though not exactly a thousand steps, they are a climb.
Beaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
One of my favorite beaches here in yes, “the” OC, and closest, is Salt Creek Beach. To get there, turn left onto PCH and then right onto Ritz Carlton Drive. To your left is public parking (for a fee). Take a walk down the path to the beach where you can watch local surfers catch waves, or go for a swim in the ocean. For those with the budget, the Ritz has an amazing Sunday brunch. It is truly a splurge.
129 現地メンバーのおすすめ
ソルト・クリーク・ビーチ
Ritz Cove DrBeaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
One of my favorite beaches here in yes, “the” OC, and closest, is Salt Creek Beach. To get there, turn left onto PCH and then right onto Ritz Carlton Drive. To your left is public parking (for a fee). Take a walk down the path to the beach where you can watch local surfers catch waves, or go for a swim in the ocean. For those with the budget, the Ritz has an amazing Sunday brunch. It is truly a splurge.
Beaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
For those with kids, Baby Beach in Dana Point is very kid friendly (and crowded) with a section buoyed off and diligently manned by lifeguards. Be sure no kayak or large inflatables will be allowed within a hundred feet of your child.
20 現地メンバーのおすすめ
バビー・ビーチ
34451 Ensenada PlBeaches - to reach beach(es), exit the complex and turn left on Niguel. Then turn right onto Crown Valley Parkway until you reach PCH.
For those with kids, Baby Beach in Dana Point is very kid friendly (and crowded) with a section buoyed off and diligently manned by lifeguards. Be sure no kayak or large inflatables will be allowed within a hundred feet of your child.
Further south (left on PCH) is Dana Point Harbor where you can catch boat rides to Catalina island, or go sport fishing. There are also numerous dining options along the pier.
88 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Dana Point
Further south (left on PCH) is Dana Point Harbor where you can catch boat rides to Catalina island, or go sport fishing. There are also numerous dining options along the pier.
Another attraction around here is the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. It is a serene and peaceful place to go to with very pretty gardens. Good dining options are around. The Tea House on Los Rios is a really nice place to go to after. Those in search of authentic Cali-Mexican food can find really good ones around the mission, such as El Adobe de Capistrano and El Coyotito are two.
167 現地メンバーのおすすめ
サン ホアン カピストラーノ教会
26801 Ortega HwyAnother attraction around here is the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. It is a serene and peaceful place to go to with very pretty gardens. Good dining options are around. The Tea House on Los Rios is a really nice place to go to after. Those in search of authentic Cali-Mexican food can find really good ones around the mission, such as El Adobe de Capistrano and El Coyotito are two.
This park connects with the Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park and comprises the few remaining parts of Orange County that remains open and wild. Many residents have fought for these lands, the canyons in particular, to remain free of development. So, please take a hike through and enjoy what I consider *the best* that Orange County has to offer.
30 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
28373 Alicia PkwyThis park connects with the Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park and comprises the few remaining parts of Orange County that remains open and wild. Many residents have fought for these lands, the canyons in particular, to remain free of development. So, please take a hike through and enjoy what I consider *the best* that Orange County has to offer.
Food scene
Dizz's As Is
2794 S Coast HwySouth Laguna Beach - Good local scene. Fun vibes and good food
Laguna Beach - Solid Californian fare with great service. Centrally located in Laguna Beach. Fun for people watching.
61 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Nick's Laguna Beach
440 S Coast HwyLaguna Beach - Solid Californian fare with great service. Centrally located in Laguna Beach. Fun for people watching.
Laguna Beach - Really good vegetarian and vegan options here that even meat lovers will like. Fantastic prepared vegetable sides, sandwiches and drinks that can be packed up as a picnic to take to the beach. The wine bottles here are very reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
56 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Zinc Cafe & Market
3222 East Coast HwyLaguna Beach - Really good vegetarian and vegan options here that even meat lovers will like. Fantastic prepared vegetable sides, sandwiches and drinks that can be packed up as a picnic to take to the beach. The wine bottles here are very reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Laguna Beach - Shake Shack is up on the bluff overlooking Crystal Cove serving up some mean shakes. The shakes are highly recommended. (Salted caramel and chocolate turtle is my go-to combination.) Grab a shake, a burger and fries and enjoy the view at this popular hamburger stand. (Parking at the stand is limited and it can get crowded.)
32 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Crystal Cove Shake Shack
7703 East Coast HwyLaguna Beach - Shake Shack is up on the bluff overlooking Crystal Cove serving up some mean shakes. The shakes are highly recommended. (Salted caramel and chocolate turtle is my go-to combination.) Grab a shake, a burger and fries and enjoy the view at this popular hamburger stand. (Parking at the stand is limited and it can get crowded.)
Laguna Beach - The Beachcomber is a really good option for a romantic night out. It cannot be beat for location, being right on the beach at Crystal Cove. Reserve a table around sunset, get there early for a stroll and enjoy a night out dining seaside. (Note that parking is across the street where a trolley will take diners down to the restaurant.)
80 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Beachcomber Cafe
15 Crystal CoveLaguna Beach - The Beachcomber is a really good option for a romantic night out. It cannot be beat for location, being right on the beach at Crystal Cove. Reserve a table around sunset, get there early for a stroll and enjoy a night out dining seaside. (Note that parking is across the street where a trolley will take diners down to the restaurant.)
Laguna Niguel - Salt Creek Grill is a stand-by on PCH, and has been around for ages. It’s well decorated and a decent option to dine out at.
28 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Salt Creek Grille
32802 CA-1Laguna Niguel - Salt Creek Grill is a stand-by on PCH, and has been around for ages. It’s well decorated and a decent option to dine out at.
Laguna Beach - Sunday brunch. Enough said. It puts other spreads to shame.
42 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton DrLaguna Beach - Sunday brunch. Enough said. It puts other spreads to shame.
Laguna Niguel - Pancakes! Local favorite of mine for breakfast, on Aliso Creek Road. It is located in the Laguna Design Center complex.
Plumeria Cafe by Stacks Pancake House
23811 Aliso Creek RoadLaguna Niguel - Pancakes! Local favorite of mine for breakfast, on Aliso Creek Road. It is located in the Laguna Design Center complex.
Laguna Niguel - Avila’s Ranchitos is a reliable standby for Mexican food, also located on Aliso Creek Road. Are there better Mexican restaurants out there? There are, but there’s something about the free chips and salsa here, the relaxed vibe and neighborly feel that makes me happy to eat here. Plus, it’s close.
60 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Avila's El Ranchito
318 Main StLaguna Niguel - Avila’s Ranchitos is a reliable standby for Mexican food, also located on Aliso Creek Road. Are there better Mexican restaurants out there? There are, but there’s something about the free chips and salsa here, the relaxed vibe and neighborly feel that makes me happy to eat here. Plus, it’s close.
San Juan Capistrano - It’s the kind of place you have a girl’s day out at. Sweet place where afternoon tea can be had at a fraction of the cost at the nearby fancy hotels.
The Tea House On Los Rios
31731 Los Rios StSan Juan Capistrano - It’s the kind of place you have a girl’s day out at. Sweet place where afternoon tea can be had at a fraction of the cost at the nearby fancy hotels.
San Juan Capistrano - El Adobe de Capistrano I believe used to be a taco stand and had the best fish tacos, IMHO. It’s so much more now, but the food is still really good. Proper Mexican cuisine.
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
El Adobe de Capistrano
31891 Camino CapistranoSan Juan Capistrano - El Adobe de Capistrano I believe used to be a taco stand and had the best fish tacos, IMHO. It’s so much more now, but the food is still really good. Proper Mexican cuisine.
San Juan Capistrano - I must admit I’ve not been here, but I’m willing to bet it is like a number of Mexican restaurants around this area that serves up really delicious Mexican food. Please let me know how your experience goes.
El Coyotito #1 Mexican Restaurant
32141 Alipaz StreetSan Juan Capistrano - I must admit I’ve not been here, but I’m willing to bet it is like a number of Mexican restaurants around this area that serves up really delicious Mexican food. Please let me know how your experience goes.
Neighborhoods
Groceries - the closest grocery store is Albertson’s on Niguel and Alicia Parkway. Exit the complex and make a left onto Niguel. Then make a right onto Alicia and the shopping center will be immediately to your right. Here, you will also find a Starbucks.
The closest drugstore is CVS, in the same shopping plaza as Albertson’s (above). There is also a Walgreens on Niguel Road, just before Crown Valley Parkway, on your right.
You can also find Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco, Home Depot and Walmart nearby. They are all located along Alicia Parkway, between Aliso Creek Road and Pacific Park Drive.
Hiking - we are located alongside Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness park. As such, there are many hiking/biking trails for the outdoors enthusiast around. For the intrepid guests, it is possible to hike to Top of the World and even down to Laguna Beach from here (so I’ve heard).
Closer to home is the Aliso Summit Trail, which runs along the back of the complex and the wilderness park towards the ocean. From the top of the ridge is a sweet view of the ocean and Ben Brown’s golf course.
There are two ways to get onto the trail. One, follow Elba Drive to Via Tuscany/Via Napoli where you’ll see a big water tank. There is a white iron fence there with a locked gate that leads to a small dirt trail that accesses the trail. The second key opens this gate and takes you onto the trail.
The second way is to exit the complex and turn left onto Niguel. Then turn left onto Highland. At the first corner, turn left again onto Ridgeview Drive. There, the trail will be directly to your left.
Further down Highland is another trail that runs along the Kite Hill housing track and the park. Walk down Highland until you see a white post gate and turn left onto the dirt trail.
The entrance to Aliso and Woods Canyon Park is on Alicia Parkway. There is a parking lot there where you can park for a fee and hike to your heart’s content.
We are also close to Laguna Niguel Regional park, which has a lake with fishing and a hiking path around it. It is the starting point of the Salt Creek trail, but note that this portion of the path does not connect to the southern portion that leads to Salt Creek beach. To hike to Salt Creek beach, you have to start further down, where Marina Hills Drive crosses Niguel Road.
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Laguna Niguel
Groceries - the closest grocery store is Albertson’s on Niguel and Alicia Parkway. Exit the complex and make a left onto Niguel. Then make a right onto Alicia and the shopping center will be immediately to your right. Here, you will also find a Starbucks.
The closest drugstore is CVS, in the same shopping plaza as Albertson’s (above). There is also a Walgreens on Niguel Road, just before Crown Valley Parkway, on your right.
You can also find Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco, Home Depot and Walmart nearby. They are all located along Alicia Parkway, between Aliso Creek Road and Pacific Park Drive.
Hiking - we are located alongside Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness park. As such, there are many hiking/biking trails for the outdoors enthusiast around. For the intrepid guests, it is possible to hike to Top of the World and even down to Laguna Beach from here (so I’ve heard).
Closer to home is the Aliso Summit Trail, which runs along the back of the complex and the wilderness park towards the ocean. From the top of the ridge is a sweet view of the ocean and Ben Brown’s golf course.
There are two ways to get onto the trail. One, follow Elba Drive to Via Tuscany/Via Napoli where you’ll see a big water tank. There is a white iron fence there with a locked gate that leads to a small dirt trail that accesses the trail. The second key opens this gate and takes you onto the trail.
The second way is to exit the complex and turn left onto Niguel. Then turn left onto Highland. At the first corner, turn left again onto Ridgeview Drive. There, the trail will be directly to your left.
Further down Highland is another trail that runs along the Kite Hill housing track and the park. Walk down Highland until you see a white post gate and turn left onto the dirt trail.
The entrance to Aliso and Woods Canyon Park is on Alicia Parkway. There is a parking lot there where you can park for a fee and hike to your heart’s content.
We are also close to Laguna Niguel Regional park, which has a lake with fishing and a hiking path around it. It is the starting point of the Salt Creek trail, but note that this portion of the path does not connect to the southern portion that leads to Salt Creek beach. To hike to Salt Creek beach, you have to start further down, where Marina Hills Drive crosses Niguel Road.