Summer is here! Mornings may be hectic right now but those days are coming to a close and summer will be here before you know it. Reward your kids for being so amazing this school year with a summer vacation that will be unforgettable. In order to have an epic summer vacation, you need to plan ahead and start making your reservations now! Switch out traditional ideas for more creative ones and plan something different this year. Orange County has a plethora of fun options to consider that the whole family can enjoy, not just the kids, but the adults too.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast, CA 92657 | 855.315.8214
This Forbes Five-Star resort offers everything your family could want from a family vacation. Mom gets to enjoy the spa and yoga in the morning while Dad can work in a round of golf, and the kids have a resort vacation of their own with Camp Pelican. This day camp offers games, activities, computers and goodies galore! If you’re traveling with teenagers, look into their Latitude program, that’s loaded with all sorts of activities from surf camp to entertainment lounges in a private villa. Not only does the resort offer something for everyone, but the countless opportunities to spend time together as a family and relax.
Explore Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 | 855.658.8527
Fashion Island is a great place to spend the day. Lots of people can be seen window shopping with their dog in tow at this premier open-air retail center. If the kids love animals then you should definitely take a visit to the beautiful and tranquil koi pond located right outside of Atrium Court. Need an escape from the sun? Look up showtimes and stop by the movies at Island Cinema. They now offer seat-side service! Order at your seat before the movie and your items can be delivered at the time of your choosing. All these activities are sure to work up an appetite — make sure to stay for dinner. Fashion Island offers an impressive list of dining options, from Burgers at Hopdoddy to Sushi at Sushi Roku, guaranteed there is something for everyone’s palate.
Rent a Duffy
1137 Bayside Dr, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 | 949.721.0111
Soak up the views of Newport Harbor with family and friends while you captain your own cruise of up to 10 people comfortably. Each boat has a full canopy top, retractable windows surroundings, and a stereo system with an iPod docking port. Bring your favorite music to turn this boat into a party. Newport Harbor has several great places to tie up and dine, or you can arrange to cater a meal on the boat ahead of time so that upon the moment of arrival, it’s purely relaxation time. Enjoy iconic sights in this picturesque setting of the beautiful Pacific ocean, teeming with fish and marine life.
Outdoor Movie Night at Hotel Irvine
17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614 | 888.230.4452
Let’s be honest, every summer should include at least one outdoor movie. At Hotel Irvine, they offer Outdoor Movie Night featuring classic blockbuster favorites on a giant outdoor movie screen. You can pre-order your picnic from the Marketplace to enjoy during the movie, or choose munchies from Chef’s outdoor concession stand. Admission is $5 per person; free for children under 5. Doors open at 7 p.m. with movies starting at dusk. Expect open seating where you get to bring blankets, low chairs, pillows or cushions. Advance ticket purchase is available online, or you can purchase your tickets at the door. Visit their website for more information on show times.
Paddle Boarding/Kayaking
La Vida Laguna, 1257 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949.275.7544
Enjoy your beautiful surrounding of scenic coves, pristine beaches, and oceanfront residences, as you soak up the sun enjoying water toys provided by La Vida Laguna. Nothing beats hanging out on the open Pacific in the height of summer with good company. Paddle boarding and kayaking never gets old and with the possibility that someone might fall off their paddle board, it keeps an element of adventure to this outdoor activity. And if you don’t want to risk it, opt for a kayak, they are much sturdier and just as fun.
visit the OC Fair
88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | 714.708.1500
The OC Fair is iconic to this area during summer and continues to be so with the support of our community. Locals alike continue to visit year after year, making the fair an annual tradition for OC families. Whether you return for those giant corn dogs, the exhilarating rides, or to say hello to all of the animals, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience. Don’t forget to check out the concert/event lineups this year. With the purchase of your ticket to a show gets you access to the fair. May we suggest the demolition derby?
Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802 | 714.781.7277
Every child wants to go to Disneyland during their summer vacation. For Newport Beach residents the theme park is practically in our back yard. Plan on purchasing annual passes because you know you’ll be back. After all, most adults jump at the opportunity to feel like a kid again at Disneyland. You’ll never have to hear your kids utter the phrase I’m bored when they’re annual pass holders. This visit will be extra special because Soarin’ Around the World premieres this summer, where you and your family get to take in the scenic views of the wonders of the world at California Adventure. Disneyland also just launched their new musical spectacular, “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” so there are plenty of new attractions to enjoy.
Take a Trip to Catalina Island
Enjoy zip lining, glass bottom boat tours, cycling across the island, camping, hiking, dining, shopping and more on this quaint little island that’s loaded with rich history. If you’re feeling adventurous, travel by helicopter — some say it’s the only way to travel. However, if have your own vessel, that may just be the way to go. Whether you pick Avalon or Two Harbors to explore, you’re guaranteed to have a blast with your family on this local getaway. It truly is special to have this island so close to our coast.
