December is filled with holidays that remind us to take in the beauty of beautifully decorated homes, to send and receive greeting cards filled with good cheer, and to share meals that have been prepared with love. We use these winter holidays to marvel at the snow and to rest by cozy fireplaces. However, if the winter’s cold air and the possibility of snow aren’t exactly what you have in mind this holiday season, consider traveling to California’s Orange County for a change in temperature and style.
Orange County, more popularly known as the “O.C.,” is a destination worth any plane ride or road trip. Disneyland is one of its hugest attractions, but that doesn’t detract from the miles of beautiful beaches that line the Pacific Coast and, of course, the warm and sunny weather that can improve anyone’s winter blues. If you’re looking for a winter travel vacation that reminds you of summertime, you’ll enjoy the O.C.
There are four main beaches: Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and San Clemente. Each of them has their own unique charm and offerings. Now although you may think that the idea of going to a beach for a winter vacation could subdue that holiday feeling, fear not! The O.C.’s attractions and beaches offer winter wonderland themed decorations and activities minus the frigid temperature. You can still sip hot cocoa, take pictures with Santa, go caroling, sit by a fireplace, and even frolic in faux snow.
There’s so much to get into in the O.C. In fact, here’s an idea for the ultimate itinerary for your stay:
Start off with breakfast at the family-owned and operated restaurant The Sugar Shack Café. After almost 50 years in business, The Sugar Shack serves a breakfast menu that’s absolutely delicious and that could easily rival the menu of a 5-star hotel at a fraction of the cost. Regulars come to the cafe every day—sometimes more than once because the owners are known to make you feel at home and give you a meal that’s fit for royalty.
After breakfast, grab a bike rental from Toes on the Nose. Enjoy 10-miles of paved boardwalk along Huntington Beach where you’ll enjoy scenic views along with a cardio-pumping excursion. It’s a great way to work off some of those holiday indulgences in addition to exploring new places to visit. If bike riding isn’t up your alley, opt for yoga on the beach. Give your body a bit of wintertime rejuvenation while taking in the sun and sand. You can participate in group sessions with Huntington Beach regulars or try a private session with you and your travel mates.
What’s a vacation without shopping? Pacific City is a premier shopping, dining and lifestyle destination in the O.C. It includes stores such as Equinox, H&M, West of Camden, M.A.C. Cosmetics, and more to meet the desires of any fashionista’s heart. Also, check out South Coast Plaza and its Access VIP Lounge.
The lounge is a resting spot that serves beverages, cocktails and snacks to recharge you for more shopping or give you a break to just enjoy your splurges. You can do some last-minute holiday shopping or, if you really want to indulge, take advantage of some post-holiday sales.
While you’re in the O.C., be sure to visit BLK Earth Sea Spirits in Huntington Beach. If, for you, holiday travel means surrounding yourself with hospitality, amazing food, a lively atmosphere, and incredible décor and visuals, then this is the restaurant destination for you. BLK Earth Sea Spirits has a unique beverage menu featuring libations like The 007 Martini–which, by the way, has to be the best martini ever–in addition to holiday martinis with flavors like cinnamon apple, caramel apple and mint chocolate chip. The food menu is just as inviting with offerings like a tender cut of lamb, silky potatoes, veggie sliders, baked wings (winner!), and an absolutely decadent cronut. Throw in a patio fire pit, scenic views of the ocean and an accommodating staff that makes you feel like you’re among family, and you’ve got the ultimate dining spot.
Speaking of being accommodating, look no further than the Waterfront Beach Resort by Hilton for a place to rest your head. This resort will change your idea of a winter vacation from snow boots and wanting to stay indoors to incredible sunsets, bike rides in the sand, and bonfires on the beach with a glass of wine. If you still need to do some holiday shopping or you want to take advantage of the after-Christmas sales, you can enjoy the resort’s free shuttle ride to downtown shopping and tourism locations.
Before you head home, take some time to unwind and pamper yourself. Savvy Naturals, which was featured on “Shark Tank,” offers all-natural, gluten- and sulfur-free soaps, lotions and fragrances.
Seal the deal on your journey to relaxation at Pacific Waters Spa inside the Hyatt at Huntington Beach. Treat yourself to a facial or a massage in this tranquil seaside Mediterranean experience. Reminiscent of a warm, elegant Spanish-style estate, the 20,000 square foot Pacific Waters Spa fuses a Mediterranean feel with inspirations from the Southern California waters off the coast of the resort.
With the winter holiday season quickly approaching, it’s time to secure your travel arrangements and destinations. If you’re still looking for a place to go and a change of scenery, add the O.C. to your itinerary and get ready to enjoy winter while wearing sunshades and wiggling your toes in the sand.
