Don’t Travel Far—Ocean Views, Creative Cocktails and Luxury Spa Treatments Are Just a Drive Away
Orange County. The OC. The home of reality television shows that changed lives (no? just us?) and an infinite amount of tourist traps that even some natives can’t resist. It’s the best place on earth—yes, we’re biased. So, when it comes to planning a getaway, why not stay local? We have the best beaches, bougie boutique hotels, upscale eateries, all the chic shopping, and it’s all within an approximate 20-square-mile radius. Get ready to queue up that Natasha Bedingfield soundtrack and stare at the (not so) blank page before you to get some ideas of how to optimize your OC staycation! We’ll give you the inside scoop on where to stay, what to eat, who to take and how to spend your precious staycation time.
Playing The Greatest Ritz
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Located on the bluffs overlooking Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point is a hotel that has earned a top spot on our staycation destination directory. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel combines old-school opulence with new-age amenities to offer a place that you, your kids and even your dog can put up their feet (or paws) for a weekend of swimming, sunning, spa-ing and soaking in 180-degree ocean views. Boasting two on-site eateries that offer some of the best scenery and salty air this side of town has to offer, The Ritz is your one-stop shop for a romantic rendezvous or solo staycation.
Wake up with the Salt Creek surfers and whale watch from the comfort of your own hotel bed. Dana Point has also gone through a full revival over the last decade and features some fun spots like Coastal Kitchen and Crafthouse if you feel like venturing outside of the private parameter The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers to explore the nearby town.
Location: Dana Point
Take a Spin at the Inn
The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano is equal parts quaint and cowboy which makes it the ideal destination when your town ain’t big enough for the both of you. Hosting an array of restaurants, activities and sightseeing pit stops, SJC is such a fun city to explore with its rich history and Wild West ways. Whether you’re grabbing goodies from The Ecology Center, indulging in a sip or two at Swallows Inn or lollygagging down Los Rios, this south OC town has it all—including incredible eats at Heritage BBQ, Mediterranean tapas spot Mayfield and the Spanish-inspired Ysidora.
Visit the Ortega Equestrian Center for a trail ride, and opt for the Inn’s signature Equestrian Massage after at Spa at the Mission. This therapeutic sports massage, using natural olive oil and arnica, targets the main muscle structures involved in horseback riding and physical activities. The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is relaxed luxury infused with local flavor and fun. The accommodations are charming, and the wine is full bodied. Grab your significant other and get to staycationing!
Local Insight: Inn at the Mission also offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor picnic experience! Pick up a curated meal, borrow a picnic blanket and journey next door to the Mission for a peaceful meal in the garden. Choose between the Capistrano Package ($55) or the Swallows Package ($75), and snack on bites like olives and bread, fresh salads and sandwiches, assorted macarons and more!
Location: San Juan Capistrano
3/15
The Bay Stay
Balboa Bay Resort
Balboa Bay Resort is a Newport Beach staple situated between Pacific Coast Highway and the calm waters of the harbor. Another waterfront property, this locally loved staycation destination is upscale without being ostentatious while still maintaining that classic Newport Beach nautical vibe. Guests can dine at hip haunt A&O, which has a revolving menu featuring farm-fresh fare and craft cocktails. With TVs to catch whatever game is on and live music most nights, this is a spot where you can post up and people-watch while indulging in some good food and good vibes. Balboa Bay Resort is also super family-friendly if you feel like bringing the kiddos.
You can rent an electric boat, paddleboards or kayaks directly through the hotel or just post up at the pool and enjoy their cabanas and cold bevs. And there is no shortage of deals available to suit any kind of staycation state of mind like their Sunsets and Savings offer, their Make a Splash offer or even the Pampered Pooch offer if you want to bring along your favorite furry friend. Be sure to scope those deals out on their site before you book!
Location: Newport Beach
3/18
Seaside Retreat
Hotel Joaquin
Hotel Joaquin is a staycation destination ideal for locals looking to sneak away without having to endure the dreaded 405 traffic. Just a quick cruise up or down the coast and you’ll arrive ready to put a fresh and funky vinyl on their lobby record player while indulging in one of their signature tequila flights. Hotel Joaquin offers private yoga sessions, farm-fresh fare and other wellness indulgences like sound baths so you can make the most out of this PCH hideaway. Walk down to the beach at sunset to fully take advantage of your staycay. Oh, and don’t miss out on the free breakfast at Saline—the rawnola is ridiculous. We recommend leaving the kids at home and treating yourself to a solo stay or a couples retreat.
Location: Laguna Beach
Surf City Escape
Paséa Hotel & Spa
Paséa Hotel & Spa is one of those hotels that is always buzzing. Located right next to outdoor lifestyle center Pacific City, Pasea guests have access to the vast array of restaurants that are just a hop, skip and a stroll away, including on-site eatery Tanner’s. We recommend scoping out this rooftop treehouse bar and partaking in the daily libation deal. “Where the sun meets the sea” is Paséa’s slogan, and staycationers are able to take advantage of both with the hotel’s epic pool situation and proximity to the beach. It’s also an amazing place to unwind by way of their Bali-inspired, award-winning spa, Aarna. We recommend the signature Ocean Devotion massage to really get you into prime staycation shape.
Local Insight: If you book your getaway for a weekday, you can save up to 30% on select rooms.
Location: Huntington Beach
Lido Big Town
Lido House
Lido House is a quintessential beachy boutique hotel right in the heart of Newport Beach with all the nautical nods and maritime merry times. On-site coffee shop? Check. Rooftop bar? Check. Instagram-worthy design? Check! It is one of those hotels that is exquisitely maintained and still looks and feels brand new; no dated interior design here. There is a row of cottages that can be booked for larger parties or families, each designed by a different local artist and each with its own flare and fun.
The pool sits in the center of the property and makes for the ideal spot to catch some sun and grab a little poolside sip and snack. Because the hotel is so centrally located, guests can enjoy exploring the surrounding area by foot with a quick walk over to Lido Marina Village. Grab a complimentary bike and head over to the boardwalk to cruise the peninsula and hit all those spots you used to frequent in your early 20s. We won’t tell anyone.
Location: Newport Beach
Valley Girl
The Ranch
Hidden away in a little Laguna Beach alcove is a staycation haven called The Ranch. This place is green and serene and hot during the day and cozy at night. It’s got it all. You can walk to the beach while your significant other hits the links for a quick nine and then meet back at the fire pits outside of Harvest restaurant for a happy-hour tryst. This is a great place to staycation with the girls for a little female-only foray and a stellar spot to rekindle any forgotten feelings with your partner in crime.
The Ranch touches on all senses with live music, stargazing, bird watching, a variety of fitness and restorative classes, incredible food offerings and even better cocktails. The sprawling estate really makes you feel like you’ve left the hustle and bustle of busy beach life and ran away to the woods for the weekend.
Location: Laguna Beach
In the Center of It All
Avenue of the Arts
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa puts the “fun” in funky with its eclectic, music-inspired decor and proximity to premier entertainment destination Segerstrom Center for the Arts. They have luxury suites and lakeside rooms plus plenty of special offerings to sweeten your stay like their S4B package page that provides a daily breakfast credit for two at on-site restaurant Silver Trumpet. South Coast Plaza is mere minutes away for all your retail therapy needs, and we recommend doing at least one of your meals at Michelin-star restaurant Din Tai Fung; get the xiao long bao—you won’t regret it.
Location: Costa Mesa
Toast to the Coast
Crystal Cove Cottages
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The best-kept secret in Orange County might just be the Crystal Cove Cottages. Only they aren’t really a secret anymore and sell out in mere minutes when they become available to rent. These little coastal cottages are absolutely iconic. They are vintage Newport Beach with all the charm of an old-school OC abode—only with a priceless unobstructed view of the great Pacific. There are 12 standalone cottages available for staycation purposes, and they all individually have their own personality.
Take Cottage 45, for example: this guy looks like an old beach snack shack (also aptly named the “soda shack”) and has been around since 1935. Then there’s the Painter’s Cottage, which looks like a place Nancy Meyers would base her next book on. Besides soaking up the salty air and enjoying the sights and sounds of the sea, guests can also hang out and grab drinks at The Beachcomber, hike around Crystal Cove or split a creamy milkshake at Shake Shack. Rentals range from around $94 for a private room to $313 for a full cottage that sleeps eight. Affordable and fun, these livable sand castles are the perfect spot for a staycation—just remember to book in advance!
Location: Newport Coast
Vea-cation
VEA Newport Beach
Newport Beach’s newest addition is super-sleek Fashion Island neighbor, VEA. Recently opened, this hotel is the hottest spot in town with its poolside lounge situation and sweeping views of the Newport Beach Country Club golf course all the way down to the ocean—you can even spot Catalina on a clear day. Its coastal-cool vibe fits right into the OC scene, and the Berry Blanco cocktail at Edge Bar will start your staycation off strong. Walk across the way to Fashion Island for your shopping fix, and do a midday liquid lunch at local favorite R+D Kitchen. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance at new hotspot JOEY for dinner or hit them up for happy hour, which is every day from 3-6 p.m.!
Location: Newport Beach
The Second Happiest Place on Earth
JW Marriott Anaheim
Okay, we’ve been sleeping on Anaheim, but we’re here to tell you that it is good for more than just Disney adventures. The happy-hour hit list? Brewery X, Anaheim Packing House and Strong Water. Sure, you could even swing by Medieval Times or Camelot Golfland after a few cocktails if you want to goof around a little, but this inland OC oasis is not getting the credit it deserves, and we are here to shout it from the top of the Matterhorn.
If you do decide to staycation in the city that houses the “Happiest Place on Earth,” look no further than the JW Marriott Anaheim. It’s sleek. It’s modern. It’s clean. And there’s not a costumed character in sight. Centrally located to all the Anaheim attractions, the JW would be a great spot to stay after catching an Angels game this summer. Be sure to scope out the JW Garden with an augmented reality activity that’ll wow your kids…or husband.
Location: Anaheim
The Holistic Hotel
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This ultra-boutique hotel boasts just 12 guest rooms and includes a rooftop deck that likely gets some of the best sunset views in the city, making it our favorite choice for a family or group of couples looking to sit back, relax and enjoy! Pop next door to Orange Inn in the morning for one of their iconic cinnamon rolls and head across the street to sushi institution San Shi Go for dinner. The accommodations themselves are light, bright and environmentally friendly, and staycationers are mere steps from the sand. If you book during the week, you can take advantage of a 17% off discount, but room rates are extremely reasonable to begin with, starting at $250 per night.
Location: Laguna Beach
