One Weekend, One Tank and Zero Regrets
The growl of a supercharged engine bouncing off canyon walls feels like your personal soundtrack. Behind the wheel of the Ford Venom 800, the world feels bigger, faster and a little more electric. The Rapid Red paint catches the sunrise as the lifted stance clears every curb and trail ahead. Built for both street and dirt, this Ken Grody Ford creation doesnāt just move; it commands attention. Thereās a 2-door option for those who prefer sleek control, but todayās about power and presence. With one tank of gas and two days to burn, this Orange County road trip delivers moments that remind you why we fell in love with driving in the first place.
Day 1: Mountains & Trails
Flat Track CafƩ
Every good California adventure itinerary starts with caffeine and a little grease. Flat Track CafĆ© is where the rev of a motorcycle blends with the hiss of an espresso machine. Locals talk horsepower over breakfast burritos and strong coffee, setting the tone for a day thatās pure motion. The Venom 800 waits outside, gleaming in the early light, its engine ready to echo off the canyons. As you head outside, youāre fueled for a day chasing dirt and one of the best scenic drives in Orange County.
Location: Orange
Maple Springs Road via Silverado Canyon
This is where the pavement turns into possibility. Cleveland National Forest trails carve through oak canopies and boulder-lined paths, begging for a machine that can handle both. The Ford Venom 800 thrives here, its supercharger growling to life as the incline steepens toward Santiago Peak, OCās highest point. The climb rewards you with sweeping views of the coast, the Inland Empire and that unbeatable feeling of freedom. This isnāt just a drive, itās a reminder of why the open road always wins.
Location: Cleveland National Forest
Gremlin Garage
By midday, the heat kicks in and so does the hunger. Swap the mountains for a cool, creative recharge at Gremlin Garage, where artisan pastries meet caffeine therapy. Park the Venom 800 out front and sip something cold while local riders and artists drift in. The coastal energy resets your brain after the morningās trail run, proving that every Southern California road trip needs a quick breather before the next climb.
Location: Costa Mesa
Indian Truck Trail Loop
If thereās a perfect place to test torque and suspension, this is it. The Indian Truck Trail Loop stretches across rugged terrain and switchbacks that demand attention. Here, the Ken Grody Ford tuning shines with responsive handling and steady power as the path turns unpredictable. Dirt clings to the tires like a badge of honor while you chase horizon lines that seem to shift with every turn. This is off-road bliss, served California-style.
Location: Corona
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
When the sun drops, the adrenaline doesnāt. Pull up to Medieval Times, where the parking lot feels like a lineup of chariots, and step into a feast straight out of the 11th century. Roasted chicken, buttered corn and live jousting hit just right after a day of modern horsepower. Between the clang of armor and cheers, the Ford performance vehicle outside feels like modern-day knights waiting for their cue.
Location: Buena Park
Overnight: Balboa Bay Resort or VEA Newport Beach
End the night in style. At Balboa Bay Resort, the harbor lights glimmer against the Venomās Rapid Red exterior and make the perfect photo op. Or check in at VEA Newport Beach, where sleek design meets central convenience. Both Newport Beach hotels deliver that end-of-day comfort you crave after hours on the move, with the engineās hum playing in your head like a lullaby.
Day 2: Beach Crawl
Lower Trestles or Dana Point Harbor
Morning arrives with the kind of light only the coast can offer. The Venom 800ās tailgate doubles as a surfboard rest while waves crash below the cliffs. Whether you paddle out at Lower Trestles or stroll along Dana Point Harbor, the mix of sea air and steel feels alive. This is the softer side of an Orange County road trip, but it still carries power under the hood.
Location: San Clemente and Dana Point
Craft House
Brunch tastes better when youāve earned it. At Craft House, the fried chicken + waffles are bold, the lychee spritz have a satisfying kick and the parking lot sparkles with coastal sunlight. Drivers linger here, replaying yesterdayās trails and planning the next leg north. This is where your California adventure itinerary finds its balance with strong coffee and fresh ocean air.
Location: Dana Point
Newport Pier and 36th Street
Few drives rival the glide along Pacific Coast Highway. With windows down and music up, the Venom 800 hums through Newport, commanding attention without trying. Park near 36th Street or the Newport Pier, and stretch your legs in the surf. The truckās lifted stance looks right at home between beach cruisers and convertibles, proving that real luxury makes an entrance.
Location: Pacific Coast Highway
Newport Beach Moke
Need a playful detour? Trade 800 horsepower for electric charm at Newport Beach Moke rentals. These tiny open-air cruisers bring pure fun and remind you that adventure comes in all shapes and speeds. After a charming spin around the marina, the Venomās growl feels even sweeter.
Location: Newport Beach
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Lunch hits its stride at Tavern House Kitchen + Bar, where the view of the marina pairs perfectly with BBQ salmon tacos and spicy ahi poke. This is where road dust meets salt air, a mix that defines adventure travel in California. Pull up in the Venom 800, grab a patio seat and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating well after a long drive.
Location: Newport Beach
Lido Marina Village
A stroll through Lido Marina Village acts like a gentle pause after a day of exploring. Boutiques, yachts and sunshine all mingle in perfect harmony, giving you space to breathe before the finale. The truck gleams nearby, framed by palms and the golden reflection of the harbor.
Location: Newport Beach
K1 Paddock Lounge
Every good story needs a victory lap. Wrap the weekend at K1 Paddock Lounge, where racing simulators and craft Hennessey cocktails fuel a different kind of friendly competition. Toast to horsepower, speed and two days spent chasing coastline and canyon roads. As you head home, the hum of the Ford Venom 800 stays with you, a reminder that the best things to do in OC start with a full tank and an open road.
Location: Irvine
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
