Whether your hopping a train from San Diego, or even trying to gridlock drive out of LA, it's time to meet in the middle of this core and visit the fruit of California in all its segments like the stunning San Clemente. Because it's more than just Mickey Mouse ears or Goofy teeth. Check into Irvine and there's a Spectrum of things to see and we aren't just talking about the family friendly, mid-highway mall were you can shop 'till you drop your bags at a choice of restaurants before movie night. Or making it neon romantic on that wonder wheel that gives you some scope to how Sunkist bright this place really is.
Perfect palms borderline and hold this area in its giant grasp like Orange County's sister cities do like twins. In a calm, California chill area of mid-trip, rest-stop peace with friendly bed and breakfasts (may we recommend the lovely Laguna Lodge) complete with pools outside akin to where they bathed their feet daily on 'My Name Is Earl', sunrise to set. And of course there are always Starbucks and stops to eat a few wait a year crossings nearby.
But to get your kicks in this place somewhere on the way to Route 66 then you need to have a car, take a cab or ride the Uber app until the bank back home cancels your card (*shaking hand up*. It's not as stranded scary as it sounds...oh it's much worse than that). And there really is one ride that is worth putting your seatbelt on for a trip through the cactus Jack dry hills.
You can't pass through Orange County without spending a night in Laguna Hills. And don't let the MTV generation put you off Laguna Beach. From Venice to the talents of South Beach this writer hasn't seen sand and sea as sublime at tide sweeping in night-time. And as the Uber (what a great way for a solo traveller to make some light, breezy conversation) took made it just in time for a burnt orange, stunning sunset I was simply left laughing. That's something like pure joy and I felt it just in time as the light disappeared below the horizon and was replaced with a Best Coast, California night calm that envelopes this whole town like a love letter, penmanship signed, kiss sealed, and hand delivered. The picture perfect postcards dont do justice to a place that looks like a walking screensaver sample. Words I could write wouldn't even begin to do this all its bucket list justice. So don't read, be all about it. Ain't nothing like the OC. But this is your show.
And with a just by chance personal guided tour from local legend and now fond friend Blair McManus who makes beach art in the sand with the hands of his frisbee (or as it's properly, purist known the disco disc) that cavas this places palette with even more amazing attraction art that is a must-see on this shore canvas. There's so much history here if you let the locals tell it between grabbing a quick, quiet bite or coffee, but it's time to make your memories own. From the Laguna Hills Civic Centre building beauty to the stunning Huntington or Newport Beach by day to night like you Lana Del Rey record generation know like Santa Monica or Marina Del Rey there are plenty inspirations for Instagram. But forget all that social media white noise for a minute in a place designed for phones down, quiet as kept serenity. This is about you and me. And whoever you chose to spend this time with. And if scrolling through their smarts they say there's nothing to do. What could be more beautiful? It's yours. There's a lot to take in. And from the depths offered at Dana Point you can see it all.
So bask in this blossom special right now because even in this dry January Winter tis the season. But instead of R.E.M. dreaming about it. It's time to get your Orange crush. Because Orange County is the new place you're going to want to go back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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