Spring break is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to unwind with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a sunny day on the beach or a delicious restaurant with loved ones, Orange County has it all.
Crystal Cove and 1,000 Steps Beach are both beautiful secluded beaches to visit during spring break. Crystal Cove is hidden on the other side of the highway, so you have to take a tunnel to get to the beach. The shore is lined with 46 restored beach cottages that you can rent and stay the night in. They were originally built in the 1930s and 40s and are the last remaining examples of early 20th-century Southern California coastal development.
Stationed in the Newport Beach area, 1,000 Steps Beach is true to its name. The staircase down to the sand stretches along the cliff and actually takes 1,000 steps to reach the sand. This spot is the perfect paradise to stop by with friends to take Instagram-worthy photos. 1,000 Steps also has some nice ocean pools to take a dip in which are located in the Laguna Beach area.
When the craving strikes for a unique and fresh breakfast spot, Toastique is the way to go, found at 226 Marine Ave. They specialize in gourmet toast but they also have options like smoothie bowls and coffee. Among their outstanding bowls is the Dragonberry, which is topped with fresh strawberry, kiwi, Goji berry, coconut, granola and a honey drizzle. One of their most popular toasts is the Peanut Butter Crunch, which has peanut butter, fruit, berry jam, granola and a drizzle of honey. The restaurant is set right on the water with a view of Laguna Beach and is most known for their seafood dishes, including fish sandwiches and tacos, but they also have some delicious gourmet burgers.
After a long beach day you must be thirsty, so stop by the Kickstand Soda Shop located in the Newport Beach area is the perfect spot. They have a variety of different sodas that you can choose from and you can add the syrup and cream of your choice. If you don’t want to make your own, you could choose their signature sodas like the Lemon Breeze, which contains lemonade with raspberry puree, or the Castaway, which is a blend of Dr. Pepper with vanilla and coconut cream.
If you are looking for a delightful treat to enhance your taste for ice cream, South Swell is a must-try. You can choose your own base from a frozen banana, vanilla, or chocolate bar, coconut ice cream bar, or soft serve ice cream. Some of their most popular bars are Da Bomb Fire, which is vanilla ice cream dipped in gourmet chocolate topped with graham crackers and marshmallow fluff, or The Deez Nuts, which is vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate, topped with chopped peanuts. They are found in Laguna Beach, so it’s close to all the amazing beach spots, and you can get ice cream before heading down to the beach.
If you want a cool, indoor space to hang out, the Anaheim Packing District is a great spot. In 1919, the building was originally a packing district for Sunkist oranges, but in 2014 it was converted into an entertainment space. They now have a variety of small businesses, shopping centers and restaurants that serve as a platform for local musicians. For example, some of their popular live artists are Crisanto Santa Ana, Dree Mon, and Mr. Man. They have a beautiful park along with a farmers market that you can go to, which encompasses four historic landmarks. Not only do they have live artists but also writing classes and a calligraphy class so you can better your skills and meet new people. Their calendar can be accessed here.
Balboa Fun Zone is a great spot to go to embrace your inner child. They have a wide range of restaurants and bars like the Newport Landing Restaurant, Harbor-side Restaurant, and a grand ballroom. As well as a huge arcade, ferris wheel, Balboa Island Museum, a ferry, and a whale watching service. Balboa Fun Zone is a great place to go if you’re looking for a fun time to fill up your spring break.
So, as you’re getting ready to plan your spring break, keep these beaches, restaurants, and activities in mind. Have an amazing spring break and make sure to check out these local spots!
