Colleen & Catie’s Picks
Visit Dana Point
visitdanapoint.com/
www.monarchbeachresort.com
www.monarchbeachresort.com/bourbon-steak/
www.ocean-institute.org
www.dolphinsafari.com
Destination Irvine
www.destinationirvine.com
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/laxir-irvine-marriott
diamond-jamboree.com
www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/irvine/
Colleen
Accommodations – Monarch Beach Resort
A luxury resort located right on the beach in Dana Point. Take a tram to the Monarch Bay Club for drinks and appetizers, dine at one of their divine restaurants, or relax at the spa, pool, or with a walk along the beach.
Restaurant – Bourbon Steak at Monarch Beach
High-end resort restaurant with amazing wine selection able to be viewed in a unique glass display. They even offer a martini bar that comes to your table! For dessert, we highly recommend the Bananas Foster – Amazing!
Activities
Ocean Institute –
A community-based 501(c)(3) organization that educates 250,000 visitors annually through over 60 marine science and maritime history programs, located in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Life Conservation Area.
Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari –
For over 20 years Captain Dave’s eco-friendly whale watching safaris have created memorable and educational excursions for visitors. Get up close and personal with year round majestic whales and breathtaking dolphins aboard smaller, intimate boats.
Catie
Accommodations – Irvine Marriott
Recently had a multi million-dollar renovation and featuring contemporary style and comfort. Conveniently located near several Irvine attractions including Irvine Spectrum Center and South Coast Plaza, and less than a mile away from John Wayne Airport. The newly redesigned rooms and suites boast plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, well-lit works desks and soundproof windows.
Restaurant – Diamond Jamboree
“Orange County’s International Eatertainment Destination”, Diamond Jamboree is a vibrant, bustling retail center located at Alton Parkway and Jamboree Road, where Irvine’s business and residence meet. A unique Southern California destination that brings together a variety of cuisines and international flavors. We recommend checking out 85 (degree) C, Lollicup Coffee & Tea and Afters Ice Cream for a donut ice cream sandwich!
Activity – Pedego Electric Bikes
Pedego is the biggest and best brand of electric bikes in America. Electric bikes pedal and handle just like a regular bicycle, and are a great way to see Irvine! With over 70 miles of bike trails, you can tour Irvine without even having to cross a street. Pedego rents electric bikes by the hour or by the day, and also offers guided tours. They also sell electric bikes, and Catie even bought two herself!
“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”
What’s in Your Suitcase?
Cube Tracker – $24.95 on www.cubetracker.com
Handy device that helps you find everyday items through the tracker and it’s easy-to-use App
With a range of 100 feet, it’s great for your keys!
What’s on your phone?
OpenTable (free, Android & iOS)
One of the best dining apps to use when trying to find the best restaurants in town. Easy way to discover and reserve a table at a restaurant for free, and as an added bonus, you even get rewarded with dining credits every time you dine out.
What’s the tip?
Tips/Facts for Visiting Orange County
Time – Orange County and all of California is in the Pacific Time Zone. The state observes daylight saving time March through October.
Climate – Average daytime temperature is 74 degrees and most days are sunny. Coastal areas are cooler and the inland areas can be 10 to 15 degrees warmer depending on the time of year. The coolest time of the year is December to February and the warmest time is July to October.
Dressing in layers – Highly recommended to help stay comfortable from warm afternoons to cooler evenings.
Sales Tax – Orange County sales tax is 7.75%.
Flying – The county’s main facility is John Wayne Airport
Driving – It is best to avoid freeways during rush hours ranging between 6:00 – 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Most freeways and highways have an express lane and are marked with diamonds/car pool lanes. To use these lanes you must have two or more passengers in the car.
The Toll Roads Rates and Payment – Cash tolling is no longer accepted on The Toll Roads, but there are now new ways to pay. Drivers can pay tolls with FasTrak® an ExpressAccount® or use One-Time-Toll®.
Other Transportation – Apps such as Uber and Lyft are the main form of transportation if you don’t have a car yourself.
