You want to know the best toddler beaches with no waves in OC? I’m going to provide you with my Top 4 plus two bonus beaches, but they come with a note of precaution.
Still water beaches, meaning no waves or surf, have a general propensity for water quality issues and they can also be good stingray habitat – at least along the warm sandy edges.
Check Heal the Bay Beach Report Card for water quality. Make sure a lifeguard is watching and ask for his/her advice about local conditions on the day you visit.
Any body of water is a dangerous place for a toddler – you should be within arm’s length of any child under 4 years old when they are wading or swimming – and this especially applies at the beach!
As long as you move forward with those precautions in mind, then you should have a grand time at these toddler beaches!
Corona Del Mar — inside the harbor (Pirate’s Cove)
Scramble down the path that leads over the rocks and take the stairs to this mini beach (NOT stroller-friendly). Check the tides before you go!
You’ll have to find parking on the street above the beach or pay for parking in the adjacent lot. Read my post about Corona Del Mar Beach.
It’s also a fun place to watch boats enter and leave Newport Harbor in the summer. The Wedge is just across the harbor and from the bluff you can see the surf pound the breakwater.
Baby Beach in Dana Point
You can park close and you don’t have to pay for parking, but this one can get incredibly busy on weekends and holidays. So arrive early!
It’s a launch point for paddleboards and kayaks, as well. Swimmers are roped off from boat traffic by a buoy line so you’ll have some room for shallow water swimming. Read my post about Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.
Weekday trips in the off-season are probably the least crowded. August and September can still be very warm in California.
Also, be aware that it can be 90 degrees at your house inland and foggy at the beach. Make sure you come prepared!
Some families prefer the grassy area behind the beach for relatively sand-free picnics.
Newport Dunes in Newport Beach
Parking inside Newport Dunes will cost you, but there is a wide bay for swimming and you can pay extra for access to a waterpark with float toys in the summer for playing in the water.
North Star Beach in Newport Beach’s Back Bay is in the same general geographic area as Newport Dunes (above), except the opposite side of the bay and a little further inland. So much of the area is protected as a nature preserve.
This City of Newport Beach spot is designed for launching recreational watercraft like kayaks, outriggers, canoes, and paddleboards. The beach area is VERY small, but the water play is fun and airplanes fly over from Orange County Airport. This is NOT a swimming beach, but more of a wading spot for toddlers.
There are quite a few things to be aware of at North Star Beach and also a lot of links to share about it, so I ended up writing a full post on it.
I have had one parent complain of rocks that hurt her child’s foot, but otherwise no reported issues over the years this one has been included on the list. Could be seasonal since beaches tend to have the sand wash in and out over the year (summer = more sand, less rocks)?
Mother’s Beach in Huntington Harbour
A favorite for the Huntington Beach area is Mother’s Beach inside Huntington Harbour (thanks to reader, Meg, for pointing that one out)!
This one has an awesome pirate-themed playground and it’s somewhat off the beaten path (except on popular weekends and holidays when it can be really busy)!
So that’s it! If you can think of any other toddlerbeaches in OC with NO waves, please let me know! I do know of another in Huntington Harbour, but the parking is pretty impossible so I’ve not included it here.
If you want to know about the 30+ Toddler-Friendly Parks in Orange County, then make sure you go read that blog post which highlights playgrounds with baby swings and restrooms – and other features that make them work for younger kids!
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These meaningful gifts for mom may not cost money, but will show you care all the same.
While it’s important to remind your mom how much you love and appreciate her on Mother’s Day, that reminder doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable Mother’s Day gifts under $25 that look anything but cheap and, if you’re crafty, you can always make a DIY Mother’s Day present for that special lady in your life. However, if the ongoing Covid-19 crisis has put you on a very tight budget, then these free and frugal Mother’s Day gifts can be used to tell your mom, grandma, stepmom, mother-in-law, or any other maternal figure you know and love just how much you care. The best part? They won’t require you to spend more than a few bucks (or no money at all!).
Saying “I love you” on Mother’s Day doesn’t have to entail an actual gift. You can show your appreciation by making a special Mother’s Day brunch, helping her around the house, or planning a Mother’s Day activity for the two of you to enjoy. A thoughtful Mother’s Day card is also a great way to express your gratitude. But if you’re looking for a small memento to give your mom on May 9, and after a particularly difficult year, then these free (or basically free) gifts are the way to go.
Your love doesn’t have to cost a thing, and these free Mother’s Day gifts prove it. The best part: These gift ideas all make perfect last-minute Mother’s Day presents if you accidentally procrastinated this year.
Courtesy of Skip to My Lou
Mother’s Day Coupon Book
Give your mom the freedom to choose how she spends her special day with a free download of an adorable book of coupons.
Forget expensive store-bought cards. There are plenty of free printable Mother’s Day cards available, which you can fill with your own heartfelt message.
Make a mini succulent even sweeter with a printable flag label, which reads, “Mom, thank you for helping me grow.” You can also decorate a mason jar plant holder if you’re feeling creative.
Nothing says Mother’s Day like breakfast in bed — and you can really make your mom’s day by having her fill out her own free printable “room service” door hanger.
Though this custom canvas requires a bit more work than simply printing and framing, you can easily create a professional-looking canvas with a few tools and a printable template.
Want to remind your mom of all her best qualities? Then fill a mason jar with slips of paper containing sweet compliments, either by themselves or affixed to small pieces of candy.
Give your mom her own custom “super mom” notepad for jotting down reminders (and you can stick them inside a cheap pencil box to make this gift extra thoughtful).
Every mom could use an emergency stash of candy, and with the help of an inexpensive plastic organizer and some treats, you can make a customized candy box.
The newest Mexican food hall and market in OC is packed with 20+ places to eat. A foodie destination that should be on your list on your trip to Orange County.
There are a lot of food halls but this one is filled with good food and good vibes. This place gets so packed they even offer valet parking.
Open Monday-Tuesday & Sunday 6am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 6am-11pm.
They bring in live music on weekends and offer cooking classes throughout the year.
This event is one of the best of its kind with a focus on STEAM education. For one weekend only participate in activities, watch demonstrations and let the kids immerse themselves in the wonderful world of STEAM
Race On The Base, Sat, Apr 13 @raceonthebase
The ever-popular UWS Race on the Base Reverse Sprint Triathlon and 5K Walk/Run is here!
GardenFest Sat, Apr 13
San Clemente’s Biggest, Best Plant Sale and Garden/Household Goods Flea Market. Waterwise Plants, California Native Plants, Succulents, Cactus, Perennials, Annuals, Herbs, as well as an assortment of other types of plants. 8am-2pm at the San Clemente Community Center.
Sake Festival, Sun, Apr 14 @gokumius
More than 40 craft sakes available for tasting and izakaya style appetizer buffets at Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori with 2 time frames available. 1-3pm or 5-8pm. Tickets are $50/ Each. Must be 21+ to attend.
Paws In The Park, Sat, Apr 13
There will be plenty to bark about at this event featuring pet-related vendors, rescue groups, DJ and games, crafts, activities and more. 10am-12:30pm On The Town Green In Ladera Ranch.
Springtime in Paris Boutique, Sat, Apr 13
Immerse yourself in the allure of Parisian charm as you peruse hand-sculpted treasures crafted by our talented local artisans and crafters. Featuring over 50+ vendors, our boutique offers an array of quirky and irresistible gifts. 8am-4pm at the Norman P Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo
Daily beginning March 11, 2024: Mon-Fri at 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, & 2:30pm | Sat & Sun every 30 minutes between 9:30am and 2:30pm
Tanaka Farms is famous for their delicious, sweet, and juicy strawberries! Take a wagon ride around the farm. Learn about the farming methods and history of the farm from your friendly tour guide. You will see how fruits and vegetables grow! Make one stop to pick a seasonal vegetable*, and then the last stop on this tour is in the strawberry patch where you can pick and eat strawberries! Everyone will take home a one-pound basket of strawberries! After the tour, visit the Barnyard Educational Exhibit where you can meet and interact with their barnyard friends.
You can throw a legendary Super Bowl party—even when you’re only watching for the commercials. Here’s what to do!
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
It seems that the best parties in the winter all revolve around football. Even if you don’t love sports, fear not. Throwing a Super Bowl party can be just as fun for the host as it is for sports fans. Stock up on tailgate snacks and slammin’ Super Bowl cocktails and let’s get going!
Bring on the Drinks
Football wouldn’t be a great American sport without a great American beverage. Before the party, snag a local beer from the cities of the teams competing or pick up one of our favorite cheap beer brands for your shindig. If they’re not into beer, pick a signature cocktail for each team based on their city, mascot or team colors. Mix up a pitcher of each drink ahead of time with a little splash of food coloring to match each team’s jerseys.
Do a Dip
Cheesy dips are a staple of any legendary tailgate, and a Super Bowl party is no different. Look for a few creative recipes and choose one that is cheesy, one that is meaty, one that is spicy and one that is vegan to appease all the different taste preferences of your group. Look to these dip recipes for inspiration.
To be the envy of all your friends (and the star of their Instagram stories) build yourself a snack stadium. Fill a few cardboard boxes or aluminum pans with all your favorite snacks (including some of these healthy Super Bowl recipes, for a well-balanced selection). Make a field out of a frosted cake and place it in the center. Learn how to build a snack stadium with our step-by-step guide.
Set the Scene
Make your guests feel like they’re watching the game from the sidelines with plenty of creative decorations. From AstroTurf coasters to football drink stirrers to a festive concession stand sign, decorating for your party can be just as fun as the party itself. Decorate one half of the living room with one team’s colors, and the other half of the living room with the other team’s colors. Your guests can choose where they want to sit and cheer on their favorite team.
Wing It
The staple of any great sports viewing party is a tray of sticky, sweet and tangy chicken wings. Prepare a range of flavors from extra spicy to sweet and mild and have a few dipping sauces (like ranch or blue cheese dressing) on the side. Wings are the perfect finger food, but be sure to have plenty of cocktail napkins ready for these fall off the bone, finger-licking goods!
Show Your Spirit
Throw a competition to see who has the most (and most creative) team spirit in the group. Have a face painting kit at the ready with some colorful streamers and spray on hair dye. Challenge your friends to create the craziest costumes and have a makeshift catwalk for them to show off their team spirit.
Pick a Winning Dessert
What better way to wash down all those wings and beers than with sweet and decadent Super Bowl desserts! Help ease the pain for the losing team with a crowd-pleasing classic like caramel brownies or ice cream and cookie pie. Even if their team lost the game, we bet your guests will leave with a full belly and happy heart.
Laura is a New York-based freelance food writer with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and a degree in Journalism from Penn State. Her work has appeared in Taste of Home, Chowhound, the Culture Trip and Patch.
Show the love with Cupid-inspired, romantic dinners, heart-shaped pizzas, pies, doughnuts & more V-Day specials throughout Orange County.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Valentine’s Day this year falls smack in the middle of the week — Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Whether your celebrations are swanky or low-key, reservations are imperative.
So check out our annual, V-Day dining guide for some of the sweetest offers — for all tastes and budgets —at restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias throughout Orange County.
Find what appeals, scroll through the photo show above for visual inspiration, then get to booking.
And XOXO, from Patch!
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ACAPULCO: Celebrate V-Day Feb. 14-17 with three-course, “Sweetheart Menu for Two” ($55). Begin with tortilla soup or Caesar salad, then choose entrée of chicken, shrimp or steak fajitas, a fajitas duo, crab & shrimp enchiladas, or Muy Grande Platter (chicken, carnitas, enchilada, vegetables, refried beans & rice). Shareable desserts selections: Mrs. Field’s Sizzling Cookie; Oreo cookie ice cream torta; flan; or caramelo cheesecake. Info/bookings. Find restaurant here in Costa Mesa.
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BAYSIDE RESTAURANT: Wow your sweetheart Valentine’s Day at this harbor-front spot with three-course dinner. Selections for lobster bisque, beef tartare, filet mignon, mushroom-crusted seabass & flourless chocolate tarte or crowd-favorite, lemon meringue tart. Live music, too. Plus seating options for inside dining room or covered & heated open-air terrace. $125 per person. Reservations. At 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach.
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BISTANGO: Cue the romance on V-Day with this eatery’s art gallery walls & live music, plus a chef-curated, three-course dinner with surf-n-turf focus. Served Feb. 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. $125/person. Seatings either under palms on open-air, heated patio, or in dining room’s private booth. Reservations. At 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine.
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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Choices here! Valentine’s Day options include “Campfire Feast Dinner for Two”($68), with starter, two entrees including prime rib & salmon, two sidekicks, broccoli & mashed potatoes, plus dessert. For couples wanting a little more “Surf ‘n’ Turf Dinner for Two” ($115), with two filet mignons, two lobster tails, starter, four sides, molasses bread, dessert & two prosecco splits. Bookings. Find locales in Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana.
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CAFE SEVILLA: Spanish-inspired menu, Latin music & flamenco entertainment are planned Valentine’s Day. Choose from four-course, prix-fixe special, with warm goat cheese dip & Spanish charcuterie to start, followed by lobster cake & citrus salad, pan-seared duck with Spanish beer glaze or lobster paella, and orange tart dessert with raspberry meringue. ($150/couple with live music 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Evening options include dazzling, flamenco show & dinner with three-course, lobster paella feast. ($119/person.) Plus, all Feb. 14 diners receive complimentary entry to Sevilla Ultra Lounge with live DJ & dancing. Details/reservations. At 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa.
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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Specials, including heart-shaped pizzas with crispy, thin crust, are back Feb. 9 to Feb. 14, for Valentine’s week. “Sweet Deal for Two” offers one appetizer, two entrees & one dessert for $50 (classic) or $60 for “Adventure Package.” Sweet Deal diners also score BOGO-offer bounceback card, redeemable Feb. 15 to Feb. 22. Details. Find locations here.
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EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD: Dine in style Valentine’s Day with such menu options as oysters, crab cakes, lobster, steaks, scallops, sea bass & more. And don’t miss new V-Day cocktail: “With Love, Eddie,” a bourbon indulgence. Reservations. Location in Newport Beach.
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EL TORITO: Treat your sweetheart Feb. 14-17 to three-course, Valentine special for two ($55), featuring options for tortilla soup, Caesar salad, entrées of fajitas, salmon or Macho Combo (pasilla chile relleno, chicken & sour cream enchilada, beef barbacoa taco & chicken tamale). Finish with shareable dessert of mudd pie, deep fried ice cream or cinnamon-crisp cheesecake. Website. See locales.
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FARMER BOYS: Award-winning burger chain plays Cupid this Valentine’s Day with debut of “Burger Bouquet.” As alternative to roses & chocolates, this “bouquet” ($30) is five Big Cheese burgers in special box with V-Day card. Sold via drive-thru, dine-in or phone-ahead, while supplies last. Website. Find restaurants in Orange County.
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FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR: Three-course, V-Day menu for two — starring Prime Surf & Turf — will be served Feb. 8-19. Included: oysters Rockefeller & shrimp cocktail starters; bone-in NY strip; filet mignon; two crab-stuffed lobster tails; & dark chocolate torte dessert. ($230 for two.) Specialty cocktail: the Berry Basil Bliss, with gin, sherry, lemon juice & strawberry ($17). Per-guest menu options for filet mignon with crab-stuffed shrimp or Chilean sea bass available. Eateries open early at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Details. Locations here in Anaheim, Newport Beach.
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GELSON’S MARKETS: Create romantic V-Day celebration at home with to-go dinners for two. Options: steak & lobster; salmon & lobster tail; or cordon bleu with lobster tail. Sides include pomegranate apple salad & roasted garlic asparagus. Floral arrangements & chocolate-dipped strawberries also available for a finishing touch. Place orders online for pick-up Feb. 13-14. See info here. Find stores near you.
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KHAN SAAB DESI CRAFT KITCHEN: This twice Michelin-recognized, 100% Halal restaurant is prepping a five-course, Valentine’s Day prix-fixe feast, for Feb. 14 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. $80 per person. Among highlights: sweet & sour potato chaat; Bazaar Salad of tomatoes, charred watermelon & cucumber; roast mashed eggplant bharta; such entrees as Manchigo corn kofta; lemon chili shrimp; chopal kabob & malai chicken tikka masala; plus banana crème brulee dessert. V-Day mocktail special is Chocolate Martini with Ghirardelli chocolate, caramel, cream & Seedlip Spice 94. Reservations. At 229 East Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton.
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KING’S FISH HOUSE: Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the “House that Seafood Built” with three-course menu starring steak & seafood specials. Among menu selections: eight-ounce filet mignon; South African lobster tail; plus appetizer, choice of sides & dessert. $80 per person. Regular menu, including Chilean sea bass, wild California spiny lobster & more, also available. Reservations. Locations here in Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills & Orange.
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KRISPY KREME: Sweeten V-Day with heart-shaped doughnuts in “Dough-Notes” box with your heart-felt sentiments. This year’s four, new flavors: You Color My World (cake batter filling, red icing & rainbow heart sprinkles); I Love You A Choco-Lot (chocolate filling & icing with rose piping); You’re Berry Sweet (white Kreme filling, strawberry icing & sprinkles); & Without You I’d Crumble (cookie dough filling, chocolate icing & cookie crumble). The Dough-Notes dozens box includes space for handwritten notes from giver to receiver. Available through Feb. 14. Details. Shop finder.
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LAS BRISAS: Enjoy romantic, waterfront setting, plus special five-course, prix-fixe dinner from 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 18. $140/person. Menu highlights include lamb chops, filet of beef & butternut squash tamale. Or select $325 per couple option, with tomahawk steak or lobster. Champagne upgrades available for all window tables, starting at $350 per person, on Valentine’s Day. Details/bookings. At 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
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LUCIANA’S RISTORANTE: Indulge in romantic ambiance & Italian cuisine with four-course, prix-fixe, Valentine’s Day dinner in historic Lantern District. ($85/person.) Begin with crostini flight. Then select from options as: Insalata di Barbabietole (red & yellow beets, baby greens, balsamic reduction, whipped honey goat cheese); Zuppa di Aragosta with crème fraiche & lobster; filet mignon with porcini sauce, broccolini & Luciana’s famous butter beans; osso buco; braised chicken; salmon; Ravioli di Aragosta (homemade lobster ravioli); squid ink pasta with shrimp, scallops & crab; plus exotic desserts. Menu. Reservations. At 24312 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point.
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MARUFUKU RAMEN: This eatery is V-Day, date-night ready with menu featuring such dishes as: appetizers of pork cha-shu in Japanese steamed buns; pan-fried pot stickers; fried shishito peppers; authentic Hakata-style Tonkatsu ramen with ultra thin noodle, broth & pork & more. Night cap options include sake, imported beer & craft cocktails. Website. Location here at 8543 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine.
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MIX RESTAURANT AT HILTON ANAHEIM: Win your Valentine’s heart with deluxe, Feb. 14 dinner for two, served 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. & crafted by Executive Chef Juan Lopez & team. Menu highlights: lobster seafood bisque; beet salad; pan-seared “Naked Scallops” with saffron cauliflower puree; seafood ravioli; salmon; chicken; herb-crusted steak; plus “Amore” dessert of strawberry & chocolate. Reservations via OpenTable. At 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim.
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MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE: Treat your Valentine to romantic dinner for two, served Feb. 9-17. Included are starters & sides, with entree choices of bone-in New York strip and twin, lobster tails. $169 for two. Dine-in only. Details/reservations. Find locations in Anaheim & Santa Ana.
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MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA: For entire month of February, heart-shaped pizzas are available for dine-in, takeout & delivery — with toppings of choice, like the chain’s signature crispy, curly pepperoni. To sweeten the deal, bite-sized Mini Churrs are $2.99 with purchase of any heart-shaped pizza. Details. Find stores.
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OJI SUSHI & SAKE BAR: Treat your sushi-loving sweetheart to luxury, all-you-can-eat Valentine’s Day dinner Feb. 14, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Adults/$38.99; kids, 8-13/$19.99; kids, 4-7/$14.99; & 3 and under free. For reservations, call 949-515-7400. At 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa.
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PIEOLOGY PIZZERIA: V-Day special, Red Velvet Cookies, are back for limited time beginning Feb. 13. Freshly baked with white chocolate chips, Hershey’s milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate chunks & milk chocolate chunks, they are available for purchase & also as free “perk” option for “Pies and Perks” members. Find locations statewide.
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POLLY’S PIES: Add a delicious twist to Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped, hand pies — in boysenberry, apple & cherry — from family-owned legacy business, founded in 1968 in Fullerton. $7.99 each. Pre-order for pick-up, or schedule a delivery/shipment of four for $35.99. Details. With 13 SoCal locations in Los Angeles, Orange & Riverside counties.
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POSTINO WINE CAFE: Make V-Day a date night to remember with “Takeout & Makeout” & “Snacks in The City” to-go packs available through Feb. 18. Or book reservation for parties up to eight from Feb. 10-18. “Takeout & Makeout” ($55) includes one “snacky thing,” bruschetta, board & salad and feeds two. “Snacks in The City” feeds four to six ($80) with three “snacky things,” one bruschetta, board & salad. Reservations/order info. At 2981 Michelson Drive, Irvine.
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ROUND TABLE PIZZA: Heart-shaped pizzas are on the menu for Valentine’s Day, plus get $5 off a large, heart-shaped pizza OR regular XL pizza with code HEART5 at checkout. Find locales statewide.
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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: Treat your Valentine to “Porterhouse Dinner for Two” or “T-Bone with Horseradish Crust.” Porterhouse is paired with lobster tails & offered only Wednesday, Feb. 14. T-bone special is served Feb.9-18. Details. See sites in Anaheim, Irvine.
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SEASONS 52: Celebrate V-Day with elegant, on-site dining of seasonal favorites & rotating wine flights, or plan romantic, at-home dinner for two with takeout option. To-go meal offers filet mignon, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, broccolini, salad, two Mini Indulgence desserts & bottle of wine for $115. Pre-order takeout 24 hours in advance for Feb. 10-18 pickup. Reservations/ordering details. Location in Costa Mesa.
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SKÅL PIZZA: “Pizza My Heart: Valentine’s Day Specials” planned Feb. 9 through Feb. 14 (closed Feb. 13) at the health-conscious, stylishly casual eatery, AKA Malibu Farm’s cool “little sister” restaurant along Lido Marina Village boardwalk. Enjoy chef/restaurateur Helene Henderson’s offerings, including two heart-shaped pizzas: Everything Crust & Lox Pizza: white sauce, smoked salmon, tomatoes, cucumber, dill, caper berries & pickled onions; and Tomato & Spanish Chorizo: tomato sauce, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, chorizo & oregano. Half-off bottles of wine, too. Website. At 3400 Via Oporto, Newport Beach.
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SNOOZE A.M. EATERY: Celebrate your Valentine with limited-time, sweet treat — Double Chocolate Brownie Pancakes. Offered Feb. 8 through V-Day, Feb. 14, this decadent dish features brownie buttermilk pancake topped with chocolate ganache, strawberries, blueberries & powdered sugar. Find locations in Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel, Orange, Tustin.
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SUSIECAKES: Keep it sweet & bring home cookies, cupcakes, mini-cupcakes & cakes decorated with Valentine’s Day themes. A super cute, bakery highlight is 4-inch, “Sweetheart Cake,” perfect for two with vanilla buttercream & red and pink hearts. ($42.99.) Order info. Find shops statewide in Costa Mesa, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach.
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TAVERN + BOWL: For a fun, V-Day with friends & family, book a lane & enjoy dinner & bowling. Menu offerings range from steak & burgers to pizza & vegetarian options. Open Feb. 14, on Valentine’s Day, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 949-438-2320. OC reservations. At 1875 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa.
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TENDER GREENS: Sweet, V-Day freebie! Diners at the chef-drive, healthy living, sustainable-focused eateries score free dessert of choice with any entree purchase on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Website. Locations at UC Irvine & Irvine Spectrum.
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THE CAPITAL GRILLE: Valentine’s Day dining promises a chef-prepared, dining experience, featuring variety of wine & champagne selections, dry-aged steaks & complimentary, chocolate-covered strawberries, prepared by in-house pastry chef. Bookings. Location here in Costa Mesa.
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URBAN PLATES: Three-course, Valentine’s special ($55) will be served Feb. 9-19 for dine-in or takeout. Selections include: tomato basil soup, house or Caesar salad; char-grilled steak; chimichurri steak; salmon; two sides; rustic bread; & dessert of cookies, cakes or mango tarts. In-house diners get half-off bottles of wine, too. Find locales statewide in Aliso Viejo, Brea, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Tustin.
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WATER GRILL: Book a Valentine’s date night with chef-curated, four-course menu, along with interactive photo booth & commemorative hand-poured candle ($135/person). Dinner highlights: oyster sampler or jumbo lump crab cake; clam chowder & roasted beet salad; plus such surf n’ turf entrées as filet mignon or lobster. Dessert array offered, too, including New York cheesecake & caramel bread pudding. Optional wine pairing: $50. Reservations. At 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.
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WATERTABLE AT HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH: Cue the romance with three-course, Valentine’s Day dinner, featuring such options as hamachi crudo, pan-seared scallops, lamb chops, tiger prawns, elk loin, NY steak, tofu, fennel & squash, plus dessert selections of orange almond cake, Six Degrees of Chocolate Cake, berry torte & more. Reservations. At Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach.
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It’s never too early to start planning for Valentine’s Day or just having a handy list of ideas for a romantic date with your sweetheart! We’ve gathered ideas with the help of an old OC Register post. We hope you’ll enjoy this list! Though we’ve taken steps to ensure these places are still operating, definitely do your due diligence before heading out! 🙂
1. Find a lookout point: There are plenty of romantic views around the region, from cliffs that overlook the glistening Pacific Ocean to quiet places where you can park your car and gaze over shining city lights.
Trails that sit above the ocean, such as Point Vicente in Palos Verdes, Corona del Mar’s Inspiration Point, Crystal Cove State Beach’s cliffside trails or the Dana Point Headlands, offer ocean vistas for light daytime strolls. Hilltop Park in Signal Hill is known for its epic city views above the twinkling lights. Further inland, check out the Mt. Rubidoux Trail just west of downtown Riverside, which showcases mountain ranges and the city below, but note that parking and the trial close at dusk.
2. Take a mini cruise: Southern California has several harbors and a vast coastline for special trips out on the water.
In Long Beach, check out Harbor Breeze Cruises’ historical tour of the Los Angeles Harbor, a 45-minute narrated cruise that includes the Long Beach skyline, the Queen Mary and wildlife hanging out in the harbor like sea lions or, if you’re lucky, gray whales.
In Newport Beach, you can charter your own Duffy boat for a more intimate cruise, packing wine and cheese or grabbing a meal from a dockside restaurant at Lido Marina Village.
In Dana Point, stop by the harbor’s “Love Wall” mural for a photo op with your own love before heading out on a cocktail cruise on Saturday or Sunday with Aventura Sailing. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari will host sunset safaris for sweethearts and also offers romantic private charters, or join Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching all weekend for cruises at sunset with a complimentary drink and treats.
3. Catalina Express now boarding: If you want a longer excursion, Catalina Express has charters from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Cruise around the island on a golf cart to take in the sights, or take some hiking shoes to traverse the scenic trails.
4. Romantic gondola ride: Taking a romantic trip to Italy might not be in the cards this year, but you can enjoy a gondola ride around Naples in Long Beach, Huntington Harbor, or Newport Beach in Orange County. Most companies offer Valentine’s Day specials, though some are already sold out, so you may need to be flexible and book an excursion on a different day.
5. Visit a lush garden: Botanical gardens can be beautiful places to explore, filled with flora and fauna of the region. Check out UC Riverside’s impressive garden located in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains. The 40 acres on the east side of the campus feature four miles of trails, or just soak in the beauty of its 3,500 plant species from one of the benches.
Smaller botanical gardens can be found throughout the region, such as the Niguel Botanical Garden in Laguna Niguel. In the South Bay, check out the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden in Polliwog Park or South Coast Botanical Garden in Palos Verdes.
6. Movie under the stars: Southern California is home to a handful of still operating drive-ins, including in the City of Industry, Montclair, Paramount and Riverside, that are easily found with an internet search and there are pop-ups that bring outdoor screens to even more communities. Or watch a romantic movie from the comfort of your own car at The Roadium in Torrance!
7. Soak in the beach scenes: There’s nothing more simple or romantic than a leisurely stroll on one of the region’s idyllic piers. Grab a meal from a local restaurant and head to the Malibu, Huntington Beach or San Clemente piers and find a spot to sit while watching surfers ride waves. The region’s other piers – from Hermosa Beach to Newport Beach and beyond – have eateries with a view or that can pack up food to go for a picnic in the sand.
Another beach-themed idea? Snuggle up with your loved one at a fire ring with the flames keeping you warm. Grab some S’mores fixings, a few hot dogs and watch the sun go down at any Huntington Beach stretch, Bolsa Chica or Aliso Beach in South Laguna, which have rows of fire rings available. Another popular place is Corona del Mar, but make sure you bring charcoal to burn, wood is not allowed.
8. Explore tidepools: Plan a great sunset stroll to explore sea creatures at local tidepools in Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach and Dana Point. You can look up the tide report at U.S. Harbors.
9. Shop an open-air market: Been limiting your time shopping inside? There are a few open air markets where you can stroll with your loved one to pick up something special, while at the same time supporting small businesses. Check out our Farmer’s Market post or our Shopping Center Guide to get ideas!
10. Snuggle in the snow: Get cozy with your loved one on a ski lift or maybe take a scenic chair lift ride, but make sure to bundle up. If you want a snowboard or ski getaway, be warned…with President’s Day the following Monday, it’ll be busy. Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, and Snow Valley are the local ski resorts.
Enjoy a day of snow play at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain recreation park in Big Bear Lake if you want to avoid the resort crowds, but still want a thrill. There is a bobsled experience and snow play areas where you can tube down the hill.
If you’re not into playing in the snow, but want to enjoy the mountain views, check out Mount Baldy’s scenic lift rides, which take people to the Top of the Notch Recreation Area. It’s a 20-minute ride to 7,800 feet that has views all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
