Pack up the family and drive south an hour to Newport Beach, two hours to Dana Point, or any Orange County city in between. We have compiled a list of resorts overlooking the Southern California coast and some of the best restaurants in Orange County that your family is sure to enjoy. Check them out below!  

RESORTS

LAGUNA BEACH 

Laguna is a small coastal city in Orange County. It’s famous for its art galleries, oceanside coves and beaches, state parks, and pristine ocean views.     

Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage Laguna Beach spans 30 acres on a bluff overseeing the Pacific Ocean. It’s location, views, and stunning Craftsman-style architecture make it one of the world’s most beautiful hotels. Along with a fantastic beachfront, and miles of trails, there are two pools, a 20,000 square feet spa and three restaurants. 

Surf and Sand Resort 

Located directly on 500 feet of beachfront this award-winning resort features 164 guest rooms and 13 suites. There is also a complete spa, exquisite coastal dining, event center, and more sitting right on the beach.  It’s just steps from the quaint town of Laguna Beach. Guests rave about the service. You’re sure to be pampered here! 

NEWPORT BEACH

Newport is known for its large harbor, the Balboa Peninsula, the Balboa Fun Zone Amusement Park, pristine beaches, Fashion Island shopping mall, and more.

Resort at Pelican Hill

This Italian Revival-style resort hotel is perched on 504 acres overlooking the  Newport Beach coast. This luxury resort features spacious bungalows, guest rooms, and villas. It’s 136-foot diameter circular Coliseum Pool is entirely surfaced with hand-cut glass mosaic tiles.  There are two 18 hole Tom Fazio-designed golf courses and a five-star spa. 

Lido House Hotel 

The authentic beach house experience gets reimagined at Lido House, Autograph Collection, a luxury hotel nestled on Lido Isle in Newport Beach. Situated near Lido Marina Village and Balboa Peninsula, the hotel is perfectly positioned on the water to discover Newport Beach’s vibrant atmosphere, bustling marina, and white-sand beaches.     

DANA POINT

Dana Point is a quaint coastal town. It features a marina with great restaurants and shops, golf courses, trails, parks, beautiful coastlines, and world-class resorts. 

Monarch Beach Resort

The Monarch Beach Resort In Dana Point features 400 guest rooms with private balconies or patios overlooking a beautiful pool, golf courses, parks, and the Pacific Ocean. There is a full-service spa where you can enjoy a massage, body treatment, or facial after a day at the beach, in the pool or a round of golf. This five-star resort boasts six restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe.     

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

The Ritz Carlton sits on a bluff just above the Pacific Ocean in Dana Point. This beachfront resort allows guests to walk down and enjoy the beach, escape to one of the many private parks like sitting areas, swim in the pools, enjoy oceanfront fine dining, go to the spa, hike, golf, and more! 

RESTAURANTS

Nick’s Laguna Beach

440 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Known for the fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and melt-in-your-mouth butter cake, Nick’s is a spot where both locals and tourists collide. It’s that good. 

 

The Dock

2816 LaFayette Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92663 

The Dock is a quaint waterfront restaurant. The infused Continental Menu is creative, and approachable with a harmony of well-balanced flavors and seasonal ingredients. We recommend their fresh fish, pork chop, and all of the sides. 

 

Andrea at Pelican Hill 

22701 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast, CA 92657

When you think of upscale Italian fare, you think of Andrea at Pelican Hill. Homemade pasta, an extravagant wine list, fresh caviar, and some of the best barrel-aged risotto presented to you in a cheese barrel at the table.

The most straight forward benefit of installing solar panels on your home is that solar is a renewable energy source. Usually, if installed properly, a solar system provides a low maintenance solution to reducing energy bills. It is a viable option in minimizing your ecological footprint.   

Cost of Installation Continues to Fall 

Costs of solar systems have fallen dramatically in recent years as technology improves and more firms manufacture solar panels. Some estimates have the cost of solar down 70% from 2010. 

Clean and Renewable 

Solar is 100% clean and renewable. It reduces reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas for energy production. It’s a zero-emission fuel source.

Solar Energy Never Turns Off!

Households have experienced an increase in power outages. This is due to an older power grid, rolling blackouts during times of high energy usage, fires, etc..Solar panels can reduce your dependence on traditional power from utility companies. 

Incentives and Tax Credits

The ITC (Investment Tax Credit) for installing a solar system that is completed in 2020 is 26% That drops to 22% in 2021, and 10% in 2022. It was 30% in 2018 and 2019. 

There are hundreds of solar providers. The cost can vary dramatically from a vendor to vendor for the exact same system. Some have a horrible reputation. Make sure you get several estimates, check their reviews, research and double-check everything before committing to this purchase. Leases and financing can be deceiving. Do your homework! In the end, most people are quite satisfied with their systems, but you don’t want to hear your neighbor paid 1/2 for the same system!

We can now dine in at restaurants who are compliant with the rules of a safe reopening as we move into the next phase of Reopening California. Without further ado, there are many restaurants that are now open for dine-in customers! A true adventure (and a sigh of relief) for those of us who were getting tired of cooking/cleaning and ordering take out. 

We have rounded up a list of restaurants that are open for business. All restaurants below are available on the dining reservation app, OpenTable. Download the app, make some reservations, and enjoy the adventure. Make sure to assess the restaurant’s compliance with your comfortability before fully committing to sitting down at the restaurant. Happy eating! 

The Six – Calabasas 

The Society of Six was a group of innovative Northern California artists who came to prominence in the 1920s, during Prohibition. At an Oakland cabin known as the Chow House, the six closely knit painters held heated discussions about the state of the art world, fueled by home-cooked meals served with home-brewed beer and wine. The Society of Six and their passion for art, food and wine inspired us to create a new Six, an American rustic restaurant concept with traditional, unpretentious fare. The Six has a cozy, neighborhood vibe that is affordable and accessible to singles, families and business-people.

Sushi Sasabune – Glendale 

Sasabune is known as one of the earliest and the best “Omakase” Edo style sushi restaurant in Los Angeles for over 20 years. Japanese authentic style sushi with handpicked fresh types of fish every day.

La Cava – Sherman Oaks 

The LA CAVA concept is based on Armando’s roots. Born and raised in Florence, he grew up learning that as a local, one would go dining in the little Osterias where everything was made fresh daily, prepared with basic ingredients, simple recipes, delightful flavors and lots of love, for a fantastic experience that was also “gentle” on your wallet.

Monty’s Steakhouse – Woodland Hills

Monty’s is a classic American Steak house that proudly serves the finest and most delectable choice cuts of beef and seafood available with an endless array of sides and sauces to customize your dining experience and tailor it your unique taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a 24 oz Porterhouse or an 8oz Filet Mignon, a 28 oz Lobster tail or their famous Halibut, Monty’s dining experience is one to remember.

Pagliacci’s – Studio City 

Pagliacci’s Trattoria Tavern in Studio City serves a wide variety of wines, has a premium selection of beer and offers a menu of American and Italian food items. All of the ingredients are fresh. Even the focaccia bread there receives rave reviews. Other great starters to consider are the tropicale salad, as well as amazing homemade fresh pastas.

We can now dine in at restaurants who are compliant with the rules of a safe reopening as we move into the next phase of Reopening California. Without further ado, there are many restaurants that are now open for dine-in customers! A true adventure (and a sigh of relief) for those of us who were getting tired of cooking/cleaning and ordering take out. 

We have rounded up a list of restaurants that are open for business, and have linked directly to where you can make a reservation via OpenTable. Please make sure that upon arrival, you assess the restaurant’s compliance with the guidelines to align with your comfortability. Happy eating! 

 

Fogo De Chao –  Beverly Hills 

Fogo de Chao is a leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which has specialized in fire-roasting high-quality meats since 1979 utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. 

 

Ombu Grill – Koreatown

Ombu Grill is an elevated Korean BBQ Dining experience with an Argentinian Fusion. There is valet parking, and the service is excellent! 

Geoffrey’s Restaurant

Magnificent views of the Pacific coastline complimented by waterfalls and tropical plants create a romantic Mediterranean meets Malibu atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a relaxing weekday lunch and weekend brunch or candlelit dinner with surrounding fire pits.

Home Restaurant – Los Feliz 

Your HOME away from home! HOME restaurant offers authentic, HOME cooked delicious food in a homey atmosphere. They have become your neighborhood’s favorite hangout, even if they are not in your neighborhood!

Public School – Culver City 

Located in the heart of Downtown Culver City, Public School is a fun, school-themed gastropub that features a wide selection of local craft beers, classic drafts and craft cocktails. They offer a chef-driven menu that is made from scratch using only the freshest quality ingredients.

 

Last month was a pretty spectacular month on Netflix with the addition of old favorites and new titles in their digital library. This month, Netflix is not slowing down, and they are bringing a plethora of classics and new content to their library. Check out what is headed your way in July — mark your calendars as this is the perfect way to kick of summer!

Charlotte’s Web – July 1st, 2020 

A timeless classic brought to Netflix that is perfect for the family. In summary, Wilbur the pig is scared of the end of the season, because he knows that come that time, he will end up on the dinner table. He hatches a plan with his new friend Charlotte, a spider that lives in his pen, to ensure that this will never happen.

Million Dollar Baby – July 1st, 2020 

With a heavy hitters cast like Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman, this movie leaves you inspired, motivated, and craving lemon pie. In summary, a determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional and we follow along her journey of wins and losses inside and outside the ring.

The Karate Kid I, II, and III – July 1st, 2020

One of the most memorable trilogy’s from the 80’s is coming to Netflix. In summary, a boy and his mother move to California for a new job. He struggles to fit in, as a group of karate students starts to bully him for dating a rich girl from their clique. It’s up to the Japanese landlord, Miyagi, to teach him karate.

Down to Earth with Zac Efron – July 10th, 2020 

A new Netflix Original Series —  Actor Zac Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in a travel show that explores healthy, sustainable ways to live.

The Notebook – July 18th, 2020 

A classic love story that has been referenced in more than one point of your life — grab the tissues! In summary, a poor yet passionate young man falls in love with a rich young woman, giving her a sense of freedom, but they are soon separated because of their social differences.

ENTIRE JULY RELEASE LIST

Want to take a vacation but don’t want to jump on a plane? Sometimes what we are looking for is right in our own backyard! 

For over a century Santa Barbara has famously been referred to as The American Riviera as early visitors saw so much of a resemblance to the French Riviera. There is so much to do in Santa Barbara! Here are some five star world class hotel choices and a couple of four star choices. Additionally, we have included a few of our favorite restaurants to enjoy while there.  

HOTELS: 

Belmond El Encanto 

This five star resort advertises itself as one of California’s most indulgent hideaways and it’s true! It’s an architectural masterpiece. Every part of its original 1920’s glory still remains, but it’s been meticulously restored. It boasts separate bungalows with fireplaces and patios, a full spa, dramatic pool and lounge areas overlooking Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean, award wining dining and more. Peached in the Santa Barbara foothills just above State Street it’s a quiet forest setting just above downtown! 

San Ysidro Ranch

Located in the historic Montecito area of Santa Barbara this  five star resort boasts 41 individually decorated private cottages winding along San Ysidro’s hillside creek. This romantic getaway has a rich history. It was the spot John and Jackie Kennedy chose to spend their honeymoon! Just because it’s close doesn’t mean it’s not among the best in the world! 

The Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara

 It doesn’t get better than this! The Biltmore is a  five star resort tucked in between the beach and the San Ynez mountains spanning 22 acres! Its Spanish colonial villas and bungalows are updated but are still reminiscent of what made this historic landmark a Hollywood favorite since the 1930’s. 

The Ritz Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara 

Located adjacent to the famous Sandpiper Golf Course this five star resort will match the best Hawaiian resorts without the flight! It spans 78 beachfront acres on the Gaviota Coast just north of Santa Barbara. Here you can escape to its two beaches, three pools or you can pamper yourself in the resort’s 42,000 square foot spa! 

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort 

This four star beachfront resort is located  across the street from famous East Beach and near the Funk Zone district  this beachfront hotel Is a winner!

Fess Parker Santa Barbara Doubletree Hotel by Hilton  

 

The Fess Parker Santa Barbara is in a great East Beach location. This four star resort is close to everything and has been a favorite for years. It’s convenient for Cabrillo Pavilion, Presidio Santa Barbara, The Mission, Downtown and more!

Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito 

This five star hotel was just completed and sits on the former site of the Miramar By The Sea Hotel. It is a luxury resort with  124 rooms, and 37 spacious suites, a full wellness center and  cabins lined pools, sitting on the beautiful Miramar Beach. This Caruso developed resort offers true pampering and luxury!

RESTAURANTS: 

The Lark 

131 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805-284-0370

The Lark, named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 -1968, is situated in the heart of the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts and entertainment district near the Waterfront in downtown Santa Barbara. Their menus are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using the highest quality seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty of the Central Coast. Their wine list highlights small Santa Barbara County producers as well as artisan winemakers from afar. 

Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach

2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

805-898-2628

The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, featuring exquisite dining and Santa Barbara’s most spectacular ocean views. They have incredibly fresh seafood and an incredibly memorable happy hour. 

Barbareño 

205 W. Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805-963-9591

Centrally located in downtown Santa Barbara, Barbareño enhances the essence of the local cuisine on the Central Coast of California.  Using the history and traditions of the  area as a starting point, along with the abundance of locally produced products available from the region, Executive Chef Julian Martinez and Chef de Cuisine Preston Knox work to create a menu that vividly expresses our time and place. Served in a casual yet refined space and complemented by some of the best wines and beers in California, they seek to redefine the significance of California Cuisine.

Heavy rain this summer? Of course not, but the best time to prepare is before heavy rain floods you out!

The best time to get ready for rain is when it’s not raining. The following tips can help you be prepared for winter.

HIRE A ROOFER

It’s easier to get a roofer when they are not needed. Don’t wait until it’s raining to try to get a roofer out. They will be  overloaded with emergencies. Take care of those roof repairs and replacements you have put off, or just get a roofer out for a tune up now.

CHECK THE GUTTERS 

Did you know that clogged gutters can cause water to pool and will lead to roof leaks or other water intrusion issues? Get your rain gutters cleaned and inspected. You also may want to consider screening on top if you have trees that clog them up.

CHECK AREA DRAINS

Area drains are there for a reason! Clogged area drains can lead to a flood in your home. Have your area drains cleared to make sure water flows freely out to the street. Consider getting them hydro jetted rather than just snakes out. Hydro jetting is more likely to  clear the whole drain pipe, while snaking may just put a hole through a clog which may clog again.

Let’s go Retro! Spend a night at a drive-in movie.

If you are looking for a fun night out, but want to remain in your car away from others, a great date night idea is a drive in movie! The first drive-in theater opened in 1933 in New Jersey by Richard Hillingshead. Over the next forty years drive-in theaters sprung up all over the country. Unfortunately, with the invention of the multiplex theaters in the 1970’s drive-in theaters began to close.  There are not many drive-in theaters today, but you can still go back in time and spend a night at the drive-in.  If you look at online reviews people still love the drive-in! These are some of the very few drive-in theaters remaining in Southern California. 

Electric Dusk Drive In Van de Karp Bakery Building

2930 N Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles, CA 

This is the last remaining drive-in theater in Los Angeles. It features top films from the 1980’s, and 1990’s. Along with drive-in there is outdoor seating. 

Mission Tiki

10798 Romona Ave, Montclair, CA

This drive-in opened in 1956 and expanded to four screens in 1975. They began to refurbish it in 2006 and the drive-in stands today as an exciting rare piece of history which unlike so many other drive-in theaters still exists. 

Van Buren Drive-in

3036 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA

Located in the historic Arlington district in Riverside, California this drive-in opened in 1964. It was expanded to three screens in 1975. In 2006 the owners, who have run the theater for 40 years, contemplated a development deal, but that fell through and they instead remodeled the property and added state of the art projection systems. In 2015 they became one of the first drive-in theaters to install digital projection.  

Vineland Drive-in

443 Vineland Ave, City of Industry California, CA 

Pacific Theaters opened the Vineland Drive-in in 1955. It was expanded to four screens in 1981. There is a 1700 car capacity. It’s a giant facility with gigantic screens. 

Rubidoux Drive-in

3770 Opal Street, Riverside, CA 

This fully restored landmark with its original 1948 screen is still standing tall! Although it has retained much of its original character it has incorporated state of the art digital projection and sound. Originally there was room for 690 cars, so they added two additional screens in 1983 to compete with the new wave of multiplex theaters. 

Paramount Drive-in

7770 Rosecrans Ave, Paramount, CA

Located in the Paramount Entertainment Center this drive-in theater boasts two screens and plays first run movies. It opened in 1955, but closed in 1991. Fortunately, the property remained intact and was refurbished and re-opened in 2014.

 

West Wind Drive-in also known as the Santa Barbara Drive-in

907 S Kellogg Ave, Goleta, CA

The West Wind Drive-in has been family owned and operated since it opened in 1952. They boast crystal clear image quality in a screen so large it dwarfs what you would see at an indoor theater, and great sound quality fed right to your car sound system. 

 

We can now dine in at restaurants who are compliant with the rules of a safe reopening as we move into the next phase of Reopening California. Without further ado, there are many restaurants that are now open for dine-in customers! A true adventure (and a sigh of relief) for those of us who were getting tired of cooking/cleaning and ordering take out. 

We have rounded up a list of restaurants that are open for business, and have linked directly to where you can make a reservation via OpenTable. Happy eating! 

Spago – Beverly Hills 

Spago Beverly Hills, Wolfgang Puck’s legendary, flagship restaurant, continues to set the standard for cuisine, service and style, and is consistently recognized as the ultimate in fine dining. Spago presents a completely new menu and design. The master chef has re-invented the entire menu with his signature farm to table philosophy. Puck, along with Partner and Executive Chef Ari Rosenson, creates imaginative seasonal menus showcasing the best of California’s produce and products. Spago’s new design from Waldo Fernandez complements the food with its clean and simple aesthetic, incorporating natural elements to add an organic feel. 

 

Little Sister – Downtown LA 

Little Sister DTLA features East-meets-West inspired dishes served in a relaxed social environment that feels more residential than restaurant, as if you”re being invited into the Chef Tin’s home. Little Sister’s menu showcases Chef Tin’s take on one of the more interesting and rich collisions of food and culture that was borne out of the European colonization of Southeast Asia. Dishes blend and balance the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu is continually and progressively evolving, reflecting inspiration and the seasons. Scott Young along with Chef Tin curates the restaurant’s wine and beverage program with a focus on intriguing labels, both domestically and from around the world. Craft beer selection includes special batches from The Brewery at Abigaile, brewed only for the restaurant.

Nicolas Eatery – Malibu 

Nicolas Eatery is a family-run restaurant based in Malibu serving delicious food with French cooking techniques, offering brunch, lunch and dinner service. Their ingredients are fresh and organic and come from  local farmers. They strive to provide their guests with the best experience. The menu is designed to allow guests to customize their orders as they please. After all, they are the one eating it, and they are here to serve you. You can call 424-644-0614 to make a reservation or online via Resy.com.  

MessHall Kitchen – Los Feliz

Located in the heart of Los Feliz, Messhall celebrates regional American dining, featuring a raw bar with fresh oysters and a relaxed atmosphere of social/communal dining. Open spaces with a neo-industrial feel incorporating elements of the location’s history including its past as Cecil B. De Mille’s Willard’s Chicken Inn and The Brown Derby. MessHall features American Classics re-conceptualized by Chef Charbel Adaimy using local, sustainable, organic and seasonal ingredients. They’re famous for our burgers, BBQ specials and craft cocktails.

Rush Street – Culver City 

Chicago’s rowdy Rush Street comes to Culver City in the form of a two-level restaurant, bar and lounge. From pizza to french fries to decadent sandwiches, this place has it all. Come for the food, and stay for the company. You can call 310-837-9546 to make a reservation or online via the OpenTable app.

 

Pools and Spas provide great summer fun! Unfortunately, they can be dangerous. These are some simple pool safety tips.

• If a child is missing, look  in the pool or spa first.
• Always watch children when they’re in or near a pool or spa. If multiple adults are present, designate one of them to watch the children for a designated amount of time and then rotate.
• Teach children basic water safety tips and enroll them in swimming lessons. The sooner they learn to swim the better.

LEARN HOW TO SWIM

• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid suction related risks. Make sure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers; ask your pool service provider if you don’t know.
• Don’t rely on toys such as rafts, floaties, or noodles to keep your children safe. If your child can’t swim, fit them with an appropriate personal floatation device (PFD).

HAVE A CELL PHONE ON YOU 

• Have a portable telephone, first aid kit, flotation device, and a pair of scissors to cut hair, clothing, or a pool cover if needed stored near your pool or spa.
• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly.
• Install a five-foot or taller fence around the pool and use self-closing and self-latching hates.

• Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
• Install door alarms and  pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water
• Keep your pool or spa cover in good shape. If you notice defects have them repaired or replace them.