SEED STARTING BASICS

It's not California without some pool time. At Hotel Irvine, you can also enjoy a jacuzzi, cabana and bar.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a must-stop location.

Tra California Dreamin' HEAD SOUTH FOR SUNNY SKIES AND GRAND ADVENTURES I MAGINE THAT ONE PERFECT OREGON SUMMER evening where everything feels just right — you’re outdoors with friends, the sun is slow to set, there’s a gentle breeze and you don’t think about needing a sweater or going inside. You’re happy and relaxed.

That’s how I felt while visiting Orange County in southern California. Everywhere I went felt just like that perfect Oregon day.

Orange County is most famous for its Anaheim-based amusement parks, and for good reason. But if you’ve spent the day at Disneyland with the grandkids, spend another day doing some sight-seeing within the county. My visit took me to the master-planned Irvine, fashion-centric Costa Mesa, historic San Juan Capistrano and the lavish beach towns of Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Here are six reasons you’ll put Orange County at the top of your next travel destination. EASE OF TRAVEL. I recommend flying Alaska Airlines into the OC’s John Wayne Airport, which is small and easy to navigate. Car rentals are available right next to the baggage claim and cars can be picked up directly across the street in a covered garage. You’re just a few minutes to the freeway and within 30 minutes of any destination in the county. Getting around Orange County was easy at almost any time of day. The streets are wide, the freeway traffic flowed surprisingly well, and I had no problems finding my way. LOCATION. Orange County is a suburban paradise nestled between the large cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. It touches both the beaches and the hills yet escapes the head aches of daylong rush-hour traffic. You can just as easily take a nature hike as you can shop at boutiques by today’s top designers.

As expected, there are plenty of palm trees and swimming pools. There’s also first-class restaurants, high-adventure out door activities, waterways, yacht rides and an opportunity to test drive the sports car of your dreams — Maserati, anyone? Drive the famed Pacific Coast Highway for beautiful views of the California coast and some of the state’s most expensive real estate. Take a bridge or short ferry ride to Balboa Island, one of the loveliest spots in southern California. HISTORY + ART + FASHION. Orange County’s glitz and By MICHELLE TE

Tra vel California Dreamin' glamour doesn’t take the in-your-face approach of other tourist destinations, like the Las Vegas strip. The culture is to be discovered and savored. Eat at the indoor-outdoor Taco Maria, a Mexican kitchen in Costa Mesa whose chef Carlos Salgado was given a Michelin star. Then wander through cavernous home décor stores and run your fingers along designs from around the world. Later, take in a cultural performance at the dazzling Segerstrom Performing Arts Center, then visit the Avenue of the Arts Hotel across the street. It’s a visual feast in purple — from the massive curtains draping the portico, to the art deco furniture and the outdoor patio. Dine at the Silver Trumpet next door, where you’ll find a complement of more old Hollywood décor in silver, grey and whites. It’s glamorous and affordable.

For a good sense of California history, visit San Juan Capistrano, a delightful small city just a few miles from the coast. You’ll find its casual charm in the walkable streets and shops. On the other side of the train depot, visit the Los Rios District, the oldest residential street in the entire state with homes dating back to the 1700s.

Be sure to give yourself a cou ple hours to visit the mission for an authentic experience where every detail is reminiscent of the mission’s rich legacy, from the dusty paths and lemon trees, to the art gallery and stunning chapel. It’s reverent and thor oughly interesting.

CAN’T GET OVER THE FOOD. I’m still dreaming about the pork cheek adobo at Terrace by Mix Mix, included on a chef-driven international menu

Known as a leading tech and life science powerhouse, Irvine surprises with the most low tech open space in Orange County! Artfully manicured office parks are surrounded by more than 16,000 acres of preserved natural habitats and wildlands offering miles of offline hiking, running and biking trails. Connect offline.

Receive a FREE pair of customized Destination Irvine socks - send an email to visitors@destinationirvine.com and mention this ad*!

*Limited to first 25 readers

destinationirvine.com