4 minute read
Orange County's Hidden Gems Your Clients Want to Know About
By: Lea Vatenmakher COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
We are all familiar with Orange County’s well-known attractions and popular hot spots. Many of us grew up visiting the iconic theme parks, going on scenic hikes, and knowing each beach like the back of our hand. However, Orange County has so much more to offer than just the obvious – albeit, fantastic – spots. There are tons of hidden gems that newcomers, and even some locals, have probably never heard of. Share these hidden gems with your clients to showcase your local expertise and give them something extra to look forward to.
1. Pirate Tower – Laguna Beach boasts a wide array of stunning vistas, and Victoria Beach is no exception. Those who are searching for something particularly picturesque should check out the pirate tower hidden within a cliffside. The tower was originally built as a staircase for the homeowner to access the beach from the cliff. However, in the 1940s, a retired Naval captain named Harold Kendrick purchased the house and saw an opportunity to delight local children. He dressed up as a pirate and hid coins and candy around the tower, giving kids the chance to hunt for treasure. Nowadays, the tower is locked, can only be accessed during low tide, and is unbeknownst to many locals, making a trip to Pirate Tower even more of an adventure.
www.visitlagunabeach.com/blog/lagunas-hidden-history-thevictoria-beach-pirate-tower/
2. Noguchi Sculpture Garden – Also referred to as “California Scenario,” the Noguchi Sculpture Garden is tucked away between several high-rise buildings in Costa Mesa. Created by sculpture and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, the garden’s displays serve as a mini representation of California. This hidden gem is free to roam around in, but it doesn’t take very long to see everything, so make sure you follow up with a trip to the nearby Orange County Museum of Art or South Coast Plaza.
www.travelcostamesa.com/play/arts-and-museums/visual/california-scenario-noguchi-garden
3. Redwood Grove – Believe it or not, you don’t need to go all the way to Northern California to see redwood trees. Instead, you can take a quick trip to Brea and visit Carbon Canyon Regional Park. Hidden within the trail is Southern California’s largest redwood grove, spanning 10 acres. Admittedly, these trees are smaller than what you’d come across in the North, but Redwood Grove still offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the county.
www.ocparks.com/parks-trails/carboncanyon-regional-park
4. Lyon Air Museum – Most people know about John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, but what many folks don’t realize is you can go there for more than just catching a flight. Tucked away on the west side of the airport is the Lyon Air Museum. Founded by Major General William Lyon, the museum boasts airplanes, automobiles, motorcycles, and military vehicles, with a focus on World War II. The museum prides itself on having “some of the rarest operational aircraft and vehicles in the world,” according to its website.
5. Cultural Towns – People move from all over the world to call Orange County home, which means its residents benefit from neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into other cultures.
Little Arabia – We all know about Disneyland, and the Packing District in Anaheim, but the city boasts another unique location – Little Arabia. This Middle Eastern community – also called “Little Gaza” - offers authentic food, shops, hookah lounges, and cultural experiences that make this hidden gem a favorite for those in the know.
Little Saigon – Situated right between Garden Grove and Westminster, Orange County’s Little Saigon is the oldest in the United States. With the largest Vietnamese population outside Vietnam itself, Little Saigon offers a mall, temple, museum, shopping, and dining, just to name a few of this neighborhood’s activities.
Little Seoul – Also referred to as “Koreatown” or the “Korean Business District,” Little Seoul offers Garden Grove residents a taste of Korea. With shops, restaurants – including classic Korean BBQ, of course – and salons, Little Seoul is a must-visit.
Old World Village – For those who want to stroll around Europe, Old World Village serves as a local destination to do just that. The Huntington Beach neighborhood has a variety of restaurants, shops, and events dedicated to various countries within Europe and the UK. At Old World Village, you can shop at a German deli, dine at a French restaurant, and go to an English teahouse, all in one afternoon.
Old World Village is also home to our weekly Huntington Beach Marketing Meeting. Go to www.ocrealtors.org/mmp to learn more.
