Cover photos by Allison Jarrell and Alex Paris
A Day on
Catalina Island BY ALLISON JARRELL AND ALEX PARIS
Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California awaits Santa Catalina Island, a treasure trove of aquatic activities and entertainment—from parasailing and kayaking, to scuba diving and snorkeling. The island, home to more than 50 species of plants and animals that live nowhere else in the world, greets visitors with miles of stunning scenery, from views of the iconic Catalina Casino to the luminous orange garibaldi swimming beneath crystal clear waters. Whether you’re able to spend a weekend or just a day on Catalina Island, expect to be treated to a slice of island life.
People line up early to dine at Eric’s on the Pier, a popular food stand offering an array of classic American dishes, including the beloved buffalo burger. Photo: Alex Paris
The Catalina Island Brew House—a brew pub, café and bakery—sits along the bustling waterfront pedestrian mall of Crescent Avenue. Shaded patio seating, happy hour and fresh pastries make the brew house an ideal place to kick back and relax. Photo: Alex Paris Drake Anderson, 8, of Playa del Rey, gets his snorkel gear on during a fun-filled morning on Avalon’s South Beach. Photo: Allison Jarrell
The Wrigley Memorial, nestled within the island’s botanic garden, honors the memory of William Wrigley Jr., who played an instrumental role in the history of the island. Visitors can access the popular Garden to Sky Trail hike through the botanic garden. Photo: Alex Paris
HOW TO GET THERE • Catalina Express from Dana Point, Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon or Two Harbors. www.catalinaexpress.com • Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach to Avalon. www.catalinainfo.com • Island Express Helicopter from Long Beach, San Pedro or Santa Ana. www.islandexpress.com
Daniel Robles, 30, and Anton Dimas, 26, of Paramount, enjoy kayaking off of Descanso Beach. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Tourists and palm trees bask in the sun along Middle Beach, next to the Green Pleasure Pier. Photo: Alex Paris
The Lobster Trap, a favorite seafood eatery and bar among locals, offers a fun, casual atmosphere and a variety dishes including fresh, local lobster. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Lloyd’s of Avalon Confectionary has been making its homemade salt water taffy and confections in the storefront on Crescent Avenue since 1934. The shop also has an impressive assortment of retro candy, and 50 cent coffee to complement your sugar rush. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Going off the Grid A south Orange County hike for one and all BY ALEX PARIS
South Orange County has a bewildering number of trails, many of which offer spectacular views of scenic beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Read on for a sampling of trails that represent a variety of settings and difficulties. Be sure to check city websites for trail closure information and maps beforehand.
Dana Point Headlands
Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile round trip Location: Scenic Drive and Dana Strand Road This bluff top trail is a great place to get a quick fix of romance, inspiration or introspection. The trail’s surface is made of soft sand, which lends to the relaxing atmosphere cultivated by native wildlife and birdcalls that envelope the path. Though short and centrally located, descending into this nature reserve brings an almost immediate sense of remoteness. The sweeping panorama and grandeur of the ocean against the coastline as it fades into the distance is breathtaking. The trail offers unobstructed views of the sunset and Catalina Island, but it’s important to note that the gates are locked promptly after sunset. No bikes or pets are allowed. Free parking is located at both ends of the trail and the Nature Interpretive Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Las Ramblas Trailhead Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3.5 mile round trip Location: Camino Las Ramblas
This is a great place to quickly elevate yourself above the hectic traffic of Interstate 5 or busy city life and clear your mind. It offers 360-degree views of the area—from the Santa Ana mountain range, to San Juan Capistrano, to Dana Point Harbor and beyond. Those views take a mild amount of exercise to ascend to—and without restrooms, shade or water—some preparation is recommended. The doubletrack trail is hard-packed and smooth, forming a 3.5-mile loop back to beginning, but there’s a vast web of single track trails that offer more challenging routes often favored by mountain bikers.
San Clemente Summit Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3 miles round trip Location: Avenida Talega
Also known as “the highest point in San Clemente,” the Summit is a point along the northern Cristianitos Trail. At 1,008 feet above sea level, the summit rewards hikers with a view of rolling hills, native California wildlife and the Pacific. Since last year, a marker and bench have been added to the point. The Cristianitos Trail is open to hikers, bikers and horses, and can be accessed from a parking lot at the terminus of Avenida Talega.
San Clemente Beach Trail
Difficulty: Easy Length: 2.3 miles to 4.6 mile round trip Location: Between North Beach and Calafia Beach The smell of salty air, the feel of a cool breeze and the occasional toot of a train horn are characteristic of this idyllic SoCal setting that balances nature and civilization. The trail is great for anything from romantic sunset walks to energetic family outings. The well-manicured path is smooth, wide and flat enough to accommodate all—from a slow gait to a hasty dog-walker or brisk cyclist. The trail parallels the Amtrak line and the beach as it makes its way past scenic cliffs, the bustling San Clemente Pier and surfing hotspots. There are many access points, including large metered parking lots with bathrooms and refreshments at its middle and both ends. The trail tends to be busy during the summer and weekends, and is cool and quiet in the early morning.
Waterman’s Harbor. Photo: Andrea Papagianis
Seafood for Every Budget BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS
around four-course, feast-style dinners. On the other, small plates and happy hours see out-of-towners and just-offof-workers enjoying the San Clemente staple’s unfussy style. No matter the side patrons choose, the fish is fresh and responsibly sourced. Another thing is certain: views from this pier-top eatery are striking wherever the seat. 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com.
$$$ Waterman’s Harbor
$ Jon’s Fish Market
Photo: Alex Paris
Frills are nonexistent at Jon’s. Fish is the focus. Whether it be grilled, battered and fried or smoked in house, Jon’s Fish Market dishes its fresh fish offerings up on plastic plates. A steady stream of patrons carry cafeteria-style trays, towering with piping hot fish and chip combos, to picnic tables at the edge of Dana Point’s harbor where guests perk up with each crackle of the speaker waiting for their name to be called—order’s up. 34665 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.2807, www.jonsfishmarket.com.
Named for those who make their living, or mark, on the water, this dockside dining destination is all seafood, all the time. Fresh always, local when possible means offerings can change daily. Oysters from Baja California, Hawaiian ahi tuna and locally-caught halibut accompany the crowd favorite, crab beignets—an airy, crab fritter—on this fish-forward menu. Live music and uninterrupted waterway views go hand-in-hand each night at Waterman’s. 34661 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.764.3474, www.watermandp.com.
$$$$ Raya
Photo: Allison Jarrell
$$ The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
Fisherman’s tells a tale of two restaurants. On one side of the pier families gather
Courtesy photo
Raya is synonymous with refinement. Its every detail, from service to spice, are fine-tuned. Locally-raised meats, sustainably-sourced fish and farmers’ market produce are showcased with the vibrant Latin flavors of renowned Chef Richard Sandoval on an ever-developing, East-meets-West menu. A twist to traditional Japanese dishes sees miso udon finished with poblano and sashimi served Mexican aguachile style. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaraya.
Dining Snapshots
Photo: Andrea Papagianis
Afternoon Tea Artifex Brewing Company 919 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente 949.429.7805, www.artifexbrewing.com Despite being open for just seven months, Artifex Brewing Company’s demand has already exceeded its supply. Seasonal and staple beers alike pour from taps across Orange and San Diego counties—the latter, home to three of the brewery’s four owners. A crowd favorite: The No Name IPA—a West Coast-style Indian Pale Ale—that Artifex has brewed since day one. “We are actually at the point now where we can’t make enough beer
to keep up,” said partner Johnny Johur, who earned his brewing stripes at Pizza Port. For Artifex, a San Clemente-based brewing operation that meticulously utilizes every inch of its current space for both production and tasting, expansion plans are in the works. Artifex will soon take over an adjacent suite to increase its production. In its first calendar year, Artifex is on target to produce about 1,000 barrels—or 2,000 kegs—of its ever-changing brews. On tap now are the English Brown Ale, American Tea, and Hibisc-This, a hibiscus and orange peel cream ale. Much like the brewery’s shifting tasting room drafts, Artifex hosts a rotation of food trucks—because every cold beer deserves an equally good bite. —Andrea Papagianis
Photo: Andrea Papagianis
Vietnamese Sticky Wings MRK Public 1402 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.441.7621, www.mrkpublic.com Knickknacks, T-shirts and photographs are what many of us have to show for our travels. Flavor: That’s what Moriah Robison, Rayne Frey and Kai Robison—the brains, and names, behind MRK Public— have delivered their home town, San Clemente. Clean, fresh tastes from their trips to Vietnam and Thailand are the pinnacle of this eatery’s short menu. Brined for 24 hours, before being parbaked and flashfried to order, MRK’s Vietnamese sticky
wings are a tender, messy, savory twist to this quintessential bar food. “This dish is sweet, salty, sour and spicy. It sort of has it all,” said Moriah. “It isn’t going to be for everybody but if you are open to its flavors then you are going to love it.” Talk about having it all. The wings are topped with flash-fried garlic—a Thai-inspired element that adds a surprisingly sweet crunch. It is just one of the many tastes of their culinary travels these brothers and longtime friends are sharing with guests. “We are having the best response we could have hoped for,” Kai said of the restaurant’s first six months of business. “People are excited about having something different.”—Andrea Papagianis
All Aboard the Angels Express Baseball fans can forget about fighting rush hour, and ballpark traffic. When the Angels are home on weekdays, game-goers can leave the stress of commuting behind by catching the Angels Express. Metrolink trains bound for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, adjacent to Angel Stadium, run from the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station for weekday home games starting at 7:05 p.m. Southbound trains depart 30 minutes after the final out with trains leaving Anaheim no later than 11:30 p.m. The train’s full schedule can be found at www.octa.net/angelsexpress. Round-trip tickets cost $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and disabled riders and $4 for riders under 18. Children under 5 ride free with the purchase of an adult fare. ANGELS EXPRESS Start: Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station Finish: Anaheim—Angels Stadium Stops: Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana and Orange Courtesy photo
Departure Time: 5:50 p.m. Arrival Time: 6:20 p.m.
Walk-able
Art Discover regional artistry at Orange County’s coastal art walks Huntington Beach Downtown Art Walk
Each third Thursday of the month, established and emerging artists showcase their work throughout sites and businesses in Huntington Beach’s downtown district—Main Street north of Pacific Coast Highway. View visual and performing arts, meet local talent and enjoy live music, food and more once a month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. www.hbdowntown.com. 1
Balboa Island Artwalk
The 21st installation of this Balboa Island summer kick-off event features more than 100 artists exhibiting paintings, jewelry, glassworks, sculpture and photography, among other mediums. Musicians will perform throughout the day along the 1-mile-long event located on South Bayfront Promenade. This year’s event will be held Sunday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.balboaislandartwalk.info. 2
First Thursdays Art Walk
Art is in season all year round at this educational event celebrating Laguna Beach’s diverse arts and culture community. The walk, held the first Thursday of
each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., features a free trolley service between galleries located in north, central and south Laguna. An art walk guide attends each trolley. www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com. 3
North Beach Art Walk
Rain or shine, this art walk through San Clemente’s eclectic North Beach celebrates the small city’s creative rhythm. Explore North Beach’s galleries and surf shops the second Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Walks begin at Artwistic Creations, 1237 N. El Camino Real, and end at Knuckleheads Sports Bar. www.facebook. com/northbeachartwalk. 4
Village Art Faire
For over a decade San Clemente’s monthly art faire has put Southern California artists and craftspeople in direct contact with the local community. Handcrafted goods, ceramics, photography and glass, metal and wood-works are displayed, and sold, the first Sunday of each month along the city’s downtown passage—Avenida Del Mar—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.villagesanclemente.org. 5 * All events are free to the public.
Take it to Go
Clockwise from top: Lunch at North Beach. Photo: Andrea Papagianis Monarch Beach Market. Photo: Alex Paris Marbella Farmers Market. Photo: Alex Paris
Grab your meal and go, see, do Longer days and warmer weather call for meals to be had outdoors. With a plethora of beach and hillside parks with unobstructed views of the Pacific and sprawling desert landscapes, there are plenty of views to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a romantic, sunset dinner or a quick lunch for a day at the beach, these local markets serve up sandwiches, salads, sushi and more for every dine on the go occasion.
Make it a Beach Day Snag a sandwich, smoothie or juice from Hanson’s Market and head to North Beach. Bask in the sun or hit the San Clemente Beach Trail and head south toward the Pier. Whatever the activity, Hanson’s has the perfect grab-and-go dining option. Whenever possible, Hanson’s utilizes organic fruits and vegetables— ensuring their juices, like the Sweet Life, and smoothies, with names honoring the market’s San Clemente roots, are truly natural and fresh. Sandwiches too are created with the brightest of ingredients. For a spiced up bite, try the Spicy Riviera where it’s all about the jalapeños. 415 E. Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.218.1690, www.hansonsmarket.com.
Saddle Up, Take a Hike For breakfast, lunch, dinner and every snacking in between Marbella Farmers Market has you covered. Hitting the trail by horse, bike or foot? Shop Marbella’s deli counter or craft your own salad. The market is large and the dining options are extensive. Looking for a leisurely walk or ride with a beach picnic as a stop? Load up on a cheese platter, sushi rolls and freshlybaked sweets before heading to Descanso Park where you can catch the San Juan Creek Trail to Doheny State Beach. Or, if you want more of a challenge, head east on Highway 74 to climb Cleveland National Forest’s Sitton Peak. 31109 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.1067.
Catch the Setting Sun Long before the city of Dana Point took his name, Richard Henry Dana Jr. described the Headlands as the “only romantic spot on the coast.” Don’t just take his word for it. Experience it. Stop off at Monarch Beach Market to shop wraps, sandwiches, salads, juices, coffees and more before cozying up at one of the city’s bluff-top parks—like Pines or Strand Vista. Grab a slip and create your own, order online or snatch a prepared bite from the cold case and skip the deli-counter wait altogether. 24040 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, 949.429.8750, www.monarchbeachmarket.com.
Things Every South OC Kid Must Do
Pretend City Children’s Museum
This summer, view artists’ work from the pioneering feminist movement Riot Grrrl and emerging artists living and working in China. Museum admission is free on Fridays. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122, www.ocma.net.
BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS
It’s a fact: Childhood goes quickly. This summer, revel in the wonder that is growing up. The days of dress-up, superhero lunch boxes and imagination without limit will be gone soon enough. So, embrace fun, educational opportunities by exploring Orange County with these 10 things every kid must do.
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Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Rescue, rehabilitate, release and research. Add educate, inspire and a few sea lions to that list, and the center comes to life. Each day, PMMC staffers rescue seals and sea lions from California’s shores—many dehydrated and in desperate need of nourishment. Seven days a week, visitors—some 45,000 each year—can see firsthand the care these marine mammals receive before they are released back into the wild. “They are our future,” said Mary Beth Steen, the center’s director of development, of young visitors. “You never know when you have a future marine biologist visiting, like our executive director, who believes in educating everyone about the importance of taking care of our ocean.” Educational programs with a focus on environmental stewardship are available year round for children of all ages. 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3050, www.pacificmmc.org.
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Experience a rocket launch at Discovery Cube.
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Race in the Ocean Festival’s annual Dolphin Dash.
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Watch art come to life at the Pageant of the Masters.
Then, dig for prehistoric bones, experience historic earthquakes and explore more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Visit before May 10 and embark on an adventure by land, air and sea with LEGO. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, www.discoverycube.org.
Pretend City Children’s Museum
The brilliance behind this mini city is that (almost) nothing is off limits. Youngsters learn through play as they leap into action as a firefighter, sort and deliver mail, earn a paycheck from the construction site and interact with different members of the community. And to encourage discovering diversity outside the museum, guests are introduced to a new family every quarter in the “Our Home” exhibit—be it a single-parent, same-sex or first-generation, immigrant family. “It is a really great message,” said Leslie Perovich, Pretend City’s senior director of advancement. “Even though they don’t look like your family, they are still a family.” This summer Pretend City welcomes Heart and Seoul: Growing Up Korean—an immersive, hands-on exhibit highlighting Korean culture, one of the largest and most rapidly growing populations in Orange County. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900, www.pretendcity.org.
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Explore art and cultural ideas at the Orange County Museum of Art.
Celebrate the local ecosystem at this actionpacked event with races, and activities, on land and sea. Build a sandcastle, enter the fishing derby and cheer on lifeguard game contestants. The San Clemente Ocean Festival will be held on July 18 and 19. www.oceanfestival.org.
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Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Youth enrichment through the arts is at the core of Segerstrom’s mission. Live performances and free programs introduce the youngest of audiences to the magic and wonder of live theater, film, music and dance. “We hope … that as each show entertains and delights young people, they create happy and memorable shared family experiences and encourage an interest in learning more about the performing arts,” said Terrence Dwyer, SCFTA president. With the addition of a sensory-friendly series, Segerstrom has embraced safeguards to ensure adults and children with autism or sensory sensitivities experience live performance without barriers. The center’s sensory-friendly series opens Sunday, Oct. 25 with “Room on the Broom.” And SCFTA’s popular summer series, Movie Mondays—a five-week, free program—begins July 13 with Little Shop of Horrors. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.
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OC Fair & Event Center
Explore ancient and modern sources of happiness during these 90-minute theatrical, living pictures or re-creations of artwork. Pageant runs each night at 8:30 p.m. from July 8 to Aug. 31. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145, www.foapom.com.
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Relive California’s maritime history at the Ocean Institute.
Set sail aboard on the Spirit of Dana Point and live life as a 19th century sailor by moving cargo on the Brig Pilgrim. Then, study area sea life at wet tables and interactive exhibits. 24000 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.
OC Fair & Event Center
Nothing says summer quite like a trip to the fair. Concerts, food trucks and rides are quintessential warm-weather accompaniments—and the OC Fair serves it all up in droves. At Imaginology—Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead—guests can learn and discover with their hands by creating art, playing with science toys, petting zoo animals and more. The three-day, no-cost festival starts Friday, April 24. May sees the OC Marathon, Gem Faire, Scottish Fest USA, motorcycle racing and OC Night Market—a three-night event with more than 200 vendors. Special events and concerts continue throughout the summer. The fairgrounds also play host to the Orange County Market Place every Saturday and Sunday; a farmers market on Thursdays and Food Truck Fare days, which bring gourmet from-a-truck cuisine on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.
ZOOMARS Petting Zoo
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Feed a goat a carrot at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo.
Also, while you’re there, pan for gold, gemstones and fossils like California’s early settlers, hop aboard the mini train for a spin and meet llamas, rabbits, emus and visit the goat pen for a hug. 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.831.6550, www.zoomars.com.