Orange County - More PLAY

Story and photos by Julie Diebolt Price (unless otherwise indicated)

GOLF IN ORANGE COUNTY

There are many public golf courses throughout Orange County. The courses listed here offer modest fees, challenging play and represent North, Central, and South County.

Coyote Hills Golf Course

Coyote Hills GC Payne Stewart-Fullerton
Coyote Hills GC Payne Stewart-Fullerton

Coyote Hills Golf Course

1440 E Bastanchury Rd, Fullerton, CA

 

A statue of Payne Stewart commemorates his influence on the game of golf near the Club House. Coyote Hills Golf Course was designed by the PGA Tour Legend and Cal Olson. This championship golf course is a 250-acre Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and has been recognized as some of the best places to play golf in Orange County and Greater Los Angeles. Other awards include Critic’s Choice and Top 100 Women Friendly Courses.

Coyote Hills is an 18-hole, par 70 golf course with exceptional panoramic views of Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Meadowlark Golf Course

Meadowlark Golf Course

16781 Graham Street, Huntington Beach, CA

Located just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, Meadowlark Golf Course offers the best daily fee golf experience. This par-70 championship golf course presents an entirely natural landscape with mature trees, water features, and challenging play.

A frequent player program is designed for avid golfers at Meadowlark. Top PGA professionals offer classes for juniors and adults, and there is a sizeable practice facility and night-lit driving range.

Meadowlark GC hole one - Huntington Beach
Meadowlark GC hole one - Huntington Beach

Strawberry Farms Golf Club

Strawberry Farms GC Irvine
Strawberry Farms GC Irvine

Strawberry Farms Golf Club

11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA

The rural Orange County setting of Strawberry Farms Golf Club offers a serene championship golf experience. Located on Irvine Ranch Water District land, the front nine holes were built on a former strawberry ranch.

Designed by Doug DeCinces, the former third baseman for the California Angels baseball team, Strawberry Farms is a par-71, 18-hole course. The buildings commemorate the property’s history.

Canyons, wetlands, and natural waterfalls deliver picturesque views throughout the property. Along with the 35-acre reservoir and rolling green hills, you can play on some of the most challenging holes in Orange County.  

Strawberry Farms requires proper golf attire in all areas and programs. Junior, Resident and Senior green fees apply, and preferred rates are available on the Players Card.

San Juan Hills Golf Club

San Juan Hills Golf Club

32120 San Juan Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 

Designed as an oasis for the serious golfer as well as the vacationing one, San Juan Hills Golf Club is a par-71 championship golf course. For over 40 years, San Juan Hills Golf Club has been popular with locals and golf tournaments. The range is one of the best and largest practice facilities in Orange County.

A lively sports bar with numerous flat-screen TVs and good food can be found in the San Juan Hills Sports Bar & Grill.

Located close to Dana Point Harbor, San Juan Capistrano Mission, and local beaches, accessibility to the 5 Freeway allows quick transfer to attractions up and down the coast. 

San Juan Hills GC-San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Hills GC-San Juan Capistrano

SHOPPING IN ORANGE COUNTY

Irvine Spectrum Center

Irvine Spectrum Ferris Wheel Night
Irvine Spectrum Ferris Wheel Night

Irvine Spectrum Center

670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA

Irvine Spectrum Center, located at the intersection of the 5 and 405 Freeways, offers family entertainment and a wide variety of food and shopping choices. Lots of outdoor seating like benches and comfy oversized chairs, makes people watching a sport and entertainment in itself.

Passive entertainment includes a luxury wing at Regal Irvine Spectrum offering ScreenX, 4DX, IMAX + RPX. If you are looking for comedy, the Irvine Improv boasts a 500-seat theater with all-star lineup of entertainers. Active entertainment includes the Luckey Climber offering kids an adventure to problem solve, the Carousel, and the Giant Wheel.

Some of the entertainment requires a ticket purchase, but there is free live entertainment all weekend in the courtyards. Many full-service restaurants, casual dining, and places for snacks and sips are located throughout the center.

The shopping directory includes everything from beauty and accessories, to home furnishings and improvement, eyewear to shoes, and jewelry to health and fitness.

In the winter (yes, winter even comes to Southern California), an outdoor ice skating rink is installed for some good old fashioned fun.

The Market Place 

The Market Place 

Irvine and Tustin

2961 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA

The Market Place resides in both Irvine and Tustin. Separated by Jamboree Road and located at the Santa Ana Freeway, it is a gathering place for trending restaurants, home hardware, and building supplies, outdoor recreation stores, fast food and upscale eateries, and more.

Colorful signage along the I-5 Freeway makes The Market Place a well-known landmark in central Orange County. More than 120 shopping, dining, and entertainment options are featured at this center. Pets, alcoholic beverages, clothing stores, and international cuisine share the square footage at this centrally located outdoor shopping center.

The Market Place sign at night - Tustin Irvine

The District at Tustin Legacy

The District at Tustin Legacy

2437 Park Ave, Tustin, CA

 

The District is part of The Legacy in Tustin. The historic blimp hangars watch over the outdoor mall of today’s trendy shops, food courts, and popular restaurants.

In 1942, the Marine Corps Air Station Tustin was established as the Naval Lighter-Than-Air Santa Ana for airship ops as coastal patrols during World War II. Decommissioned in 1949, it was reactivated  in 1951as the Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana to support the Korean War. The country’s first air facility developed only for helicopter operation was renamed again to the Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in 1979. 

During the Vietnam War, the airbase was a center for testing and training for helicopter pilots. During the 1990s, the base was providing military support, as well as land to farmers for commercial crops. In the late 1990s, the MCAS facility closed and development began by the City of Tustin. Today, the land is a mix of housing, shopping, and regional park. The hangars are currently used for movie making and special events, which keeps the history front and center for modern-day activities and experiences.

The District Shopping Tustin
The District Shopping Tustin
Tustin Hangar and Flight Tower-Tustin
Tustin Hangar and Flight Tower-Tustin

Orange Circle Antique Mall

Orange Circle Antique Mall

118 S Glassell St, Orange, CA

 

Are you looking for antiques? Then, the Circle of Orange Antique Mall is your destination. Many antique stores in historical buildings line the streets surrounding the circle and the fountain in the center serves as the town’s anchor.

 

The Circle of Orange is a famous movie-making location, and the annual Pantie Run by Chapman University students releasing energy at graduation time is a staple of the spring landscape.

Orange Circle Antique Mall

South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza-Costa Mesa
South Coast Plaza-Costa Mesa

South Coast Plaza

3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA

If high-end is your favorite shopping therapy, South Coast Plaza, the largest shopping mall on the West Coast, offers world-renowned name brands for discerning taste. What was once a lima bean field is now a global shopping destination. In 1967, the Segerstrom family opened the shopping center. It now boasts 250 extraordinary boutiques, critically acclaimed restaurants, and THE Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The SCP’s Concierge can make your visit extra special, so check it out for welcoming amenities and personalized services.

A small plaza, hidden by office buildings on the south side of the complex, was designed by Isamu Noguchi. The international prizewinning, “California Scenario,” provides a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of shopping and commerce. Don’t miss this experience on your visit.

SoCo and the OC Mix

SoCo and the OC Mix

3303-3323 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA

 

SoCo (South Coast Collection) and The OC Mix is a relative newcomer to shopping in Orange County. Located next to the San Diego Freeway in Costa Mesa, home decorating stores and showrooms abound along with contemporary dining options.

Many home and décor vendors include lighting, sliding door, and modern furniture options. Oh, and did I miss La-Z-Boy? If you employ an interior designer, this inspiring design resource appeals to every taste. From window coverings, fixtures, room partitions, and other décor, then a craft coffee or cocktail after your appointment is required for further discussion.

The SoCo Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday and includes a Kid’s Zone with free craft activities that makes it a perfect place for a family outing.

SoCo Mix - Costa Mesa
SoCo Mix - Costa Mesa

Bella Terra

Bella Terra Shopping Center - Huntington Beach
Bella Terra Shopping Center - Huntington Beach

Bella Terra

7777 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA

 

Bella Terra, an open-air dining, shopping, and entertainment complex, is located near two major freeways and in the center of Huntington Beach.

The shopping center, designed in the style of an Italian Tuscan village, it is one of the best places to shop in Huntington Beach. With an amphitheater for live entertainment, a multi-screen cinema, special holiday events, and even fitness centers, you can work out, enjoy a distinctive meal, and entertainment all in one location.

Bella Terra has something for everyone. The coastal-casual style makes this a favorite destination along the coast between Los Angeles and San Diego.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Knott's Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA

The 57-acre theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, started in the 1920s as a roadside berry stand. Walter Knott and his family sold berries, pies, and berry preserves. In the 1930’s they added fried chicken dinners, which became a huge tourist draw. To entertain visitors while they were waiting for a table in the restaurant, the Knotts built shops and other attractions to keep them occupied. In the 1940s, the Ghost Town replica was constructed on the property, which was the forerunner of the present-day theme park. Admission fees began in 1968 and set initially at 25 cents.

Continued growth over the years has made Knotts the twelfth-most-visited theme park in North America. For more than 40 years, Knott’s Scary Farm has been the most popular draw as an annual event at Halloween. The entire park is decorated in a haunted-house style that includes 13 mazes and lots of monsters scattered throughout the park.

 

Knott's Berry Farm facade - Buena Park
Knott's Berry Farm facade - Buena Park

During the rest of the year, there are four themed areas in the park:

Ghost Town, based on a local ghost town called Calico, demonstrations include glass blowing, woodcarving, blacksmith arts, sign cutters, and spinners.

Fiesta Village employs a Mexican theme with restaurants and themed rides that promote the Aztec and Mexican cultures.

The Boardwalk comprises physically challenging games like a rock wall and rope ladder crawl. Sports such as soccer, basketball, and traditional games where you can win prizes are located along the midway. There are a couple of roller coasters and restaurants here, too.

Camp Snoopy is the home to family and children’s rides with Peanuts comic strip characters. This part of the park is designed for parents with infants, small children, and seniors who need a tamed experience. The Grand Sierra Railroad offers guests a four-minute train ride through the picturesque reflection lake.

Irvine Lake

Irvine Lake from Fremont Canyon
Irvine Lake from Fremont Canyon

Irvine Lake

4621 E. Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado, CA

Irvine Lake is once again open to fishing. As of this writing, it’s only accessible during regular weekend hours and just for shoreline fishing. This experience is easy for families to arrange because the Tackle Shop on-site sells bait and light snacks.

 

The popular 750-acre human-made lake was closed to the public in 2016. It served the local community for almost 90 years and was reminiscent of a mountain lake just a few miles from urban Orange County. It was regularly stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and sturgeon. The lake was known best as a trout fishery when it was open for day and night fishing. Fishing from kayaks was also a favorite method for off-shore trolling.

While shoreline fishing only is allowed right now, there is good news. You don’t need a fishing license, which makes it even more attractive to families enjoying the outdoors. Irvine Lake is the only local lake in the Orange County Parks system that doesn’t require a license.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations apply regarding fish limits. Here’s a quick rundown for Irvine Lake. There is a five-fish limit; bass is catch-and-release only; catfish larger than 24 inches must be released; one rod per person; approved baits only – worms are the only live bait allowed.

Future details are still on the drawing board to allow boat fishing, hiking, and camping in the area. We eagerly await further developments.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

3842 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA

 

Explore the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the largest saltwater marsh on the West Coast and the most productive ecosystem on the planet. It’s worth rising before the sun and making your way to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach to catch the sunrise over the wetlands. It is very popular with photographers and birders because of its more than 200 bird species habitat.

 

Thirteen hundred acres of coastal estuary includes riparian and freshwater marsh, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, salt marsh, mudflats, and open water environments. A four-mile, family-friendly network of public hiking trails also offers scenic overlooks with benches to rest and observe.

 

Terns are accustomed to humans on the bridge at the south lot. They are intent on catching their prey in the shallow, reed-filled water below the bridge and seem to ignore people passing by.

 

 

Bolsa Chica Wetlands entrance - Huntington Beach
Bolsa Chica Wetlands entrance - Huntington Beach

The Interpretive Center is located at the north lot on Warner Avenue and is where you can pick up free trail maps and see live marine life species native to Bolsa Chica and the southern California coast. The south lot is on Pacific Coast Highway across from the State Beach. Parking is free, and each lot features a bulletin board with information about free docent-led tours.

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary - Modjeska Canyon
Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary - Modjeska Canyon

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

29322 Modjeska Canyon, Silverado, CA

Nestled in rural Modjeska Canyon, Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary provides outstanding opportunities for fun, relaxation, and education for both children and adults. Located 10 miles outside of urban Orange County, this short ride imparts a sense of solitude and quiet far from the roar of crowded freeways.

In 1929, the illustrious bird porch was opened to the public by Benjamin and Dorothy May Tucker, who bought a few acres of land originally owned by Helena Modjeska, a world-renowned Shakespearian actress. Mr. Tucker built the hummingbird population from a few hummers stopping over on their migration, to a year-round “hover.” He was the first person to use multiple ports on a hummingbird feeder and is recognized as the father of modern-day feeders. The Sanctuary is now operated by the Extension and International Programs at California State University, Fullerton, and serves as a research center and outdoor education facility.

From tortoise to turtles, butterflies to hummingbirds, and snakes to mountain lions, the Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Several observation areas allow you to view the abundant flora and fauna. The Sanctuary is a popular location for birders and photographers.

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary has three nature trails, so it’s a small facility. The trails are well-marked, and you can immerse yourself in the native habitat. Oakwood Trail, an easy trail running alongside a seasonal creek, is the most diverse and is handicapped accessible.

The 80-seat amphitheater, picnic areas, and numerous park benches throughout the Sanctuary provide a perfect backdrop for small weddings or other social events. Coast Live Oak trees afford canopies of shade on the picturesque trails.

The Natural Science Center has excellent and in-depth exhibits of the native animal species in the region. They offer school and group tours, as well as the Native Plant Nursery, where you can purchase native and drought-tolerant plants.

With only 25 parking spaces, carpooling is highly encouraged if you are coming in a group. It’s off the beaten path, and cell phone service is limited or non-existent. Allow at least one hour to enjoy the peacefulness and watch the birds in the secluded bird observation porch.

THE ARTS

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

 

What began as a lima bean field, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is now the artistic home to three resident companies – Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale. Located in Costa Mesa, the campus is also the home of the South Coast Repertory and Orange County Museum of Art. Four performance halls and one outdoor space make up the complex, along with smaller facilities to serve more specific needs.

SCFTA’s mission is to transform lives through shared experiences and exploration of the arts with the community. The Center offers master classes, musical theater training, the ABT (American Ballet Theater) William J. Gillespie Dance School, the School of Dance & Music for Children with Disabilities, and summer programs at the Center.

Four different theaters in separate buildings, in addition to the outdoor plaza, offer Broadway musicals, ballets, jazz, cabaret, large and small productions, special events, and rehearsal space.

 

Segerstom Hall fountain - Costa Mesa
Segerstom Hall fountain - Costa Mesa

Public art and sculptures are on display outside throughout the complex. Noguchi Garden is a secluded outdoor park nestled between office buildings on the south side. “California Scenario” is a public sculpture garden with the design symbolizing geographical features of California and exhibits water features, boulders, and native plants.

If you can’t book any performances while you are in the area, a walk around the complex will give you a sense of the dedication to community and the arts the Segerstrom family began all those years ago. Costa Mesa is truly the City of the Arts.

Bowers Museum

Bowers Museum front - Santa Ana
Bowers Museum front - Santa Ana

Bowers Museum

2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Celebrating world cultures through their arts, Bowers Museum has been bringing the world’s finest arts and cultures to Santa Ana since 1936. Initially, it was mostly devoted to the history of Orange County. In 1992, the Museum was reopened with six permanent galleries and began hosting special exhibitions from all over the world. 

Some of the memorable exhibits include Chinese presentations such as Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Warriors, Treasures from Shanghai, and Warriors Tombs and Temples. More world-class exhibitions include Lucy’s Legacy – The Hidden Treasure of Ethiopia, Fabergé – Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars, Sacred Gold – Pre-Hispanic Art of Colombia, Gems of the Medici, Beethoven – The Late Great, Chuck Jones – Doodles of a Genius, Treasures of Veracruz, Adams, Curtis, and Weston: Photographers of the American West, Seen & Unseen – Photographs by Imogen Cunningham, As She Liked It: Roles of Madame Modjeska, Frida Kahlo – Her Photos, Frank Lloyd Wright – Architecture of the Interior, and many more.

 

 

These varied and exciting exhibits are indeed a celebration of world and local cultures.

Audio tours are available so you can go at your own pace through the Museum. There are free daily gallery tours. The Best of Bowers Tour is a special tour that highlights the permanent galleries of their unique collections. The Public Gallery Tour is docent-led and covers select galleries.

Tangata, the restaurant with half of the seats offered to dining alfresco, is open for lunch during the week, and brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays. The Pacific-Rim influences the cuisine, and they also offer alcoholic beverages.

The Gift Shop offers exhibition-related products, accessories, books, and media, music and DVDs, kid-specific, as well as activities and puzzles. You can purchase from their online store in case you can’t get into the Museum.

The Kidseum, part of the Bowers Museum, is just down the street, has special exhibits and activities designed to immerse children in the arts and technology. The goal is to stir their imagination, nurture creative play, and interest in digital technology.

Read more of Julie’s articles about fabulous Orange County, California by clicking below

Julie Diebolt Price

Julie Diebolt Price is an award-winning photographer, educator, travel writer, guide, and a passionate traveler. Along with extensive travel in the United States, she has many European, Mexican, and Chinese stamps in her passport. She enjoys planning, researching, creating and sharing experiences. Julie is a member of TravMedia, Professional Photographers of America, International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance, and Travel Massive.