A Week in the O.C.?
 

So my fiancé and I will be in Brea, California from August 23-29, give or take a day, for his work. Lucky enough it's also our one year anniversary. However, we aren't sure how to spend our time. He'll be in class from 8AM-2:30PM every day so we're trying to plan for things to do after that. What's a must to do around that area? Anything at all. We don't prefer one thing over another, just looking to have a good time. We definitely want to visit the beach though. So we're open to any and all suggestions. If it helps any we’re both in our early 20’s with a very limited budget lol. Thanks in advance! =)

Hi BBB-
No need to worry about your budget- you'll find plenty of things to see that won't break the bank. And your sight seeing hours are a good time to hit happy hours and save there, if you like.

My favorite OC beach towns & see list-

Huntington Beach aka Surf City USA- hit downtown Huntington Beach Main Street for some great people watching or/and walk along the boardwalk/pier

Newport Beach/ Corona Del Mar- Drive around Newport Beach-take the car ferry to Balboa Island. Corona Del Mar beaches are stunning.

*And my favorite- Laguna Beach. Don't miss it. She's a beauty.

other fun people places-

South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa- even if it's window shopping. ;)

The Block in Orange

Downtown Disney

Fashion Island Newport Beach


For architectural interests-

Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove

http://www.crystalcathedral.org/visitors/

Mission in San Juan Capistrano- Although, I think I read somewhere they're now charging $10.00 to get in. check b4 you go.


After more coffee I'm sure other things will come to mind. :)

When you arrive- check this blog out online. She's a hoot and posts daily deals.

http://ocdeals.ocregister.com/

Do keep in mind most suggestions are coastal which means some driving time for you.

for a fun 'local' experience, grab a bite to go or make a picnic, head to Huntington Beach or Doheny State beach, grab a fire pit, watch the sunset and make smores on a bonfire.

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/beach...alifornia.html

Also, you can grab an OC Weekly when you get into town. They list all the free local events that are going on - concerts etc.

Thanks so much! It all sounds great. Beaches, Disney, and shopping...what more can I ask for? Lol. =D

Bring sunscreen. The coast is cooking :)

Have a great trip BBB!

And congratulations on your engagement and one year anniversary!

"Beaches, Disney, and shopping...what more can I ask for? Lol. =D"

Well, you could ask for suggestions for what you could do and see on your own between 8 and 2:30 everyday. That's a long time to just loiter around the hotel. If you tell the board that you won't have a car, then I'll be forced to ask how your fiance will get to work every day, and where the car will be while he is there.

San Diego, if you have not been there yet, is only another 60-90 minutes downt the coast and has tons of things to do.

BBB- krgystn brings up a great point. If you have a FULL free day to sight see, San Diego is well worth the trip.

jami12- your grammar is really hard to interpret. Are you saying OC coast is harlem? LOL Spread the news!

Thanks SOCALOC =D

dbdurand- We'll have a car his job here has rented for us to use while we're there. Not knowing where his classes will be though, I'm not sure if he will need the car to get there or if it's a close enough distance to walk. From what I gather it's right across the street. With that being said, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel about venturing out on my own in my down time. However I'm still open to any suggestions of yours, or anybody elses, for things I could do on my own.

krgystn & SOCALOC- I'll definitely look into San Diego. We're not sure exactly how long they'll be giving us to stay out there, but we've been talking about extending our trip to include the weekend. So we would have two free days. Is San Diego really doable in a day though?

Is San Diego really doable in a day though?
__________________________________________________ ___________
That really depends on you and your fiance. :)

If you enjoy getting on the road by 9 am on the weekend, like driving 1.5+ hours at least and have nerves made of steel dealing with traffic delays at any moment, it's doable.
August is a hectic month on the freeways. Kids are out of school, people are on vacations, day trips to the beach etc., AND at the time you are here Del Mar race track will be running. I'm not trying to discourage you- just giving the picture of how to prepare yourselves. Or you could be the lucky ones and it's a breeze. Our 'normally' one hour drive over the weekend of the 4th, took 2 hours and 20 minutes and we were traveling on the 'off' hours. LOL.

Once you arrive- it's worth it, IMO. Your day will fly by sightseeing without spending hardly anything, except maybe parking and food.

When we go down for a Padres game or 'day' trip- we take the Amtrak train. It's stress free, nice ride along the coast, you don't need a car in downtown and the trolley takes you almost everywhere. But I think it's more than you probably want to spend. If you decide to look into it; I believe the closest departure station for you will be Anaheim. Taking the last train back is a trip all by itself. There are some very entertaining characters. :)

OK. I brought the subject up, so here are some suggestions for some things to do between 8 and 2:30 each day, while your fiance is in class (poor guy).

1. Tour of Brea's Arts in Public Places.
http://www.cityofbrea.net/section.cfm?id=50

2. Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda. Short 15 minute drive from Brea. You don't have to be a republican to enjoy it. Be sure to take the tour of the house he was born and raised in.
http://www.nixonlibrary.gov/themuseum/index.php

3. Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. About a 20 minute drive.
http://www.bowers.org/

4. South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. A mega mall. Third largest in the US and the largest in the west. About a 25 minute drive.
http://www.family-vacation-getaways-...ast-Plaza.html

For driving around the LA area, I find the following website useful for checking on traffic conditions.
http://www.sigalert.com/Map.asp?lat=...118.223015&z=2

SOCALOC- While the driving sounds terrifying, I still think it would be worth it to see the city. If we're able to stay for as long as we hope, we'll just make sure to give ourselfs plenty of time.Thanks for the heads up! =)

dbdurand- Thanks for your suggestions. Like I said I don't feel too comfortable wandering around on my own, but regaurdless it's nice to have options. =)

BBoxBrittany, you will do fine driving in S. CA. There is a lot of traffic but it usually moves well and isn't that difficult. Giving yourself plenty of time is the best suggestion. If you want to just hang out some day while your fiance is working you can go over to the Brea Mall and just wander around. It is a very nice Mall (nothing compared to South Coast Plaza, but still a very nice and safe mall). There is also another shopping Area in Brea a few blocks from the Mall in the old downtown Brea on Birch Street and there are quite a few stores and restaurants and a theater. There is also an Improv there and we have been there with friends and have seen some decent Comedy acts - name performers. Enjoy your time in S. CA.

Most of dbdurand's suggestions are close-by as indicated. YOu'll be fine driving. Try to get a GPS with the car. If that's not possible just use mapquest and write out the directions before you leave. Brea Mall is nice and Yorba Linda is very close.

Traffic on the weekends into San Diego can be heavy as SOCALOC mentioned but not terrifying, just a longer drive. Since you are coming towards the end of August, many schools are back in session so traffic may be a bit lighter.

Just be aware that the parking @ Dohney State beach is 15.00 a car - my stepdaughter had a beach bonfire there last week... not sure if you will go but sort of a drag.