things to do

Orange County Area

Disneyland- We love pirates of the caribbean, dole whips, big thunder mountain and churros!!

San Clemente Beaches- They rule. Grant can give tons of suggestions if you want to surf. Way better than LA beaches. There is a great seafood restaurant right on the pier called fishermans and if you can snag a table outside, you can watch the the surfers and the sunset as you dig in to a pot of steamed mussels.

San Juan Capistrano- We love this little town. The train station is great and the Misson is beautiful. Grab some Pedro's tacos while you are there.

Balboa Island- Cute little island in the middle of Newport Beach. Known for frozen bananas and quaint shops.

Crystal Cove- Nature preserve and tide pools.


Los Angeles Area

We both live in LA so we obviously spend a little bit more time in this area. It's only about an hour away from Orange County (given there is no traffic) and has some great things to see...

Griffith Observatory- If you are into stars and city lights you will never want to leave. Nestled up next to the "Hollywood" sign, this planetarium has amazing telescopes and breathtaking views of Los Angeles........also it's where we got engaged!

Museums- The Getty and LACMA are 2 of our favorites.

Sony Studios- formally MGM Studios is located RIGHT next to where we will be living in Culver City (west LA). It could be fun to do a tour.

Venice Canals- also in west LA, there are canals right in the middle of the city of Venice. It would be worth the drive over the bridges to see the beautiful homes right on the canals edge. Once we drove through and the neighborhood was watching a movie on a screen attached to one of the bridges while floating in boats and laying on lounge chairs. After grab dinner at the "Pasta Factory" for the BEST meat lasagna.

Santa Monica Pier- has shopping close by on the 3rd street promenade, beach and carnival complete with ferris wheel on the pier.

Hollywood Stuff- the Chinese theater, the Hollywood walk of fame (see the "stars"), corner of Hollywood and Vine, the Kodak Theater (you can park near this.. central to everything).


San Diego Area

I know most people aren't planning on staying or visiting San Diego, but just in case...

Balboa Park- We are kind of obsessed with this place. The Spanish architecture, fountains, space museum and gardens are gorgeous. Plan at least a few hours to walk through the park.

Old Town- full of great homemade tortillas and historical shops and buildings. I bought homemade pumpkin butter and apple butter at the trading post last time I was there. Yummy.

Gas Lamp District- In the middle of downtown, full of shops, restaurants and only a few blocks from the water.

Military Bases- Most of you will not be able to enjoy these unless you or someone you are with is in the military and as access to bases.....which is a shame because the NEX is tax free! and there are men and woman in uniforms and the gas is cheaper. I (Rachel) grew up going to these with my Grandpa and Grandma Thurston. Great memories. Miramar is right next to Toby's Tacos....the best al pastor tacos in southern California.