Best of Orange County: OC Register

Best of Orange County 2023: Flip through the magazine

Staff report — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:13:30 +0000

The 132-page publication will be delivered with the Sept. 24 edition of the Orange County Register, but you can read it now.

Best of Orange County 2023: See all of the winners

Staff report — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:01:35 +0000

Click on a category name to read about the top vote-getters in that category in the 30th Annual Best of Orange County Readers’ Choice poll.

PLACES TO GO+DO

Segerstrom Center for the Arts was again selected by voters as the best live theater in Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Irvine Spectrum Center was voted Best retail shopping and dining destination in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

Happy Jewelers in Fullerton was voted Best Jewelry Store in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

FOOD & DRINK

Yama Sushi & Grill in Mission Viejo was voted the Best sushi in the Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Sam Gangwer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

HOME & GARDEN

Irvine was voted the Best city to live in as part of the Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Best of Orange County 2023: Our county has been remade over the past three decades

Ron Hasse — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:59:59 +0000

Orange County was a very different place when the first issue of the Best of Orange County rolled off the presses three decades ago.

The county had a gleaming new sports arena, then called the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, and the Disney-owned Mighty Ducks were its main tenants, playing in their second season. Barbra Streisand performed six nights at the venue.

Ron Hasse, president and publisher at Southern California News Group. (Courtesy of CNPA)

Back then, Disneyland was still just the original park — Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney were years away from construction. Admission was $30 for adults and $22 for children, but with a soft economy, the park rolled out its first discounts for Southern California residents, who could get in for $22, or $20 for kids.

Technology was unrecognizable from a 21st century perspective, but two harbingers of change had just arrived. The first web browser, Netscape Navigator, enabled people to access what was then called “the information superhighway.” The number of cellphones in use had doubled from two years earlier, but still fewer than 10% of people used the devices.

Three decades and one pandemic later, Orange County has changed profoundly. As people no longer have to leave the house to shop, malls have pivoted to offering environments and experiences, rather than just stores hawking wares. Movie theaters now offer reclining seats and high-end food and beverage service, seeking to lure viewers used to consuming streaming content on their big-screen TVs while sitting on the couch.

The Pond is now Honda Center, but it has been joined as a concert venue by a wealth of competitors, from pop music spots such as the House of Blues Anaheim, City National Grove of Anaheim and FivePoint Amphitheatre to fine arts facilities like Segerstrom Concert Hall and the Soka Performing Arts Center.

The Disneyland Resort has undergone significant expansion in recent years, adding the new lands of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus. Earlier this year it unveiled the revamped Mickey’s Toon Town with its state-of-the-art new ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Orange County has always had fine dining, but the past 30 years have seen an explosion in chef-driven culinary concepts. Three Orange County restaurants — Hana re, Knife Pleat and Taco Maria, all in Costa Mesa — have received Michelin Stars in recent years. The area has also been at the forefront of the craft beer boom and the farm-to-table movement.

BEST OF ORANGE COUNTY: See all the winners

About 600,000 more people call Orange County home today than did so at the founding of Best of Orange County. Communities such as Las Flores, Ladera Ranch and Newport Coast have sprouted in formerly undeveloped areas. And those homes are much different than those of decades past, with smart technology that lets homeowners set their thermostats from their phones or ask an Alexa device to turn down the lights.

The pace of change can at times seem disorienting, but some things about Orange County remain unchanged. It’s still a beautiful place to live with an ideal climate, top-quality schools and a vibrant business community.

Best of Orange County 2023 is your guide to that place, with attractions, businesses and destinations that have been curated as the best by your neighbors. We welcome you to enjoy this publication, as readers have for 30 years.

Best of Orange County 2022: See all of the winners

Staff report — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:00:24 +0000

Click on a category name to read about the top vote-getters in that category in the 29th Annual Best of Orange County Readers’ Choice poll.

Readers again chose OC Fair as the Best Fair/Festival in Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

PLACES TO GO+DO

Irvine Spectrum Center was voted Best Shopping/Dining Destination in Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

SHOPPING & SERVICES

The Grand Princess cruise liner is shown docked at the Port of Los Angeles. Princess Cruise Lines was voted Best Cruise Line in Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

The Cliff Restaurant was the top vote-getter in Best Outdoor Dining category in Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

FOOD & DRINK

New housing construction at Rienda, the newest village at Rancho Mission Viejo, which was voted the Best New Home Community in Best of Orange County balloting. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

HOME & GARDEN

Best of Orange County 2022: Flip through the magazine

Staff report — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:59:37 +0000

The Best Hiking Trails to Explore this Fall in SoCal

Branded Content Contributor — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 19:06:07 +0000

“There are no seasons in Southern California” is a stereotype given to the region, but we are here to prove these pessimists wrong. Below we have curated some of the best hiking trails to explore during the fall season in the Southland that proves—even to the most seasonal skeptics—that SoCal has fall vibes. From trails that boast fall foliage to a path that provides the L.A. experience, here are the best hiking trails to visit during the fall season in Southern California.

Aspen Grove Trail, San Bernardino National Forest

Experience some fall foliage in Southern California on the Aspen Grove Trail. Located a short drive from Big Bear in the San Bernardino National Forest, the Aspen Grove Trail gives autumn leaf seekers a rare opportunity to see yellow and orange trees in the Southland, as well as the soothing effects of “quaking” or the whistling of trees. This trail is deemed moderate, and visitors will hike around 5 miles roundtrip. If you have time, head down to Big Bear for a delicious post-hike meal or some drinks. Day permits required. Address: Aspen Grove Trail 2E05, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305.

Observatory Trail, Cleveland National Forest

For those searching for some fall colors in San Diego County, there’s the lesser-known Observatory Trail. Hidden in the pine and black oak-filled Cleveland National Forest, this trail is excellent for less advanced hikers and astronomy fans. The black oak trees turn orange during the fall season, providing Southern Californians with that fall experience. Towards the trail’s end, visitors will see CalTech’s Palomar Observatory, which features the Hale Telescope. Address: South Grade Road, Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

Red Rocks Canyon Trail, Whiting Ranch Wilderness

Colorado is not the only place in the West with some Red Rock beauty. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, located in Lake Forest, CA, has multiple hiking trail options, but the most popular is Red Rock Canyon. Surrounded by suburbia, this trail is on the easy level making it perfect for families. Hikers will traverse about four miles roundtrip through an oak woodland canyon setting and end at the Instagram-worthy red rocks. Where to park: For $3, visitors can park in a lot by the Red Rock Canyon Trail. Address: 26701 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610.

The Jon B. Lovelace Collection of California Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith’s America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

Brush Canyon Trail, Griffith Park

If you want to get the real L.A. hiking experience during the fall, then Brush Canyon Trail is the perfect place. One of the most popular hiking trails in Southern California, Brush Canyon Trail, takes you through L.A.’s famous Griffith Park and behind the iconic Hollywood Sign. Even though Griffith Park has numerous trails that lead to the Hollywood Sign, Brush Canyon is the best option because it is a more moderate, steady climb to the back of the sign on Mount Lee. Once at the top, hikers will get marvelous views of Los Angeles and many of the city’s other landmarks for their Instagram feed. There is a small parking lot near the bottom of the trailhead. Address: 3200 Canyon Drive, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

Indian Canyons, Palm Springs

Not into the whole “changing of the leaves” cliché? Then head to Southern Californian’s favorite desert oasis—Palm Springs, where you will find the beautiful trails of Indian Canyons, the home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. There are over 60 miles of hiking and walking trails for outdoor lovers of all levels to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. When you’re done getting your nature on, head to Palm Springs for some good grub and chill vibes. Admission tickets are available for purchase at the Agua Caliente Visitor’s Center at Palm Springs Visitor Center. Address: 38520 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.

Best of Orange County 2021: Flip through the magazine

Staff Reports — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:00:38 +0000

The Best of Orange County magazine spotlights the top vote recipients in 74 voting categories.

Best of Orange County 2021: See all of the winners

Staff report — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:59:39 +0000

Click on a category below to see the top three vote recipients.

PLACES TO GO+DO

(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

SHOPPING & SERVICES

(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

FOOD & DRINK

(Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

HOME & GARDEN

(Courtesy of Sailhouse)

Best of Orange County 2021: We’re back, now let’s go out and do something

Ron Hasse — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:58:40 +0000

The events of 2020 would have been inconceivable if we hadn’t just lived through them. The gates of Disneyland locked tight for an entire year. The Angels playing to an empty ballpark. The Orange County Fair and virtually all of the other events that define a typical year in our community canceled.

This year is very different. While we have not left the pandemic completely behind us, Orange County is open again. Restaurants are welcoming diners, indoors and out. Kids are back in school. We can again take in a movie or attend a concert with family and friends.

Consider Best of Orange County to be your re-introduction to the place you live. In its 28th year, this indispensable guide to getting the most out of our county recognizes the best places to go, businesses to patronize and restaurant meals to eat. And all of the recommendations are coming from your neighbors.

Readers responded to Best of Orange County in a big way this year, casting more than 50,000 ballots — an increase of nearly 27% from last year and a more than 55% jump from 2019. Over a month of balloting earlier this year, Register readers chose their favorite beach, bank, dental practice, waterfront dining spot, craft brewery and city to live in, among a total of 74 categories. As in past years, categories are sorted by chapters — Places to Go+Do, Shopping & Services, Luxury Lifestyle, Food & Drink and Home & Garden.

Voters had new categories in which to express their preferences. With Orange County’s red hot real estate market, they voted for the best home loan provider. After the scorching weather of this past summer, we asked readers their favorite air conditioning and heating company. And while we can go out to eat again, sometimes you just want to order in — and so we queried voters on their favorite meal delivery service. Perennially popular categories, such as best downtown, grocery store, day spa, burger spot and city to live in, continued to rack up large numbers of votes.

We hope you enjoy Best of Orange County 2021 and will keep it to use as a resource to find a new spot to eat or a new place to spend a nice day with your family. Our county is filled with incredible things to experience — and this year we’re better able to go out and enjoy them.

Ron Hasse

Publisher, The Orange County Register

Best of Orange County 2021: Best beach

Jeffrey Miller — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:56:18 +0000

1. Huntington City Beach

Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Seapoint Street, Huntington Beach

Orange County has 42 miles of coastline from Seal Beach to San Clemente, but few stretches evoke Southern California beach culture the way that the 3 miles surrounding downtown Huntington Beach do. It’s the town square of Surf City, the place where Duke Kahanamoku first taught mainlanders to ride waves in 1912.

The Huntington Beach Pier is City Beach’s centerpiece. It extends 1,850 feet from the end of Main Street and is a popular place to stroll, people-watch, check out surfers shredding waves below or fish. Huntington has a had a pier since 1902, though the current version opened in 1992. Most years, the U.S. Open of Surfing draws throngs to the area just south of the pier in late July and early August to watch the surfers, skaters and BMX riders compete, but the event was canceled by COVID-19 in 2020 and moved to a later date this year.

Heading up Pacific Coast Highway, City Beach begins at Beach Boulevard, right across from the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, which has a pedestrian bridge over the road to enable guests to get to the beach without waiting for traffic signals. The neighboring Waterfront Beach Resort and Paséa Hotel & Spa continue resort row, right across from the lower section of City Beach.

North of the pier, the Huntington Pacific Beach House Apartments are the only housing on the ocean side of PCH in Huntington. After that, Huntington City Beach literally goes to the dogs. Huntington Dog Beach occupies the mile of sand closest to the boundary with Bolsa Chica State Beach, where dogs and their humans frolic in the surf.

2. Main Beach

South Coast Highway and Broadway Street, Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a busy place in the summer, with the Pageant of the Masters attracting patrons nightly and three art festivals in full swing. Main Beach, located in the heart of all that action, is a draw year-round.

The actual beach itself is fairly slender, particularly at high tide. There’s room enough for several beach volleyball courts, but a different court sport is the one most associated with Main Beach. Two basketball half-courts are typically in use throughout the day, often with another team waiting for the chance to play the winners.

Parking in Laguna is always a challenge; beach-goers can park in less congested areas and take a free shuttle to Main Beach. A wooden walkway provides an easy way to stroll the beach for those who don’t want to get their feet sandy. Main Beach has no fire pits or grills or even a snack bar, but all of the culinary options of downtown Laguna Beach are literally across the street.

3. Corona del Mar State Beach

Ocean and Jasmine avenues, Newport Beach

Corona del Mar State Beach is bookended by two scenic overlooks along Ocean Avenue. Lookout Point, on the beach’s northwest edge, offers views of adjoining Newport Harbor, while Inspiration Point, less than half a mile down the coast, gives visitors suitably breathtaking vistas of the ocean.

The compact stretch of sand in between manages to squeeze a lot of beach fun into its limited real estate. The jetties that line one side keep the surf relatively tame, which might bum out surfers and bodyboarders, but is a godsend for families with young children. Pirates Cove Beach, located next to the beach’s western parking lot, offers even more tranquil conditions.

The distance between the ample parking lot and the surf is a fraction of what one finds at Huntington State Beach up the road, so visitors don’t have far to lug their coolers and canopies if they want to set up camp by the breakers. The sand boasts nine beach volleyball courts, which receive heavy use daily.