The fabled OC (Orange County) really is one of California’s most beautiful areas. Here you can have your fill of sun, sand, sea and fun, relaxing in Newport Beach, exploring the lovely Laguna area and even spending a few days at “The Happiest Place On Earth,” Disneyland Resort. Here are seven ideas to put on your honeymoon itinerary for the ultimate So-Cal escape.
Though Disney’s California Adventure opened in 2001, it just had a grand re-opening in June after undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, which began in 2007. The final phase of the expansion project was the opening of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land, where Disney Imagineers have brought the town of Radiator Springs from the Disney Pixar movie Cars to life. Amble down the main drag, Route 66, and stop Flo’s V8 Café before hitting Cars Land's new rides, the most impressive being the lightening-fast Radiator Springs Racers where you cruise Ornament Valley and zoom to the finish line.
Get Back to Nature
The Newport and Laguna Beach areas offer some of the best spots to enjoy an unspoiled natural beach environment. Crystal Cove is a state park located just steps from Pelican Hill and has over 3.2 miles of beach where you can swim, surf or explore tide pools and 2,400 acres of undeveloped woodland, which you can hike and bike through.
Have Fun With Mickey MouseDisneyland Resort in Anaheim is Walt Disney’s original theme park built in 1955 and it has now become a full-service resort location complete with two theme parks, Downtown Disney and three on-property hotels. We recommend at least two days to indulge in all the fun, beginning with a day at Disneyland, kicking it old school on rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Small World and Peter Pan’s Flight.
Relax in Laguna BeachLaguna Beach is one of the most charming seaside destinations in the OC and offers something for all travelers, from art-lovers to surfers.We recommend taking the time to wander Laguna, stopping for lunch at one of its charming cafés, having some time at the beach and taking in a little area culture at the Laguna Art Museum, home to a stellar collection of California-based art.
Explore Newport Beach HarborNewport Beach has one of the most picturesque harbors you’ll ever experience and the best way to explore it is by boat. Take a two-hour Hornblower champagne brunch cruise (offered on Sundays) to soak up the Newport coastline in all its splendor while sipping champers and toasting you new status as Mr. & Mrs. Did we mention the sunsets in Newport are not to be missed either? Stunning!
Stay At Pelican Hill
The ultimate honeymoon hotel in the Newport Beach area has got to be Pelican Hill. This luxe resort opened in 2008 and has quickly become one of California’s most exclusive properties. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the 504-acre Pelican Hill feels like a sprawling Tuscan estate—the design combines the style of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio with cool California elegance. The resort has 204 expansive bungalow guest rooms & suites, a stellar spa (it’s 23,000 square feet with 22 treatment rooms), amazing Northern Italian cuisine at Andrea, the stunning Coliseum circular pool and Pelican Hill Golf Club, one of the most famous courses in the world.
Consider a So-Cal Destination Wedding
Not only is Pelican Hill a choice spot for honeymooning, it's a gorgeous location for a destination wedding as well. In fact, Ian Ziering, Michael Vartan and Eric Benet were all married here. The most famous and popular spot for exchanging vows at Pelican Hill is under its iconic rotunda from which you can enjoy stunning vistas of the resort and Pacific coastline. Pelican Hill can accommodate everything from ultra-intimate celebrations, to big, bustling parties for 200+ and they have an expert planning team in-house to make your dream day a reality.
This article was originally published on Aug 01, 2012
Advertisement
Get our Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with wedding trends, deals and offers.
