As school wraps up, I am so excited to discover what this year’s summer has to offer me. Last year, I met so many new friends, went on a plethora of adventures, and found new places to eat, shop, and everything in between. One of my highlights last summer was my family trip to Orange County, California. Yes, just like the popular teen drama, that family vacation was filled with expensive cars, gorgeous people, sand, and surfers. Because it is Throwback Thursday, let’s take a trip down memory lane as I share with you my adventures in the O.C.
The trip to California was anything but pleasant. Not only did our stop over flight to Newport Beach was delayed by an hour, but once in the air, I suffered from the worse sinusitis, a painful condition where the difference in air pressure takes a toll on your brain and sinuses. However, nothing was going to stop me. This has been a dream of mine ever since I was introduced to Stephen and Lauren (thumbs up if you get the reference) on TV. I just wanted to get off the plane so I could see what these California natives had to offer me.
We stayed for a total of 4 nights. During this time, we hit up all the hot spots and met up with family, who happened to be our tour guides for the trip. As the shopaholics we are, we hit up all of the shopping malls in the O.C. From South Coast Plaza, Irvine Spectrum Center, and Fashion Island, you better believe we were not balling on a budget… well at least not me. After hitting the malls, we obviously had to hit the coast! This was not a hard task to do since anywhere you go in So. Cal., you were right by the water.
The first beach we visited was Newport Beach. Once I got out of that vehicle, I was in awe of my surroundings. Facing one way, you got the entire coast. Then, facing behind me was the neighbourhood where The O.C. was filmed. Each mansion was placed perfectly on the rugged mountainous terrain California is known for just facing the beach that to this day felt like a dream. However, I was still not content with this beach. I had done my research months in advance and I wanted a site with excitement and thrill.
Huntington Beach is where it was at. In fact, I think this is the place where I want to retire. We took an uber from our hotel to the coast and we were greeted by surfers, skateboarders, pretty much everything that made the fantasy of California a reality. Huntington Beach, better known as Surf City, U.S.A, was the home to delicious cuisine and a unique environment that could never be duplicated. We had an amazing time just taking it all in from the top of the pier. I just could not believe that my dreams ever since childhood had come true. Visiting Huntington was the best way to end our stay in California.
My dad was disappointed to leave, despite us travelling to Las Vegas the next day. There is a charm about Southern California that has attracted my entire family for sometime now. As my mom’s cousins are from San Diego and my dad’s entire family from San Francisco, this trip was bound to happen. Words cannot describe how relaxed and at peace I was during this leg of the trip despite it being so fast pace. Visiting Orange County should be added to everyone’s bucket list hands down.
“I surfed Dana Point, San Clemente, and of course Huntington Beach. Every morning you could find me at the hot water pipe.” - Dick Dale
Candidly,
Jonah
