Dana’s guidebook
Ferry Ride
Opportunity to travel by car on land and sea without getting out of your vehicle!
Balboa Island Ferry
510 S Bay FrontThis is a fun thing to do even for the locals, rain or shine.
Dog-friendly Shopping
It started with John Wayne's late wife who loved her Poodle so much that she would leave home without it. Well, Don Bren, multi-billionaire real estate mogel also loved John Wayne and made his high-end shopping mall dog-friendly. All merchants had to agree to allow patron's furry companions shop with them, poop or pee, they were allowed in.
Stores for the wealthy and not so wealthy are available here and restaurants for every pallet. This is the most unique outdoor mall in the country. Not the highest grossing revenue (that's Southcoast Plaza, but definitely the most beautiful. You could spend the entire day there!
And they offer trolly rides for the tired. : )
719 locals recommend
Newport Center/Fashion Island
401 Newport Center DrStores for the wealthy and not so wealthy are available here and restaurants for every pallet. This is the most unique outdoor mall in the country. Not the highest grossing revenue (that's Southcoast Plaza, but definitely the most beautiful. You could spend the entire day there!
And they offer trolly rides for the tired. : )
Big and small breed dogs are separated.
This is a very well-desgned free- range enclosed dog park. One of the best in the nation.
Irvine Central Bark
6405 Oak CanyonBig and small breed dogs are separated.
This is a very well-desgned free- range enclosed dog park. One of the best in the nation.
Sightseeing
Buck Gully Reserve
San Joaquin Hills RoadValet Park or use public structureto the south of main entrance.
Walk through main entrance.
Notice the beautiful carving in the lobby floor.
Walk through to the patio overlooking the pool and Pacific Ocean. Enjoy high tea.
Take elevator down to pool level.
Enjoy a treatment in their award winning spa...the jacuzzi is amazing!
Or keep walking towards the pool making your way down to the public dog-friendly walkway. Enjoy the views and sunset.
On your way back, stop and grab a bite at the outdoor dining area. Usually live music.
74 locals recommend
Spa Montage Laguna Beach
30801 Coast HwyValet Park or use public structureto the south of main entrance.
Walk through main entrance.
Notice the beautiful carving in the lobby floor.
Walk through to the patio overlooking the pool and Pacific Ocean. Enjoy high tea.
Take elevator down to pool level.
Enjoy a treatment in their award winning spa...the jacuzzi is amazing!
Or keep walking towards the pool making your way down to the public dog-friendly walkway. Enjoy the views and sunset.
On your way back, stop and grab a bite at the outdoor dining area. Usually live music.
Vegan Dining
I love this place! It's 100% organic, and fresh daily. A bit pricey, but well worth it! Be sure to try the chocolate treats! Watch for hours of operations. They're a bit different than traditional restaurants.
Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice
1000 Bristol Street NorthI love this place! It's 100% organic, and fresh daily. A bit pricey, but well worth it! Be sure to try the chocolate treats! Watch for hours of operations. They're a bit different than traditional restaurants.
Shopping
Only a little over an hour away.
Enjoy reduced prices in this beautiful outdoor mall.
Most designers have a store.
193 locals recommend
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
48400 Seminole DrOnly a little over an hour away.
Enjoy reduced prices in this beautiful outdoor mall.
Most designers have a store.
City advice
Don't miss
The Saturday farmer's market is a must.
Scroll down to the Irvine location.
https://www.orangecounty.net/html/farmersmarkets.html#saturday
What to pack
Bring layers of clothing.
This is the desert, which means it gets hot in the day and cold at night.