Beaches:
Beaches along the Southern California coast are ideal for long walks, swimming and surfing. Water temperatures are cool and most surfers wear wet suits. Southern California’s 42 miles of year-round beaches attract millions of tourists annually. Huntington Beach is a hot spot for sunbathing and surfing; nicknamed “Surf City, U.S.A.” it is home to many surfing competitions. "The Wedge," at the tip of The Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, is one of the most famous body surfing spots in the world.
History of surfing:
Dana Point has a surfing history to rival anywhere outside Hawaii. Hobie Alter opened the very first retail surf shop in Dana Point in 1954. Sur fer Magazine began in Dana Point, and to this day, still calls it home. The Surfer’s Journal is also based in Dana Point. Dana Point was also once home to a very special wave. That wave broke at the Dana Point Cove and was known as the “Killer Dana.” The break got its name because it came out of deep water and broke close to the rocks which lined the beach. In the days before leashes, wipeouts were sure to bring at least a few dings - if not worse. Although the waves in Dana Point, especially at Salt Creek Beach, remain some of the best in Southern California, the “Killer Danas” were reduced when a breakwater was installed when the Dana Point Harbor was built in 1966.
Festival of Arts:
Shop for one-of-a-kind artwork by more than 150 of The O.C.'s finest artists in a beautiful open air gallery setting. Enjoy free art workshops, artists demonstrations, art tours, special events, fine food and much more. There's something for everyone. And, every night during the summer season at 8:30 p.m. the Festival of Arts presents its world famous Pageant of the Masters, featuring re-creations of classical and contemporary artworks with live models accompanied by a full orchestra and live narration. www.foapom.com
Sawdust Art Festival:
Two hundred Laguna Beach artists create a one-of-a-kind artists' village in Laguna Canyon each summer. Shop for original artist-made art glass, ceramics, fine jewelry, paintings, and more. Artist demonstrations including glass blowing, printmaking and ceramics. Art classes for all ages. Plus three stages of music and three cafes. www.sawdustartfestival.org
Shopping:
The Shops At Mission Viejo: 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 364-1771
The Shops at Mission Viejo are conveniently located in the heart of South Orange County at the intersection of I-5 and Crown Valley Parkway. Macy’s, Nordstrom, ,Saks Fifth Avenue, plus more than 130 other fine stores and restaurants including Banana Republic, Forever 21, bebe and Apple.
Open Monday - Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Driving time from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is approximately 20 minutes.
Fashion Island: 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 721-2000
Located in Newport Beach at Pacific Coast Highway and Newport Center Drive, Fashion Island features over 200 stores and restaurants in a beautiful outdoor garden setting complete with fountains and Koi ponds. Anchor stores are Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s Women’s, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus along with specialty shops including Gary’s Island and Gary’s International, Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, St. Croix, NIKEWomen, Anthropologie, and Sharper Image.
Open Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Driving time from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is approximately 30 minutes.
South Coast Plaza: 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 435-2034
Southern California’s premier shopping and dining destination adjacent to the San Diego/405 Freeway includes Macy’s, Macy’s Home Store, Macy’s Men’s Store, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, as well as designer shops such as Christian Dior, Cole Haan, Donna Karan, Gucci, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, St. John, Yves Saint Laurent, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Baccarat, BVLGARI, Cartier, Chanel, Porsche Design, Tiffany & Co., Tourneau, Montblanc, and scores of others.
Open Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 6:30 pm
Driving time from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is approximately 40 minutes.
Carlsbad Company Stores – The Ultimate Outlet: 5600 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 804-9000 The best names in designer fashions, home furnishings, footwear, jewelry, toys and accessories all at up to 65% off everyday prices. Experience the ultimate outlet shopping experience with more than eighty stores including Barneys New York, Bose, Coach, Cole-Haan, Dooney & Bourke, Crate & Barrel, Guess, Izod, Jones New York, Kenneth Cole, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Rockport, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski and Zales.
Open 10:00 am – 8:00 pm daily
Driving time from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is approximately 45 minutes.
Practical information
Transportation
John Wayne Orange County Airport is approximately 30 minutes and Los Angeles International is approximately one hour from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Transportation to/from the resort is available via cab (approximately $70 from John Wayne and $200 from LAX) or chauffeured sedan service (approximately $140 from John Wayne and $200 from LAX). Car rentals are available from many national rental agencies.
Time Difference
Southern California is on Pacific Standard Time (9 hours behind Italy).
