Lorna Ladd

The Power Couple of South OC

They built a ranching empire. She painted the hills. Today, their legacy lives on at a local museum and a brand-new hotel where history checks in with happy hour.

History

❤️ Most Romantic Patio Is Hiding in....

On weekday afternoons, the drive from Rancho Santa Margarita into Trabuco Canyon feels like a quick escape from suburban gridlock. A narrow road curves past oak groves, and at the bend of Rose Canyon Road, you'll find Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill.

Restaurants

We Hit Every Tiki Bar in OC — Here’s the Best (and the Worst)

From Polynesian escapes to nautical speakeasies and retro mid-century hideouts, here’s what makes each Orange County tiki bar unique.

Restaurants

This Laguna Beach Tiki Bar Finally Got Its Soul Back

After years of ups and downs, the Royal Hawaiian has reclaimed its Polynesian spirit.

Restaurants

This Famous Chef Built the Best Bakery in Orange County

How one local baker turned social media fame into the best pastry shop in Orange County. Plus, lanterns floating at sunset, beers poured by the harbor and walking in nature.

Newsletter

Brunch at the End of the Oso Creek Trail

Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo is one of our favorite ways to start a weekend—not because it’s a cardio challenge, but because it’s a peaceful, flower-lined walk that just so happens to end with one of the best brunch patios in all of Orange County.

Restaurants

1920s Speakeasy in San Clemente

Last night, we walked through a hidden door, rang a mysterious bell, and got sized up through a peephole - and suddenly, we were transported to the 1920’s.

Speakeasy

🍪 Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

We went on a mission to find South Orange County’s best chocolate chip cookie - just real-deal local bakers doing magical things with butter and sea salt so if you’ve ever asked yourself, where is the best chocolate chip cookie near me, this article is for you!

Bakery

Best Swim Spot in Laguna

Tucked at the base of Fairview Street in Laguna Beach, this quiet beach is a favorite for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

Water Sports

Happy Hour at Todos Santos

Fresh off a trip to the real Todos Santos in Baja, we came back craving tacos and tequila—and Todos Santos in RSM delivered.

Restaurants

The Best Garden in OC...

It’s private. It’s peaceful. And honestly? It might be the best garden in all of Orange County but it’s not on Google Maps and it’s invite only.

Garden

🍞 The Best Artisan Bread in South Orange County

Eight incredible bakers brought their best sourdough to a panel of six tasters. Same basic ingredients—wildly different flavors, crusts, and personality. Here’s who stood out:

Bakery

🌿 Botanical Garden Hidden in Plain Sight

Tucked behind ballfields and playgrounds in Laguna Niguel is one of South OC’s best-kept secrets - a lush, 18-acre garden that feels more like a hidden retreat than a public park.

Garden

🌿 Explore Silverado’s Hidden Spring

There’s a spring hidden deep in Limestone Canyon that’s so sensitive, you can’t visit it without a guide.

Hikes & Trails

Aliso Viejo’s Best-Kept Secret?

Tucked inside a nondescript business park in Aliso Viejo is one of the most memorable dining and drinking spots in Orange County.

Restaurants

Bacon Cotton Candy & Frog Legs?! 🐸

The OC Fair is back—with the wildest menu yet. Also secret comedy in Laguna Hills and vineyard jazz in Silverado Canyon. Plus: Costco's opening its first-ever stand-alone gas station in Mission Viejo

Newsletter

ChatGPT Roasts South OC

From Shakespeare in the park to a hidden spring in Silverado, this weekend’s guide has your South OC plans covered. Plus: the surprisingly hilarious trend of letting ChatGPT roast your hometown.

Fireworks Guide: South OC

Celebrate July 4th weekend in South OC with fireworks by the beach, water wars in the harbor, drone shows, live concerts, garden strolls, kayak tours, candle workshops, and more.

OC's Coolest Brewery?

Sip bold beer beneath a vintage Model T, then line dance at Dana Point Harbor, plant a salad bowl garden, stroll a pup-packed trail, and catch Symphony under the stars.

Secret Garden

Crunch into OC’s best artisan sourdough, snag an invite to a hidden-garden picnic, float through a crystal-bowl solstice sound bath, scan the skies on an Aliso Creek bird walk, and ride the vibe at Doheny’s Surf & Art Fest.

Poe Me A Drink...

Drink a raven-blue cocktail at the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy (yes, in a cemetery chapel), then breathe deep on a mindfulness hike, wander Books & Blooms, sing along to “Rocket Man” lakeside, and choose Dad’s day: bourbon-smoked BBQ, a dad-joke trail, or a soul-soothing sound bath.

Try Something New!

Try something new this weekend - tap into your inner dancer, chef, sailor, or artist. Then stroll an art festival under the oaks, or dive into a hidden swim cove in Laguna. Plus: moonlit hikes, live music, and pints at a reimagined Irish pub.

Speakeasy Does It

Sip wine under canyon oaks, catch classical strings in the park and wrap the night with moody cocktails behind a speakeasy hidden door. AND... South OC's most popular donut shops!

Newsletter

Vintage Finds & Starry Nights

Bargain hunting on San Clemente’s Thrift Row, jazz under the stars in Laguna, and line dancing in Mission Viejo lead the weekend lineup. Plus: a chili cook-off, Memorial Day festivities, and a guided hike through the “Grand Canyon of OC.”

Newsletter

Coffee Flights Have Landed

We finally checked out River Street in San Juan Capistrano - it was all 'Western charm' and a smoky mezcal cocktail we’re still thinking about. We also sipped our way through a four-drink coffee flight in Lake Forest and rounded up weekend plans that include secret gardens, stargazing, and a Balboa art walk. Plus: Housewives of OC drama, live music, and local events worth changing out of sweats for.

Lorna Ladd

The Power Couple of South OC

❤️ Most Romantic Patio Is Hiding in....

We Hit Every Tiki Bar in OC — Here’s the Best (and the Worst)

This Laguna Beach Tiki Bar Finally Got Its Soul Back

This Famous Chef Built the Best Bakery in Orange County

Brunch at the End of the Oso Creek Trail

1920s Speakeasy in San Clemente

🍪 Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Best Swim Spot in Laguna

Happy Hour at Todos Santos

The Best Garden in OC...

🍞 The Best Artisan Bread in South Orange County

🌿 Botanical Garden Hidden in Plain Sight

🌿 Explore Silverado’s Hidden Spring

Aliso Viejo’s Best-Kept Secret?

Bacon Cotton Candy & Frog Legs?! 🐸

ChatGPT Roasts South OC

Fireworks Guide: South OC

OC's Coolest Brewery?

Secret Garden

Poe Me A Drink...

Try Something New!

Speakeasy Does It

Vintage Finds & Starry Nights

Coffee Flights Have Landed

THE SCENE: South OC

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