The Scene: South OC

The Scene: South OC
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Restaurants Tiki Bar Happy Hour Water Sports Garden Bakery Best Of Coffee History Hikes & Trails Landmarks Brewery Thrift Store Newsletter Speakeasy Shopping

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Sep 04, 2025

Ghosts, a Corn Moon and Shakespeare

This weekend South OC is serving up Shakespeare with a boozy twist, ghost stories in Black Star Canyon, and a moonlit hike in Laguna.

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Aug 28, 2025

❤️ Most Romantic Patio Is Hiding in....

Romantic patio dining at Rose Canyon Cantina, the final weekend of Laguna’s Sawdust Art Festival, fireworks over Lake Mission Viejo, and the best paddleboarding spots from Dana Point Harbor to Back Bay.

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Aug 21, 2025

🍍 Tiki Bars & Cheap Tacos

We tiki-hopped across Orange County to rank every bar — from Anaheim’s shipwrecked Strong Water to Laguna’s Royal Hawaiian. Plus, where to score 69¢ tacos, the Sea Country Festival in Laguna Niguel, and a glowing bioluminescence cruise in Dana Point.

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Aug 14, 2025

Go Full Tiki with a Flaming Lapu Lapu!

Laguna Beach has its tiki magic back. Step inside the Royal Hawaiian and you’re surrounded by walls of bamboo and thatch, carved totems in every corner, glowing starfish lamps overhead, and cocktails are the perfect balance of strong and smooth.

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Aug 07, 2025

Love Letters to the OC

We hosted our first-ever Summer in South OC Sugar Cookie Showdown, where 50+ bakers were nominated. The cookies weren’t just pretty—they were like little love letters to Orange County.

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Jul 31, 2025

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.

Jason Ladd, +1

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Jul 17, 2025

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

Jason Ladd, +1

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May 29, 2025

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!

Jason Ladd, +1

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May 22, 2025

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.”

Jason Ladd, +1

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May 01, 2025

This Weekend = Muy Bueno

Cinco de Mayo takes over with taco fiestas, tequila tastings, and margaritas worth the salt rim, and free pickleball! Plus: a pop-up café at the iconic Lido Theater, a gorgeous art walk in Laguna Beach and a 'May the Fourth be With You' celebration in Mission Viejo.

Jason Ladd, +1

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Apr 24, 2025

Tahini Latte - what's that ?

Your weekly roundup of what’s actually worth doing in South OC. Think hidden gardens, live music, rooftop bars, and great happy hours with people that don't make you feel old. And yes, all within a short drive. Each week features something different - so it’s never the same. Just a quick read, in and out in 3 minutes.

Jason Ladd, +1