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NICOLE'S ORANGE COUNTY GUIDE
Here’s a non-exhaustive guide to some of my favorite spots (so far), mostly in South Orange County. North Orange County has so much to offer, too, but that's a story for another time. I grew up here and still find myself always on the hunt for new gems, especially places that serve great coffee, a thoughtful cocktail, or offer a beautiful dose of nature without sacrificing substance for aesthetics.
While this guide includes a mix of buzzy favorites and under-the-radar picks, my intention is to keep exploring and highlighting spots that not only feel fun and interesting, but also reflect the wide range of people, cultures, and stories that make up Orange County —beyond the version often portrayed. Consider this a living list. I'm always looking for what’s good, meaningful, and worth coming back to.
LAGUNA BEACH //
Rye Goods
Organic café with some food options, natural wine, pastries, and fresh bread. Though I've enjoyed most things from here, surprisingly my favorite afternoon snack is a drip coffee and a thumbprint cookie.
A tucked-away mid-century home and lush garden with sweeping canyon views. Be sure to book a tour in advance to view the property.
Hidden inside a boutique, this charming café nails the whole cozy-but-cool vibe, and the food is always solid. I get the Breakfast Combo so I don't miss out on savory or sweet for brekkie.
Gorgeous refill shop in North Laguna for low-waste lifestyle lovers.
A staple for fancier brunch or date-night dinner. Pro tip: the bistro plate + asparagus fries = chef’s kiss.
A thoughtfully curated shop for local goods, home items, and fresh florals. Very “I just picked this up on a whim.”
A community ceramic studio with creative energy and charm. Book a beginner's class when you're visiting!
Though their kitschy, flea-market-feel seating choices are admittedly a little too rugged for me, this spot is trending for a reason. A killer burger, natural wine, and always good energy. Don't forget to stop by Helen's next door.
Whimsical, well-curated, and full of feel-good gifts and treasures.
Asian-inspired spot where the non-sushi menu items steal the show. Perfect for sharing plates.
Animal lovers will appreciate this local rescue and rehab spot that can be visited during open hours. It’s small but meaningful.
Elevated home and lifestyle pieces. Think minimal, earthy, and definitely giftable.
Tiny wine tasting room that feels like a hidden escape. A tad pricey for charcuterie but a peaceful, uncrowded vibe. I always feel like I get the place to myself with a stunning view.
Yes, it’s touristy but also yes, it’s delicious. Don’t be intimidated by the long line; it goes quick.
The cutest little shop with beachy-chic goods, gifts, and things you didn’t know you needed.
An intimate, elevated sushi experience that feels special from the first bite to the last pour of sake. Truly an art form and excellence in a meal.
Pilates and cold plunges under one roof, this is Laguna wellness at its most refined.
Tiny but mighty market right next to Ritual Refill. Perfect for a quick browse or grab and go when heading to the beach.
Le Petit Pali
A charming boutique hotel with aesthetic overload and a chic bar atmosphere. Worth a peek even if you’re not staying.
A local go-to run by a mother-daughter duo with good coffee and community feel.
Organic, off-the-beaten-path farm space for events and dreamy wandering.
My kind of art studio. Neutral tones and earthy pieces that make you want to live a simpler life.
Beautifully located, and just really great coffee made by people who care about the craft.
A warm, modern shop with timeless pieces for home, body, and soul.
Your spot for healing teas, adaptogens, and all the wellness goodies you love to gift yourself.
Yes, the car showroom — but also a chic spot to sip Equator coffee (a B Corp!) while pretending you live here. Also great for co-working when the space is available, or seeing a movie at the restored theater.
Laguna's artsy soul on full display. Live demos, creative booths, and all kinds of fun in one woodsy space.
COSTA MESA & NEWPORT BEACH //
A modern Thai spot in Costa Mesa that blends traditional flavors with a fresh, elevated twist. It's a go-to for anyone craving authentic Thai cuisine with a contemporary flair. The Thai Tea Crème Brûlée was incredible.
A French brasserie in Costa Mesa known for its exceptional steaks and classic dishes. Any cut of meat is made well here, but I always find myself returning to the steak-frites (for me, a filet-mignon cooked medium-rare with fries and butter lettuce salad) The housemade paté and Toulouse sausage plate are rich, flavorful options if you're feeling adventurous and want to try some authentic French dishes. Come on Thursdays for the live music.
They have certainly expanded over the years, but still maintain as one of my favorite donuts as someone who prefers a cakey donut to a yeast donut. The huckleberry is my personal go-to, but fair warning that it’s a love-it-or-leave-it flavor.
Hawaiian comfort food that hits every time. Meat plates, mac salad, spam musubi, and don’t skip the lilikoi cheesecake because it’s... perfect.
Chill, creative energy and really solid coffee. A good spot to sip and work or just sit and hang.
A hidden sculpture garden in Costa Mesa that’s beautifully designed, super calming and very minimalist. It's small, so plan it as an add-on to something else in the area that day.
Natural wine, sourdough crust, and a perfectly unpretentious vibe. One of those places where everything on the menu is good.
Specialty coffee meets beachy lifestyle shop. Surfer vibes with great espresso and dreamy merch.
Wholesome and lovely lunch spot tucked inside a garden center.
Trendy little wine shop from the same crew behind Daydream Surf. Cool curation, natural bottles, and just aesthetically pleasing all around.
Creative concept space and coffee shop hybrid that feels like a brain break and inspo hit all in one.
Unassuming Japanese market with hot food stalls and grab-and-go bites. Great for comfort food and exploring the market for new snacks to try.
OCMA (Orange County Museum of Art)
Modern, beautiful space with rotating exhibitions. Make a whole day of it.
Affluent and walkable little area by the water. Perfect for a slow, sunny stroll or more high end shopping if you're in the mood
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Restaurant recs:
• Zinqué – French-American with good drinks and a casual upscale feel, overlooking the water
• Skäl Pizza – new wave pizza joint. Get a side of hot honey and ranch for dipping
To-do's:
• The Lido Theater – iconic art deco theater established in 1939
Northgate Gonzalez Market (Costa Mesa)
Mexican market with a modern edge. Fresh churros, tacos, pan dulce, and everything smells incredible.
A tea shop on the border of Costa Mesa and Newport that's beautifully curated and offers tea sits throughout the week, too.
Balboa Island
Touristy, especially in the summer, but always a pretty spot to be. A full loop gives you carnival energy, beach homes, and great snacks. My picks:
• Sugar n’ Spice – Balboa bar only from here (not Dad’s Original next door!). I get the vanilla dipped in chocolate, rolled in almonds + peanuts.
• Huskins Coffee – cute little coffee bar with solid drinks
• Basilic – A tucked-away French spot that feels very romantic in an old-school way
• Balboa Island Berries – Fresh, local berries, and sometimes they're chocolate-dipped!
A vibey cocktail bar with some of the best drinks around. It's a speakeasy concept, and has very limited seating, but once you're in you'll want to stay. They come up with interesting recipes that are always unique and delicious.
Sunday morning with an order of the pancakes? Say no more. The salted butter on top makes for one of the tastiest I've had in awhile.
DANA POINT //
Woman-owned, stylish-but-casual Italian spot that’s open all day, though dinner is where it shines. I love the Cavatelli, Aglio e Olio, or the Pesce Spada during the winter.
The same owner as Giana's and a favorite for breakfast or a breezy lunch. Cute atmosphere and an elevated-but-comfy vibe. Order a cheese plate and glass of wine next door if your wait time is long.
Fresh juice, smoothies, and health-focused bites. A little pricey but if you're craving something clean and green, it's a solid pick.
Wood-fired, upscale pizza with attention to detail. Feels special without trying too hard. Only caveat is it's outside seating only, which is something to factor in.
If you’re picky about your poke, this one’s worth it. Small business, super fresh fish, and very casual vibes. More of a grab-and-go kind of place so take it to the nearby park overlooking the ocean.
Modernized, elevated beach shack food. Right on the beach and perfect for something easy and satisfying post-surf or stroll.
Catch a class under the trees and overlooking the ocean. It’s peaceful and grounding and dogs are always invited, and I much prefer it to a studio feel.
Dana Point is the whale and dolphin watching capital of the world! Always worth doing at least once when you're in Dana Point. The likelihood of seeing whales up close during their respective seasons is relatively high, and the likelihood of seeing dolphins ride the waves of the tour boat is even higher.
I stumbled upon this home roastery after grabbing some poké at Kawamata and just love everything about it. It's quite literally a mailbox outside of someone's home on Camino Capistrano that has been transformed into a holding spot for their freshly roasted coffee beans. Grab a bag and Venmo them for your purchase.
Boutique bungalows with a cool bar onsite. Even if you’re not staying here, swing by for a drink and coastal vibes. If you're choosing where to stay, just be mindful that it's really well-designed but it may have some street noise.
A huge, twice a year market that takes over the Lantern District of Dana Point with vintage and maker's goods. Not to be missed, and I'd personally hold out for the Dana Point location over the Costa Mesa one (plus, no entry fee!).
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO //
Best coffee in the area. Tucked in a historic corner of town in an old yellow building.
Sweet little wine bar perfect for date night or a mellow girls’ night. Good food and cozy atmosphere.
Come for brunch and get the Turkish Eggs. The Shakshuka is a close second. Mediterranean-inspired plates and fresh flavors in a design-forward space.
Michelin Guide BBQ but super casual. Expect a line, but the brisket makes it make sense.
The Ecology Center / Café Campesino
Sustainable farm with a dreamy outdoor café and market stand. Ideal for a slow afternoon. Shop, snack, or just explore.
A beautifully curated space I have yet to visit, but feels like a creative sanctuary.
Quality clothing and lifestyle goods with a rugged-meets-refined edge. Great place to find something special.
River Street Marketplace
Cute community-focused market and foodie spots. I prefer stopping at Finca or Fermentation Farm when eating.
No-frills market with tacos, sweet breads and more.
BEACHES & WALKS //
Heisler Park (Laguna)
Touristy, but a beautiful oceanfront area to walk with paths, art, and benches overlooking the water.
Newport Back Bay
Scenic walking and biking trail that winds around a peaceful nature preserve.
Fisherman’s Cove & Shaw’s Cove
Smaller, quieter beaches with a more local feel; good for swimming, relaxing, and avoiding bigger crowds.
Montage Beach Walk
Attached to the Montage resort, this beach has paved walking paths and gardens. Touristy, but undeniably pretty.
Victoria Beach
One of my favorite local beaches that's gained popularity over the years. Park in the surrounding residential area and walk down to a picturesque shoreline with a famous tower.
Top of the World
Laguna hiking spot with panoramic ocean views and trails; especially beautiful at sunset with options to drive right up to the scenic spot or hike around the area first.
Laguna Ridge Trail
A slightly more challenging trail with sweeping views of the coastline and surrounding canyons. Great for hiking or trail running.
Hilltop Conservation Park (Dana Point)
A peaceful spot with walking trails and ocean views from above the Dana Point Harbor.
Strands to Salt Creek Beach (Dana Point)
A long, walkable beach with soft sand, surfers, and plenty of space; park for free at Strands and wander down to Salt Creek.
Inspiration Point & Lookout Point (Corona del Mar)
Stunning coastal park and ocean overlook. Skip the pricey beach lot and find free parking in the surrounding residential streets before ever descending down to Corona del Mar State Beach.
Nicole Fournié, owner of D'étre Creative Co., is a creative storyteller and marketing strategist who helps wellness brands connect meaningfully with their audiences through intentional and impactful marketing. With a background in mental health and a passion for intersecting creativity with well-being, she brings a thoughtful approach to every partnership. You can follow along with her on her Instagram or Substack.
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