Looking for things to do while you're in town for the wedding? Check out the list below for some suggestions that are nearby.
Disneyland is roughly a 20 minute drive from the venue. For those looking to extend their stay in California, this is a great attraction to tick off your list!
If you’re looking for a cheaper option while still getting a Disney experience, you can walk around Downtown Disney without paying the price for a ticket into Disneyland. You just have to pay for parking.
Newport beach is roughly a 30 minute drive from the venue and is Josh and Rachel’s most frequently visited beach when they’re in OC. Stroll the boardwalk, walk the pier, shop, and eat. Grab a bite to eat at the Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill if you’re looking for some good clam chowder.
Catch an Angels game if you’re a baseball fan. Angel Stadium is roughly 20 mins from the venue.
If you’re looking to get outside, enjoy the weather, and take it easy, the Santa Ana Zoo is only 15 minutes from the venue. Tickets: Adult $13. Kids (3-12) $10. Under 2 Free.
What: Mexican Restaurant
Why: Josh and Rachel’s all time favorite breakfast burritos.
Menu: https://www.elcaminocaffe.com/new-page
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/19KZVy1GrQCTxC6T8
What: Italian Restaurant
Why: Josh and Rachel celebrated their engagement together at this restaurant. If you’re looking for a nicer meal, this is a great option!
Menu: https://www.francoligourmet.com/menus
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PcW5B8waoPUromYn6
What: A converted cottage, this beachside eatery serves California favorites & a popular breakfast.
Why: Have a bite to eat right on the beach!
Menu: https://thebeachcombercafe.com/crystalcove/menus/
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XWnzKNi7wbiNHAFVA
What: Coffee Shop
Why: One of Josh’s favorite coffee spots in Tustin. It is a small coffee shop, hardly any seating, but has great coffee to take on the go and walk around old town Tustin. Also, they have really good seasonal drinks.
Menu: See website
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ds3WDiPpFd6hpWf7A
What: Coffee Shop
Why: Josh’s usual work spot when he visits OC.
What: Coffee Shop
Why: Josh’s favorite coffee shop in OC. It has a good amount of seating, a nice outdoor patio, great coffee, and a killer almond croissant (if they still have it, it sells out fast).
Menu: couldn’t find online
What: City in California
Why: San Diego is another beautiful SoCal city we love with lots to do as well as lots of great food and drinks! Some of our highlight spots include:
An’s Dry Cleaning (Ice Cream)
Some of the best ice cream and gelato you’ll ever taste, served out of a dry cleaning themed shop and you get to taste every flavor before choosing!
Website: https://adcgelato.com/
Menu: https://adcgelato.com/gelato-menu/
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DBHJQyfE4hTzrkUa9
Buona Forchetta (Italian Food)
Amazing Italian food (especially the pizza and gnocchi). Rachel’s brother, Sean, and his wife, Andie, took us here after a day of showing us around San Diego.
Website: https://buonaforchettasd.com/buona-forchetta-south-park/
Menu: https://buonaforchettasd.com/dinner-menu/
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9r5FWwHVSbUTZoHB9
Tacos El Gordo (Mexican Restaurant)
If you want to taste an authentic taco done right, you have to go to Tacos El Gordo in San Diego. The Tacos De Adobada and Tacos De Asada are very highly recommended. Ordering is an adventure all its own!
Website: No website, just a menu (below)
Menu: https://www.fooddiscoveryapp.com/san-diego/tacos-el-gordo-f-street
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2h65fThFpnxmwQ6PA
The Lost Abbey Brewing (Brewery)
For those of you who like a decent beer, The Abbey Brewing in San Diego is a must. The brewery has some tasty brews but what’s really cool about this brewery in particular is that it looks like an old church on the inside. Sit back, relax, and sip a cold one in an old church pew…bet you’ve never done that before!
Website: http://www.lostabbey.com/
Menu: https://lostabbey.com/church-menu/
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRHxLwAdt8txUTM66
How to get there:
By Car: San Diego is roughly a 1h 30m drive from Santa Ana with cities like San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Del Mar, and La Jolla along the way if you want to explore more SoCal cities.
By Train: For those who don’t want to drive, San Diego is roughly a 2h 20m train ride from Santa Ana station to San Diego. Both Metrolink and Amtrak offer transportation on a rail that goes along the coastline so you get plenty of beach views without having to keep your eyes on the road. Download the Metrolink or Amtrak app to get tickets!