THE FULLEST Guide to OC
A city guide that’s literally near and dear to our heart — Orange County! Not only is it home to some of California’s most stunning coastline, organic food grocers, and clean beauty studios — it’s also home to THE FULLEST HQ! We’ve rounded up our favorite local haunts and must-do’s for your next visit to our hometown.
Stay
Hotel Joaquin, Laguna Beach
Nestled above Shaws Cove, Hotel Joaquin is a true hidden gem. Each room is individually furnished and feels part sanctuary, part high-end vintage store, and part gallery. We also love their luxe but earthy stone bathrooms and hand cut tiles. Their restaurant Saline is also amazing as is their summer perfect pool deck.
Pelican Hill
Perched upon 504 acres of unrivaled coastline, Pelican Hill is set apart as a world unto itself. Their five star private bungalows and villas nod to the sensuality of Italy, while their wellness spa and crystal clear beaches capture Southern California’s natural oceanic beauty. It’s a true sanctuary of seclusion, a feast for the senses, and retreat for family and friends.
Montage, Laguna Beach
The definition of seaside luxury, this resort brings creature comfort and family friendly amenities without sacrificing elegance and escapism. Set on a sparkling beachfront in the heart of Southern California’s preeminent artist colony, you can enjoy the best of the OC’s coastal views and cultural activities.
Lido House
Looking for something a little more playful and relaxed for your OC stay? Situated at the nexus of the beach, marina, and town — this location is ideal for those that love to be out and about. However, you’ll also love staying in Lido House’s effortless but definitive beach house rooms that capture Newport’s Cape Cod aesthetic with elegant twists on a variety of nautical themes.
Eat
Nourish Wellness Cafe
Founded by Chef Prakash, this menu is inspired by the traditional healing system of Ayurveda. You’ll find each dish on their menu is cooked without onions, garlic or soy; for health, digestion, balance, and clarity — and it’s delicious!
Fermentation Farm
Based on the belief that a healthy gut equals a healthy life — “Ferm Farm” specializes in probiotic-rich and restorative foods that also contain B vitamins, electrolytes, collagen, and minerals that are necessary for proper gut and immune system and overall body wellness. Drop by for a fermented breakfast, lunch, dinner, Taco Tuesday, or to fill up your jun growler!
Cafe Gratitude
A more focused version of the Cafe Gratitude chain, their Newport location is a counter service venue that boasts all their cult classics and is great for a quick meal, juice, or smoothie. Want to dine in? They also have a cute patio and inside bar seating.
Daydream Surf Shop
All of our favorite worlds collide at Daydream. Stop by for coffee and baked treats (they sell our favorite, Rye Goods) and scoop up ceramics, body oils, perfumes, and trinkets in their gift shop.
Semi Tropic Wines
Run by the same team as Daydream Surf Shop, Semi Tropic Wines follows the policy that their biodynamic wine selection of living wines are in tune with nature. Pick up a bottle from their careful curation of winemakers that prioritize the health of the land and diversity of environment.
The Stand Natural Foods
This is a true OG natural food stand before it was “cool” to be organic and has managed to retain its authenticity and lineage for over 40 years. We love their fruit soft serve for a cold treat on the warmer days but everything on their vegan menu is nourishing and nutritious.
Sejuiced
Sejuiced serves up more than their delicious cold-pressed, on-site juices. They also share the benefits of natural raw foods’ ability to heal, cleanse, and promote longevity. Balancing flavor and function, they deliver a deliciously healthy experience — we love the Kale Detox Bowl (you’ve gotta add avo and ask for it tossed!).
Vibe Kitchen
Keep your eyes peeled for one of Vibe Kitchen’s three convenient locations in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Dana Point on your OC travels and you’ll always find a cordyceps tonic, macro bowl, or spirulina smoothie to keep you adventuring.
Outpost Kitchen
Aussies have infiltrated California and we’re not mad about it, especially when they bring Aussie-inspired eats. Outpost Kitchen’s menu is a throwback to 1970 surf cafe culture from Australia’s Gold Coast with a Cali twist and includes classics like their oat milk flat white.
Hotel Laguna
One of the OC’s most iconic buildings, Hotel Laguna is home to three unbelievable restaurants that marry design, views, and hospitality with each of their individual menus. Larsen is their breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant; great for local-inspired food and ingredients. Fin is their sushi and sake bar serving up the best in local fresh seafood and imported delicacies. Laguna Beach Club is open to private members and hotel guests and is perfect for a breezy outdoor dining and drinks.
Mother’s Market
A grocery store, cafe, and wellness store all in one — here you’ll find organic ingredients, quick bites, and the perfect place to pick up some snacks for a beach day.
Mayfield Restaurant & Marketplace
Beautifully designed, this indoor/outdoor dining room with high ceilings and large open windows is located in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano. Their secret garden patio is secluded at the back of the restaurant and provides a beautiful environment to relax and enjoy their menu that combines modern Californian cooking with flavors from the Levant region, an area spanning the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North Africa.
Neat Coffee
Just like the name suggests, this cute neighborhood coffee shop is light and airy and has gorgeous clean interiors that feel part Scandinavian part Californian. If you are a conscious coffee drinker, you’ll find a range of sustainably sourced blends and a simple menu. The perfect spot to catch up with friends or take a time out of your busy schedule for a just for you moment.
Shop
Liesas
This neighborhood merchant carries everything from local organic produce, curated artisan pantry goods, house-made provisions, and — THE FULLEST saffron range. They also support artisans, local farmers, and education. Step through their doors and you’ll instantly recognize this is a special place.
ROOTS Beauty
Roots Beauty is the go-to place for non-toxic products (we even recorded a podcast episode with founder, Laura Linsenmayer). Shop their incredible curation or indulge in an organic hair touch or makeup application.
Willbo
Willbo is a California lifestyle company that delivers thoughtful experiences and products for a life well lived — a motto that we definitely share! As fellow California natives, they are inspired by the beauty and abundance of the region’s surroundings that translates into their men’s and women’s lines. Check out their range of leisure and activewear that is made from locally sourced, high-quality fabrics and materials in small batch production runs.
The Water Brewery
Looking for some hydration as you hike, swim, or bike the OC? Refill your glass or aluminum bottle with high-quality restructured water from The Water Brewery. Or just drop by to check out their wide array of superfood supplements, crystals, and conscious goods including some of our favorite brands like Sun Potion and Quinton Plasma.
Good Together House
Good Together House is one of our favorite local home goods stores that has an answer for every domestic bliss need. You can pick up a Flamingo Estate produce box, shop for the most elegant natural deodorants, or grab some one-of-a-kind vintage glassware to take back in your suitcase.
Laguna Supply
Looking to update your wardrobe with some elevated essentials, Laguna Supply has a curated edit of international and domestic designers that focus on quality and timelessness across clothing, shoes, bags, and swimwear.
Sawdust Art Festival
If you love a market, you have to check out Sawdust Art Festival. Over the summer months, it feels like a fairyland but during winter, it feels like a snowglobe. A great way to support local artisans and immerse yourself in the Laguna community.
A’maree’s
Okay, some of the pieces in A’maree’s may be outside our budget but regardless of shopping, this is a place worth visiting. Along with its boutique store, it’s a destination in and of itself due to the fact that it’s a stunning bayfront architectural masterpiece. It also attracts a high-profile crowd and has hosted fashion designers, editors, buyers, stylists, musicians, actors, models, royalty, and an incredibly loyal, local clientele.
Visit
Laguna Beach Farmers Market
We love a farmers market, especially one in our hometown. Besides the fresh local produce, you’ll find us picking up Koko Moo’s plant-based milks, Superfood & Company’s Kefir Soda, Vision Sprouts’ sprouted nuts and seeds, Ray’s Ranch’s organic and local veggies, and Sunny Cal Farms’ organic and local fruit.
The Ecology Center
A local regenerative farm is a learning hub that teaches and practices deep stewardship. Stop by and pick up produce from their farmstand daily, enjoy homemade pizza from farm ingredients on Tuesdays, or — when in season — pick your own strawberries or pumpkins. You can learn more about their offering in this episode of THE FULLEST Podcast with founder Evan Marks.
Take the Ferry to Balboa Island
Enjoy a cute morning or afternoon trip to Balboa Island courtesy of the ferry service. Since 1919, the Balboa Island Ferry has provided a direct and scenic route for locals and travelers. Take a seat on the deck and enjoy the ocean views.
Sherman Library & Gardens
Visiting with kids? Sherman Library and Gardens hosts fountains and flowerbeds, lunch and learns, and parent and me painting classes. There’s no doubt you’ll find something here to keep them entertained.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch
Step back in time and connect with the animal kingdom. River Street Ranch is a place for kids to feed and play with the farm’s bunnies, llamas, guinea pigs, and chickens; plus enjoy a pony, tractor, or train ride.
Laguna’s Beaches
There’s no shortage of epic coastlines and stunning beaches. Our top picks are Shaws Cove and Woods Cove for their gorgeous crystal waters and fun tide pools. Plus you can stop by La Sirena Grill and get lunch to-go including sustainably and locally caught salmon.
Villa Pilates and Yoga
Need to break a sweat, have a stretch, or deepen your zen? Villa Pilates and Yoga is a beautiful studio that offers reformer Pilates, yoga classes, and sound baths.
Magnolia Wellness
An amazing healing center offering naturopathy, acupuncture, fertility, holistic beauty and massage treatments. The team at Magnolia have helped many locals achieve amazing results on everything from hormonal imbalances, to gut and skin health. They also offer virtual sessions and you can learn more about them our THE FULLEST Podcast episode with the founder, Angela Sinnett.