Some Appetizing Getaways : Many restaurants and bars are, by nature, out-of-county experiences. Here are just a few, suggested by our staff, that might transport you:

Sipping wine and twirling angel hair pasta alfresco at Gambino’s in downtown San Clemente mentally transports you to one of those sleepy beach towns along the underpopulated parts of California’s Central Coast. Patrons in floppy shoes and comfy clothes who are waiting for a table usually mill about the sidewalks, peeking into the windows of the antique clock shop, toy store and other out-of-the-’50s-type establishments.

233 Avenida del Mar, San Clemente. (714) 498-9552. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.