Best of TimesOC: Entertainment and Living
Your winners, and favorites, for 2019’s Best of TimesOC entertainment and lifestyle choices.
Best Beach
Winner: Huntington Beach
Located an hour south of Los Angeles, Newport Beach is the gem of the California Rivera that has been attracting Angelenos to its shores for decades. This idyllic seaside community is the ultimate destination to relax and unwind among its natural beauty, recreational yacht harbor, eclectic coastal cuisine, wellness offerings and world-class shopping. Comprised of ten distinct neighborhoods, each lend a unique culture, charm, history and local flavor to explore. surfcityusa.com I 714.969.3492
Favorite: Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach inspires travelers from across the world to visit and experience the unique offerings the coastal beach community has to offer. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center and check out Visit Laguna Beach’s new line of apparel. visitlagunabeach.com I 949.497.9229
Favorite: Little Corona Del Mar Beach
Ocean Blvd. and Poppy Ave., Newport Beach 92625
An intimate beach with perfect views of Catalina Island, Little Corona Del Mar is one of the few OC beaches that does not feature stairs down to the water. The water is calm and perfect for families. visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/little-corona-del-mar-beach
Favorite: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Located in the heart of Newport Beach, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is known for its unparalleled waterfront views, delicious cuisine served at Back Bay Bistro, laid-back luxe accommodations and immersive entertainment and events.
newportdunes.com I 949.729.1100
Best City
Winner: Newport Beach
Located an hour south of Los Angeles, Newport Beach is the gem of the California Rivera that has been attracting Angelenos to its shores for decades. This idyllic seaside community is the ultimate destination to relax and unwind among its natural beauty, recreational yacht harbor, eclectic coastal cuisine, wellness offerings and world-class shopping. Comprised of ten distinct neighborhoods, each lend a unique culture, charm, history and local flavor to explore. visitnewportbeach.com I 800.94.COAST
Favorite: Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo is continually ranked as one of California’s safest cities, among the best places to raise a family and is known as the hub of biotech and medical device companies. Minutes from the coast, Aliso Viejo boasts two hotels, a performing arts center, aquatic center, conference center and the upcoming Aliso Viejo Ranch community project. avcity.org I 949.425.2500
Favorite: Costa Mesa
The City of the Arts welcomes you with a vibrant array of performing arts and public art, a killer foodie scene and diverse shopping from the world’s top designers. From culinary delights worthy of an “Eatcation,” and “anti-mall” vibes and street art installations, there’s plenty to explore in Costa Mesa! travelcostamesa.com I 888.588.9417
Favorite: Irvine
A master-planned community consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in America, Irvine features world-class educational institutions, several international corporate headquarters and top-notch dining and entertainment options. destinationirvine.com I 949.660.9112
Best College or University
Winner: Cal State Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton 92831
Cal State Fullerton is a leading campus of the CSU, serving as an intellectual and cultural center for Southern California and driver of workforce and economic development. We are an emerging national model for supporting student success through innovative high-impact educational and co-curricular experiences, including faculty-student collaborative research. fullerton.edu I 657.278.2011
Favorite: Chapman University
1 University Dr., Orange 92866
Chapman’s personalized education gives each student a unique opportunity to become an original thinker who rises to the world’s challenges. We’re here to make something: films, business models, lines of code – to bring them to life and deliver them to the world. champan.edu I 714.997.6815
Favorite: Orange Coast College
2701 Fairview Rd., Costa Mesa 92626
As one of the nation’s top transfer schools, and with a robust offering of career and technical education programs, Orange Coast College prides itself on giving students the tools they need to succeed in today’s world. The college’s 164-acre campus is located in the heart of Costa Mesa. orangecoastcollege.edu I 714.432.5072
Favorite: University of California, Irvine
Irvine 92697
Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. uci.edu I 949.824.5011
Best Live Theater
Winner: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents a broad range of programming for all ages, including international ballet and dance, Broadway tours, jazz, cabaret and classical music concerts, family-friendly programming and free performances on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. The Center is committed to artistic excellence, offering unsurpassed experiences and engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance, arts-based education and community engagement programs. scfta.org I 714.556.2787
Favorite: ImprovCity
3415 Michelson Dr., Irvine 92612
ImprovCity has been performing professional improvisational comedy shows throughout Southern California for over ten years. Our shows are fast-paced, funny and interactive, and no two are alike. improvcityonline.com I 855.624.6776
Favorite: Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr., Irvine 92612
An intimate venue with first-class talent, Irvine Barclay Theatre showcases top-notch national and international artists and entertainers. With only 750 seats, everyone gets a great view, no matter what you choose to see — established artists, cutting-edge work, dance, music, theater or family events. It’s all here ... at the Barclay! thebarclay.org I 949.854.4646
Favorite: South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, founded in 1964, is widely recognized as one of the leading professional theatres in the United States. SCR is renowned for its extensive new play development program. scr.org I 714.708.5555
Best Museum
Winner: Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda 92886
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, located in the heart of Orange County, features the most modern presidential museum in the country. Experience what Senator Bob Dole called “The Age of Nixon,” with tours of the newly renovated museum galleries, the Oval Office, Richard Nixon’s original birthplace and boyhood home, the presidential helicopter and the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon. nixonfoundation.org I 714.993.5075
Favorite: Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92706
Bowers Museum is one of the area’s finest museums, showcasing exquisite international art and culture since 1936. This fall the Bowers Museum proudly presents Dimensions of Form: Tamayo and Mixografia, featuring fifty breathtaking prints by modern master Rufino Tamayo. bowers.org I 714.567.3600
Favorite: Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92705
Discovery Cube Orange County is an interactive science center with the mission to educate young minds through engaging programs and exhibits. Funded by Discovery Science Foundation, Discovery Cube is home to exciting, rotating offerings. oc.discoverycube.org I 714.542.2823
Favorite: Orange County Museum of Art
1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana 92704
The Orange County Museum of Art shows cutting-edge contemporary art alongside its renowned permanent collection. A permanent museum is being built, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne. ocmaexpand.org I 714.780.2186
Best OC Attraction
Winner: Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda 92886
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, located in the heart of Orange County, features the most modern presidential museum in the country. Experience what Senator Bob Dole called “The Age of Nixon,” with tours of the newly renovated museum galleries, the Oval Office, Richard Nixon’s original birthplace and boyhood home, the presidential helicopter and the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon. nixonfoundation.org I 714.993.5075
Favorite: Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92706
Bowers Museum is one of the area’s finest museums, showcasing exquisite international art and culture since 1936. This fall the Bowers Museum proudly presents Dimensions of Form: Tamayo and Mixografia. bowers.org I 714.567.3600
Favorite: Roger’s Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar 92625
Family-owned Roger’s Gardens has been an OC landmark for over 50 years. Roger’s Gardens offers expert advice home and garden. Discover unique decorative seasonal items and displays brought together in inspirational presentations. rogersgardens.com I 949.640.5800
Favorite: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Located in the heart of Newport Beach, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is known for its unparalleled waterfront views, delicious cuisine served at Back Bay Bistro, laid-back luxe accommodations and immersive entertainment and events. newportdunes.com I 949.729.1100
Best OC Event
Winner: OC Fair
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
For 130 years, the OC Fair has been one of Southern California’s favorite summer traditions. We’ve grown from a horse race and a few exhibits to a gigantic, fun-filled celebration of agriculture, families, food and entertainment that attracts 1.4 million visitors a year. Each year features an all new crop of superstar musicians and bands - it’s fun for every member of the family. See you July 17 to Aug. 16, 2020! ocfair.com I 714.708.1500
Favorite: Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival
Multiple locations
Newport Beach Wine & Food is the most exclusive, intimate and world-class epicurean lifestyle event in Southern California. You’ll enjoy one-of-a-kind dinners by celebrity chefs and local masters. newportwineandfood.com
Favorite: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort 4th of July
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Located in the heart of Newport Beach, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is known for its unparalleled waterfront views, delicious cuisine served at Back Bay Bistro, laid-back luxe accommodations and immersive entertainment and events. newportdunes.com I 949.729.1100
Favorite: Roger’s Gardens Holiday
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar 92625
Roger’s Gardens presents three major seasonal event boutiques: Spring Celebration, Halloween Boutique and Christmas Boutique. Each is a can’t-miss experience. Our talented team of buyers and visual designers create a themed boutique curated with unique seasonal decor and one-of-kind collectible artisan pieces for your home and garden. rogersgardens.com I 949.640.5800
Best Sports Team
Winner: Los Angeles Angels
2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim 92806
Orange County’s premier MLB team, playing in the classic Angel Stadium in Anaheim since 1966, is back with the same thrills and some new staff. With skipper Joe Maddon at the helm, fans can expect fireworks from Mike Trout and the rest of the team’s heavy hitters. mlb.com/angels
Favorite: Anaheim Ducks
2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim 92806
Hit the ice at the Honda Center with Anaheim’s favorite hockey team. Since 1993, the NHL franchise has thrilled the OC with fast action and a Stanley Cup win in 2006. nhl.com/ducks
Favorite: Los Angeles Dodgers
1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles 90012
The boys in blue have thrilled Southern California for generations. Orange County residents get to thrill to the seven time NL-West champion Dodgers during their annual freeway series with the Angels. mlb.com/dodgers
Best Venue
Winner: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Located in the heart of Newport Beach, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is known for its unparalleled waterfront views, delicious cuisine served at Back Bay Bistro, laid-back luxe accommodations and immersive entertainment and events. Newport Dunes offers a variety of venues to host as much as 5,000 people, with the Back Bay as the backdrop. Our “Tunes at the Dunes™ concerts features today’s top DJs and performers, including Above & Beyond, Robin Schulz and G-Eazy. newportdunes.com/concerts I 949.729.1100
Favorite: City National Grove of Anaheim
2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim 92806
City National Grove of Anaheim is a versatile 1,700-seat facility, located in the heart of Orange County. Consistently ranked as a “Top 10 Stop” in North America, the City National Grove of Anaheim is a premier entertainment venue for artists and fans alike. citynationalgroveofanaheim.com I 714.712.2700
Favorite: The Coach House Concert Hall
33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 92675
In 1980 Gary Folgner opened the Coach House, a now famous music venue featuring national and international touring acts. The Coach House has been a launching platform for aspiring artists and a home for those that are well established in the industry. thecoachhouse.com I 949.496.8930
Favorite: The Observatory
3503 South Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana 92704
The Observatory is a premier venue in Orange County, with the greatest selection of musical talent across all genres performing on a nightly basis. It’s a large room that feels small, with great views from all over the venue and VIP service available. observatoryoc.com I 714.957.0600