Best of Times OC 2020: Entertainment and Living
Here are Orange County’s winners and favorites for Best of TimesOC’s Entertainment and Living categories.
Best Attraction
Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim 92802
Disneyland, the crown jewel of Orange County, is excited to welcome visitors back to the park to take in all the classic nostalgia and next-generation thrills, including the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land, the largest addition to the park ever.
Festival of Arts Laguna Beach
650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach 92651
The award-winning Pageant of the Masters is the Festival of Arts’ crowning jewel and arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world, amazing audiences with their tableaux vivants (living pictures).
foapom.com | 949.494.1145
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.
ocfair.com | 714.708.1500
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, laid-back luxe accommodations and immersive entertainment and events.
newportdunes.com | 949.729.1100
Best Beach
Laguna Beach
361 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach 92651
The artist colony of Laguna Beach is one of California’s most sought after beach hideaways. Featuring seven miles of coves and beaches where ocean side bluffs, natural tide pools and sandy beaches can be explored, it’s home to more than 20,000 acres of protected wilderness and open space. And with 100+ art galleries, unique shops and famous art festivals, Laguna Beach is a true California original.
visitlagunabeach.com | 949.497.9229
Newport Beach
Oceanfront and 21st St., Newport Beach 92663
Newport Beach offers soft sand with plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy yourself. Surfers, swimmers and sunbathers all bask in the warmth of beautiful Southern California winter and summer days.
visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks
Corona Del Mar Beach
Ocean Blvd. and Poppy Ave., Newport Beach 92625
A compact, intimate beach with perfect views of Catalina Island, Corona Del Mar is one of the few Orange County beaches that does not feature stairs down to the water. The water is calm, perfect for family swimming adventures.
visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/little-corona-del-mar-beach
Dana Point
34445 Ensenada Pl., Dana Point 92629
The calm waters of Dana Point’s Harbor Beach, or “Baby Beach,” are a perfect place to bring children or play in the surf.
Best City
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 | 800.94.COAS
Irvine
1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine 92606
Irvine is one of America’s safest, master-planned urban communities. This culturally diverse city features expansive open space, top-rated educational institutions, a vibrant business atmosphere, and the Orange County Great Park.
cityofirvine.org | 949.724.6000
Costa Mesa
77 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
Costa Mesa is one of California’s most eclectic and vibrant cities and home to one of the nation’s largest shopping centers, world-class dining and renowned performing arts. Costa Mesa is the home of OC Fair & Event Center and the L.A. Chargers.
costamesaca.gov | 714.754.5000
City of Anaheim
Anaheim is a modern, diverse city with a proud history dating back to its 1857 founding and known worldwide as the home of the Disneyland Resort as well as Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center.
Best College
University of California, Irvine
Irvine 92697
Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 222 degree programs. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot.
uci.edu | 949.824.5011
Cal State Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton 92831
Consistently lauded as a top national university, CSUF graduates are confident, well prepared and culturally competent, uniquely positioned to excel in the global marketplace, in further education and in their communities.
fullerton.edu | 657.278.2011
Chapman University
1 University Dr., Orange 92866
Chapman is a nationally-ranked, private university that enrolls 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus is categorized as both “high research activity” and an exceptional university for undergraduate teaching.
chapman.edu | 714.997-6815
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 | 714.432.5072
Best Event
OC Fair
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
For over 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.
ocfair.com | 714.708.1500
Festival of Arts Laguna Beach
650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach 92651
The award-winning Pageant of the Masters is the Festival of Arts’ crowning jewel and arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world, amazing audiences with their tableaux vivants (living pictures).
foapom.com | 949.494.1145
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach 92651
The Sawdust Art Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting art created in Laguna Beach through two main annual events: a summer festival and Winter Fantasy.
sawdustartfestival.org | 949.494.3030
Pacific Wine + Food Classic
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Come experience the Pacific Wine + Food Classic! Enjoy one of the best food and wine festivals in the country. The Pacific Wine + Food Classic Returns August 21-22, 2021.
Best Live Theater
The Pacific Amphitheatre
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
Located on the grounds of the OC Fair and Event Center, the Pacific Amphitheatre is known throughout Orange County as the premier venue for concerts and other celebratory events during the OC Fair. With seating for over 8,000, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening with friends and neighbors.
pcamp.com | 714.708.1500
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, laid-back luxe accommodations and immersive entertainment.
newportdunes.com | 949.729.1100
The Coach House Concert Hall
33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 92675
In 1980 Gary Folgner opened the now famous Coach House, featuring national and international touring acts. The Coach House has been a launching point for aspiring artists and is also home for those that are well-established.
thecoachhouse.com | 949.496.8930
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr., Irvine 92612
Irvine Barclay Theatre is more than just a performing arts venue: It’s a philosophy dedicated to finding new and creative ways to present the performing arts and engage with the community.
thebarclay.org | 949.854.4646
Best Live Music Venue
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents a broad range of programming for audiences of all ages, including international ballet and dance, national Broadway tours, jazz, cabaret and classical music concerts and free performances. The Center is committed to supporting artistic excellence, offering unsurpassed experiences and engaging the community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance, and arts-based education and community engagement programs.
scfta.org | 714.556.2787
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa 92626
Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory is known for its mix of classics, contemporary hits and new plays, as well as its annual holiday tradition, “A Christmas Carol.”
scr.org | 714.708.5500
ImprovCity
3415 Michelson Dr., Irvine 92612
ImprovCity has been performing professional improvisational comedy shows throughout Southern California for over 11 years. Shows are fast-paced, funny and interactive. They offer both PG-13 (family-friendly) and uncensored shows.
improvcityonline.com | 855.624.6776
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr., Irvine 92612
Irvine Barclay Theatre is more than just a performing arts venue: It’s a philosophy dedicated to finding new and creative ways to present the performing arts and engage with the community.
thebarclay.org | 949.854.4646
Best Museum
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana 92706
The Bowers Museum prides itself on showcasing world-class arts and cultures in a warm, inviting space located in the heart of Orange County. Surrounded by lush gardens, a full day at the Bowers includes lunch at Patina-owned Tangata Restaurant, shopping in the gallery store, and a stroll through our galleries of eight permanent exhibitions and our current featured exhibition: Inside the Walt Disney Archives.
bowers.org | 714.567.3600
Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 North 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 | 714.542.2823
Orange County Museum of Art
1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana 92704
With a renowned collection of 4,500 objects, ambitious exhibitions and impactful educational programs, OCMA is one of the finest modern and contemporary art museums in the country.
ocmaexpand.org | 714.780.2130
Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society
210 Marine Ave., Newport Beach 92662
The New Balboa Island Museum pays homage to the island so many of us know, love and call home – and a place that continues to capture the imaginations and hearts of visitors the world over.
balboaislandmuseum.org | 949.675.3952
Best Sports Team
Angels Baseball
2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim 92806
The Angels joined MLB as an expansion team in 1961 and have played at Angel Stadium in Anaheim since 1961. The Angels have won nine A.L. West Division Championships, the 2002 World Series Championship and are led by three-time Manager of the Year Joe Maddon. Three-time A.L. MVP Mike Trout and All-Star Anthony Rendon highlight the Angels star-studded lineup.
angels.com | 714.940.2000
Los Angeles Lakers
1111 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90015
The 2020 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers are beloved throughout Southern California and worldwide, with All-Star talents Lebron James and Anthony Davis leading the way.
Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club
2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim 92806
The Anaheim Ducks are a NHL team that has played since 1993. The team carries an emphasis on building a fanbase through strong community engagement and won California’s first Stanley Cup in 2007.
anaheimducks.com | 714.704.2400
LA Chargers
1000 S. Prairie Ave., Inglewood 90301
Southern California’s AFC NFL Team, The Chargers, are excited to welcome fans from across the region to their new home in Inglewood, SoFi Stadium.