What would you do with an extra 28 hours in Orange County? That’s the challenge for the Orange County “Extra Time” team. The duo’s goal during their OC time was to take a break from the rush, savor every moment, and leave feeling nourished and re-energized. Follow along as this crew unwinds at the pier, savors local flavors, and gets a bird’s-eye view of one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in California.
Grab a famous lobster roll on Huntington Beach Pier
Start your adventure on Huntington Beach’s famous pier with a seafood meal for the ages. Located at the pierhead, Broad Street Oyster Co. has earned a reputation for turning out some of the best lobster rolls on the West Coast, combined with stunning views. Enjoy oysters on ice paired with the beloved lobster rolls—served with warm butter or mayo on a brioche bun—while you watch the action on the water in Surf City USA.
More: 11 Awesome Surfing Spots
Savor local flavor at Bluebird Canyon Farms
Fill your basket with fruits and veggies, homemade baked goods, and handcrafted goods from Laguna Beach’s Bluebird Canyon Farms. This family-owned, sustainable farm offers tours and an overflowing farmstand stocked with their locally acclaimed sourdough bread, handcrafted seasonings, and homegrown produce. Stroll through the raised beds and rows of green crops, and don’t forget to say hello to the resident tortoise Momo.
Toast the magic and watch Disneyland fireworks from a rooftop bar
Craving a VIP theme park experience without any crowds? Head over to the Westin Rise Rooftop Bar for cocktails with a side of fireworks sparkle. This good neighbor hotel (an independently owned hotel located off Disney property, recognized for meeting Disney’s high standards for quality and service) in Anaheim boasts the perfect spot to watch the nightly fireworks display over Sleeping Beauty Castle. Cozy up next to one of the fire pits for a mango margarita or chai time mocktail, and be sure to ask the mixologist about the cocktail of the month, as the bar menu is always changing.
More: Amazing Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels
Stretch it out at Hotel Joaquin
Begin your morning with a blissful yoga class on the sun-drenched patio of Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach. Each pose melts away any tension under the guidance of the hotel’s instructor. For those looking to align their auras for a bit longer, the hotel offers wellness packages that include multiple zen-centric itineraries (such as nature hikes, sound baths, art therapy) with plenty of time set aside to enjoy the property's sparkling pool.
Feast on farm-to-table fare at Poppy & Seed
Refuel at Anaheim’s adored farm-to-fork gem, Poppy & Seed restaurant, where Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed spotlight the best of California’s bounty. Kick things off with the impossibly fluffy, house-made Parker House rolls with cultured butter. Then dig into showstoppers like the smoked duck breast and grilled branzino. Each dish is a unique celebration of SoCal produce and seasonal flavors.
Wrap up your Orange County escape next door with a stroll around Farmer’s Park, a 2-acre urban community space inside the Anaheim Packing District, where food stalls will tempt you with treats, live bands setting the vibe, and big games playing out on projected screens. It’s the perfect spot to close out your journey through Orange County
