2016 Go See Do

Every week, our three community papers feature the region’s happenings in our calendars. In this, our second annual Go See Do issue, we’ve expanded our “Getting Out” calendar to include feature stories on Southern California getaways, local eateries and summer concerts series in order to give you, our readers, a full array of summertime options all in one place.

On the following pages, you’ll find places to go, wonders to see and things to do throughout our communities and surrounding areas. Hop on an Amtrak train from the San Juan Capistrano Depot and head to San Diego’s unique, trackside neighborhoods in “All Aboard” (page 6) or travel to Baja California’s wine country and Catalina Island’s beaches through our “Brilliance of Baja” feature (page 4). Find a list of Hollywood’s vintage hits and family comedies being screened outdoors throughout Orange County in “On the Silver Screen” (page 9) along with the lineup of country, rock, Motown and pop cover bands hitting the free-concert stages of our local municipalities in “Al Fresco Tunes” (page 7). Reading through “So Odd,” (page 8) you’ll also discover a road-trip friendly guide to SoCal’s oddest attractions—from the colorful Salvation Mountain to the famed Watts Towers. We’ve also compiled an immense list of things to do—items you can check off your list any time of the year. Hear what your neighbors’ favorite locales are in “Local Love” (page 11) and behind-the-scenes kitchen takes from culinary creationists in our “Local Flavor” feature (page 12). In “Bottom’s Up” (page 13), discover our area’s libations from local brewers, distillers and winemakers. Then, pull out your map and highlight the best places to “Get on Your Dancing Shoes” (page 10). Finally, explore unique camping alternatives that bring modern amenities to the wonderful outdoors in “Rough It or Not” (page 14). From cocktails to Catalina, train travel to dancing hotspots, Go See Do has a little something for everyone.

ON THE COVER

Fresh Seafood and Fine Steaks at the Harbor Grill

For more than 33 years, the Harbor Grill has served fresh seafood, oysters and juicy steaks in the Dana Point Harbor. The restaurant has become renowned by visitors and locals for its exceptional fare prepared on a large mesquite wood-fired grill. Regional dishes are accented with fresh herbs from the Harbor Grill’s herb garden, and accompanied by chutneys, spice rubs and salsas.

Executive Chef Angel Fabian started his career with the Harbor Grill back in 1986, and shortly thereafter attended the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. The menu he has cultivated draws heavily from his experience traveling in South America, while also allowing for influences from Latin America, Asia, the Southwest and the Mediterranean.

The Harbor Grill serves lunch, dinner and a Sunday champagne breakfast, all in the elegant dining room or out on the cozy terrace where diners can watch the boats roll in and out. There is also a long list of cocktails to sample and an extensive wine list that is carefully curated.

Brilliance of Baja

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

A two-hour, straight shot south on Interstate 5 leads to a lively international escape. The vibrant world of Baja California’s arts, culture, entertainment, dining and adventure awaits a simple crossing into Mexico.

Eighty miles south you’ll discover the region’s spirited urban hub, Tijuana, a lobster fishing village in Puerto Nuevo, the coastal haven of Ensenada and lush wine country in Valle de Guadalupe.

Visit Valle’s burgeoning culinary and winery scene on group bus tours departing San Diego each weekend with Baja Vino Tours or embark on a gastronomic expedition to Tijuana and Ensenada’s eateries, street carts and taco shops with the roving supper club, Club Tengo Hambre

Dine your way around Tijuana with renowned Cali-Baja flavor expert Javier Placencia. Visit his iconic restaurant Caesar’s—the birthplace of the Caesar salad—nosh on sleek, refined Mexican cuisine at his Misión 19 or visit Erizo, a cevicheria along the hip Avenida Sonora, for fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Follow Anthony Bourdain’s lead from No Reservations to Las Ahumaderas’ six street-side taco stands. Nothing fancy. It’s down-to-the basics. Sit back and watch the masters prepare carne, lengua and adobada delights.

Wanting a cultural experience? Seek out the casual, inviting contemporary art galleries located on the outskirts of the downtown’s tourist destination, Avenida Revolucion, and visit the Centro Cultural Tijuana. Sports fans, check schedules. Tijuana is home to three professional sports teams: The Zonkeys (basketball), Toros (baseball) and Xoloitzcuintles (soccer)—Xolos for short.

An hour and a half south of Tijuana and just northeast of the port city of Ensenada you’ll find Baja California’s arid wine country—Valle de Guadalupe. Cultured, yet rustic, traditional and trendy, Baja’s wine region has an inimitable identity. Its winemakers and chefs play by their own rules. Chenin blanc, tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, name the varietal; it’s likely grown here.

Taste your way through the region’s unique blends at the valley’s pioneer winery L.A. Cetto, the hilltop Las Nubes or Finca La Carrodilla, where grapes are grown using biodynamic farming methods. The farm and vineyard Mogor Badan offers the best of both wining and dining worlds. Its French Bourdeaux-inspired blend and citrus-forward Chasselas are served solely onsite at Deckman’s en el Mogor—a farm-to-table dining experience cooked entirely in traditional Baja style—over firewood.

Whether exploring Baja individually or on a tour, remember this: Don’t forget your passport. And make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to cross the border if traveling on a Sunday.

A visit to the American Riviera—Santa Barbara—doesn’t disappoint. Red-tiled roofs and white stucco structures set against hillsides flowing into the sea exude Mediterranean vibes rich with culture and prompting relaxation. Santa Barbara is ideal for travelers of all ages looking to enjoy the outdoors, arts—check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Art—culture, food and wine. Well, what are you waiting for?

Get

Point or Long Beach harbors for a day of culinary experimentation and outdoor adventures. Did someone say Catalina Parasail? Or slow it down. Stay awhile, settle in and truly appreciate the island clock. The only rush hour here involves golf carts—the perfect transportation mode.

If adventure is what you’re seeking, the Mojave Desert’s 25,000 square miles of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona could be your next destination. Discover dunes and volcanic formations in Mojave National Preserve and hike trails of varying degrees of extreme in Joshua Tree National Park. Here, campsites and unique finds abound. Catch a Pappy & Harriett’s show or visit the World Famous Crochet Museum

LITTLE ITALY

All Aboard

A San Diego discovery by way of rail

It takes about an hour and 30 minutes to travel from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. By train, that is. No tra c—just the sounds of tracks beneath, Paci c views out the window. Amtrak’s Paci c Sur iner passenger trains depart the historic San Juan Capistrano Depot for San Diego’s Old Town and Santa Fe stations numerous times each day. An 8:42 a.m. departure from the state’s oldest residential neighborhood sees a 10:02 a.m. arrival in the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego. Here, train travelers can start their San Diego exploration by way of foot and trolley, discovering the city’s unique neighborhoods and districts through open-air markets, museums and eateries before catching a northbound train home.

San Diego’s tuna fishing industry thrived for generations as Italian families made their living off this neighborhood’s waters. Today, Little Italy continues to flourish. Home to a vibrant dining, craft brewing and shopping scene, including a weekly Saturday farmers market, Little Italy is a mustsee. It’s conveniently located off the Blue Line trolley, too.

BARRIO LOGAN

South of downtown, accessible from the blue-line trolley, visitors will find one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods. In recent years, coffee shops, CrossFit gyms and brewers have entered the diverse community filled with authentic eateries and a colorful art scene—Barrio Logan’s Chicano Park is home to the nation’s largest collection of outdoor murals.

DOWNTOWN

This urban jungle is an oasis for one and all. Families can explore the city’s vast museums and world renowned zoo (a short bus ride away) or cheer on the Padres one afternoon at Petco Park. Evenings see the area’s pulsating nightlife and dining seen erupt. Discover downtown by foot, trolley or pedi-cab.

OLD TOWN

A step off the train in Old Town is a step back in time. This historic cultural park offers a view into the first Spanish settlement in California. Here, guests can learn about life in the Mexican and early American periods of the region’s past while perusing unique shops, galleries, museums, cafes and cantinas.

WATERFRONT

Along the eastern edge of San Diego Bay lies the Embarcadero district. Grab a sweet treat and shop one-of-a-kind gifts at Seaport Village, tour the USS Midway Museum and climb on a Coronado Island-bound ferry. Each day sees something new. From street performers, giant bubble makers and a weekly open-air fish market, this waterfront district never disappoints.

Al Fresco Tunes

Summer outdoor concert series returns to tri-cities

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

It’s no secret: South Orange County is a great venue for live music. Live tunes reverberate throughout the county’s beachside and historic parks as the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano host their annual, free-of-charge, seasonal concerts. Below is a list of this year’s musical offerings. You’ll want to mark your calendars; this summertime lineup is one for the record books.

Dana Point Summer Concert Series

July 10: All hail Southern rock as Skynyrd Reloaded pays homage to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers known worldwide for their beloved anthem “Sweet Home Alabama,” while SouthBound recreates the mix of rock, blues, country and jazz renderings of the Allman Brothers.

July 17: You won’t stop believin’ in the power of ’80s rock classics when the high-energy Journey tribute band Lights takes the stage. You will also have “More than a Feeling” of nostalgia as BOSTYX—a Boston and Styx mash-up band closes out the day’s musical offerings.

July 24: The Tricia Freeman Band pulls from musical influences of Cline, Raitt and Joplin as its powerhouse lead brings country ballads and delta blues to the stage. A tribute to the American rockers behind “Hotel California” and “Tequila Sunrise” follows with Peaceful Eagles.

July 31: This week’s performers—Fan Halen and Led ZepAgain—are regarded as the best for their precision and the near-perfect reproductions of rock classics like Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” and “Panama” and Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”

August 7: Las Vegas headliners of yesteryear are revived as Raymond Michael’s Casino All Stars sing the 1960s hits of Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdink and Tom Jones. Then, Hot August Night salutes Neil Diamond.

August 14: Performers rooted in the Southern tradition of country, Brent Payne and Craig

Wayne Boyd, hit the Sea Terrace Stage. Boyd is the seventh season winner of The Voice

August 21: Savor the Band honors Carlos Santana’s musical fusion of rock and Latin American sounds while The Fabulous Ultratones, known for synthesizing hits across musical genres and generations, closes out Dana Point’s final summer concert.

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San Clemente Beach Concerts

July 7: Eighties cover band Wigs & Ties, known for high-energy renditions of the decade’s hits, will rock the socks off beachconcertgoers even if they aren’t wearing any.

July 21: The tried-and-true veterans of blues, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, bring a blend of Chicago-grit, West Coast swing, jazz, R&B and rock and roll blues to the beach.

August 4: The fused sounds of Common Sense—a mix of small-town vibes, Southern California attitudes and reggae-rock inspirations—close out this beachside concert series. Performances are located north of the San Clemente ier T e ic o at C ic en and ar ecue ri dinners are a aila le or ar ing is a aila le at t e ier owl lot and on t e street

San Juan Summer Nites

June 15: From “Fortunate Son” to “Proud Mary,” the faithful-recreationists of Creedence Relived will transport listeners to a 1960s Creedence Clearwater Revival concert.

July 20: It’s all in the name: The Trip. This rock and roll cover band takes concert-goers on a journey through time with hits from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.

August 17: Get your dancin’ shoes ready. The Blue Breeze Band is bringing the best of Motown, R&B, soul, funk, jazz and blues.

September 21: The purveyor of today’s hottest country hits, Pickleback Shine, will keep attendees dancing, singing and stomping. S ows are eld t e t ird ednesda o t e ont at istoric Town Center ar ll concerts start at Street and lot ar ing is a aila

So Odd

A short guide to Southern California’s

oddest landmarks

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

Salvation Mountain

Location: Niland, California

Road trips are synonymous with summer. If you’re hitting the open road this season, stay on the lookout for Southern California oddities. You’ll nd the World Famous Crochet Museum in Joshua Tree and the World’s Largest Surfboard—etched in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Most People Riding a Surfboard”—in Huntington Beach. So, pull out the map and lay out your course. You never know what you’ll nd along the way. Here are two peculiar landmarks to spark your oddity interest.

Venturing east to Palm Desert or Phoenix? Make time for a pit stop or a day excursion to Imperial County’s infamous Salvation Mountain. The mountain—a towering man-made terrain of hay bales, adobe clay, tree branches, various scraps found in the desert and thousands of gallons of colorful paint—was a labor of unfailing faith. Built over the course of 25 years by Leonard Knight, Salvation Mountain has become a destination for global visitors. It, too, has been documented by The Discovery Channel and National Geographic. Guests can walk along the yellow-brick road and climb to the top of the late Knight’s 50-foot vibrant beacon of love—a work of art dedicated to delivering its creator’s message: “God is love.” Knight died in February 2014 at the age of 82. His legacy lives on, however, through this patchwork wonderland of color in the middle of the Southern California desert.

Getting There: If traveling on Interstate 10 from Los Angeles, take CA-86 S just east of Indio. Take a slight left toward CA-195 (marked 66th Avenue E) then a left onto CA-111 S. Follow the road for 43.3 miles, along the eastern end of the Salton Sea, before turning left on Main Street. Continue onto Beal Road to the destination. If driving through San Diego, take Interstate 8 to El Centro and head north on CA-111 N. On the north end of Brawley the road turns into CA-78. You’ll continue onto CA-111. Make a right on Main Street and continue traveling on Beal Road until you reach Salvation Mountain.

Watts Towers

Location: Los Angeles, California

The City of Angels is filled with oddities and unique experiences. You can hike through the abandoned ruins of the old L.A. oo in Griffith Park, or explore prehistoric Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits. The options here are endless: giant donuts, walks of fame and a museum dedicated solely to velvet paintings. Perhaps the strangest of all peculiarities is Watts Towers—a collection of 17 major sculptures and the 33-year project undertaken by Sabato “Simon” Watts. The Italian immigrant used simple tools to construct towers, the tallest standing just over 99 feet, which he dubbed “Nuestro Pueblo”—meaning “our town.” These steel structures, simply wire together rebar, were hand-packed with mortar and embellished with mosaic tiles, glass, shells and rock. Public guided tours of this National Register of Historic Places landmark are held Thursday through Sunday. The Watts Tower Arts Center provides a diverse lineup of programming from exhibits and studio workshops to the annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival in September.

Getting There: Head north on Interstate 5 past Anaheim and Buena Park. Near Norwalk, merge onto Interstate 605 heading south. From there, merge onto westbound Interstate 105 and take exit 10 toward Wilmington Avenue. Turn left onto Imperial Highway, followed by a slight right toward Willowbrook Avenue then a right on Wilmington Avenue. Make a left on 112th Street, which becomes Willowbrook Avenue. Finally, turn right onto 107th Street. The destination is on the left—1765 E. 107th Street.

On the Silver Screen

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

Warm summer nights were made for movies under the stars. While Orange County’s drive-in movie theaters, circa 1960, may be a thing of the past, cities and art venues throughout the region have filled the summer pastime void with movie-going experiences that rival those of yesteryear.

All summer long, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the City of Dana Point and the Orange County Great Park are projecting Hollywood classics and computer-animated cinema outdoors—free and family-friendly features complete with food trucks, popcorn and sweet theater snacks.

This year’s outdoor theater season kicks off in Dana Point. Each Friday in June, Lantern Bay Park is transformed into an open-air cinema where families pack picnic dinners and munch on popcorn—served free of charge—during fantasy, action and comedy flicks.

On June 3, the inventive animated dramedy Inside Out takes viewers into the mind of Riley, a young girl going through a difficult, life-altering event. This emotional rollercoaster ride sees Riley’s feelings personified. The Good Dinosaur follows a young apatosaurus as he

forms an unlikely friendship with a human on June 10. On June 17, the unspoken legend of Peter Pan is told in Pan. The comedic, yellow creatures from Despicable Me search for a new master to serve in the city’s final summer showing of Minions on June 24.

On weekend nights throughout June and August, family favorites and silver-screen classics will be showcased on Orange County Great Park’s outdoor screen. A ride on the Great Park Balloon—with a 360-degree view of Irvine from 400 feet above ground—or the Great Park carousel segues perfectly into a night of film, food trucks and free family fun.

After an alien race conquers Earth, a fugitive alien and a girl are on the run in the June 4 showing of Home. The family adventure continues on June 11 as Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler, puts his grandson through monsterin-training boot camp in Hotel Transylvania 2 Before serving Gru, the super-villain’s famed small, yellow assistants were in search of a master. Their film, Minions, airs on June 18. Everyone’s favorite neighborhood friends—Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and Lucy—take to the big screen on June 25 in The Peanuts Movie. On July 9, Jack Black’s character, Po, hits the Great Park movie scene with Kung Fu Panda 3 Romance and drama ensue June 10 as a modern-day princess, Audrey Hepburn, rebels against her duties in the Great Park’s showing of Roman Holiday. On June 17, silent film actors transition to sound in Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain. Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn take to the silver screen June 24 in the showing of Bringing Up Baby—a screwball comedy starring a confused paleontologist and a maddening heiress. The Great Park’s classics are rounded out July 8 with the 194 film, State Fair Returning for its 10th season, Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents Movie Mondays starting July 11 with the classic, hopelessly devoted fan favorite, Grease. The music continues July 18 with the biographical drama, Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez as famed Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla. Moviegoers can spread Christmas cheer in July by singing loud for all to hear with the July 25 showing of Elf and take a day away from responsibilities with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on August 1. The summer movie extravaganza ends in epic fashion with the Jim Henson-directed, David Bowie-starring fantastical film, Labyrinth, on August 8.

Get on Your Dancing Shoes

The best places to let loose

in South Orange County

By Matt Cortina

California has a rhythm all its own. And on top of that, the towns of South Orange County have a unique avor to them that emanates on the dance oor. In the tri-cities, you’ll nd clubs with modern music and drink specials, but mere steps away, you can waltz the night away or Texas two-step.

No matter the style of dance, the area is home to venues that meet any number of occasions—from celebrations like weddings and quinceañeras to nights out with friends and dance classes. Take a look at some dancing hot spots to find out where you might want to get your groove on this weekend.

Dana Point

Harpoon Henry’s is a harbor favorite. With live music every weekend, Henry’s is the place to be to get the essence of life in Dana Point. Its relaxed and fun atmosphere is

complemented by drink specials and a convivial staff.

If you’re looking for something upbeat, The Point is where it’s at. With live music and DJs on the weekend, it attracts a younger crowd that stays out late into the night. Drink specials and more keep the party going.

Or, you can check out the enduring, local-favorite StillWater Spirits and Sounds. StillWater gets people moving to all types of music, but specializes in good old rock and roll.

And don’t forget about Brio Tuscany Grill With live music and themed nights, its one of the hottest weekend spots in Dana Point.

Goody’s Tavern is a place that just makes you want to dance. It’s got an old school feel to complement a bevy of live music and entertainment that keeps people dancing until the early hours. And if you get tired of dancing, Goody’s has karaoke nights on Sunday. Meanwhile, Duke’s Bar and Grill brings the party to you. They’ve got beer pong and Thirsty Thursday specials, to knock of those inhibitions. Live music from local bands and DJs keeps the atmosphere fresh.

You’ll also want to check out Pierside Kitchen + Bar, which hosts live music on the weekends to go alongside an exceptional drink and food menu. And don’t forget OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar, which is always a good time with live music.

San Juan Capistrano

There are several places to get moving in San Juan Capistrano, but one best embodies the spirit of the city itself: Swallow’s Inn

The Swallow’s is a world-renowned watering hole that also hosts excellent country western and rock and roll bands. You’re liable to see any number style of dancing out on the floor from the Texas two-step, to the waltz, to whatever the latest dance craze is now. If a band’s not ripping up the sound system, a well-attended jukebox plays songs to get the atmosphere right for dancing.

So what are you doing still reading this? Get out and dance!

Local Love

For our second annual Go See Do issue, we wanted to hear from our readers—you. So, we took to the town to nd out what the locals love. The places you take your families. Where you surf, dine and catch a sunset. And your recommendations for things visitors of our three communities must go, see and do when they visit San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. Below is a compilation of what the people we met at the Dana Point Harbor, along Los Rios Street and Avenida Del Mar had to say.

The Ruiz Family

(L to R) James, Jameson, Juliet and Carolyn of Dana Point

What is your family’s favorite place to go? “Baby Beach. Before kids, we would surf Lowers together, so this is a great way to introduce them to the ocean. For people who surf it’s good to start the kids at Baby Beach, then Doheny, then Old Man’s, then Lowers.” James Ruiz

And the things you like to do in Dana Point? “We like to go out on the ocean, so we’ll take one of the whale watching tours and then eat at Mahé afterward. Their happy hour is really good.”

—Carolyn Ruiz

Dillon Joyce and Hillary Fitzmaurice of San Clemente

What’s your go-to place in San Clemente? “The Beach Trail is the best. It’s a great way to transit through town since it has no hills.”—Dillon Joyce

How else do you enjoy the outdoors? “We’re big surfers so surfing’s our favorite thing to do here.”—Dillon Joyce

The Phillips Family (L to R) Ryan and (mother) Darla of Dana Point

Where is Dana Point’s mustvisit locale? “My grandparents, from the time the harbor was being built, would walk over the bridge and onto the island to sit and feed the squirrels and birds and watch the boats go by. You don’t have to have a lot of money, just grab a cup of coffee, go fishing or to the local bar. The harbor is the place to go.”—Darla Phillips

What do you recommend people do in town? “We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. You just gotta get out and walk. You’ll find little stores and restaurants that you didn’t know were there. Come down to the harbor and go to Jon’s Fish Market, get some awesome seafood.”—Ryan Phillips

Katherine Evans and Pete Jacquot of Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano, respectively

What’s your favorite San Juan spot? “Swallow’s Inn. There’s all different kinds of groups and they all get along. It’s fun because it’s a great place to dance, to drink, to pal around and make new friends.”—Katherine Evans

Is there something people must see in San Juan? “The live bands at Swallow’s Inn. It’s all about music.”—Pete Jacquot

The Lee Family

(L to R) Appollonio, Kathryn and Frank of San Juan Capistrano

Is there a place you always go in town? “Hidden House. We go there every time we come to the park. It’s got good coffee, good atmosphere and they’re really friendly. They always remember Frank. His great-great-grandparents lived on this street, the gift shop— Las Catrinas—was their house. We have a long history down here. We just like this whole area.”

—Apollonio Lee

dogs Punkin and Zoet of San Clemente

What things do you like to get out and do? “Most of the time when we go somewhere we take our dogs and go up or down the coast 10 or 20 miles and walk ... where you can see the beach, then find a place to eat on the way home. We like Strand and the harbor in Dana Point or Pines Park.”—Roger Sorenson

Is there a local dining spot that tops your list? “Brick Pizzeria, Iva Lee’s or Cinnamon Productions are our favorites. I can’t choose one because they’re all very different.”

—Elaine Sorenson

Local Flavor

South Orange County is Home to Vibrant, Exciting Cuisine

By Matt Cortina

When it comes to dining out, South Orange County revels in diversity. The cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano are home to seafood shacks, ve-star restaurants, authentic ethnic fare, gastropubs, food trucks and more. Deciding on where to eat can be a tricky situation, but here’s an inside look at three local favorites to get you started.

The Shwack Beach Grill, Dana Point

It doesn’t get any more local than The Shwack. Opened by a surfer and Dana Hills High School graduate, Max Fisher, The Shwack serves up burgers, tacos, beer, cocktails and more. The restaurant is named, fittingly, after a surf maneuver, and the menu is selfdescribed as California beach fare. Manager Devin Sinner says the food borrows from Mexico and Hawaii, and offers something for everybody. “It’s pretty simple. We have really good food, and it’s all really fresh and affordable,” Sinner said.

The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar, San Clemente

Simply put: a trip to San Clemente is not complete without a meal at The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar. It’s no wonder why it consistently wins in San Clemente Times’ Best of San Clemente poll. The patio allows diners to take in the sun and sea breeze, while the dining room recalls an old sailor’s inn. But what contributes to its prestige is the quality of the food. Whether you’re participating in the feast-style dinners of king crab, prawn or fish, or ordering pasta dishes or steak, The Fisherman’s food is exceptional.

Cedar Creek Inn, San Juan Capistrano

Cedar Creek Inn serves a diverse menu in a comfortable setting. An experience at Cedar Creek can be perfect for a couple’s night out—seated by the fire place, you order a bottle of California viognier and dishes of cedar-planked salmon and a rack of lamb. Or, it can be a casual Sunday brunch on the patio with crab cakes Benedict, lemon pancakes and a mimosa. Still yet, you can sample any number of craft beers while nibbling on tapas-style items like steamed artichoke, beer-battered green beans and ahi tartare.

By Matt Cortina

The tri-cities overflow with unique watering holes Bottom’s Up

The neighborhood bar is an important asset of every community. It’s a place to unwind, to share stories, to meet friends and, more than anything, to have fun. The tri-city area has dozens of bars, breweries, wineries and restaurants that range from old and rustic to chic and modern. Here’s a few highlights.

It’s hard not to fall in love with El Adobe when you step into its historic building. The bar area is set off by old wood beams, vintage paintings and a beautiful bar top. Drinks are served simply from well-skilled bartenders, and the drink list includes wines, beer, spirits and cocktails from Mexico, the U.S. and around the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a dinner in the wine cellar, which has been repurposed from what used to be a jail. History abounds at El Adobe.

Started as a cheese shop, The Cellar has exploded into a community gathering spot with craft beer, great wine, live music, a diverse food menu and, of course, cheese. The Cellar has carved out a niche on Del Mar, where locals and visitors alike meet at communal tables and toast one another. The Cellar has a rotating beer program, which ensures quality brew is being poured on tap and from bottles year-round. “We try to keep current with all the trends, and we’re trying to create trends ourselves,” said Eric Snyder, general manager at The Cellar. The drinks complement a rich menu that takes risks and also revels in comfort. Either way, Snyder says the response has been excellent. “We are very supported,” he said. “The locals take care of us.”

Whether it’s a nightcap or an eyeopener—or something in between—Turk’s is a good choice. Favorited by locals, sailors and visitors, Turk’s is a no-frills drink stop that has gained a reputation all its own. It’s got charm unlike any other, and its edges only endear the diner and the drinker. Best of all, the drinks are well-made, affordable and keep coming from an attentive and friendly waitstaff.

By Alex Paris

Whether you’re looking for an escape or an adventure, there are a number of places in a world of their own that are surprisingly close to South Orange County. Sprinkled throughout Southern California are hidden camping treasures offering a unique take on the outdoors. Camp on the grounds of a working family farm south of Temecula or opt for a challenging hike to a removed forest camp located northeast of Pasadena in Big Santa Anita Canyon. Whatever camping experience you are looking for, we’ve compiled a few options to provide a running start to your summer outdoor excursions.

Despite its proximity, the San Clemente State Beach campground feels isolated from the city and contains all the ingredients of an idyllic beachside vacation. The four 1960s-style vintage trailers, known collectively as “The Holidays,” transport guests to a time completely secluded from the present. But you don’t have to sacrifice modern convenience here—trailers come stocked with all camping necessities except food and firewood. They also have optional electricity and air conditioning. A stash of indoor and outdoor games is available to occupy campers as they await a grilled, stove-cooked or fire-roasted dinner. Booking is open between two days and seven months ahead of time online at www.theholidaysca.com, and due to popularity, interested guests should book well in advance. Rates are 209 per night with a maximum of five people per trailer, eight per site.

Sample fruit straight from the farmer’s hands while camping at one of seven tent sites in an area that’s reminiscent of Orange County in its more agrarian days. Just 20 miles east of Oceanside, this quaint fruit farm provides natural shade and water for certain campsites and a shared bathroom and shower for all. This is a great base camp for biking country roads, hiking trails or wine tasting. Relax with a picnic at picturesque Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens, which has free entry and famous pies, or pick strawberries or watermelon at Kenny’s Strawberry Farm, offering $10 tours. Camp for $65 a night. Maximum four persons per site. Book on www.hipcamp.com.

You’ll have to hike your gear to reach this verdant historical retreat—unless, of course, you hire a pack mule to carry it the four miles through Angeles National Forest to camp. The trek’s reward is charming wood cabins enveloped in forest and hiking trails far from any cell phone signal. There’s a shocking amount of creature comforts for such a remote place, including hot showers, an industrial kitchen with refrigerators, tableware and two fireplace rooms. There are games such as badminton and ping pong, but also enough trail to fuel an adventure without them. Two- to six-person cabins can be booked on www.hipcamp.com for $80 or $120 per night. For cabins up to eight persons, book on www.sturtevantcamp.com at a rate of $40 per person per night.

If your creative juices could use a refill or your vision needs something uniquely vibrant to shake off the cobwebs, this might be the place. Decorated by an artist, this eclectic, glamorous camp in Topanga Canyon is adjacent to a trail system leading to mountainous vistas and state parks. Though surrounded by nature, it’s just minutes from the beach and downtown Topanga. The cozy compound includes all necessities plus an outdoor shower and tub, a fire ring, daypacks for hiking, boogie boards, bedding, a full kitchen and modern conveniences like heat and internet scattered throughout the three dwellings. Rates run about $180 per night for up to two people, and an additional $40 per person for up to eight. A $99 cleaning and service fee will be charged from www.airbnb.com.