BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT
BOURBON STEAK AT WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & SPA
Bourbon Steak at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Spa stands out with its world-class, Michael Mina-curated menu featuring premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood and expertly crafted cocktails. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance, ocean-view setting and impeccable service create an unforgettable fine dining experience that goes big on tableside presentations.
BEST MUSEUM
With cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions showcasing emerging and established artists, the Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa offers a dynamic and immersive space for art lovers to explore thought-provoking installations. With free general admission and a commitment to community engagement, OCMA makes world-class art accessible to everyone in its Thom Mayne-designed facilities.
BEST VISITOR ATTRACTION
As it celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, Disneyland continues its legacy of creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages— from thrilling rides for adrenaline seekers to enchanting fairy tale moments for young children. The park’s immersive lands, world-class entertainment and beloved Disney characters craft unforgettable memories for families, couples and solo travelers alike. With its combination of nostalgia, innovation and seasonal events, Disneyland remains a must-visit destination that continues to bring joy to every generation.
BEST LUXURY TOUR
MAVERICK HELICOPTERS’ CALIFORNIA COASTAL HELICOPTER TOUR
Maverick Helicopters’ California Coastal Helicopter Tour is the most luxurious way to experience Orange County’s stunning coastline from the sky. Aboard a state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter with plush leather seating and panoramic windows, guests enjoy breathtaking aerial views of iconic landmarks spanning from Dana Point’s boat-filled harbor to Newport Coast’s sprawling mansions to Crystal Cove State Park’s seaside landscape. With expert narration and a smooth, whisper-quiet ride, this exclusive experience offers an unparalleled perspective of Southern California’s most beautiful sights.
BEST DRIVABLE DESTINATION
Hit the road for a scenic trip that leads to world-class entertainment, five-star dining and unparalleled luxury resorts. With the recent opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas and the ultra-exclusive Fairway Villa at Wynn Las Vegas, Sin City continues to elevate its high-end hospitality scene. From Michelin-starred restaurants to over-the-top suites and high-stakes gaming, Vegas delivers an unmatched blend of excitement and indulgence just a few hours away from SoCal.
BEST SKI GETAWAY
A short plane ride from Orange County, Montage Deer Valley delights with luxurious amenities, world-class ski slopes and stunning mountain views. With a prime location in the heart of Deer Valley Resort, its ski-in and ski-out accommodations score guests exceptional access to some of the best skiing in North America, including groomed runs and expert-level terrain. Fine dining, a premium spa and exclusive services ensure experiences rich in both adventure and relaxation.
Stay in the Harbor Cottage, designed by Brooke Wagner Design, at Lido House in Newport Beach.
BEST HOTEL FOR A STAYCATION
Lido House in Newport Beach is the ultimate staycation destination, offering five custom-designed cottages, each uniquely styled to reflect different beach house aesthetics, providing a private and personalized retreat. Guests can indulge in cocktails at Topside—Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar—dine at The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub and Kitchen, relax by the pool or explore the vibrant Lido Marina Village just steps away. With its upscale amenities and prime location, Lido House promises an unforgettable escape without ever leaving town.
Head to the beautiful Pendry Newport Beach to enjoy the buzzy Bar Pendry.
BEST HOTEL BAR
BAR PENDRY AT PENDRY NEWPORT BEACH
The see-and-be-seen crowd flocks to the stylish Bar Pendry at Pendry Newport Beach for expertly crafted cocktails in a chic indoor-outdoor setting. Sip the Sicilian Blush—a refreshing twist on a classic Negroni—while settling into plush seating or scoring a coveted spot at the wraparound central bar. Open daily from 3 p.m. to midnight— with a 21 and up policy after 10 p.m.—Bar Pendry is the ultimate watering hole for everything from early evening drinks to late-night revelry.
BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE
DISNEY’S GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL & SPA
Gather the whole family and book a weekend at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, steps away from Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites—some with views of the parks—a heated outdoor pool, a three-course breakfast with the Disney Princesses, and the luxurious Tenaya Stone Spa for parents to unwind. Additionally, exclusive early park entry is available for guests, providing a magical experience with fewer crowds.
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY
Hop aboard The Catalina Flyer or Catalina Express for a one-hour ride to Catalina Island. Upscale hotel options include Mt. Ada and Hotel Atwater, while the Descanso Beach Club is the perfect spot to soak up the sun on a reserved lounge chair adjacent to Avalon’s only beachside bar and restaurant. Indulge in cultural experiences at The Catalina Casino or the Catalina Museum for Art & History, which has celebrated the island’s legacy for over 60 years. Whether exploring the island’s trails, diving into its clear waters, or simply soaking in the serene environment, Catalina Island offers a refreshing escape just a short trip from the mainland.
BEST UNPLUGGED GETAWAY
This intimate boutique hotel in Laguna Beach offers the perfect unplugged getaway, with each chic and playful room featuring a vintage record player instead of a TV, inviting guests to unwind and embrace the moment. Just a short walk from Laguna Beach’s most breathtaking shores and mere miles from the iconic Top of the World hiking trail, this Auric Road retreat is a sanctuary where you can disconnect from screens and reconnect with the beauty around you through on-site dining, a sparkling pool and pure tranquility.
The salty air blows through the ethereal rooms at Hotel Joaquin.
BEST FOR CULTURE LOVERS
INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is a charming boutique hotel steps away from the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, offering a serene retreat with a blend of luxury and history. The hotel features Ysidora, an on-site restaurant known for its locally inspired cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal after exploring the area. Guests can also indulge in a rejuvenating experience at The Spa, where a range of treatments are available to enhance relaxation and wellness during their stay. Its proximity to the Mission makes it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of San Juan Capistrano.
BEST NEW FASHION AND BEAUTY OFFERINGS
Look and feel your best at Montage Laguna Beach, where its brand-new partnerships with Saks Fifth Avenue and Skin Design London will have you glowing from head to toe. Enter The Fifth Avenue Club Suite for a complimentary one-on-one styling session before the dedicated space is stocked with personalized fashion and accessories, perfect for a pre-trip wardrobe refresh or a seasonal update. The suite also hosts exclusive trunk shows, jewelry showcases and other high-end shopping events. This new addition complements Spa Montage’s partnership with Skin Design London, where guests can indulge in signature treatments like the Vitamin Skin Glow Facial and the Face Tight Facial, providing a bespoke balance of retail therapy and rejuvenation.
BEST SAIL AND STAY
Balboa Bay Resort has introduced its new Host of the Coast boat, a private, custom-designed vessel that provides an exclusive experience for cruising along Newport Harbor. After a day on the water, guests can unwind at A + O Restaurant, the resort’s stylish waterfront dining spot, known for its contemporary coastal cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. With its blend of outdoor adventure and exquisite dining, Balboa Bay Resort makes a splash with visitors and locals alike.
Hop aboard the Host of the Coast boat at Balboa Bay Resort.
BEST RENOVATION
Surf & Sand Resort has recently completed an extensive renovation, enhancing its iconic beachfront property with refreshed guest rooms and updated public spaces. The new design combines modern elegance with coastal charm, offering guests an elevated experience with stunning ocean views. The resort now features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a redesigned outdoor pool area and an expanded spa for ultimate relaxation. Surf & Sand Resort continues to dazzle its visitors in Laguna Beach with these new amenities—plus the beloved waterfront Splashes restaurant.
BEST NIGHTCAP
HIVE & HONEY AT MARRIOTT IRVINE SPECTRUM
Zip up to the 16th floor at Hive & Honey at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum for sweeping city views and premium cocktails in a pendant-lit setting. Sip the signature Honeycomb Old Fashioned or the Cucumber Mint Cooler, ideal for unwinding after a long day. Open until midnight, Friday and Saturday nights include live DJ music while the turntables spin at noon on Sundays during boozy brunch. Stop by on Taco Tuesdays for dining specials and $10 margaritas— nightcaps aren’t just a weekend affair.
BEST CULINARY COLLABORATIONS
THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL
Since 1984, beach lovers have been drawn to this stunning 400-room property perched above Dana Point’s Salt Creek Beach, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable dining experience. Dining at this resort is a journey in itself. The outdoor 180blu and the elegant Raya restaurant have been fan favorites for years, offering vibrant coastal cuisine with a stunning backdrop. But it’s the hotel’s exclusive culinary pop-ups that have elevated its gastronomic offerings even further. Chef Sanjay Rawat’s Kahani brings the bold flavors of New Delhi to Southern California, while Taikun, an intimate nine-seat omakase, caters to sushi lovers with an unparalleled dining experience. The Ritz-Carlton’s diverse and innovative restaurants make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
BEST ROMANTIC GETAWAY
A lush sanctuary awaits at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, where outdoor lovers will discover hiking trails, a nine-hole golf course and cuisine that pays homage to California’s rich bounty at Harvest restaurant and bar. With its private location, hidden from the hustle and bustle of Pacific Coast Highway, The Ranch oozes romance, from its well-appointed suites to its serene Sycamore Spa by Hudson— where you can enjoy your treatments indoors or in the salty ocean air.
BEST FIVE-STAR STAY
Set across 504 acres in Newport Coast, this Forbes five-star, AAA five-diamond property offers 204 guest rooms and 128 luxurious villas, providing the ultimate relaxation and comfort. Guests can unwind at the Coliseum Pool, one of the world’s largest circular pools, or enjoy a round at the renowned 36-hole Pelican Hill Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio. The Spa at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach’s only Forbes five-star spa, features a 23,000-square-foot oasis with treatments, massages, facials and exclusive wellness amenities like herbal steam rooms and saltwater soaking tubs for an indulgent, rejuvenating experience.
BEST ANAHEIM HOTEL
Just steps from Disneyland Resort, the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort charms with a rooftop pool and a variety of dining options, including the award-winning Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse and Parkestry Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Anaheim’s highest bar. With over 40,000 square feet of event space, the resort is also an ideal location for both leisure and business travelers, combining convenience and sophistication in the heart of Anaheim.
BEST FAMILY RESORT
THE WATERFRONT BEACH RESORT, A HILTON HOTEL
This picturesque beachfront property is a luxurious home base for exploring Huntington Beach’s landmarks, from the scenic pier to the International Surfing Museum. Relax with the resort’s two pools, waterslides, private cabanas and serene day spa. Stop by Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Beach Club for day-to-night dining, visit Henry’s Coastal Cuisine for a sophisticated oceanfront dining experience or enjoy sunset drinks at the Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge. At the end of the day, return to a contemporary ocean-view room or suite in one of The Waterfront’s two sleek towers.
BEST RISING STAR RESORT
A sprawling luxury resort located just a stone’s throw from Fashion Island, VEA Newport Beach’s accommodations range from coastal-chic guest rooms and suites to spacious two- to four-bedroom retreats, ideal for housing the whole crew. Break a sweat in the 5,000-square-foot fitness center, where you’ll find Pelotons and weightlifting equipment, or relax in the 14,000-square-foot Spa VEA. On-site dining and imbibing include the ocean-facing Edge Bar and VIEW Restaurant & Bar, which features a second-story floating lanai with fire pits.
BEST COSTA MESA HOTEL
AVENUE OF THE ARTS, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL
The city’s only AAA four-diamond accommodation offers an opulent, music-inspired setting with luxury suites, private poolside cabanas and a retail therapy package to shop VIP-style at nearby South Coast Plaza. Indulge in upscale cuisine at the award-winning Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar or sip theater-inspired cocktails at the on-site lounge before a show at the nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
BEST HOTEL FOR FURRY FRIENDS
Perched on the ocean’s edge, this Huntington Beach hotel boasts luxurious views, an oceanfront pool, rejuvenating treatments at Aarna Spa and fresh culinary offerings at Lōrea. Pamper your pooch as well with Paséa’s pet-friendly travel program. Upon arrival, you and your furry friend will receive an in-room bed, food and water bowls, a welcome treat, pet gift shop items and custom amenities. Let your pet run leash-free through the waves at the nearby Huntington Dog Beach or the hotel’s exclusive Paw-séa Pup Play Park, a fenced-in 1,100-square-foot outdoor dog area complete with a lifeguard station doghouse. The hotel concierge can also help arrange pet-sitting or walking services.
BEST CLASSIC HUNTINGTON BEACH HIDEAWAY
HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT AND SPA
From bike rentals to beach bonfires, Huntington Beach’s only hotel with direct access to the sand provides plenty of entertainment for adults and kiddos alike. Boasting refreshed rooms, the Spanish-style oasis delights with the ocean-facing Mankota’s Pool—dotted with luxury cabanas—plus the Slyders Water Playground that invites the little ones to splash around in the sun. Book a reservation at the award-winning Watertable restaurant to enjoy coastal fare, dine beachside at SHOR or hang 10 at Pete’s Sunset Grille to indulge in fish tacos and poke bowls.
BEST NEW BEACH RETREAT
New to Pacific Coast Highway, Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach is a brand-new 41-room retreat by beloved hospitality company Palisociety. Spread across two stories, the intimate space provides king and suite rooms awash in playful textures and patterns. When guests aren’t soaking up the sun at the nearby Treasure Island Beach or Goff Cove, the boutique hotel invites dwellers to explore weekly programming inspired by Laguna’s laidback beach culture.
Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach by the renowned Palisociety is the area’s newest boutique hotel.
