Revealed: Orange County's 2026 Best of Travel Awards

BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT 

STUDIO MEDITERRANEAN AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH 

Opened in October 2025, Studio Mediterranean marked a re-emergence and rebrand for Montage Laguna Beach’s beloved fine dining restaurant, formerly known as Studio. Now led by Greek chef Dennis Efthymiou, the refreshed eatery pairs its breathtaking Pacific views with fresh fish flown in daily from Greece, Italy and Spain. Don’t miss the coffee-salt crust whole-baked branzino that’s filleted tableside, the pillowy homemade yogurt pita bread with hummus or the Dover Sole a la Polita. montage.com/lagunabeach

BEST HOTEL BAR 

33 NORTH AT WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB 

As one of only 11 hotel bars in the U.S. to be recognized by Forbes Travel Guide with the Star Bar Award, 33 North entices imbibers with an exceptional cocktail program that goes big on presentation and unparalleled service. Its living room-style, with plush couches and a roaring fireplace, is contrasted by the expansive outdoor terrace with ocean views. Pull up a seat and order the vodka-tinged Pretty in the Pacific, as you enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com/dine/33-north 

BEST DRIVABLE DESTINATION 

SAN DIEGO 

From the historic Hotel del Coronado to the Relais & Châteaux-recognized Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, San Diego is home to some of California’s most exquisite and unique hotel properties. Pair those luxe accommodations with some of the state’s best dining concepts—like the three-Michelin-starred Addison restaurant—world-class museums and sprawling beaches, and San Diego offers flavors and attractions for travelers of all types. sandiego.org 

BEST MUSEUM 

BOWERS MUSEUM 

In Santa Ana, this nonprofit museum is known for its eight permanent collection exhibitions and an ever-rotating lineup of visiting exhibitions. Opened in 1936, Bowers stands as one of Orange County’s oldest and largest museums, with its 90th anniversary arriving this year. Stop by this summer to see its latest opening, The American Quilt: Cloth and Commerce, which will be on display from May 23 to Aug. 30. bowers.org 

BEST GARDENS 

SHERMAN LIBRARY & GARDENS 

Located on Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, Sherman Library & Gardens is a 2.2-acre horticultural oasis offering over 1,000 distinct species. Highlights include 130 varieties of begonias, over 100 species of palms and a balmy tropical conservatory. As the institution celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, it’s undergoing its most significant revitalization to ensure its legacy for years to come. Experience the magic of the gardens during the second annual Botanical Ball on Oct. 3, 2026. thesherman.org 

BEST LUXURY TOUR 

MAVERICK HELICOPTERS HELI-YACHT EXPERIENCE 

Maverick Helicopters’ Heli-Yacht Experience pairs a private helicopter charter with a multi-day stay aboard a 150-foot luxury vessel, creating a fully integrated air-and-sea itinerary. The experience begins with a coastal flight over landmarks like the Newport Harbor, then lands directly on the yacht’s helipad for a seamless transition to open water. On board, the vessel includes six suites, a spa pool, alfresco dining and a full selection of water toys, with the itinerary customized to each group. maverickhelicopter.com 

BEST STAY AND PLAY 

BAY SHORES PENINSULA HOTEL 

Make it a staycation at the new Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, which opened in November 2025 on the iconic Balboa Peninsula. Operated by Pacifica Hotels, the CPD Studio-designed property dates back to the 1960s and embraces its roots by channeling the vintage surf motels of yesteryear. Perfectly positioned between the ocean and the Newport Harbor, the four-story saltbox charms with rooftop gathering spaces, complimentary beach cruisers and concierge beach service. bayshoreshotel.com 

BEST COASTAL COTTAGES 

THE COTTAGES AT LIDO HOUSE 

Newport Beach’s Lido House continues to debut thoughtful upgrades. In addition to its existing five cottages, the property is adding five more cottages to its lineup, offering even more ways for visitors to experience the O.C. coastline. The new saltboxes will be designed by Barclay Butera and Debra Leed of Barclay Butera Interior Design, Nicole Bandel-Sayer of Barely Beige Studio, Amy Trepus, Kim Woods and Alyssa Yarberry of Diane Johnson Design, Ashley Clark of Skout Interiors, and Raili Clasen and Hayley Alder of Raili CA Design. cottagesatlidohouse.com

BEST PRIVATE MEMBERS’ CLUB 

THE ELWOOD CLUB AT PENDRY NEWPORT BEACH 

Music, art, fashion and hospitality converge at The Elwood Club, a modern members-only venue at Pendry Newport Beach. At Viamara, members have access to a flower-festooned private restaurant and bar with a garden terrace, while The Cabaret Club offers live music and upscale cocktails. Game days are best enjoyed in the pub and screening room, complete with a golf simulator, and a full lineup of rotating events ensures guests of all ages are entertained year-round. elwoodclub.com; pendry.com/newport-beach 

BEST CULTURAL IMMERSION 

INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 

With its proximity to Mission San Juan Capistrano, this Autograph Collection property is the perfect way to experience San Juan Capistrano’s historic charm. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano draws directly from the architecture and history of the area, incorporating adobe textures, tilework and courtyards into its design, while its programming— from culinary experiences to local tours—connects guests to the local heritage in meaningful ways. innatthemissionsjc.com 

BEST HARBOR HOTEL 

BALBOA BAY RESORT 

Since its opening in 2003, Balboa Bay Resort has stood as the preeminent waterfront property on the Newport Harbor, offering its visitors 159 guest rooms and suites. Book a Duffy or the property’s 42.5-foot Sea Ray private charter, “Host of the Coast,” to set sail on the water. After a day in the sun, wind down at A+O Restaurant | Bar by a harborfront fire pit, and save the date for the annual Newport Beach Wine Festival. The event returns to Balboa Bay Resort on May 22 to 24. balboabayresort.com 

BEST NEW UPGRADES

SURF & SAND LAGUNA BEACH 

A member of the Historic Hotels of America, Surf & Sand Laguna Beach has been welcoming notable actors, athletes and artists to its beachfront property since 1948. Seventy-eight years later, the seaside icon has stepped into its new era following a top-to-bottom renovation. From the lobby to its 165 guest rooms and suites, every accommodation has been elevated with bespoke furnishings, Italian marble finishes, personalized technology, top-tier mini bars and expansive glass doors that lead to oceanfront balconies. While you’re there, visit the refreshed Splashes restaurant and Aquaterra Spa. surfandsandresort.com 

BEST SPA REFRESH 

THE SPA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL 

At The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, the updated spa experience leans into coastal wellness, with treatments inspired by ocean elements and regional botanicals. The redesigned spaces feel brighter and more immersive, enhancing the sense of escape. Signature services focus on restoration and longevity, not just relaxation. It’s a thoughtful reimagining of a longtime favorite. ritzcarlton.com

BEST ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY

THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH 

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is set within a secluded canyon, where the landscape creates a natural sense of privacy. Fire pits, a serena spa, outdoor dining at the on-site Harvest restaurant, led by chef Kyle St. John, and low-lit pathways contribute to an atmosphere that feels intentionally intimate. Suites and cottages favor natural materials and understated design, allowing the setting to take center stage. It’s a retreat designed for disconnecting together. theranchlb.com

MOST ANTICIPATED REBRAND

THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL, A ST. REGIS ESTATE 

Set to debut in 2027, the first St. Regis Estate for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts will reimagine The Resort at Pelican Hill as a 500-acre sanctuary defined by olive groves, panoramic ocean views and Italian Renaissance-inspired design. The transformation will elevate its Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, refresh the residential-style bungalows and villas with sophisticated new interiors and introduce a chef-driven culinary program alongside a signature bar and lobby experience. New additions—from a revitalized Coliseum Pool and Roman-style spa colonnade to the Bella Vista Pool Caffe and an enhanced Villa Clubhouse—will further position the estate for extended, leisurely stays. Anchored by St. Regis hallmarks like butler service, afternoon tea and sabrage, the reimagined property blends global tradition with a distinctly Southern California sensibility. pelicanhill.com

BEST STAY AND SHOP 

VEA NEWPORT BEACH 

This Marriott Resort & Spa property sits directly across from Fashion Island, making it the ideal base for enjoying an upscale weekend of shopping and dining. Book a suite overlooking Newport Beach Country Club’s rolling fairway and the rolling tide of the Pacific Ocean, as you enjoy on-site amenities ranging from SPA VEA to exclusive dining experiences at VIEW Restaurant & Bar. Don’t miss the Far Niente Wine Dinner on May 7 at Reveal. veanewportbeach.com 

BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL 

PASÉA HOTEL & SPA 

This Huntington Beach retreat lovingly calls itself “Paw-séa” when it comes to hosting four-legged visitors. Its pet-friendly hotel rooms feature no weight limit, on-site amenities like a private dog park, pet-friendly restaurants and dedicated dog menus, plus a pet package filled with hotel essentials and keepsakes that ensure your pooch is pampered in style. Off-property, the nearby Huntington Dog Beach is less than 2 miles away, giving Fido the freedom to frolic on the sand. paseahotel.com 

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY 

CATALINA ISLAND 

Whether you set sail on The Catalina Flyer or Catalina Express, reaching Catalina Island is a short one-hour boat ride from O.C. Mt. Ada and Hotel Atwater provide upscale stays, as does the Pavilion Hotel, which was recently renovated, marking the return of one of the island’s most beloved waterfront retreats. Descanso Beach Club is the perfect spot to enjoy a sun-soaked day on the island, while The Catalina Casino and the Catalina Museum for Art & History provide unique cultural experiences. visitcatalinaislcand.com 

BEST SURF CITY STAY 

HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT & SPA 

At Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Pacific views stretch from private terraces across 519 spacious rooms and suites. Thoughtfully designed accommodations—from fire pit patios to newly renovated multibedroom suites—make this property equally suited for romantic escapes and multigenerational getaways. Multiple dining outlets, including the signature Watertable, paired with the expansive Pacific Waters Spa and myriad pools, create a seamless rhythm of indulgence and relaxation. Layered with curated programming, from surf lessons to fireside s’mores, and just steps from Pacific City, the resort captures the area at its most dynamic and refined. hyatt.com 

BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE 

DISNEY’S GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL & SPA 

Punctuated by the return of Napa Rose, the property’s signature upscale dining venue, which unveiled a new look and menu after a 10-month closure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa remains the top-tier choice for a trip to Disneyland Resort. Guests can enter the park directly from the hotel, minimizing wait times and maximizing time inside. The craftsman-style interiors add a layer of warmth and sophistication. It’s a family stay that feels both luxurious and special. disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels 

BEST BOUTIQUE STAY 

CASA LAGUNA HOTEL & SPA 

Perched above Pacific Coast Highway, Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa stands as Orange County’s most captivating boutique stay—a storied, castle-like retreat where early 1900s architecture meets sweeping ocean views. Originally envisioned by architect Arthur Benton and developer Frank Miller, the property has been meticulously restored, preserving its Mission-style bones, rare Catalina tilework and handcrafted details while introducing refined, design-forward interiors. Intimate in scale yet rich in character, its collection of historic buildings, lush grounds and thoughtfully reimagined suites creates a sense of privacy and romance rarely found along the coast. More than a hotel, Casa Laguna is a living piece of Laguna Beach’s artistic legacy. casalaguna.com