Dreaming of a summer in Italy, France, or Spain? You don’t need to pack a passport. With the right mix of food, scenery, and experiences, you can have a European-style vacation in Orange County. From seaside cafés that channel the Amalfi Coast to boutique hotels with a French Riviera vibe, here’s how to bring the romance and indulgence of Europe to our own backyard.
🏨 Where to Stay
Tuscan columns, olive groves, and Pacific views—it’s no wonder this feels like a slice of Umbria perched on the coast. Think: private villas, circular Coliseum Pool, and spa treatments with a backdrop of the sea.
Insider Tip: Book a garden-view bungalow for quiet mornings and aperitivos on your terrace.
Lido House
Equal parts Cape Cod and Côte d’Azur, Lido House is where OC’s younger scene checks in for staycations. Rooftop cocktails, yacht-spotting, and designer suites by local tastemakers make this a must.
Insider Tip: Request the “McKee” suite for soft coastal interiors and your own rooftop.
🍝 Where to Dine
With housemade pastas, silver service, and a sunset over the Pacific, Andrea delivers Amalfi-style romance in the heart of Newport Coast.
CdM Restaurant
Dark, moody, modern—and endlessly chic. This hidden spot in Corona del Mar channels the quiet glamour of Milan’s new restaurant scene.
Driftwood Kitchen, Laguna Beach
Seafood on the surf. This place has the Riviera’s casual elegance down to a science.
⛵ How to Play
Skip the Amalfi charter and rent from Newport Beach’s finest—electric Duffy boats for laid-back cruising or full yacht charters with Provisions onboard.
Cliffside fairways and ocean views that rival Portugal’s best.
🛍️ Where to Shop
What the Champs-Élysées is to Paris, this is to OC. Dior, Chanel, The Webster, and curated boutiques you won’t find elsewhere.
El Paseo, Palm Desert (for a luxe day trip)
Think: resort town meets Rodeo Drive.
