diana

I have a business trip in southern California, and a friend and I are flying in early. Our flights will get in to John Wayne Airport on Sunday morning around 11:30 am. What ideas would you have to spend the day? We're both women in our 40's and open to almost anything. We thought about the Getty Museum, or heading to a fun beach town to shop and see the sights, or even heading to the Long Beach Aquarium. What do you suggest???

suzanne

I travel to that area for business often. When I'm not working, I spend my time at Laguna Beach! It's a great walking town with many little shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and galleries...and of course, the beach! The people there are so friendly...my coworker and I wound up having lunch with one shopkeeper and dinner with another.

Pete

It's too bad that you only have1 day...can you work it out to stay an extra day? There are so many great things to do and yes, I sure agree that the people seem exceptionally friendly. With such a short time, I too might suggest staying around Newport Beach or Laguna. If you can spend more time than the Getty museum is a great option. If you're traveling after May 2 you could even take in "The Producers" (Jason Alexander and Martin Short at The Pantages) I will be traveling on vacation nextSpring and bought tickets for mid May. There are wonderful options!

John

Two ideas come to mind. On Sundays there's a nice, small farmers market on the main street in downtown San Clemente, about half an hour south of the airport. Good shopping, really good food at the H&H cafe. Then stroll down to the pier and watch the surfers and maybe walk on the beach - your basic cliche (and wonderful) SoCal scene.

Second close-by idea is head to Balboa Island ("little Bal"), park the car, stroll around the shopping street, walk through the great neighborhoods, then ferry over to the Balboa Peninsula for a return to the "mainland" via Lido Isle. Then toodle up the coast for the rest of the day, ending in Belmont Shores/Naples in south Long Beach for more sightseeing, shopping, food. You'll want to move there, I promise.

x

another vote for laguna beach

xxx

Laguna Beach would probably best suit your needs for the afternoon. Plan for a late lunch at the Las Brisas, so you can enjoy a fantastic view of the water.

xx

Laguna or Newport Beach or Dana Point harbor would be nice. If you like to shop, South Coast Plaza is very close by.