Editor’s Note: The Business Journal’s annual special report on tourism begins on page 15. The Business Journal asked several business executives to tell us how they entertain out-of-town guests in Orange County.
My grandparents lived in Laguna Beach so we would go there as kids. I am thrilled that the new Larsen restaurant has opened in the old Hotel Laguna location, which is so historic. This spot is perfect for drinks and lunch outside on the patio for out-of-town guests. So many special memories down in Laguna for me.
—Jenny Dinnen, co-owner/president, Mackenzie Corp.
A walk down the iconic pier in Surf City USA, including a stroll down Main Street and a stop at the International Surfing Museum. A Duffy ride through Newport Harbor is a must, shopping in Lido, followed by a drink and dinner. A bonfire by Waterfront Adventures.
—Adam Bowermaster, president, Bowermaster Insurance Brokers
Montañez Adobe in San Juan Capistrano is a must-see for visiting relatives and friends. It’s believed to be one of the original 40 adobes constructed by mission Indians in 1794.
—Manny Montanez, owner, EG Montanez Construction
We stop by one of the famous stands on Balboa Island and pick up a Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana, park our car on the island and take the ferry over to the Peninsula. From there we walk on the pier and in the summer take a dip in the ocean. When our children were young, my in-laws brought them camping at Newport Dunes, but these days we take our young guests there to play at the water park or ride in a paddle boat around the bay. We like visiting the Orange County Museum of Art and the Art Gardens, then we end our day with dinner near the museum and see a play or performance at the Segerstrom Center. We love the Discovery Cube Museum. In the summer we always visit The Sawdust Festival, the world-renowned and ever-changing Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Roger’s Gardens is a favorite place for my wife, Kelly, to bring guests because she says it never gets old. The eating in the park-like setting of the delicious restaurant is always a joy—it’s where Disneyland’s famous original gazebo is located.
—Jim Mazzo, executive chairman, Neurotech
In our family we always seem to bring our visiting guests in our Duffy for an afternoon cruise, winter or summer in Newport Beach Harbor. If time is a restriction, then it’s always Bear Flag for the best Baja fish tacos.
—Greg Custer, OC manager, Whittier Trust
First and foremost, the hiking trails at Crystal Cove State Park or Laguna Canyon are a must. The views of the ocean and canyons are breathtaking, especially at sunset. It’s a great way to spend a late afternoon outdoors. Another favorite is the “Thousand Steps” in Laguna Beach. It’s actually only 240 steps, but the scenic coastal views make it well worth the climb. And don’t miss the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Summer Concert Series—“Music Under the Stars”—an unforgettable experience.
—Brad Hall, tax partner, MGO
Club 33 at Disneyland; Angels game; Lido House in Newport Beach.
—John McEntee, owner, TEI Entertainment
My favorite place to take people is Club 33 at Disneyland. I worked my way through college on the Jungle Cruise and knew early about Club 33. I’ve been a member almost since the beginning. We get a kick out of the Disney stuff.
—Terry Giles, owner, Giles Enterprises
My favorite spots to take folks visiting from out of town: Musco Center at Chapman University (especially when my son—a jazz saxophonist and music composition major—is performing), Laguna Niguel Botanical Gardens, breakfast at Ramos House Café and walking tour of historic San Juan Capistrano, and a new find: Little Saigon’s Vietnam War Memorial, which is a profound experience.
—Shelley Hoss, CEO, Orange County Community Foundation
There’s a lot of history—Disneyland, the Nixon Library. We have a baseball team, beautiful beaches. We have a lot of things.
—Charlie Zhang, owner, Zion Enterprises
I bring them to Cal State Fullerton, of course. They can see a baseball game, a basketball game. Come see our new swimming pool stadium. Come see a soccer game. Come see a play. We have amazing music. There’s always an opera or symphony or jazz band. I promise you that no matter what time of year, you’ll find something that will blow your doors off.
—Fram Virjee, president emeritus, Cal State Fullerton
I take out-of-town guests to explore scenic Laguna Beach or upscale shopping and dining at Fashion Island or South Coast Plaza. For a more relaxed or unique experience, we might visit the Anaheim Packing House or Club 33 at Disneyland.
—Ivo Tjan, founder/chairman/CEO, CommerceWest Bank
Every time we have out-of-town guests, we always take them to breakfast at the Beachcomber in Crystal Cove.
—Robert Santana, CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast
Electric boat tour of the harbor. Las Brisas for lunch. Festival of the Arts in summer.
—Bill Gross, co-founder, Pimco
The Indian restaurant at The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. I like to walk around Newport Beach and shop at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Laguna Beach and Dana Point are good places to visit.
—Krishna Sudheendra, CEO, UST
