1 of 5 There are 82 days in summer vacation, so make every moment count with an effortless getaway to the treasured Ojai Valley Inn—just 90 minutes north of L.A. Revel in 220 acres of sun-splashed activities and family togetherness. Indulge in endless fresh-air pursuits, from guided hikes, horseback riding, beekeeping, Jeep tours, and world-class golf to lawn games, classic arcade action, Pixie Pool days, Picnic & Pedal rides, and Starlit Cinema. Explore your creativity at the Artist Cottage & Apothecary. And enjoy family meals, whether it’s wood-fired pizzas at Jimmy’s Pu ..read more

Parakeet Café’s All I Avo Wanted blue corn waffle (front) and eggs Benedict on toast (left)Photo by Ashley RyanGather your flock and head to Parakeet Café for fresh, health-conscious fare and flavorful drinks this spring. By Ashley Ryan   Since its opening, Parakeet Café has become a gathering spot for the community, offering ocean views and an airy patio on which to soak up the sunshine. But the brand’s focus is, and always has been, on its health-conscious cuisine. The first cafe opened in La Jolla in 2007 after founders Carol Roizen and Jonathan Goldwasser turned to food as medicine f ..read more

Shoppers can be environmentally friendly and fashionable by purchasing secondhand items at Goodwill.Photo by Brocoff PhotographyNewport Beach’s secondhand stores combat unsustainable fashion, deterring items from ending up in landfills, while providing an assortment of notable styles. By Izzy De Leon   Walking into The RealReal, a spacious shop at Lido Marina Village, distinct sections offer an array of men’s and women’s clothing, fine jewelry, watches, handbags, shoes and accessories. To help shoppers navigate the hundreds of pieces available for purchase, ready-to-wear racks styled by ..read more

Earth tones at Casa GallowayPhoto by Sam FrostNature’s bolder shades add dimension and personality to any home space. By Ashley Breeding   “Earth tones,” a term used to describe a design palette mimicking the natural landscape, often refers to muted browns, greens and grays that evoke feelings of calm and a connection to the outdoors. But beyond basic beige and sage exists a warmer, more vivid variety—wild mustard carpeting Newport’s canyons; yellow-green olive leaves; shore lichen, golden or ruddy, banded to inland rocks; even the chocolate hues of mud. These bolder colors complement na ..read more

The view from Mission Pacific Beach ResortPhoto by Mission Pacific Beach ResortDiscover this transformative coastal destination. By Steve Zepezauer   Oceanside, the quintessential old-school beach town, is going through a renaissance. With a growing culinary scene, popular breweries, a lively downtown and some hip new beachside resorts, this is not your father’s Oceanside. Less than an hour’s drive from Newport Beach, Oceanside makes for a great weekend getaway. Its nearly 4 miles of coastline have a reputation as consistent surf spots with easy access. The following 48-hour itinerary ex ..read more

Ned Alego recently launched a platform called Multipli Capital.Ned Algeo, former chief financial officer for Xperience Restaurant Group, shares a little about his new venture and what he loves most about Newport Beach. By Ashley Ryan   Ned Algeo has lived in Newport Beach most of his life, now settled in the Port Streets with his wife, Misha, and their daughters, Reagan and Mila. But this isn’t his first stint in town. Algeo grew up on Balboa Island and graduated from Corona del Mar High School before venturing north to LA to earn a degree in economics from UCLA. He worked at Boeing for ..read more

Megan Wymer’s baptism at Heavenly HomeSouthern California Hospice Foundation marks the one-year anniversary of opening The Heavenly Home, a place for end-of-life care for those with nowhere else to go. By Sharon Stello   Growing up in Newport Beach, Megan Wymer was outgoing and active in sports from soccer to swimming, participating in the Junior Lifeguard Program and, later, the track team while attending Newport Harbor High School. But, during her senior year of college in Colorado, Wymer suffered a traumatic brain injury in a bicycling accident. From that point in 1992, Wymer went thr ..read more

Local bartenders share their favorite drinks to make as well as memorable experiences from crafting boozy cocktails. By Ashley Ryan   There’s something thrilling—and kind of mysterious—about mixologists. Maybe it’s their typical late-night schedule or the wide array of things they’ve seen from their vantage point behind the bar. Or maybe it’s their innate ability to dream up beverages that taste delicious with just a few perfectly selected ingredients. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that the notable locals you’ll find in these pages have stories to tell. Read on to discover how ..read more

Parakeet Café’s Thai Vegan BowlPhoto by Parakeet CaféHealthy one-bowl meals, from savory varieties to fruit-topped acai, make a quick and nutritious choice for dining on the go. By Sharael Kolberg   If you’re looking for a meal that is easy, delicious and healthy, bowls are a great option. They are often made with only a few ingredients, are nutritionally dense and can satisfy a sweet tooth or a savory craving. Luckily, in Newport Beach, plenty of eateries serve fresh, made-to-order bowls—perfect for those who don’t have the time, energy or expertise to prepare a nourishing meal at home ..read more

Hummus with pistachio nduja (spicy sausage) crunch and avocado spread with Calabrian chile oil at The Mayor’s TablePhoto by Outshine PRIndulge your taste buds with spicy cuisine that packs a punch. By Tanya A. Yacina   The enjoyment of spicy foods is influenced by many factors, from cultural to biological and psychological. Some can tolerate more fiery flavor in a dish than others but, if local restaurant menus are any indication, dishes and even drinks that bring the heat continue to prove popular. “Personally, I love spice. I think, … almost, … food is not worth eating if it does not c ..read more