We live in an Ultimate Destination Resort, the Gold Coast of south Orange County! This area is a dream destination to people from all over the country and world who come to visit and enjoy our Beaches, Parks, Weather, Shopping, Theatre and Amusement Parks! It is a joy to visit our area, and even more wonderful for us who are lucky enough to live here! So Welcome to the Gold Coast! Come Explore with us! We want to share some of our favorite spots with you in BytheSea Best and you can create new memories for your friends and family here!.

BY THE SEA BEST
BytheSea Best
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View our list of Recommended Restaurants »
- Casual, Take-Out – Bottega Angelina – Laguna Niguel
An Italian restaurant, bar and market all under one roof where you can explore the flavors of Italy with authentic imported Italian ingredients.
Read More - Casual, Take-Out – Monarch Beach Market – Dana Point
We can’t say enough good things about Monarch Beach Market! Get sandwiches and salads to-go from a market that is sparkling clean and filled with friendly employees that give great service.
You can order online and pick up your order, which is perfect for those on-the-go. You can select from their sandwich menu or you can build your own. Portion control is easy – you can order half-size or full-size sandwiches, along with sides to choose from.
From sandwiches, wine, snacks, salads, and more, this place has it all!
Read More - Seafood – 230 Forest – Downtown Laguna Beach
Located on the main street for shopping and walking in>our town of Laguna Beach lies 230 Forest. Sit at a table along the sidewalk European style, or be snug in the chic but casual restaurant with exquisite seafood. We’ve never had a bad meal here. It’s fun to stroll along the main drag after eating a great meal. Reservations are a must. Visit 230 Forest
Read More - Elegant – Mastro’s Ocean Club – Newport Coast (by Crystal Cove)
This trendy beach town restaurant has an elegant flair and provides great food in a great atmosphere. Grab a table by the window for sunset beach views while enjoying live music and one of Mastro’s talked-about martinis. From steak to salmon you are sure to get a meal cooked to perfection. Don’t forget to leave room for butter cake as a dessert!
Visit Mastro’s Ocean Club
Read More - Elegant – Mastro’s Steakhouse – South Coast Plaza (by OC Performing Arts)
Whether you live in or are traveling through the OC, a stop at Mastro’s is a necessity. Some say this is the best meal you will have in Orange County! From the valet to the hostess to the server and bartender, your service will be exceptional. The relaxing lounge vibe at this location provides a great dining experience that you can follow up with shopping at South Coast Plaza.
Read More - Elegant – The Studio – Montage Hotel, Laguna Beach
This amazing restaurant has an unbeatable view and intimate atmosphere. Make sure you have reservations in advance to get a table overlooking Laguna Beach with one of the many choices on the great wine menu. This is certainly a restaurant worth going back to.
Read More - Upscale, Fun – Nick’s San Clemente
Known for making “the perfect steak”, Nick’s menu is consistent and delicious. Fresh food, great atmosphere, and outstanding service is what you’ll find here. Nick’s San Clemente is very popular so reservations are recommended. Great place for date night!
Read More - Upscale, Fun – Nick’s Laguna Beach
Nick’s Laguna Beach is smaller and a bit more crowded than the San Clemente location, but the excellent service and great food is just the same! No matter what day of the week you’ll find Nick’s packed with locals, so making reservations is a must. With an inviting interior, attentive and friendly staff, outstanding food and tasty drinks, how could you not want to come back?
Read More - Asian Fusion – Starfish – Laguna Beach
Located across from Montage Hotel, Starfish has it all – great food, attractive décor, fabulous atmosphere and delicious drinks. Be sure to try the green curry chicken kabobs – they are excellent! All of their food is made with quality ingredients. A great date spot that is somewhat modern with a twist.
Read More - Italian – Luciana’s – Dana Point
Reasonable prices, attentive and friendly service, and a great menu with a mix of an upscale and casual atmosphere is what you’re sure to find at Luciana’s. Try the house lasagna – you won’t be disappointed. This restaurant offers a relaxed, welcoming vibe while still having an upscale feel. Homemade pasta and sauces are huge points on the menu!
Read More - Sushi – Gen Kai – Dana Point
Gen Kai has an innovative and traditional menu with the freshest ingredients. Immense yourself in sushi heaven complete with fresh fish, beautiful presentation, friendly staff, excellent service and reasonable prices. Often called by locals the best sushi in OC!
Read More - American – Tavern on the Coast – Dana Point
Modern, clean and classy. Dine here on Sundays to enjoy a great brunch menu complete with a different kind of eggs benedict to choose from each week! From chicken to pork to seafood, daily specials are sure to provide you with a variety of choices. Don’t worry, vegetarians, there are plenty of options for you as well!
Read More - Casual, Family – Chipotle Grill – Laguna Niguel
Where casual take-out and organic, healthy eating come together! There is no such thing as eating at Chipotle “too much”! You can even place your order at this location over the phone and it’ll be ready when you get there. Service is great, food is fresh! This Chipotle is right across from the fabulous Cinepolis Movie Theatre so you can enjoy a great movie after a great meal.
Visit Chipotle Laguna Niguel
Read More - Casual, Family – La Sirena Grill – Laguna Beach
This “line-out-the-door” taco stand is worth the wait! The tacos are spectacular with your chouce of fish, carnitas, or carne asada. The interior is small, but guests can also check out the dog-friendly patio seating. Fresh, organic, and healthy ingredients make up the menu and the company is health and environmentally conscious, so your mind and your stomach will be happy!
Read More - Casual, Family – Carmelita’s Restaurant – Laguna Beach
Located across from Main Beach in Laguna Beach, California, this is a fabulous, fun, hip, local spot with a “high end” twist to Mexican Food. The chicken with Serrano sauce is off the menu, but melts in your mouth. Fabulous lime and agave margaritas, always packed with happy Laguna folks. After your meal, walk across the street and stroll along the newly renovated Main Beach boardwalk or stroll through the nearby shops. Recommend reservations! Casual attire, but anything goes.
Read More - Montage – Lobby Lounge – Laguna Beach
The perfect spot to take in amazing views of the Pacific Ocean while enjoying live piano music and stellar service. Take a look at the extensive wine list and you’re sure to be impressed. Fantastic service. The perfect spot to lounge with style.
Visit The Lobby Lounge at Montage
Read More - Montage – Mosaic Bar and Grille – Laguna Beach
The perfect setting for a restaurant with gorgeous landscaping and breathtaking panoramic ocean views. Friendly service from start to finish. The view and location are superb, just like the food. Great place for a romantic date night or lunch with friends – they’ve got it all!
Read More - Montage – Studio – Laguna Beach
How can you beat a restaurant located right on the beach? Studio is a beautiful spot to dine for special occasions, with five-star service and impeccable ambiance. Choose from unique and delicious menu options to add to the already amazing experience you are sure to have here.
Read More - Montage – The Loft – Laguna Beach
Enjoy a delicious meal or some drinks with a spectacular view and relaxing atmosphere at The Loft, located in the oceanfront resort, Montage Laguna Beach. Enjoy market-fresh, creative American cuisine with a panoramic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The interactive Cheese Gallery offers more than 150 selections for all to enjoy.
Read More - Ritz Carlton – Raya – Dana Point
Beautiful view, great service, amazing food. Dining at Raya feels like dining on a cruise ship as it sits right on the cliffs and all you see is ocean out the window with mouth dropping views of the world famous surfing beach, Salt Creek, whales, dolphins, herons and more in such a spectacular setting. There is a unique artistry that goes into the food and the delicately crafted portions are plentiful. Don’t forget to get the chocolate churros for dessert – you won’t be disappointed.
Read More - Edward’s Cinema then dinner at Opah – Aliso Viejo
After enjoying an IMAX experience at Edward’s Cinema, head on over to Opah for some of the best seafood in Aliso Viejo. Service is always on point here and the happy hour offers great deals on great drinks. If you’re looking to meet some new friends, the community table dining experience here is sure to help with that.
Read More - Upscale & Fun - Bottega Angelina - Laguna Niguel
Explore the flavors of Italy as it’s truly meant to be. Our food, carefully crafted with authentic imported Italian ingredients will transport you with each bite.
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Hiking and Outdoors
- Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
The 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is one of the last remaining coastal canyons on the Southern California coastline. Visitors will experience 40 miles of trails through oak and sycamore woodlands. Expansive vistas and ridges give visitors a view of California that has existed for thousands of years.
After plentiful rain showers, the ephemeral streams spring to life, and during summer months hikers can travel through the seasonally dry creek beds.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is part of the Naturally Community Conservation Planning program, which is designed to protect rare and endangered species, including the California Gnatcatcher, Orange-Throated […]
Read More - Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is comprised of approximately 4,500 acres of wilderness and natural open space land. This area is originally part of Juaneno or Acaichemem tribal land, which was later owned by Don Juan Avila, Louis Moulton, The Mission Viejo Company and is now under jurisdiction of OC Parks.
Parklands offer mature oaks, sycamores, and elderberry trees, two year-round streams and more than 30 miles of official trails for hikers to enjoy. This park is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and is home to many rare and endangered plants.
This park offers something for hikers and mountain […]
Read More - El Moro Canyon Trail – Crystal Cove State Beach/Park
This beautiful canyon is located along the coast between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Trails are offered for nearly all levels of hikers and mountain bikers. The trail is considered to be a moderate climb, as climbs tend to be on the steep side in some areas. But, the climbs are well worth it as they reach to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Santiago Peak.
17 miles of hiking trails through 2,400 acres of native wilderness make up Crystal Cove State Park. Backpackers can utilize the environmental campgrounds – one in a canyon and two at higher elevations. […]
Read More - Boat Canyon Trail – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
The Boat Canyon Trail is an astounding 8.2 mile hike in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Hikers will climb above Boat Canyon, drop down to Laguna Canyon Road, and then a climb back up before returning to the trailhead.
Want a serious workout? This trail is the place to go. The hard work is worth it for the amazing panoramic ocean views. Enjoy the hike in the evening for a trail lit up by the full moon.
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Distance: 8.2 miles Time: Approx. 3 hours […]
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Designers
- Carol McMahon Interior Design
Carol McMahon is an award-winning interior designer who has worked on projects across Orange County and all over the United States. Her portfolio consists of properties that range from modern chic to classical European and she is famous for being one of the top interior designers in California.
Carol manages to create different types of living environments that have been tailor-made to suit the needs of her clients within the shortest possible time and at the least possible cost. Her oasis-like designs offer perfect havens to de-stress after a tiring day at work and evoke a feeling of warmth that […]
Read More - Huma Sulaiman Design
Huma Sulaiman Design is a full service Interior design firm based out of Los Angeles, California. Since its inception in 2011, Huma Sulaiman Design has completed numerous projects and has been featured in Architectural Digest India and Vogue India. Sulaiman designs every room to reflect the lives and interests of its denizens. The design firm’s ethos is to create unique and comfortable spaces by using existing pieces, custom designed furniture and adding antique and vintage pieces. Huma Sulaiman interiors are highly curated rather than decorated.
Read More - Megan Crane Designs, Inc.
MEGAN CRANE DESIGNS, INC. (MCD) is a multi-award winning interior design firm led by Owner and Principal Designer Megan Crane. MCD’s highly creative and passion-driven team provides each client with designs that balance style and artistry with sophistication and functionality. MCD believes in providing the highest level of excellence in service and design and is built on a foundation of sound business principles, endless inspiration and creative solutions that are always highly regarded by its clients. Megan’s passion for international travel allows her to integrate various cultural and architectural details into her work, lending a distinct perspective to her designs. MCD’s designs are known for expressing each client’s aspirations and desires by incorporating their personality and lifestyle into luxurious and customized interiors.
Read More - Annie Speck Interior Design
The philosophy behind my approach to interior design is quite simple. I believe the creation of a beautiful and welcoming space both inspires imagination and improves the quality of life. For me, design is not about style or trend, but instead it's about creating a unique feeling of home. It's about listening to an individual, learning their story and discovering how they want to live. Then translating that into the perfect environment that reflects the client's taste and lifestyle.
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Special Events
- OC TRUNKSHOW — KISS MS GOODBYE!
- PHILHARMONIC DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE 2018
The Philharmonic House of Design was held this year at a DaileybytheSea listing in the gorgeous community of Ritz Cove, next to the Five Star Ritz Carlton Resort located on the Ocean in Dana Point. This magnificent event supports providing musical instruments and musical education to children who might not have the opportunity to learn, play or listen to beautiful music. Well known local Interior Designers showcase their talents by decorating individual rooms in the home which visitors are invited to explore. Held at a spectacular oceanfront home, DaileybytheSea worked tirelessly with the Philharmonic House of Design volunteers, the Designers, […]
Read More - OC LOOK EVENT
Held to benefit Juvenile Diabetes and to showcase outstanding charitable deeds by local citizens, this was a fabulous event at a huge luxury property. DaileybytheSea held this event at their stunningly beautiful listing located at 31540 Peppertree Bend, a five acre estate with a koi filled lake. Sponsored by Orange Coast Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue, along with other generous vendors such as MAC cosmetics, this was an A-List event at every turn. Pro football players, US Olympic Gold Medalists, National Hockey players, Orange County Housewives, models and high profile business people filled this fabulous home. Many generous and philanthropic […]
Read More - ROMANCE FOR A CAUSE
Benefiting the Mission Hospital Cancer Institute, this special DaileybytheSea Suzi Dailey Group event was centered around making Cancer survivors feel beautiful and special. Funds raised went to benefit the Mission Hospital Cancer Institute. Held at a magnificent DaileybytheSea Oceanfront Listing, this event provided an opportunity for visitors to have their hair and makeup professionally done, then to be dressed in a designer gown and to be photographed by one of Orange County’s leading photographers, Lisa Renee. Cece, the international clothing designer who creates dreamy luxury resort wear, provided a collection of silky glamorous gowns for the women to wear. Models […]
Read More - BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CHARITY EVENT
Held at the gorgeous 31541 Peppertree bend estate listed by DaileybytheSea, this fabulous charity event benefited the local Big Brothers and Big Sister’s Chapters. Featuring a raised runway with Models strutting along under the stars with the backdrop of the ocean behind them, guests were treated to quite the show. Wearing fabulous designer wear along with some intimate attire, the models danced and sashayed along to the music as they pirouetted before the crowd. Venues were set up throughout the festive event showcasing small business owners selling purses, jewelry, accessories and clothing. Bistro lights hung over the pool and guests […]
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