A Vibey Weekend in South County
Not to be dramatic, but my weekend in South County was the ideal start to August. Spending quality time with people I love while trying new places together is something that always brings me peace and reminds me how lucky I am to call Orange County home.
Celebrating my girl Gabs for her birthday Friday night was so special—we had an intimate sunset picnic in dreamy Dana Point at Salt Creek Beach Park (my first time being there!). I highly recommend it when searching for a relaxing spot to vibe, sip, and rewind. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic with the girls or a romantic date night. S/o to the birthday girl for putting me on! We had fruity champagne, delish charcuterie boards, homemade desserts, and pizza, duhhhh!! I always get so excited to celebrate with my friends on their special day. We of course did the best birthday tradition—going around and sharing what everyone loves about the birthday girl. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect; sunsets honestly just make me so happy. Driving down by the beach on August 1st, I had to play “august” by Taylor Swift to commemorate the start of the month. It only felt right.
After our wholesome picnic, we went about a mile out to Project Social, a chill brewery in Dana Point. It had a cute patio with plenty of room, fireplaces, and of course, a fun mix of different beers and wines to order from. Although we were just there for drinks and vibes, Project Social offers brekky, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Along with alcohol, they have a latte menu featuring crafted drinks (yes girls, there’s matcha) that pair just as well with their breakfast and brunch as they do with evening hangouts. Honorable mention—they’re on the hard kombucha wave. Score! I’m notttt a big card game girly, but this was the perfect spot to play a few rounds of Egyptian War with my friends to cap off our night of celebration. Both Salt Creek Beach Park and Project Social were almost as vibey as the birthday girl herself. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I’m plotting something down in Dana Point!
Saturday afternoon, I drove down to Rancho Santa Margarita to meet my sister Emily at one of our favorite cafes—Haute Cafe & Market! If you’re on the hunt for an “Erewhon dupe” (as TikTok likes to call it) in Orange County, this spot’s got you covered. We got some work done and split their turkey pesto sandwich (farm-roasted turkey, havarti, arugula, tomato, pickled onion, and pesto aioli). Insane!! We also had to order our spread of beverages—raspberry iced matcha, cookies and cream cold brew, and of course the Erewhon-dupe smoothie, Blue Cloud (ingredients: pineapple, banana, avocado, blue majik spirulina, almond butter, collagen protein, MALK almond milk, and coconut creme). It was all perfect. Haute’s such a good spot to catch up with a friend!
After our little lunch date, we went over to have a happy hour moment at A Hidden Vine in Mission Viejo—a hidden gem of a wine bar that overlooks Lake Mission Viejo. They're known for their laid-back atmosphere, unique craft flatbreads, and yummy charcuterie boards. We ordered the burrata flatbread to share and enjoyed the sunset. I recommend bringing your parents here for either happy hour or dinner—I was definitely the youngest person there, but who doesn’t love a good glass of white wine and a lake view? Exactly.
Sunday mornings, I typically do my little hot girl walk ritual at my favorite place ever—Laguna Beach. It’s such an easy way to hit my daily 10K steps. I always start at Heisler Park and walk down the street to grab a bev at Jedidiah Coffee. I ordered an iced matcha with sugar-free vanilla. Laguna Beach is full of so many charming, locally owned coffee spots—Jedidiah being one of my faves! I grab my vibey bev and head south down PCH for my walk, doing some window shopping and stopping at a few of my favorite art galleries. Getting my steps in at a place I admire is one of my favorite solo dates.
Not to be dramatic again, but I’m crossing my fingers that the rest of August mirrors this weekend. With lakeside wine, dreamy beach picnics, and an Erewhon-dupe smoothie, I was kinda in my element. Birthdays, loved ones, sunsets, charcuterie, smoothies, pizza, wine, matcha, and hot girl walks foreverrr!