Mama Kabob in Tustin is the perfect spot for those looking to dine and dance, as well as those looking to relax and read their emails.

Ever had ribs in an ocean view jail cell? If not, Smokey’s on the border of Dana Point and Laguna Beach is court-ordered.

If you want some old school ribs from a dimly light restaurant straight out of the 1950's, Chris' & Pitt's in Anaheim is a must try.

If you love fresh Mexican seafood dishes, La Cocina de Ricardo in San Clemente is one of the best-kept secrets in south Orange County.

Downtown Santa Ana offers some amazingly authentic and reasonably priced Central and South American cuisine. Mil Jugos and El Curtido are two very different restaurants, located within steps of each other!

Riding the train to Old Town Orange makes for a great date night or family field trip. In addition to it being cheap, you can actually spend time connecting with your family instead of fighting over the radio!

The Dana Point Harbor is already one of the best spots in Orange County for a lazy afternoon. But, for those who have discovered the "secret beach" at the far north side of the harbor, there are few better places to enjoy everything California has to offer.

The Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Chapparossa Park are two of the largest parks in Laguna Niguel. Not only are they perfect for some family hangout time, they are within a couple miles of great takeout food!

One of the greatest mistakes many Orange County residents make, is not taking advantage of the rich cultural experiences that are available within a few minutes drive. Despite the portrayal of the O.C. on television as the land of gate-guarded communities and wealthy soccer mom’s, Orange County remains a diverse, cultural melting pot.

The California Cigar Factory is a rarity on so many levels. It’s a place where people actually hangout and get to know each other. It’s a cigar lounge that hasn’t succumbed to trendy commercialism. It’s a place where you can get a haircut while you listen to progressively grandiose fish stories. It’s one of my favorite places in San Clemetnte.

For an afternoon escape in south Orange County, the Mission Viejo Kaleidoscope is a favorite of kids and adults alike.

The Shops at Mission Viejo can be a treat for a family with a lot of time to kill, but not a lot of money to burn.

Bad To The Bone is an answer to BBQ lovers’ prayers in south Orange County. It’s finger-lickin’ good, reasonably cheap, and right off the freeway.

Forget Souplantation, Pho’ 99 may have the best bowl of soup in all of Orange County! For under $6, you will waddle out of there feeling both full and healthy.

The Aliso Viejo Marketplace has it all. From one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants to large retailers, you won’t find a better excuse to skip your trip to the local mall.

The Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills is the perfect place to get the entire family out of the house for a few hours. With plenty of room to roam, and everything from a giant slide to a popular skate park, there are few places better for the entire gang to get some fresh air.

Crepes aren't just for breakfast at La Galette Creperie in San Clemente. With their sweet and savory meals, whitewater views, and reasonable prices, La Galette Creperie is one of the top spots to savor the town's beach lifestyle.