The 5 Best Beaches in Orange County, CA

Palm trees on the coast at sunset, like you would see on one of the 5 best beaches in Orange County, CA.

What are the 5 best beaches in Orange County, CA? It’s an excellent question, but not an easy one to answer given the OC’s incredible stretch of coastline. Thankfully, in spite of the difficulty, we have taken it upon ourselves to answer this question on behalf of the great people living south of LA and north of San Diego. (And all the other people out there who love the OC.) So, grab your floaties, put on your goggles and get yourself ready for the preeminent list of the 5 best beaches in Orange County. In no particular order, of course.

Incredible Beach #1: The Wedge

For our first beach we’ve selected is a strip of coastline at the end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach that is known simply as ‘the Wedge’. The Wedge is famous for having the biggest waves in the area and draws thrill seekers from all over SoCal. (And the country, really.) When the conditions are just right, the Wedge is said to have waves reaching 30 feet high. (We’ll stay on the shore when that happens but you’re welcome to go in.) So, if you enjoy surfing, or watching surfers, this is definitely the place for you. Not only that, you can also sit back and watch all manner of incredible boats coming in and out of Newport Harbor. When you’ve had enough, you can enjoy the quaintness of Balboa Island or, for the Arrested Development fans out there, take a short drive to the original Frozen Banana stand which is nearby. Final note, the Wedge is where John Wayne injured himself while swimming, which led to his losing his football scholarship which led to his dropping out of school which led to his getting a job at a movie studio which led to his movie career. So be careful for goodness sake. And if you get hurt get a job at a movie studio for sure.

Be sure to check out the video below for some incredible footage of surfers enjoying the Wedge.

The Wedge is one of the best beaches in Orange County for sure. Just check out those incredible waves.

Incredible Beach #2: Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is a special stretch of Laguna Beach which is far less crowded than most of the coastline. Boasting 3.2 miles of shoreline and over 2,000 acres of open space, the park can satisfy both your itch for the sand and your need for the quiet wilderness. The coastline itself is beautiful, and frequented by scuba divers, surfers, and swimmers. There are tide pools you can investigate in the morning, hiking trails for an afternoon jaunt, and stunning sunsets on the water come evening. There is also the Crystal Cove Historic District comprised of 46 vintage cottages originally built in the 30’s and 40’s providing a glimpse of California in days gone by. Sidebar: for those looking for a truly exciting experience you can rent cottages for overnight stays. As if that wasn’t enough, the park also offers guided hikes both in the interior and along the tide pools, and there is food available at the Beachcomber Café. This is not a beach to miss so get there as soon as you can. Check out the video below to learn more.

A great introduction to incredible Orange County beach #2: Crystal Cove.

Incredible Beach #3: Huntington Dog Beach

The Huntington Dog Beach is the only official dog beach in Orange County. There are a few other beaches that allow dogs during certain hours of the day during certain months of the year, but that doesn’t really count. Not only that, but the word on the street is that as long as everyone is well behaved, you can take your dog off of his or her leash. (You definitely can’t do that anywhere else.) I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of much of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than catching some rays with my good friend Rufus. And, as if that wasn’t enough, it’s Huntington so between the pier and all of the great restaurants and shops nearby there is never a shortage of things to do. Our advice is to grab your pooch and head down immediately. Don’t even finish the article, just go. Maybe bring the cat along too.

Bring your dogs to Huntington dog beach for a day of fun. This guy’s definitely having fun!

Incredible Beach #4: San Clemente Pier Beach

San Clemente Pier Beach is a lovely stretch of beach on the southern tip of Orange County. A bit off the beaten path, it is a bit quieter than some of the more northern beaches, but its popularity has really grown in recent years. It boasts a great pier with several restaurants where you can dine while looking out over the water, a cute commercial district walking distance from the waves, and a lovely stretch of shoreline great for long strolls and relaxation. It also boasts a stop on the Pacific Surfliner train line, making it particularly convenient if you don’t want to be bothered by Southern California’s well documented traffic. (There is also a large and very convenient parking lot just off of the beach, but expect a lot of competition for spots on weekend afternoons.) Overall, it’s a great place to relax and recharge, particularly if you are in South County. Oh yes, and be sure to grab some ice cream right across from the pier.

Want to learn more? Check out the video below.

Incredible Beach #5: Laguna Beach Main Beach

This is it ladies and gentlemen, our last beach. And for this we are heading back to Laguna, the only town with two beaches on our list, but it’s Laguna, what do you expect. The Main Beach is the beating heart of Laguna and has been an Orange County destination for as long as Orange County has been a destination. You’ve got everything from gelato, to coffee, to live music and fabulous art galleries at your fingertips, not to mention a vintage movie theatre and great stores for casual shopping. And of course, the beach itself is stunning, filled with beautiful rock formations, and awash with tide pooling opportunities. Oh yes, and Laguna has several restaurants with absolutely striking views – literally some of the best in the county. Perhaps a victim of its own success, Main Beach does get busy, particularly in the summer, so parking may take a minute. (Our favorite time to head down is in the off season, but to each his own.) If you’re looking for a great day (or weekend), you can’t go wrong with Laguna’s Main Beach – head down today! (And check out the video below for more.)

So, there you have it. Our list of the 5 best beaches in Orange County, CA. It wasn’t an easy task, but we did our best to do it justice. We’re sure we’ve enraged some of you with our choices, so feel free to let us know how you feel in the comments. Enjoy the beach everyone!

Want to learn some more great stuff about Orange County? Check out our post on the 5 biggest tourist destinations in Orange County or the 5 best hiking trails in Orange County. Or, if you are the entrepreneurial type and looking for something entirely different, be sure to check out our guide on starting a new business in the OC.

You might be wondering who we are. We’re My OC Bookkeeper – Orange County’s best bookkeeping and business advisory firm. We love everything about Orange County, from going to the beach to helping great Orange County businesses with their books. So if you’re looking for someone to help with your bookkeeping or accounting give us a call. And if you’re looking for more great articles on everything from life in Orange County to doing business here, check out our blog. Click on the surfers below to learn more!

The 5 Biggest Tourist Destinations in Orange County, CA

A sunny beach filled with people that represents tourist destinations in Orange County, CA.

Our List of Orange County’s Best Tourist Destinations

With famous theme parks, historic sightseeing, and a wealth of sunshine Orange County is a great destination for tourists of all interests. Orange County stands out as one of the must-visit destinations on various travel lists. That is why it attracts approximately 40 million visitors annually.

In Orange County, you will find everything you need for the perfect family holiday or adventurous weekend trip. From beaches and shopping malls to museums and restaurants, Orange County offers something for everyone. No wonder it is one of the most iconic destinations in California. That is why Orange County was featured numerous times in films and television series.

Trying to sum up the best tourist destinations in Orange County is not an easy task. However, we did our best to come up with this list of the biggest tourist destinations in Orange County. We made sure to put something for everybody and to reflect the true California experience.

Here is our list of the 5 biggest tourist destinations in Orange County.

Disneyland

You cannot go to Orange County and miss the chance to meet Mickey Mouse in person. The county of oranges doesn’t just have sunny beaches and great weather. It is also the home of “The Happiest Place on Earth”, Disneyland.

Long before the multiple parks and resorts that exist today, the first Disneyland amusement park opened here in Anaheim by Walt Disney himself back in 1955. Till now, the Disneyland amusement park is still considered one of the highlights of visiting Orange County. With thrilling, magical attractions and favorite cartoon characters coming to life, Disneyland provides an unforgettable experience for people of all ages.

Check out the video below for an awesome tour of Disneyland Park.

Huntington City Beach

Surfing is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Orange County. That is why “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach landed 2nd place on our list. The world-famous surfing beaches of Huntington Beach draw about 4 million people annually.

Huntington Beach has also received many awards, including “Best Family Beach from OC Parenting Magazine.” It is because Huntington Beach provides numerous outdoor activities for everybody. Besides surfing, you can also play volleyball, soak up the sun or eat some food. The three and a half miles of sand provide room for all beach games and relaxing, fun activities.

Surprisingly, visiting Huntington Beach might be even more pleasant at night. You can enjoy the beautiful California sunset on the famous Huntington Beach Pier. This Orange County landmark is located off Main Street. There you can fish, ride a bike, walk or enjoy a delicious meal. Whatever you do, make sure not to miss the sunset there!

Want to see Huntington Beach up close? Click the video below.

Balboa Island

Sunny beaches are not the only tourist attraction in Orange County. This man-made island in Newport Beach is a vacation destination for many. Like other places in Orange County, Balboa Island offers something for everyone. It features big and small delights.

You can go shopping at the local boutique shops, eat at restaurants or enjoy a romantic gondola ride. There is also an amusement park on Balboa Island. For a one of a lifetime experience, do not miss the whale-watching cruise. All these adventures and more make Balboa Island one of the best destinations to visit in Orange County.

Do you remember the frozen banana stand from Arrested Development? That was in Newport Beach too. Take a look at the video below to see Balboa up close. (Unfortunately the banana stand may not make an appearance.)

Discovery Cube Orange County

Inspire, educate, impact that is the mission of the Discovery Cube Orange County. That is why any family vacation in Orange County should include this award-winning science extravaganza. Visiting the Discovery Cube Orange County will help your children uncover the potentials of their minds.

This science museum features a huge collection of varying exhibits, tours, galleries, research stations, and engaging activities for children of all ages. The attractions in the Discovery Cube Orange County cover topics like space, water conservation, and good eating habits. As a parent, all you need to do is just sit back and relax. Let your children explore and follow their imagination, curiosity, and senses. They will be amazed by the world around them.

Formerly known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, the Discovery Cube Orange County is located in Santa Ana, California. In 2013, the Discovery Cube Orange County received the National Medal for Museum and Library Services. This is not just a great place to visit with your children. You can also celebrate their birthday parties there. In all cases, adding the Discovery Cube Orange County to your must-see list will make your trip to Orange County unforgettable.

Crystal Cove State Park

With about 2,500 acres of land and over 3 miles of beach, Crystal Cove State Park is one of the largest remaining natural seashores in Orange County. Crystal Cove State Park is the go-to destination for those who love bike riding, camping, trekking, or even equestrian sports.

For those who love water, Crystal Cove State Park offers great activities above and under the water. You can take a surfboard or a kayak or go scuba diving. There is never a dull moment in Crystal Cove State Park. You can check the tide levels on the park’s website before you go.

Visitors can also enjoy the historic part of the park. Crystal Cove State Park contains a federally listed Historic District. There is also an old seaside colony of picturesque cottages from the mid-20th century.

Picking the 5 biggest tourist destinations in Orange County, CA was no easy task. So, tell us what other attractions you think should be added to our list? We would love to hear from you in the comments.

Orange County isn’t just known for its tourist destinations and beaches, it’s also filled with thriving, innovative businesses. At My OC Bookkeeper, we understand the challenges of running such businesses and help companies from Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Riverside to achieve their boldest business dreams. Our services include accounting, bookkeeping, outsourced CFO, and financial model development. Click on the surfers below and check out our website to learn more.

The 5 Largest Employers in Orange County, CA

A man with a suitcase walking, symbolic of the jobs created by Orange County's largest employers.

Our List of Orange County’s 5 Largest Employers

If you Google “Orange County”, the first results will probably describe the region’s list of attractions and outdoor activities. All this is true. However, it only paints half the picture. Today, Orange County has a thriving business environment with a lot to offer. Here, you will find some of the world’s largest companies. They come to Orange County to enjoy the thriving business environment and work with a pool of talent that helps them grow further.

We love OC businesses and therefore took it upon ourselves to create a list of the 5 largest employers in Orange County. So read on for the official My OC Bookkeeper list of the OC’s largest job creators.

The Walt Disney Company

Topping Orange County’s largest employers list, The Walt Disney Company with about 30,000 employees countywide. That is why, it plays a vital role in the Orange County economy. The Walt Disney Company operates in four business segments: Media Networks, Parks, Experiences and Products, Studio Entertainment, and Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) and International. That is why, it always offers a steady stream of diversified job opportunities.

At The Walt Disney Company, they understand how each member of their staff will have an impact on people’s lives worldwide. That is why, they don’t hire just anybody. (Interesting fact: they may have hired the mother of one of our staff members.) They also ensure that their staff comes from unusually diverse demographic backgrounds – the company is 52% female and 43% minorities.

From the start, The Walt Disney Company has branded itself as the place of making dreams come true. That is not just their mission with their customers. The Walt Disney Company also tries to help its employees reach their dreams. That is why, they invest in their employees’ education through their Disney Aspire program. For all these reasons and more, The Walt Disney Company is not just the largest employer in Orange County – it also has a great employee retention rate, with staff members usually staying with the company for 3.7 years.

(Sidebar, do yourself a favor and watch the video below. It’s about Disney’s longest standing employee who worked there for 65 years! We’re not sure what his thoughts on the 5 largest employers in Orange County are, but we suspect he likes at least one of the companies on our list.)

University of California

The second largest employers in Orange County are not from the private sector. With 23,884 employers, UCI tops the list as the largest public sector employers in Orange County. They are also contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

Over the past few years, UCI has been growing rapidly in many areas. That is why, its size of employees has also increased drastically. Founded in 1965, UCI is considered the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. It also ranks among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. With three Nobel laureates, UCI is known for its academic achievement, cutting edge research, innovation and its infamous anteater mascot. That is why, Forbes has named it one of the best employers in the USA.

County of Orange

Offering about 17,271 jobs, the County of Orange lands in the third place of our list of largest employers in Orange County. The County of Orange is a local governmental agency responsible for developing, managing and providing a wide range of public services. Their scope of services includes public safety, public health, environmental protection, regional planning, and social services. To deliver all these services in a responsive and timely manner, the County of Orange partners with regional businesses and other governmental entities.

At the County of Orange, the staff comes from unusually diverse demographic backgrounds. The organization is 53.5% female and 54.4% ethnic minorities. This diversification is also extended to the political orientation of the employees, with 49.7% Democrats and 46.6% Republicans. The County of Orange also offers good working conditions, health, dental, medical insurances, paid time off, 401k plan, etc. That is why, their employee retention rate is high with staff members usually staying for 6.6 years within the company. No wonder the County of Orange has ranked number 4 on the Best Government Companies to Work for in Santa Ana, CA list.

A sign with the words "for hire", symbolic of Orange County's largest employers.

St. Joseph Health

When you think about the largest employers in Orange County, usually big names, such as Disney or Boeing, come to mind. That is why, many people get surprised when they see St. Joseph Health in the list. With a workforce of 14,000 employees, St. Joseph Health lands on the well-deserved fourth place in our list.

This Catholic not-for-profit, health care system has long and storied roots in Orange County. Its first hospital in Orange County, St. Joseph in Orange, was founded in 1929. Today, St. Joseph Health includes 16 hospitals, physician organizations, home health agencies, hospice care, outpatient services and community outreach services. They cover California, Texas and New Mexico. In 2016 and 2017, St. Joseph Health was awarded Top Workplaces Regional Awards by the Orange County register.

Kaiser Permanente

As one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health plans, it is no surprise that Kaiser Permanente lands in our largest Orange County employers’ list. With a workforce of 8,178 jobs, Kaiser Permanente serves 12.5 million members.

For over 76 years, Kaiser Permanente has been leading the way with innovative approaches to health care. Their goal has always been to deliver high-quality and affordable health care services. Kaiser Permanente Orange County hospitals are among the best in the nation for delivering high-quality care, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2021-2022 “Best Hospitals” rankings. They have also been recognized on Glassdoor’s 2019 Best Places to Work list.

This concludes our list of the 5 largest employers in Orange County. Let us know your opinion and how you see each of these companies. We would love to have a good discussion about that. You can also check our list of The 5 Best Businesses in Irvine. Or, if you’re looking for a great place to live in this lovely county, check out our post on the best places to live in the OC.

Do you want to grow your business and maybe one day land on the list of top five employers in Orange County? At My OC Bookkeeper, we can help you achieve that and much more. We understand all the challenges that come along with the huge business opportunities in Orange County. That is why, we provide the best bookkeeping and business advisory services available in Southern California. With us, you can rest assured you will get the business partner you need to make your business thrive. To learn more about our services and how we can help, reach out to us. Let’s chat and see how we can do great things together.

The 5 Coolest Tech Firms in Irvine, CA

A zoomed up picture of a microchip, symbolic of the many technology companies in Irvine

Our List of the 5 Coolest Tech Firms in Irvine

Orange County has always been synonymous with sunny, beach towns. However, today cities like Irvine have a lot more to offer. That is why, over the past years, more and more tech firms and start-ups have been gravitating to the area.

Today, Irvine is considered one of the leading cities in the tech scene. It is known for hosting the offices of huge tech firms as well as rising start-ups. All these cool tech companies come to Irvine to have access to the talents they need to grow. What better place to find these talents other than Irvine?

For years, UC Irvine and other institutions have been known to graduate a deeply educated workforce. That has been Irvine’s Master Plan since decades ago; to be a city of intellect, built around the university. Obviously, Irvine is going on the right track. Today, you will find the offices of some of best tech firms in the world here in Irvine. Here is our list of the 5 coolest tech firms in Irvine.

Google

Should we say more? Most probably, you have reached this article using Google search engine. As they say, Google knows everything. That is why, Google has dominated the search engine market, with about 92.5 percent. However, that did not stop Google from expanding their success to other services. Today, thousands of users around the globe enjoy Google mail services, productivity tools, enterprise products, mobile devices and much more.

This tech giant is not just famous for its revolutionary product launches and innovative approach. Google is also known for its extraordinary work environment and employee facilities. Google Irvine office is no different. Designed by San Francisco-based Rapt Studio, Google Irvine building catches Orange County’s beach culture. You will find beach cruisers in the lobby. There is even a lifeguard tower on the roof deck.

Workspace design might not be enough to get Google on top of our coolest tech firms in Irvine. However, Google commitment to expanding opportunities and building a diverse workforce is. That is why, Google has claimed the 6th spot in Glassdoor’s 13th annual “Employees’ Choice Awards, with a rating of 4.5, in the best places to work in the 2021 list.

Microsoft

Over the past decade, many people thought Microsoft has lost a bit of their shine. However, they have made a strong comeback. Today, Microsoft has become again one of the superstar firms not just in Irvine, but in the entire tech world.

By introducing Windows 95 back in the days, Microsoft has ushered the world into the golden age of PC usage. Computers were no longer just meant to be used at work. People bought PCs for their homes. That is when Microsoft became a dominant player in the tech scene.

The period from the mid-2000s up to 2014 was a dark phase for Microsoft. The company could not compete with Google in the search engine field. They also had a little success with smartphone operating systems or devices. Still, companies and regular users did not stop buying Windows computers. Fortunately, Microsoft decided to build on its strength to come back stronger than ever. They returned to their roots by introducing the game changing cloud computing technology, which is considered one of the most important technologies of the past decade. This and the cultural change landed Microsoft on our coolest tech firms in Irvine.

Syntiant

Unlike Google and Microsoft, Syntiant is headquartered in Irvine. Founded in 2017, this tech firm has quickly become a leader in the moving artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Syntiant produces ultra-low-power semiconductors that facilitate speech interfaces on various battery-powered consumer devices.

In simpler words, Syntiant offers a breakthrough technology that enables small devices, such as earbuds, to offer voice interaction. This means, you can give your smart speakers, AR glasses and security devices command words to control them. No need for bulky batteries or control buttons, your tiny, battery-operated devices will execute your commands just by using your voice. How cool and brilliant is that?

Compared to traditional processing technologies, Syntiant devices typically deliver 100 times the performance. That is why Syntiant was named one of the top 100 AI companies. Syntiant’s exceptional work was also recognized by Octane, Southern California’s leading accelerator. In 2021, Syntiant received their High-Tech Award for “Best Technology Company Leadership Team”. The work of Syntiant is also backed by multiple of the world’s most well-known investors including Intel Capital, Applied Ventures, Robert Bosch Venture Capital, Microsoft’s M12, Amazon Alexa Fund and Atlantic Bridge Capital.

Cylance

Also based in Irvine, is Cylance Inc., a medium-sized software firm that develops antivirus programs. Unlike other cyber security firms, Cylance software works proactively. It prevents, rather than reactively detecting viruses and malware. To prevent cyber breaches and attacks, Cylance uses artificial intelligence, algorithmic science and machine learning technology. They are considered the first tech company to apply this advanced technology to cyber security. Clients of Cylance include companies in industries such as retail, finance, healthcare, government and education in Irvine and across the USA.

Cylance was founded only in 2012. Being a relatively young company did not stop Cylance from becoming a leader in the cyber security world. Their CylancePROTECT software is an award-winning next-generation antivirus product. It can stop what other antiviruses cannot even detect by using prediction and pre-response at the enterprise endpoint. That is how, CylancePROTECT can effectively prevent modern malware and advanced threat breaches, before they can cause any damages or harm. That is why Cylance’s Fortune 500 customer list includes hot shots such as 20 of the biggest energy, oil and gas companies, 34 of the best healthcare companies, 43 of the top banking and financial services companies and 46 of the top high-tech companies.

MobilityWare

Our list of coolest tech firms in Irvine could not end without mentioning this leading mobile gaming company. MobilityWare was founded in 1990 and headquartered in Irvine with the aim of bringing joy to others, one game at a time. They focus on creating fun and engaging experiences that everyone can enjoy.

MobilityWare awesome culture of innovation, collaboration, and fun makes this tech firm one of the coolest in Irvine. That is why, they have won “Orange County’s Best Places to Work”​ by both the OC Business Journal and OC Register for three years in a row.

Their popular mobile games have been rocking the app store since its inception. With classic games, such as Solitaire, MobilityWare have created some of the most iconic app store games ever. Their other famous titles include Blackjack, FreeCell, Jigsaw Puzzle and Spider Solitaire. That is why, they have over 300 million downloads across their award-winning app portfolio.

In our opinion these are the 5 coolest tech firms in Irvine. We would love to know how you see the tech scene here in Irvine. So, drop a message in the comments and tell us your opinion.

At My OC Bookkeeper, we understand the challenges that come along with the great business opportunities here in Irvine, and we work with all kinds of great Irvine businesses. That is why, we offer our help to all kinds of companies in Orange County. Whether you were just starting out or running a well-established company, we can help you grow your business with our bookkeeping and business advisory services. By choosing us, you can rest assured you will get a business partner that will help you achieve your dreams. We are not just an outside service provider. Our services will help your business thrive.

So, get in touch with us now and let’s do great things together.  

3 Restaurants You Should Try in Laguna Niguel

A young woman eats pasta, symbolic of the lovely restaurants in Laguna Niguel.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Laguna Niguel

Perhaps most well-known for its famously extensive system of parks and trails, the masterfully planned community of Laguna Niguel has so much to offer to locals and guests alike. A community interest for nature and arts is celebrated with the beautiful Niguel Botanical Preserve and the Echoes & Visions Juried Fine Art Show. Such a busy and culturally rich city needs some good eats to enjoy too, and Laguna Niguel delivers. Here are 3 restaurants you should try whenever you’re in town!  

China Moon

From the 30+ years of culinary expertise brought to the table by Chef John, to every dish being individually crafted for every order, to the servers being meticulously trained by the Chens to offer the absolute best service, every visit to China Moon will be absolutely memorable. The team regularly receives well-earned praise, such as the prestigious Southern California Restaurant Writers Award.

From the delicious Mu Shu to the mouth watering Szechuan Pork and the all-important rice noodles, there’s a stunning dish for everyone on this masterful menu. If you’ve been looking for some great Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine, look no further!

Acai Republic

Immigrants especially know the yearning for traditional food, especially when only inauthentic copies or fusion is what’s available. That’s the passion behind Açaí Republic, founded by a Brazilian immigrant who came to the US to teach jiu jitsu.

Organic Açaí brought in directly from the Amazon and the best fruit come together to bring you a completely authentic Brazilian Açaí Bowl, as well as delicious smoothies and freshly-squeezed juices. Whether you just need to pop in for a quick smoothie, or you’d rather sit down for a Bowl, these are the perfect candidates for a refreshing and nutritious meal that is great fuel for any athlete.

A delicious looking acai bowl, similar to what you can get at the Acai Republic restaurant in Laguna Niguel.
A delicious looking Acai bowl, like you might find at a groovy Laguna restaurant.

Belgium Waffle Haus

Specialty coffees, Belgium Liege Waffles, and authentic Pearl Sugar imported directly from Belgium. Need we say more?

Belgium Waffle Haus is truly an experience, from the Prosciutto & Egg Waffle Sandwich, to the Tiramisu waffle made with house made tiramisu and dark chocolate, to the savory Smoke Salmon Waffle. After one visit, you’ll never see waffles the same way again.

These are our picks for some of the most exciting and delicious places to grab a bite or two while in Laguna Niguel, but this list is certainly far from exhaustive. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know!

Who are we? We are My OC Bookkeeper, Southern California’s premier bookkeeping, accounting, business setup, and outsourced CFO services firm. We love working with companies in the Laguna area – and everywhere in SoCal for that matter. If you are looking for help with you business reach out to us today.

5 Attractions To See in Mission Viejo

A wide shot of Lake Mission Viejo in Mission Viejo, CA.

Considered one of the best places to live in the country, there’s so much Mission Viejo has to offer. From the beautiful Orange County weather to the famously low crime rate and a masterfully structured community, it’s pretty clear how the city earned this title. This also means that there’s plenty to see and explore in Mission Viejo, whether you’re a proud local or a curious tourist! Here are 5 attractions we think everyone in the area should make time to check out.

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                                                                             Lake Mission Viejo.

Mission Viejo Lake

If a lake is going to share your city’s namesake, it can’t be a disappointing one—and Mission Viejo Lake delivers! It’s one of the city’s most popular spots for outdoor recreation and is known for picnics, swimming, boating sunbathing, and a great concert series.  (Yours truly saw Gladys Night there.) Shaded seating, beaches, and boat ramps are all available to make sure you have a relaxing time in front of this beautiful body of water.

Visitors are limited to Lake Mission Viejo Association members (which includes the vast majority of Mission Viejo residents) and their guests, but don’t fret, even if you can’t enjoy the lake proper you can have a meal at a restaurant with a lake view or enjoy a walk along a lovely walking path parallel to the lake. Or, worst case scenario, just make friends with one of the people lucky enough to live along the lake and swing by their house for a cocktail. 

Click here for directions

Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into nature, the Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park is a perfect and popular choice. The park opens at 7 am and closes at sunset, which conveniently also makes for some stunning twilit sights and experiences during opening and closing hours.

The clearly marked paths can take visitors through bridges and streams, as well as the butterfly garden. If you visit closer to closing time, you might be able to catch sight of some of the animals that avoid the paths during busier hours.

The Oso Creek Golf Course

Enjoy hitting the links? If so, the Oso Creek Golf Course is a great place to do. Taken over by the city of Mission Viejo in 2019, the course boasts beautiful views of Saddleback Mountain and is nestled along Casta Del Sol, a beautifully manicured development which houses Mission Viejo’s loveliest seniors. (I can attest to that personally.)

As of June 2021 the course also offers the Terrace on the Green restaurant – a nice, but not crazy expensive spot to relax and enjoy the view or strategize how to improve your golf game. The Terrace on the Green offers breakfast (of which the options are limited in MV) and sources many of its products from local California sources.

Click here for directions.

A Hidden Vine on the Lake

What’s better than taking in the beautiful sights of Mission Viejo Lake? Taking in the beautiful sights with a glass of wine, of course! A Hidden Vine on the Lake is located on the shores of the lake, and is a great place to enjoy the view while sipping on some of the region’s famous bottles of wine.

Experts can help guide you through the tastings, and guests can also enjoy carefully selected pairings of bread, cheese, and charcuterie. Every once in a while, everyone just needs to kick back and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine!  

Click here for directions.

O’Neill Regional Park

For a national-park-type experience without the long drive, outdoor enthusiasts will love O’Neill Regional Park. Just a short drive from downtown, this park is a favorite location for hikers, fishers, bikers, bird watchers, and anyone that’s looking to get lost in nature for an afternoon.

From museums to tasty wine and twilit hiking trails, there’s more than plenty to do while in Mission Viejo. These are our favorite attractions to visit while in town, did we miss your favorite? Let us know! 

Want to learn even more about the great city of Mission Viejo? Check out our post about our favorite parks in MV.

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best attractions to see in Mission Viejo, CA. This city is truly a beautiful and safe place to live filled with great people, great attractions, and great businesses.

Why do we care so much about Mission Viejo? Because this is where our headquarters are. (And some of our staff has been coming here to visit since the early 80s.) Who are we? We are My OC Bookkeeper. We provide local bookkeeping services to businesses in Mission Viejo and all over Orange County. (And Southern California in general for that matter.) If you are interested in teaming up, call us at 949-345-0639, email us at admin@myocbookkeeper.com, or contact us here.

3 Places To Go Sightseeing in Laguna Niguel

A large tree overlooking a lake in a green park, much like you'd find at Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

Like the rest of Orange County, there’s always a plethora of things to do around Laguna Niguel. From the bustling food scene to spending a relaxing day in the coastal climate at the country club, there’s a little something for everybody. One thing that no one should pass up on, however, is catching some breathtaking views in Laguna Niguel’s beautiful parks. Here are three places to go sightseeing!

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Watch the sunrays dance off the stunning 44-acre lakefront and center in Laguna Niguel Regional Park. In between appreciating this dazzling sight, you can take advantage of the regularly stocked fishing population. Make sure the whole family has a line to cast!

Picnic shelters and some of the best hiking trails in the region surrounding the lake. Visitors can also enjoy playing horseshoe, exploring the playground, some friendly volleyball and tennis matches, and the community amphitheater. Fond of model gliders? There’s a dedicated area for that too!

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Dazzling sunsets are a big part of the equation for many landscape chasers, but for others, there’s another important element: wildlife! Visiting spaces full of thriving wildlife is a great reminder of who we share this planet with, and is a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is the perfect place in Laguna Niguel for this. The 45 hundred acres of wilderness stretch further than your eyes can see, layered with mature oaks, sycamores, and elderberry trees. The park is designated as a wildlife sanctuary, and many endangered plants and animals call it home.

Niguel Botanical Preserve

Not all breathtaking sights have to involve strenuous hikes, of course, and the Niguel Botanical Preserve offers some beautiful views on a comfortable stroll. As they put it on their own site, “the purpose of the Niguel Botanical Preserve is to display garden-worthy plants appropriate to the Southern California region, collected from five areas of the world with similar Mediterranean climates.”

There’s an impressive variety of fauna on display, from South Africa to Australia, that can thrive in your own OC backyard! It may not be endless acres of wildlife, but the comfortable path through the Botanical Preserve is a beautiful masterclass in how breathtaking your own garden can be.

These are our favorite places in Laguna Niguel to catch some beautiful sights. Have you visited all of them? Which was your favorite? Let us know!

Want to grab something to eat next? Check out this article on 3 great restaurants in Laguna Niguel.

Not only is Laguna Niguel an amazing place to visit, but it is filled with innovative businesses. If you are a business owner looking for the best bookkeeping and business advisory services available in Orange County, check out My OC Bookkeeper. We help businesses in Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, and all over Orange County reach their potential. Give us a call at 949-345-0639, email us at admin@myocbookkeeper.com, or contact us here.

Take a look at the video below for some more great info on Laguna Niguel.

3 Best Places To Visit In Newport Beach

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Newport Beach is a beautiful beachfront city in Orange County, popular among yachters and surfers alike and famous for incredible whale watching experiences. Whether you’re an ocean lover, a shopping fanatic, or a dedicated foodie, there’s something for everyone here. Here are three places we think everyone should visit while in Newport Beach!

The Beaches … Of course

It’s not just a pretty name! Newport Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beach experiences you’ll ever have, no matter what experience you’re looking for. The Corona Del Mar State Beach is perfect for beachgoers looking for a relaxing soak in the water and in the sun, with calm surf and a long stretch of sand. Not to mention, of course, it’s perfect for dazzling pictures.

If adrenaline is more your speed, The Wedge is the spot for you. With some of the largest waves in SoCal, this beach attracts some of the most skilled surfers to take on Mother Nature. Whether you’re one to get under the waves or you just like to watch safely from the beach, this is a great spot to be. (Want see some great footage of The Wedge? Check out the first video in this post on Orange County’s best beaches.)

As we mentioned, Newport Beach is also a fantastic spot for whale watching. Whales migrate through these waters every year. In winter and in early spring, if you keep your eyes peeled, you might catch a glimpse of some breathtaking gray whales.

A Ferris Wheel on Balboa Island - one of the great things to visit in Newport Beach.
The Ferris Wheel on Balboa island sure looks like a lot of fun.

Balboa Island

One of the gems of the community, Balboa Island is a manmade island connected to the mainland by a bridge. You’ll find plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, full of independently owned shops, restaurants, and boutiques. This is where you’ll find the island’s claim to fame by the same name: the Balboa Bar.

It’s a quaint little concept and a great experience for locals and tourists alike. The ferry costs just a few quarters and is a great opportunity to avoid the traffic and enjoy some more time on the water.

Balboa Fun Zone

There’s something about beach scenes with a Ferris wheel that people can’t seem to get enough of, and Newport Beach is one to deliver. The Balboa Fun Zone is a small amusement park that seems to grow bigger and more popular each and every year. The park is intended for children, but with such beautiful views, anyone is bound to have a great time.

These are some of our favorite options for a great time in Newport Beach, but the list is certainly not exhaustive. Did we miss your favorite spot to visit? Let us know!

Not only is Newport Beach picture-perfect, but it is filled with all manner of exciting businesses. That’s why we love doing business there ourselves. Who are we? We’re My OC Bookkeeper. We provide bookkeeping and business advisory services to companies in Newport Beach and all over Orange County. If you think you might need some help, call us at 949-345-0639, email us at admin@myocbookkeeper.com, or contact us here.

Click on the surfers to learn a bit more about what we do.

The 5 Best Businesses in Irvine

Palm trees and the ferris wheel at the Irvine Spectrum which is owned by one of the best businesses in Irvine

Our List of the Best Businesses in Irvine, CA

What are the best companies in Irvine, CA? That is not an easy question to answer. Irvine is the beating heart of Orange County business. (Sorry Newport Beach, you’re great too but there can only be one…) What used to be basically a sea of orange groves with a university in the middle – not to say there is anything wrong with that, old Irvine was a wonderful place – has turned into an incredibly dynamic and crucially important business hub.

So, determining the best businesses is not an easy feat. We like challenges though, so we think that we are up to the task.

This is not a scientific endeavor, so we don’t have a great deal of empirical data to discuss. Rather, we have sought out companies that are provocative, successful, and / or have had an impact on the community.

So, without further ado, the best businesses in Irvine.

Space X

First on our list is Space X. Why is it first? Because it is Space X, that’s why. I mean, they are trying to go to mars people, and they have an office in Irvine. (That basically means that the good people of Irvine will be part of the first Martian colony.)

Elon Musk’s company, whose home office is in nearby Hawthorne, by the way, opened its offices in Irvine back in 2016. The office’s apparent focus is satellite communications, which seems important to us. They’ve been here ever since, with many a job opening on Indeed to prove it.

What could be more exciting than having a developer of cutting-edge space technology in your backyard? Nothing, that is what. And that is why Space X is on our list.

Looking for a job at Space X? First of all, thank you for being incredible. Second, check out this blog post with tips on getting a job at Space X. (It’s not ours.) Third, please leave a note in the comments, we would love to chat.

Last point, be sure to check out the awesome video below to see a Space X spaceship landing vertically. Incredible. If you watch just one video in this post, that should be the one, trust us. It’s really cool.

Ingram Micro

Unlike Space X, Ingram Micro is headquartered in Irvine.(Space X just has offices there.) Formed all the way back in 1979 – in Southern California no less – Ingram Micro is a massive organization with ~ 35,000 employees, $49.1 billion in revenues, and over $15 billion in assets. They distribute IT products and services to over 250,000 customers both in the U.S. and around the globe, and are one of the biggest names in their industry.

According to our research they are regularly hiring all kinds of positions in Irvine, so if you are interested in information technology and are local you should keep them on your radar. That having been said, if you aren’t looking for a job in IT don’t fret, Ingram Micro is a publicly traded company (NYSE: ticker IM), so if you have a few dollars squirreled away you can literally join the ownership team. Sidenote, if you do become an owner, please tell them to reach out to us for their outsourced finance department needs.

Want to learn a little bit more about Ingram Micro? Take a look at their video introduction below.

The Hoag Health Network

Next on our list is the Hoag Health Network. This is truly a local company in every way because all of their operations are right here in Orange County. (Maybe you should think about doing that too Space X and Ingram Micro.) Not only that, but they work hard every day to keep all of us healthy, and we here at the My OC Bookkeeper blog are very grateful for that. Strictly speaking they are a non-profit but given the incredible work they do and the number of OC residents they employ we decided to include them anyway.

The incredible Hoag network treats roughly 30,000 inpatients and 350,000 outpatients annually. They opened way back in 1952 (when Orange County was actually filled with oranges), with Hoag Health Center Irvine opening in the early 80s, and Hoag Hospital Irvine opening in 2010. They are here to help us all with medical needs large and small, and we are certainly grateful for that. Thank you Hoag Health!

Interested in volunteering with the Hoag Network? Here’s a good place to start.

What to learn more about how Hoag has grown over the years? Take a look at the video below which has some really great historical footage from old Orange County.

Blizzard Entertainment

No list of the top businesses in Irvine would be complete without Blizzard Entertainment. Blizzard is one of the top video game companies in the world, having created such well known titles as the World of Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft, and Overwatch – all of which have many iterations.

The company was founded back in 1991 by three UCLA grads, and its headquarters are right here in Irvine. Not only do they create incredible video games, but they also employ roughly 4,700 people. As if that wasn’t enough, they also sponsor the annual BlizzCon convention which draws gaming fans from across the county to our own Anaheim Convention Center – providing yet another boost to local business.

Thank you for the great games Blizzard, but please don’t make them so addictive. We need time to get some other things done.

Want to see an awesome video about Blizzard’s games? Take a look below.

The Irvine Company

What is the last company on our list? It should be obvious. It’s inconceivable not to include the company with Irvine in its name on the list of the best companies in Irvine, the queen bee of all companies in Irvine: The Irvine Company.

For those of you who don’t know. The Irvine Company is a real estate development company with offices in Irvine and Newport Beach that has played a major role in the development of not just Irvine, but large swaths of Orange County. They own The Market Place, the Irvine Spectrum Center, and Fashion Island, and have helped develop countless residential areas throughout the county.

It’s not just their great development projects that make them great though, it’s also both their commitment to protecting Orange County’s natural environment and their philanthropic endeavors. From an environmental standpoint, they’ve earmarked nearly 50,000 acres as preserved wildlife – known as the Irvine Ranch Open Space – which helps to preserve Irvine’s great balance between nature and development. From a philanthropic standpoint, they’ve gifted over $220 million to local schools and universities.

The Logo for the Irvine Company, on of the best businesses in Irvine.
The Irvine Company logo

So there you have it. The 5 best businesses in Irvine, (one of which is a nonprofit.) We hope you found this illuminating. Think we’re crazy? Let us know your opinions on the best businesses in Irvine in the comments. We love a good discussion. Want to check out another cool list about this great community? How about the 5 Best Parks in Irvine. Or, to zoom out to the OC in general, check out our list of the 5 best beaches in Orange County.

As we’ve discussed, Irvine has a vibrant and exciting business community filled with all kinds of great companies. At My OC Bookkeeper there’s nothing we enjoy more than collaborating with great Irvine businesses. We provide bookkeeping and business advisory services to companies in Irvine and all over Southern California. Have a question about accounting or business finance? Reach out to us and let’s chat. Take a look at our video below to learn a bit more about what we do.

4 Best Things To Do in San Juan Capistrano

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Nestled between the big cities of San Diego and Los Angeles, the beautiful community of San Juan Capistrano might easily be overlooked by visitors and nearby locals alike. With so much to offer, however, we certainly don’t think this city should be outshined. Whether you’re visiting Orange County or live right nearby, it’s easy to have a fun-filled, eventful day in San Juan Capistrano. Here are some of our favorite things to do while in town.

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San Juan Capistrano.

Visit the San Juan Capistrano Mission

There are many missions throughout the state of California, but San Juan Capistrano is certainly one of the most popular, and the most striking. Sometimes referred to as the “Birthplace of Orange County,” a visit here will transport you back to colonial times with its preserved historical architecture, detailed exhibits, and award-winning self-guided audio tour.

There’s a reason this mission receives millions of visitors each and every year. If nothing else is, the San Juan Capistrano Mission is the must-visit on this list.

Visit A Museum

Of course, with such a rich colonial history, it’s no surprise that a museum visit or two would make for a great addition to any San Juan Capistrano trip. Especially if history and learning are your ideas of a good time, there are great places in the city to go for a bit of a history lesson.

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society walks you through the community’s past with different documents and artifacts, as well as tours through the Los Rios Historic District. The Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum gives you an in-depth look at the history of San Juan Capistrano.

Try Some Local Beer

Not all culture comes in museums and historical sites, of course. If you’re like us, you love supporting a bit of local artistry as well, especially when that means visiting local breweries. Besides, there’s nothing like a cold beer after walking around in the Orange County sun.

Capistrano Brewing Company is a great spot that serves several local beers, some brewed by them and some by other local brewers. They share a spot with Heritage BBQ, which means your ice-cold brew can be enjoyed alongside some delicious barbeque.

A beer glass being filled, indicative of one of the fun things to do in San Juan Capistrano.
San Juan Capistrano has some great beer!

Enjoy Some Afternoon Tea

Not everyone drinks beer, and that’s okay! If a little afternoon brew isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps you should consider The Tea House. This lovely spot for tea is another great option for sitting down and taking a breather while enjoying some delicious tea, as well as desserts and other treats. As much as we love a good beer, we’re suckers for some high tea as well.

These are our choices for some of the best things to do while in San Juan Capistrano, but there are certainly tons more options to enjoy while visiting. The city is, after all, a hidden gem among the huge Orange County cities. Did we miss your favorite spot or activity? Please let us know!

Want to learn some more cool stuff about Orange County? Check out this great post on the 5 best beaches in the OC, or this one on 5 attractions to see in Mission Viejo.

Orange County is full of entrepreneurs that run businesses of all sizes – check out My OC Bookkeeper if you are interested in bookkeeping or business advisory services. We have years of experience and understand a wide range of industries – including restaurants. Make sure to contact us here.

Before you go, check out an awesome 4th grader’s video report on the Mission in San Juan Capistrano. At My OC Bookkeeper we plan to hire her as soon as she is ready to go pro.