🌴Orange County: Coastal Charm Meets Luxury Living
Discover Orange County, CA with Power Haus Women | Curated by Shellsy Ashen
Why Orange County?
Once known for its citrus groves, Orange County has evolved into a hub of luxury living and global attractions. Nestled in sunny Southern California, OC is a dazzling destination celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, thriving communities, and some of the most sought-after real estate in the country. With world-class dining, endless outdoor recreation, high-end shopping, and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder this coastal paradise is both a dream vacation spot and a highly desirable place to call home.
A note from me: Shellsy, Your Orange County Insider
I love Orange County! I believe I have the best job in the world. I feel incredibly fortunate to sell real estate in one of the nation's top markets. Beyond selling beautiful homes, I am honored to help people achieve their real estate goals, and I never take that privilege for granted. It’s more than just a zip code, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about the picturesque beaches, scenic hikes, highly ranked school districts, endless drool worthy restaurants, world-class shopping, sunset boat cruises, and driving down PCH with the top down.
Quick things to know about me:
🌊Born & Raised in OC
🏃♀️ Former College Athlete
🏄🏼♀️ Surfer
🌮 Taco Tuesday Connoisseur
Neighborhoods To Explore
Each OC city offers its own unique lifestyle. Here is the lowdown:
Aliso Viejo: Centrally located for easy access to get around town. With top-rated schools, expansive parks, and a walkable village center filled with shops and dining, it’s ideal for families and professionals alike.
Costa Mesa: A cultural hotspot with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and trendy dining, Costa Mesa blends convenience and lifestyle located just minutes from the beach, business hubs, and John Wayne Airport.
Dana Point: Laid-back harbor town that is quickly becoming one of OC’s hottest areas with major new development projects, boating, surfing, and stunning resorts.
Huntington Beach: Known as “Surf City USA”, Huntington is the ultimate coastal playground with a vibrant downtown and miles of endless sandy shoreline that attracts year-round events like the U.S. Open of Surfing. Get your e-bikes and explore.
Irvine: Known for top-rated schools, master-planned communities, and a growing business hub.
Laguna Beach: An artsy enclave with galleries, festivals, and some of California’s most iconic beaches.
Laguna Niguel: Family-friendly communities with rolling hills, scenic parks, miles of trails, and easy access to beaches.
Newport Beach: Coastal luxury, world-class shopping, harbor cruises, and beachfront living.
San Clemente: A charming surf town with Spanish-style architecture and ocean views
Shellsy’s OC Bucket List
Live like a local with these top Orange County experiences:
Rent a Duffy Boat: Cruise around Newport Harbor on a simple-to-drive, eco-friendly electric boat.
Dock-and-Dine: After gliding through the harbor, tie up your boat and enjoy a waterfront meal at The Cannery, Billy’s by the Beach, Malibu Farms, or Nobu.
Fashion Island: Shop luxury and local finds at this outdoor shopping mall
Take the Trolley: Free to use and easy to explore Laguna Beach’s coastal gems with this convenient mode of transportation! They have trolly’s in every coastal town running Memorial Weekend through Labor Day.
Disneyland: Meet your beloved Disney characters, enjoy thrilling rides, and experience the magic at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Get Artsy: Discover the vibrant art scene around Laguna Beach or Costa Mesa by exploring world-class galleries or taking a fun class to learn yourself!
Catch a Game: Cheer on the Los Angeles Angels baseball team or Anaheim Ducks hockey team for an unforgettable sports experience.
Make a Splash: Learn to surf at Doheny State Beach or rent a paddleboard or kayak in Dana Point Harbor.
Spa Day: Treat yourself to a massage, rejuvenating treatment, or relax by the pool at one of OC’s most luxurious hotels - The Montage, Ritz-Carlton, or Pelican Hill.
Explore the Island: Shop around Balboa Island (and definitely get a frozen banana!) before taking the ferry across the bay to Balboa Peninsula where you can walk, run, or bike miles or shoreline and stop in to your favorite beach bar to cool off with a refreshing beverage!
Local Favorites (POIs You’ll Want to Know)
☕ Coffee Shops :
Urth Caffé
Huskins Coffee
High Tide
Better Buzz
🍽 Restaurants:
Javier’s, Gulfstream
The Deck
Selanne Steak Tavern
La Sirena Grill
Sol Agave
The Beachcomber
Station Craft
🌳 Outdoors:
Crystal Cove State Park
Newport Back Bay
San Clemente State Park
Laguna Beach Canyon
🎢 Entertainment:
Disneyland
Knott’s Berry Farm
Pageant of the Masters
Sawdust Festival
Pacific Ampitheater
Honda Center & Angel’s Stadium
👟 Fitness:
Equinox
CorePower Yoga
F45
Caz Training Club
Lifetime
Be Fit Pilates
🛍️ Shopping:
South Coast Plaza
Fashion Island
Lido Marina Village
Shops at Mission Viejo
More Than a Visit—A Community
AT PHW, our goal is more than just highlighting Orange County’s hotspots. We aim to connect you to the heart of the destination and its vibrant communities! Whether you're planning to make Orange County your home or just exploring, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to dive into the history and culture of Orange County, CA? Get your copy by commenting “GUIDE” below or REQUEST A COPY HERE!
About Power Haus Women & Our Exclusive Destination Guides
At Power Haus Women, we’re a national network of female real estate advisors committed to making your city exploration or relocation both seamless and enjoyable. Our detailed destination guides are designed to be your personal resource for discovering everything a city has to offer, curated by our Market Partner’s who work and play in these destinations!
From local history and architecture to top neighborhoods, bucket list items, shopping, fitness, and dining, our guides help you make the most of your new locale.
Get In Touch With Shellsy
Whether you're just dipping your toe into the OC experience or seriously considering a move, I’ve got you!
📩 Email me: shellsy.ashen@compass.com
📱 Follow me on Insta: @shellsyashen.realestate
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