Orange County

Known for its modern and beautiful letterpress stationery, Sugar Paper also does great holiday cards, wedding invitations, and monogramming. The tiny shop (with a sister location in the Brentwood Country Mart) also offers cards and paper goods from Rifle Paper Co., Kate Spade, and more—and they can wrap any gift (just bring a box) while you wander around Lido Village.

Renting one of these electric boats is easily one of the best ways to enjoy the coast, particularly right around sunset. They can fit up to twelve people, which makes this a perfect activity for families and visiting friends. It's beautiful to see the houses lining the Newport Bay—a point-of-view otherwise unattainable by foot or car. One goop staffer and her family love to rent one during the annual Christmas boat parade.

Alchemy Works is the brainchild of LA-based husband-and-wife duo Lindsay and Raan Parton. The industrial-style shop doubles as a gallery and events space, so there’s lots of room to peruse the hand-picked apothecary pieces, letterpress prints, and indie-designer accessories, including Heidi Merrick velvet bodysuits, Janessa Leoné hats, Clare V clutches, and Grace Lee jewelry. Also sharing the space is a Warby Parker shop-in-shop and a Blacktop coffee counter. The original location is in DTLA.

Here you'll find structured military shirts by Freenote next to Levi's denim and Jack Mason Slim watches, all of which have an authentic, traditional bent. A fail-proof spot if you're in need of a gift for a special guy in your life.

Since the mid-70s, this health-centric restaurant has been amassing a huge following for its small-but-mighty 100 percent vegan menu. The tortilla soup is legendary in the goop offices—and the NY Times called their avocado toast the best in the country. The house-made raw organic nut milks, tamales, and sprouted salads are also worth trying. (Tip: Get here early on a weekend—the line can get long.)

Situated on the bluffs of Laguna Niguel, overlooking the Pacific, has all the creature comforts you'd expect from a big Ritz-Carlton—luxury spa, multiple restaurants, top-notch service—but in a quiet setting with quick access to Salt Creek Beach. The restaurants here are solid (Raya is open all day and serves up Latin-inflected dishes, while 180blũ has the prettiest water views and live music on Fridays and Saturdays), as is the spa, which offers reflexology, beach stone, and couples massages. Bonus: It's super kid-friendly, making it an easy weekend escape for families.

Staying true to the brand's minimal, warm aesthetic, the Jenni Kayne Newport location is decidedly the most beachy of the designer's six outposts: floor-to-ceiling white offsets the bleached wooden platforms resulting in a clean, light-filled, inviting boutique. Look for the collection's greatest hits (velvet mules, cozy cashmere, silk blouses) along with finds from The Great, Acne, and Santa Maria Novella.

A’marees originally opened in the 1970’s in a modest retail space and has since moved to a stunning waterfront location, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private dock. Around town, everyone seems to know the family behind the boutique—Nancy Brown and her daughters Dawn Klohs, Denise Schaefer, and Apryl Schaefer—for their impressive edit of Alaïa and Céline, plus jewelry by Marc Alary. The ladies also stock some pretty incredible art.

With its design-forward decor (the colorful, textured interiors throughout are punctuated by gorgeous mosaics) and relaxed vibe, this twenty-three-room hotel checks all the boxes for the perfect long weekend in a small, low-key oceanside setting. Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is behind the considered Moroccan and Spanish accents, which pay tribute to the architectural integrity of the original 1920's building—think: clawfoot tubs, intricate tilework, and a mix of velvets and well-worn leather furnishings. In the morning, a light continental breakfast is served from 7-10:30 a.m. in the dining room (homemade pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice). For those looking for a little bit of pampering, a new indoor/outdoor spa features a fairly straightforward menu of reflexology, hot stone massages, and Swedish massages with views of the Pacific in the distance.

This 504-acre property features ocean views from practically every room and restaurant. There are several ways to stay here: For a romantic getaway, check into one of the resort-style rooms or private bungalows (stand-alone suites with ocean-view balconies); for a longer stay, families will appreciate the private three- and four-bedroom villas where everyone shares a living room and kitchen. Villa guests have access to a private pool, restaurant, and fitness center. To add to the thoroughly considered accommodations, the concierge will set up a picnic, beach chairs, towels, and everything needed (ride included) for a day spent at Crystal Cove.