I am homesick. What’s particularly funny about that statement is that I am homesick for a place that has never actually been my home. My mom and older brother and his family live in Orange County California. They have only all migrated out to the West Coast in the past four years, and it is still foreign to me that we are so far apart. I have been out to visit them four times, and it is sort of an odd combination to be staying with your family and being on vacation at the same time. I guess it is an added benefit to be able to spend time with the people you love the most and explore a very cool area of California at the same time.

Since I’m not sure when my next visit will be, I decided to make a list of some of my current favorite places and attractions in the Orange County area. These are all places and/or attractions I have experienced with my family. This is just another example of the bonds that are formed by travel. When you go to see friends and family they are able to show you all the secret great places they have found, and at the same time you often find new attractions together. I am lucky that my family lives in such a diverse area such as Orange County, but obviously this same type of travel and enjoyment can be experienced any where you have family. Oh and this list excludes the special places like my mom’s condo and spending time with my 2 beautiful nieces and sarcastic nephew.
The list:
1. Huntington Beach Pier
2. Newport Beach
3. Sunset Beach
4. In ‘N’ Out Burger
5. South Coast Plaza Mall
6. Disneyland
7. Dog Beach
8. The PCH
9. Long Beach Aquarium
10. Medieval Times