Family Travel with Colleen Kelly

Colleen Kelly

Welcome back to Southern California. In this episode, we're finishing up our road trip to Orange County in Irvine and Dana Point. Welcome to Orange County, Southern California. I'm Colleen Kelly and this is Family Travel. Bordering Los Angeles County to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Orange County is a centrally located hub for anyone looking to visit Southern California. While Irvine bus is with the bustling metropolis, Dana Point boasts fresh ocean air and miles of pristine beaches. In this episode, we'll show you what makes this area a unique blend of urban city and coastal paradise. We'll continue our road trip first in Irvine. We will tour the city by electric bike, check out the Orange County Great Park, and delve into the city's unique international cuisine. We'll then head down to Dana Point. We will explore the local accommodations, learn about the importance of ocean conservation, and set sail on the Pacific for dolphin and whale watching excursion we'll never forget.

Colleen

My name is Colleen Kelly. When I was single, I lived abroad and traveled the world, then I became a parent and wondered, "How would I ever travel again?" So, I set out to find a new way to travel and get back to exploring the world family style. I'm here to guide you on how to get the most out of your family vacation. Pack your bags and join me, Colleen Kelly. We're going on vacation. Funding provided by--

Announcer

This show is sponsored by State Farm. When the unexpected happens, State Farm is here to help life go right.

Colleen

Our Orange County adventure continues with the city of Irvine. Located about 20 miles southeast of Buena Park and 40 miles from Los Angeles, Irvine is a culturally enriched city filled with scenic outdoor recreation, family- friendly entertainment centers, and a vast array of international restaurants. Although the city of Irvine was only incorporated into Orange County in 1971, the history of the area dates back to 1878 when James Irvine acquired the land that would create the great Irvine ranch. The land functioned as a ranch for the first half of the 20th century, growing field crops such as grain and lima beans. The need for a community like modern day Irvine began after the population boom following World War 2. A master plan city, Irvine was entirely pre- planned and built from scratch in the 1960s. Because master plan communities eliminate high- risk factors, it's no surprise that Irvine is continually recognized as America's safest big city. There's a lot more to Irvine than meets the eye and we couldn't think of a better way to take it all in than by bike, electric bikes that is. At Pedego electric bikes, visitors and locals alike have the opportunity to see Irvine the way it's meant to be seen. We met with Pedego Irvine owner, Bob Bibee to help us get started. How are you?

Bob Bibee

I'm doing great. How are you?

Colleen

Great. We have a reservation for three, please.

Bob

Perfect. Let's go inside and get rolling.

Colleen

All right. Get rolling, that's a good word.

laughs

Colleen

Get it?

Shea

Yes.

chuckles

Keelin

Yes.

Colleen

This is great. We've never done this before.

Bob

Okay. This is awesome. You're going to love this. The

unintelligible

Bob

in the bike. Here's your front brake. Here's your rear brake. Here's where the fun starts. That button there, that boots up the bike. If you get on and you start pedaling, it's just like a regular bike. There's no assistance. To pedal the bike, the bike sees it's being pedaled then it automatically kicks in a little bit of power to help you go anywhere from a little bit and pedal. This is one all the way up to a whole bunch and pedal is just fun. Also, the bikes have a throttle and that's like a throttle on a motorcycle. Now that's hot. If we turn this, the bike wants to go.

Colleen

Okay.

laughter

Bob

You hit a hill. Hit when you want to take the edge off a little bit. That's your friend and so you can maintain your same pace and after going uphill as you can on flat ground.

laughs

Colleen

Actually, I think this is much easier and much more fun to be on this because it'd be a lot of work to do the like all over those trails.

Bob

The speed of the trail, so about 70 miles of paved off- street bike trails that goes through the city. You can ride from right outside the door all the way down to the Back Bay and new port and not cross the street.

Colleen

Really. You need this electric bike.

Bob

You can cover a lot of your own.

laughs

Colleen

I'm excited. I think we can do this, right?

Children

Yes.

Colleen

Okay. All right, there's a lot of moving parts but it's pretty easy.

Bob

Once you're get rolling, you're going to be working these muscles.

laughs

Colleen

We're ready. You want to do it?

Keelin

Yes.

Colleen

Let's get rolling. After Bob's lesson, we were ready to hit the trails. Although it takes a few minutes to get used to the electric bike, once you do, it's smooth sailing.

Bob

I think Pedego electric bikes was founded right here in Irvine back in 2007. Electric bike riding is a fantastic way to see Irvine because we have over 70 miles of paved off- street bike trails that weaved through the city. We have several guided tours. That's a great way to see the city and beautiful rides up through a shady canyon, through the rock out into the Orange County Great Park, great places to ride and you don't need to worry about getting lost or missing connections to trails. Regardless of your ability, you can get out and explore the trails and have a great time.

Colleen

Wow. What a great way to see Irvine. We loved it so much. We're just going to keep on going. Hey, wait for me. Electric biking isn't the only way to enjoy Irvine's outdoor recreational scenes. The Orange County Great Park recognized where it's impossible to miss orange balloon covers 1,300 acres of land and welcomes the visitors with its cultural and athletic amenities. The Orange County Great Park is stationed on El Toro, a former marine corps air station where visitors can check out squadron complex hangar 244. It's also home to the great park carousel which is free to ride. Curious about that orange balloon? You can take a ride in that, too. Although it may look like a traditional hot air balloon, the great park balloon is actually filled with helium. The balloon holds up to 30 people, lifting visitors 400 feet in the air for a pristine 360- degree view of Irvine. For a perfect end to a day in Irvine, don't miss their spectacular sunset flights. We decided to spend our afternoon at Irvine's most popular dining center, Diamond Jamboree. Irvine's Asian population grew as a result of the companies headquartered in the city as well as the many students at the University of California Irvine. This growth paved the way for international dining destination, Diamond Jamboree.

Suzie Won

Diamond Jamboree is a multi- cultural dining and shopping destination. It's a shopping center with about 40 stores more than half of which are dining related and we're celebrating our 10- year anniversary this year. Prior to that, there were very few options when it came to the Asian dining experience. It's a reflection of the Southern California melting pot. Some of our stores are popular chains from overseas and then we have a good mixture of mom and pops from local operators as well. You get your taste of a popular ramen place from Japan or a curry house. Then you got sushi like a one-stop shop or one- stop location for all the different flavors of Asia that you'd like to try. Families love it because we offer a variety of cuisines and everybody can find something they like to eat here.

Colleen

We're here in Irvine California at Diamond Jamboree, Orange County's international dining destination. Hope you come hungry.

Children

Yes.

Colleen

We kick off our dining excursion on the hunt for something savory at 85C Bakery. This bakery and cafe chain originated in Taiwan and offers customers a wide assortment of international breads, desserts, and beverages like their popular sea salt caramel coffee. Hi.

Lily Tran

Hi. Welcome to 85.

Colleen

Thank you. This is really cool.

Lily Tran

Is it your first time today?

Colleen

Yes. It's our first time here.

Lily Tran

Let me show how to get our baked goods here.

Colleen

Okay. The self-serve style of 85C is a great way for new customers like us to try a variety of pastries or for regulars to easily pick and choose their favorites. We can pick anything we want?

LilyTran

Yes. Anything you like.

Colleen

This could be dangerous with two kids but okay.

Lily Tran

Let's go with our top- sellers right here. These are our cheese dogs. It's hot dog wrapped around with a sweet dough and then cheddar cheese on top and then parsley for vegan.

Colleen

Okay. I love cheese dogs but I've never had one like that so I would like one of those. Can you get one of those?

crosstalk

Lily Tran

the door.

Colleen

Okay. Is this it or should we get more?

Keelin

More.

laughs

Colleen

We can take it home, right?

Lily Tran

Yes, you can.

Colleen

Look at this. Wow.

Shea

I'm excited to eat.

Colleen

I hope you're really hungry because this is going to take a while to eat.

Shea

Which is good.

Colleen

We get that much?

Shea

We don't want to talk about it.

laughs

Colleen

Let's just keep going.

laughter

Colleen

After loading up on freshly baked goods at 85C, it's time for something equally warm and cool. Afters Ice cream. Hey, how are you?

Roman Mataga

I'm good, how are you?

Colleen

Great.

Roman Mataga

So what we're known for is a milky bun, so that's our version of an ice cream sandwich. Icing goes inside in the sweet bun, does include topping and we seal it

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Roman Mataga

so it's nice and warm on the outside and cold on the inside.

Colleen

Do you want to try that?

Children

Yes.

Colleen

Okay three, please. That sounds good.

Roman Mataga

Three?

Colleen

Yes, thank you.

laughs

Colleen

It's like my two favorite things, a donut and ice cream. There's so many flavors it's hard to decide, but I have a sneaking suspicion that just about any flavor will taste amazing when served on a warm donut. Mine is really good, how's yours?

Shea

Really good.

Colleen

Of course, we couldn't leave Diamond Jamboree without one of their signature beverages, boba tea at Lollicup. Boba tea originated in Taiwan soaring to popularity throughout Asia in the 1990s. When you're on vacation, it's always great to try something new and at Diamond Jamboree there's something new around every corner. It's clear to see why this is such a hot spot.

Stephen

85 Degrees is one of my favorite places. It's so good. I mean, that place is so amazing.

Dakota

I really like Diamond Jamboree because all my favorite restaurants are here and there's some really cool, like, all the college kids come and hang out, like board games.

Colleen

Girls, isn't this an awesome day

unintelligible

Colleen

in our life?

Girls

Yes.

Colleen

All right, to Diamond Jamboree and trying new foods. Cheers. We hate to leave Irvine and when the sun hits those buildings over the Irvine spectrum, it makes our departure even harder, but tomorrow, it's on to our next adventure. We chose to round off our Orange County adventure with a trip to Dana Point. Just a half an hour southwest of Irvine and an hour from Los Angeles, the seaside haven offers visitors a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to get some waves. Named for Richard Henry Dana Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast and for it's pointed headlands, Dana Point was incorporated in 1989, becoming the 28th city in Orange County. The city boasts a rich surfing history including the world's first retail surf shop which opened in 1954. Multiple surfing publications were also headquartered in Dana Point. The waves around Dana Point start deep and very close to the rocks, forming these renowned surfing waters. With a walk along the harbor or a dip in the extraordinary waves off the shore, it will take visitors just a moment see the beauty in Dana Point. One question I get asked a lot by travelers is where do I stay? In Dana Point, you have four major resorts to choose from. For families, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton at Doheny Beach. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is another hotel for families looking to enjoy Dana Point. With its beach chic vibe, you'll be able to kick back and really enjoy Dana Point. To fully immerse yourself in Dana Point, The Ritz- Carlton offers guests a full Southern California experience. Even down to its ocean- inspired spa treatments and restaurant menus. We chose to treat ourselves to one night at The Monarch Beach Resort. With its renowned spa, golf course, and restaurants, this luxury hotel is considered not just for the adults. The Monarch Beach kickoff for children ages 5 to 12, would not only keep your kids entertained on vacation, but will do so by niching the child's creative mind. Now, that's a luxury in itself. Dana Point may be a coveted vacation spot but it's also a haven for marine life at The Center of Dana Point's Ocean and Marine Life Conservation is none other than the Ocean Institute.

Dan Pingaro

The Ocean Institute was established in 1977 by Stan Cummings. He was really focused on creating a community- centered location where everyone come together and learn about marine biology especially young students and those on their way through curriculum up to college. People can expect a variety of immersive activities when they arrive at Ocean Institute here in Dana Point including multiple ships that we have that go out to sea, including the spirit of Dana Point, tall ship, where people get a real sense of sailing as it was at the turn of the century and understanding engineering, sailing and navigation. We have an RBC explore, the scientific exploration, and to see the marine mammals here off the wonderful coast of Southern California. Then on-site, we have basically an inside- out aquarium that's been devised. The public, including students and parents, scientists and educators, can all learn more about marine biology utilizing hands- on opportunities to understand science and solve problems and learn the mysteries of the ocean that way.

Colleen

Not only is the ocean institute an educational epicenter for kids of all ages, it's also a cherished tradition for families.

Elyn

I love coming to the Ocean Institute because it's just fun hanging out with my grandma. I like the tall boat tour because it's fun learning about animals. My favorite sea animals is a seal.

Jake

I come to the Ocean Institute every three or four years when we're on vacation.

Monica

My favorite thing to do at the Ocean Institue is take my grandsons so they can see everything.

Jake

I think the Ocean Institute does teach conversancy of the area to the kids and wants to know that taking care of the place and keeping it clean and flourishing is very important.

Colleen

Passing along traditions and environmental awareness from generation to generation is also one of the many ways the Ocean Institute continues to preserve and protect our ecosystem.

Dan Pingaro

There are numerous ways people can help the ocean whether it's at home, at work, or in their day to day lives. It starts with the very simple things like not utilizing single used plastics, to considering how and you engage at home with your garden, and what you apply to your garden in terms of support. So, there's numerous different levels of engagement and starts from the minute you wake up to when you go to bed then you can have a positive influence on the environment going forward, which in turn helps both the environment and the economy.

Colleen

Located just a short walk down the harbor from the Ocean Institute is a place where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of marine life, Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari.

Captain Dave

Here at Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari, we have several types of trips. Our main trip is on a catamaran sailboat. That is a very fast power boat and also a sailboat and it has a lot of high tech gear. It has an underwater hydrophone so we can actually hear the dolphins and whales underwater. It has underwater viewing so that people can get underwater without getting wet and see the dolphins and sometimes the whales. We actually had a blue whale come right over to the boat and look into the boat and, literally, you could see its eye and it was right there looking at passengers. I actually have video of that. It's pretty amazing. We have another catamaran sailboat that we take people out in that's very low to the water and it's a little smaller, so it's very intimate. It's all about an intimate experience with the animals. We try and connect people with these animals in a very intimate way but we can connect them into their world. Something bigger than the dinosaurs is actually still alive because blue whale is actually bigger than the dinosaurs. Bigger than Elvis or Michael Jackson too. The largest animal that ever lived. When people see dolphins and the dolphins come over to the boat, not for food but just to play, and they have no other reason for being there. It's just to interact with the boat and they'll ride the pressure wave that's created by the boat moving through the water. We're like dolphin entertainment for them and they just love it. When people see this, they don't know how to react. I mean, I've had so many people that are in tears from us because they can't imagine that a wild animal is going to just come over there and be right there, make themselves vulnerable right in front of them. We have the world's best, year- round whale watching here in Dana Point. The reason I say that is there are some areas that have better whale watching for a short period, but we have consistent whales here and dolphins all year round. We have the largest concentration of blue whales on earth off California. So, this is one of the most amazing places to see blue whales, dolphins, gray whales. It's great. Whales are a very unique animal. The only place you can see them is in the wild. You can't go to the zoo to see a whale. The only place you can actually see these guys is in their own environment, so it takes you out of your little world and then into theirs. The good thing about whale watching is that people see what's happening. We see how many dolphins and whales are out there so if things are changing, if dolphins or whales are getting less and less, and we'll know it. We'll be one of the first people to know it. Also, we're one of the first people to spot whales that are entangled. We have about a thousand dolphins and whales that are dying in fishing gear entanglement every day worldwide, so this is a huge problem throughout the world. The thing about being out here in the ocean is you really have to get away from your devices. You have to get away from your comfort zone. You're in a totally foreign environment. That brings the family together because people have this experience that is, in some ways, life- changing for many people. They really see something they've never seen before. They've never seen a thousand dolphins all coming, get right in front of the boat, or a huge whale that's right next to you, blowing and scaring you. You just look at that and you go, "How could that be something alive so giant as this?"

Colleen

We couldn't wait to get out to the ocean and see if we could spot some dolphins and whales, and who better to guide us than Captain Dave himself? This is cool. Hi.

Captain Dave

Hello, guys. Welcome. We're going to get you signed up and get you out on the water to see the dolphins and whales.

Colleen

Oh, we can't wait. Ready for this?

Keelin

Yes.

Colleen

Okay, let's get this done so we can really get out there. All right. With that fresh ocean air calling our names, we're ready to set sail. As of any boat, life jackets are a must. We can't wait to see all these dolphins and whales. This is so cool. As we head out onto the Pacific, keeping our eyes peeled for marine life, Captain Dave educates us on what we might be seeing. We're about to hopefully see a blue whale. Can you tell us some facts about the blue whale? I know you said it's the largest in the world, right?

Captain Dave

They're about two tons per foot. They can grow. The biggest one ever measured was 110 feet long.

Colleen

Wow. How big is this boat?

Captain Dave

This boat is 50 foot.

Colleen

That would be like two of the-- Oh, my goodness. That's huge. Two of these boats.

Captain Dave

They're enormous animals. They eat about four tons of krill every day so they consume a lot of food.

Colleen

Wow. It's not long before we have our first dolphin sighting. Look at that. Whoa, they are right here. They are right under the boat. This is the closest we've ever seen dolphins. This is really awesome. Wow. They did not. Oh, my god. That was like six.

Keelin

There's more than that. Oh, my goodness. It's so cute.

Colleen

I've seen dolphins in the wild before but I've never seen this many at once. Seeing the dolphins was an incredible experience but we still had our heart set on seeing a whale. What I love about this tour is we get these Captain Dave's brownies. How cool is that?

unintelligible

Colleen

What are you doing?

Keelin

I'm calling Mr. Whale.

Colleen

Oh, mating call?

Shea

I guess though.

laughs

Colleen

Do a dolphin call. Let's bring them all. Just when we thought we might not spot a whale in our excursion, the most amazing thing happened. Wow. Okay, so we just heard that there might be a blue whale sighting up here and he just said this is the biggest animal that ever lived. I don't think I've ever seen this. Are you ready for this, girls? This is epic.

Shea

I think it worked. I think it worked.

Keelin

Yes, it worked.

Colleen

Oh, right.

mimicking whale sounds

Colleen

Keep going. Come on, get them over here.

laughs

Colleen

Oh, my gosh. It's a whale.I see him right there it's a blue whale. This is unbelievable. Oh, my god. It's so big.

unintelligible

Colleen

He's gigantic.

Captain Dave

He's going to fluke. He's going to fluke.

All

Whoo!

clapping

Captain Dave

Awesome.

Colleen

Nice. We've never seen a blue whale before. It was truly a majestic experience that I know we'll never forget and a perfect way to end our trip to Dana Point. We had such an amazing time exploring Orange County. We feasted on Irvine's delicious international delicacies and explore the city on electric bike, and in Dana Point, learned about the importance of ocean conservation and saw our very first blue whale. It's certainly been a vacation to remember. Thanks for watching family travel. I'm Colleen Kelly. Enjoy making memories on your next family vacation. Funding provided by--

Announcer

This show is sponsored by State Farm. When the unexpected happens, State Farm is here to help life go right.

Colleen

For more information on upcoming destinations and projects, visit family travel.ck.com. Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and check us out on Snapchat. We'd love to hear from you.