All That Glitters is Gold in Southern California
The Olympics are going (back) to Cali
By Eming Piansay
The future is bright in Southern California—specifically for Olympic athletes making the pilgrimage to in 2028 for the Olympic Games. Thousands from all over the world will descend upon Southern California to take part and watch as athletes from all walks of life compete for hardware and glory of their home country.
Local Expert Tip
“California celebrates the diversity of its regions, residents and heritage, and Southern California especially has long been known as a place where locals and visitors alike are free to be themselves. Made up of a vast network of distinct neighborhoods and cities, Southern California’s welcoming attitude, year-round sunshine and endless array of culturally immersive experiences make it a natural choice for meetings.”
— Caroline Beteta, Visit California president & CEO
Gold Medal Meeting Places in SoCal
Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is the first convention center in the U.S. to be awarded Gold Level certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings. LACC partners with Encore to provide state-of-the-art AV production. Wi-Fi is also complimentary to all guests.
860,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space and 8 meeting rooms.
Long Beach Convention Center is located near the waterfront and is near the nation’s second-largest metro market and a few miles from Pacific Ocean beaches. From the Promenade Atrium, guests can see the waterfront and the downtown skyline. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and AV is provided in-house by Projection Inc.
400,000 sq. ft. of space and 34 meeting rooms.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa located in San Diego’s Carlsbad Area is mere minutes from Legoland California and the sandy warm beach. Planners have the option of hosting their events indoors or outdoors.
78,000 sq. ft. of event space, 327 guest rooms and 43 suites.
When staying in Huntington Beach at Paséa Hotel and Spa, guests spend the day sunning themselves at the poolside or head over to the Aarna Spa for a massage or a facial. Guests have access to the state-of-the-art fitness center that is open 24/7.
34,600 sq. ft. of event space, 10 meeting rooms, 250 guest rooms.
Not far from Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park, Hilton San Diego Bayfront offers guests stellar views of the skyline. For a day of self-care, guests can check out the eforea Spa. For guests seeking to explore the nearby bike trails, complimentary cruisers are available.
134,667 sq. ft. of event space, 34 meeting rooms and 1,190 guest rooms.
Staying Active in SoCal
Most of the world may not get the chance to be an Olympian, but you can still feel like one at Los Angeles River Recreation Zone. Visitors can launch non-motorized boats like a kayak or canoe, rent a water vehicle or grab a guided tour.
Whether you’re a golf pro or a first-timer, in El Segundo is a sports entertainment complex offers guests a high-tech golf experience at whatever level fits their swing. TopGolf has 100+ all-weather bays, a 28-foot video wall, free Wi-Fi, a 10-hole golf course and EV charging stations.
For some offroad adventure in Carlsbad, visitors can witness inspiring landscapes while hiking or biking at Batiquitos Lagoon, which offers up 526 acres of wetlands and wildlife, saltwater marshes and riparian forests. The trail runs about 3.5 miles.
After a long day of meetings, attendees can cruise along the San Diego Bay aboard a yacht. If you’re lucky, you might even catch dolphins or whales passing through.
Want to flip and fly in mid-air? Check out Santa Monica Trapeze School at the Santa Monica Pier. From the aerial cube to the trampoline and silks, exercises will test grace, strength and stamina.
Eat Your Way Through Anaheim
Hanging out with Mickey and Friends at Disneyland for the day? You’d be smart to check out Napa Rose, located in the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. With award-winning cuisine by Chef Andrew Sutton, Napa Rose offers an upscale but laidback dining experience paired with robust wine list. Guests can begin with Stuffed Zucchini Blossom, take a pick from the Sustainable Fish of the Day, and finish off a Warm Pear Upside Down Butter Cake.
If exclusive dining at the Happiest Place on Earth is more to your liking (and you’re a member!), Club 33 is as private and exclusive as it gets. If you’re willing to spend the money for the membership, you’ll not only be able to experience the exclusive experience that based on some recounted experiences include a 4-course lunch, or a 5-6 course for dinner. The membership to Club 33 also includes perks for the Walt Disney Park itself!
Found in Disney California Adventure Park, Carthay Circle Restaurant is a modern, Art Deco themed establishment that sources their food locally. Guests can treat themselves to the Signature pork chop, braised mushroom raviolis or grilled prime ribeye steak. Fun fact: the pastoral scene from the movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is on full display in the main dining room.
Sometimes a bowl of Pho can fix everything. Pho 79 found on Hazard Ave, offers patrons generous portions that include: well cooked beef and tripe, beat meatballs, and oxtail. In 2019, the restaurant received the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics honor.
The Ranch Restaurant is a was named the restaurant of the Year for the city of Anaheim, and the best Steakhouse by the LA Times. Guests have their pick of sustainable Chilean seabass, cape grim grass-fed fillet, or a 50 oz. Hyplains Heritage Farms Porterhouse. The restaurant also offers a farm-inspired cocktail menu, along with an extensive wine list.
Dine Out at Dana Point
Luciana’s Ristorante has been operating for two decades in Dana Point. They also manufacture their own homemade olive oils that are shipped from a farm in Tuscany. Their menu includes extensive options from antipasti plates, salads and chicken, beef, and fish entrees.
The beginnings of Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern started out with a vision to offering “great bar with great food.” The family-own business has American dishes, cocktails, local brews, and top shelf whiskeys. The restaurant also offers rooms for groups seeking to host meeting events.
Wind & Sea offers a vast amount of outdoor seating along with a 180-degree panoramic harborside view. Up to 10 fresh catch selections are offered daily at Wind & Sun. Guests can partake in the house favorite macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi and the house specialty Mai Tai.
Happy Foodies in Santa Ana
Den Café is one of the first cafes in the Orange County area to have a mix of vegetarian and vegan menu choices. The café’s structure is a mixture of coffee house and full-service restaurant, giving guests the option of a quick latte or a full meal.
Aloha Hawaiian BBQ offer patrons a plate lunch, which consists of an entrée, or a combo of entrees that include rice, macaroni salad – standard meal in Hawaii. Aloha Hawaii BBQ offers a variety of options such as Kalbi Short Ribs, BBQ chicken, Mahi Mahi, and Kalua Pork.
Native Son popped up in Santa Ana in 2014 and since its arrival has hosted several award-winning breweries in the U.S. and beyond. Native Son has a dog-friendly patio that is open all year long. Their menu offers a variety of specialty cocktails, mocktails, frozen dinks and shareable bites.
This article appears in the November 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
