January 1st in Places.

Destination: Orange County

Ayres Suites Diamond Bar

Ayres Suites Diamond Bar

Golf getaways are the best — just you, your clubs and a bevy of beautiful courses in which to lose yourself for the weekend. Of course, your family probably enjoys getting away, too — only, depending on their ages and interest in the game, their idea of a vacation may be more Disneyland than Palm Springs. Don’t worry, Family Man (or Woman) — we’ve got you covered. Rather than park yourself in the desert for a week or two (or longer), why not take advantage of terrific winter travel rates and decreased foot traffic and take the clan down to the O.C.? With some of the world’s leading attractions within city limits — including Disneyland itself, and Disney’s California Adventure — and easy access to dozens more throughout greater Los Angeles, there’s enough to keep an entire family entertained for weeks. Want a slower pace of play? Orange County also boasts some of the world’s top beaches, plus an abundance of outstanding golf courses on which to break in the new sticks you picked up at a Northwest “end of season” sale. If you’re looking to stay right in the heart of the O.C., check out the HYATT REGENCY ORANGE COUNTY (11999 Harbor Blvd., 714-750-1234). Just a block away from Disneyland Resort, it’s close to all of the action. More than one-third of the Hyatt’s rooms are suites, giving parents and kids their own separate sleeping spaces, while a Disneyland desk and regular shuttles to the park make exploring the city a snap. The EMBASSY SUITES ANAHEIM-NORTH (3100 East Frontera, 714-632-1221) and EMBASSY SUITES ANAHEIM-SOUTH (11767 Harbor Blvd, 714-539-3300) both boast large atriums featuring trees, flowers, Koi ponds and a 14-foot waterfall. While the Embassy Suites-North caters more to business travelers and those looking for easy access to Orange County, L.A. and the Inland Empire, the Embassy Suites-South’s proximity to Disneyland Resort and other area attractions makes it a great bet for visiting families. Of course, not every traveler has to rest their head within chipping distance of the Happiest Place On Earth. For those, we recommend the AYRES SUITES DIAMOND BAR (21951 Golden Springs Drive, 909-860-6290). Family-owned for more than 100 years, the Ayres Suites is a reasonably priced, quality alternative for the visitor willing to add a few minutes to their drive time in order to save a bundle on room fees. Located 12 miles from downtown L.A. and 10 miles from Anaheim, the hotel is convenient to everything (including the Diamond Bar Golf Course just across the street), without being in the center of the tourist tornado. From any of those hotels, you’re set to explore one of the nation’s most abundant golf regions. From legendary Tustin Ranch Golf Course (the OC’s most prestigious track, with weekday twilight rates as low as $75), Oak Creek Golf Club (stunningly beautiful, and green fees of $90-$150 tend to keep the traffic down) and ocean-hugging Pelican Hill Golf Club ($150-$250) to more affordable options like Anaheim Hills Golf Course (our pick as the area’s No. 1 public value, playable for just $47, with cart) or Costa Mesa Golf and Country Club, you could play in Orange County for a month and never run out of terrific courses to fit any budget. As for figuring out how to get the kids out of school for that long? Well, that one’s still up to you.

Leave A Comment.