When you are looking to enjoy a fun vacation and a change, be it for one day, a weekend or longer, you don’t have to look far.

You would only need to drive an hour south to avoid sometimes triple-digit temperatures, and sometimes smoggy San Fernando Valley and head to Costa Mesa in Orange County.

You’ll be spending less money on gasoline than other far away places but still get a nice change.

Here, you’ll be embraced by gentle, cool breezes, sightseeing, nearby sandy beaches, clean surroundings, great entertainment and a magnificent mall located near many major hotels and restaurants.

The South Coast Plaza Mall, recognized around the world, is a true shopper’s haven. The mall is located across the street from the luxurious, pet-friendly Westin Hotel, which has wonderful amenities. The hotel features a bridge that takes just four minutes to cross over to the mall (walking at a slow to normal pace), allowing you to avoid the traffic below.

You’ll find boutiques, major department stores and high-end designer shops such as Gucci, St. John, DKNY, Cartier, and Tiffany Jewelers. There are also midpriced tourist-friendly shops. They have everything from fast food cafes to awardwinning restaurants.

Nearby, in a park-like environment, sits the world-renowed Orange County Performing Arts Center, known for its stunning building, technical facilities, impeccable acousitcs and exceptional quality of the artists who perform there. Just to view the architectural designs outside the various buildings makes it worth the visit.

We recently attended the Renee and Henry Segestrom Concert Hall which opened in 1986 and is adjacent to the O.C. Performing Arts Center. The concert by the Prima Donna Ensemble on July 12 was thoroughly enjoyable. We were mesmerized by 90 of the top female classical soloists from South Korea, who sang a repertoire including folk songs, opera, and canzone. The singers were amazing. The chorale sang in English, Korean, and Italian. The standing ovation and five encore selections speak for themselves as to the quality of the performance.

There is so much more to experience in Costa Mesa, depending on your available time, but you will feel good to get away to different surroundings. And the price of gasoline from the Valley is minimal. Go south on the 405 Freeway to Bristol Street to reach this delightful area. Only an hour away, yet a world away.