If you want ideas for a fun girlfriend/sister weekend in southern California you are in the right place! I went with my Smith sisters at the end of January and it was perfect -- such a nice getaway in the sunshine with LOTS of good food and company.

Here are some of the things we did that we highly recommend -- a big shoutout to my SILs Maryn and Lacey for planning all of this!

* we stayed at the Marriott Newport Villas. We got a 2 bedroom suite and were all able to fit since they have 1 king, 1 queen, 2 sofa couches, and 2 bathrooms which also saved us a lot of $$$.  It was so beautiful and they have pools, hot tubs, pickleball, tennis, cornhole, a firepit, yoga and workout classes and it has the most beautiful view. Highly recommend!

* A day in Disney! We had a blast with just the women. 

We hit Rise of the Resistance first and were at the rope drop at 9 and got right on. Tip: most will go to the right through Frontierland but if you go left through New Orleans square, Pirates, Crittery Country, etc there seemed to be less people and you will come right to the line for the ride and we didn't have to wait long at all. For the rest of the day you get to do what you want! Our favorite foods there

* the Monte Cristo is still the favorite and with the pommes frites?? I dream of this meal. Make your reservation at Cafe Orelans right away -- I don't think you can get this one on mobile ordering. Also served at the Blue Bayou on their lunch menu for $10 more. * the Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe was hands down everyone's favorite. You can order on the mobile app but warning! It sells out often so I would order in the morning or early afternoon. I also LOVED  * chocolate mouse brownie at the Jolly Holiday. The ganache with the fresh white chocolate mousse was to die for.

* if you are a coconut lover you will probably enjoy the matterhorn macaroon as much as I did. Most liked the churro toffee from the Candy Palace was also a favorite (I didn't get a pic!)

We just spent the Thursday in Disney. Some other favorites (besides just spending time at the hotel) while there:

* grab salads/sandwiches at Plum's Cafe to go and take a picnic down to the beach before your bike ride or take a boat tour. The Granny Apple salad is legendary -- in my summer favorites I talked about how Jamie got me hooked on goat cheese, granny smith apples, and Brianna's dressing in salads and it is because of Plum's Cafe!

* Rent bikes at 20th Street Beach and Bikes and ride down to the Wedge. It was so beautiful! To ride in a really cute neighborhood from our bike tour guide (my SIL Jamie 😉)

-ride to the end of the boardwalk (turn left on E St)

-right in Balboa Blvd for about two blocks

-right onto G Street than quick left onto Ocean Blvd to the very end and then you hit the park at the Wedge

* Eat breakfast at the Beachcomber Cafe right down at Crystal Cove and then while you are waiting for your table walk right up the beach and you will see the cottage where the movie Beaches was filmed. So fun! We loved the beignets and the Apple Cider Pancakes 😋

* ^^ Beaches Cottage!

* go down to Balboa Island and ride the ferris wheel and visit the fun shops

* Eat a delicous Italian dinner at Mama D's -- I loved the classic rigatoni with the pink sauce in a fun, casual atmosphere. The bread is so good too!

* go on a hike: we tried El Moro Canyon Loop Trail and it was fun to get out and move. If you want to get the coastline views it is a longer hike but looks beautiful if you have the time. We took some shorter trails on the inside.

Ahhhh! So fun. I hope this gives you some ideas if you're planning a girls' weekend! Here are some ideas for a Scottsdale, AZ weekend as well

 I was able to join my Smith sisters on a girl's trip to southern California and the sunshine and sea salt air was just what we all needed in the middle of winter. My SIL Jamie knows the area well since her sister lives there and took us through some neighborhoods she knew we would love. We also rented bikes and rode down Newport pier to the Wedge and so some are from that bike ride too.

First of all, look at these amazing trees that lined the streets!! I was in complete awe 😍 

Enjoy these charming, lovely Newport homes and check out the landscaping too! Also a special thanks to Georgi who was sitting by the window that helped me get a lot of these shots. I will also be posting some ideas for a fun girl getaway weekend!

* this is John Wayne's house! ^^  From the harbor on a little boat tour we took