Just before noon I found myself standing in the Pacific Ocean surf, choking uncontrollably on salt water. My friend, Jason, laughed and suggested I turn around quickly because a bigger wave was coming. The unappetizing taste of the water was soon forgotten as we rode the wave, crashing, rolling, and laughing onto the beach. We stood back up and ran back into the water.

This idyllic prelunch lesson on the finer points of body-surfing took place not far from Laguna Beach, a town peacefully removed from its large neighbor to the north. With only two roads in and out of town, its beaches and cliffs have drawn the wealthy out of Los Angeles. While none of us fit this bill, we had come to Orange County to enjoy the same luxuries, if only for the long holiday weekend. We had homework, of course, but for now the only things on our to-do list were: sun, beach, water, hiking and fresh seafood. Oh, and I forgot to add In-N-Out Burger to that list.

If it weren't for the inflated real estate prices, the gnarly traffic, and the consistent threat of earthquakes, floods, landslides and wildfires, Orange County would be a great place to live. In fact, I've now added it to my list of "potential" future living locations. The weather was perfect near the coast, and having access to both beaches and mountains would be ideal. One evening, we walked along the boardwalk in Laguna, watching people play volleyball as the sun set artistically behind the cliffs. Groups of people our age congregated on the beach in circles (fires are no longer allowed, apparently) to catch up on the day.

That sure beats meeting at an overpriced bar or at Starbucks.