She fed you chicken noodle soup when you were sick, helped with your school work and never missed a game or performance. So, how do you express gratitude to your incredible mom for all the thankless hours she devoted to you? We have some great ideas to wow Mom and make her feel your love and appreciation, from a beach picnic and spa treatment to a harbor cruise and, of course, wine. Mother’s Day Orange County

Start the morning off at Red Effect Infrared Fitness , a unique women’s-only gym in Huntington Beach. Try an infrared-enhanced circuit training, kickboxing, indoor cycling or HIIT class, then relax in one of their private infrared saunas. Next up has to be Duck Donuts (hey, you earned it!). Treat Mom to a maple bacon or pina colada donut or try the delicious donut sundae. Then head to CloudMover Day Spa for their Perfect Gift package: a custom facial and heavenly Swedish massage. For a premium mani-pedi or artificial gel extensions (with 2,000 gel colors available!), visit Glitz Nail Bar . The last stop of Mom’s best day ever: dinner at Hashigo Sushi ! Can’t decide on your dinner? Get the assorted sushi and sashimi entrees with nine assorted sushi and six assorted sashimi—YUM!  

Tell Mom “joyeuse fête des mères” with brunch at Rendez Vous Café, a charming French bistro known for their flaky almond croissants, quiches, omelets and sweet and savory crêpes. Save room for the Mother’s Day special, the Rendez Vous Bar—a decadent dessert made with chocolate cake, fudge, caramel, crushed hazelnut and housemade hazelnut chantilly. You won’t want to miss this!

Location: Corona del Mar @rendezvous.cdm

Treat Mom to a delicious lunch at Tavern House Kitchen + Bar on the serene Newport Bay. With menu items like ale-battered fish and chips, spicy ahi poke and a mouthwatering prime rib dip, Tavern House offers something for every palate. Pair your meal with a refreshing Tavern margarita or blood orange cosmo!

Stop by French Buckets in Newport Beach or Laguna Beach and pick up a stunning arrangement for Mom! Whether she likes roses, lilies, orchids or dahlias, make her feel extra appreciated with a jaw-dropping bouquet. If you have something particular in mind, French Buckets will create a custom, one-of-a-kind arrangement for you!

Locations: Newport Beach, Laguna Beach @frenchbuckets

Steps from the warm sand and cool water lies Huntington Beach’s Paséa Hotel & Spa—a luxe high-rise hotel with oceanfront rooms. Each room has its own private balcony, which is a great spot to listen to live music performed on Paséa Hotel’s rooftop. Relax with Mom at the award-winning Aarna Spa or under a cabana by the pool, then grab a cocktail at Tanner’s Treehouse Lounge before enjoying some oceanfront dining.

Give your mom an experience she’ll never forget with a boat ride around the sparkling Newport Harbor. Vision Electric Boat Rental at Lido Marina Village offers easy-to-operate, electric-powered boats for rent. Pack a lunch or order food from one of the many nearby restaurants and enjoy the beautiful spring weather while marveling at the waterfront homes and luxury yachts.

From Seal Beach to San Clemente, there are more than 40 miles of coastline to choose from. Pack a blanket and small folding table and set up a Mother’s Day picnic on the sand. Many local shops offer custom and takeout-style charcuterie boards, or you can make your own with nuts, meats, cheeses, dried fruit, crackers, jam and chocolates. Of course, don’t forget the wine! Your mama will be amazed with the effort you put in to make this day extra special.

Your mom deserves the best, so take her to an award-winning winery! Rancho Capistrano Winery, Orange County’s largest winery, features 40 award-winning wines and serves up fresh California cuisine that’s made with local ingredients. Enjoy an alfresco dinner with Mom on the winery’s 3,000-square-foot patio in San Juan, and snack on bites like fig bruschetta and artisan cheeses. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options!

Locations: San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente @ranchocapistranowinery

I just moved from the Palm Springs area to Orange County. I've been writing for a couple years and enjoy writing about culture, lifestyle, and beauty. I'm excited with the abundance of material for which Orange County will provide.

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Spend Quality Time With Mom Over a Delicious Meal This Mother’s Day

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