Aliso Viejo Town Center

Aliso Viejo Town Center is a nice place to dine in modern surrounds. There is a large fountain that kids like to run around and a huge sloping park above the center, giving it a real sense of place. It's a cute design. Stadium Brew Co has heat lamps and a pleasant outdoor area near the fountain. The menu prices are quite high but the food is good- come at happy hour for some bargains. Cold Stone Creamery is a fun place to go for an ice cream after, though it can get crowded on weekends. The chocolate ice cream with dried coconut folded into it is delicious. i20 Ramen has delicious ramen and big windows to look out, plus outdoor seating- we had a yummy dinner there! There is also a Peruvian restaurant near the main fountain area. In other spots in the center, you can find two Thai restaurants, an Indian restaurant, Urbane Cafe, Luna Grill, Milk & Honey Boba which has delicious dragonfruit tea boba and flowery decor, Creamistry Ice Cream Cakes, Kanpai Sushi, The Krave Kobe Burger, and The Habit Burger. 

There is a movie theater, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and other big box stores.
After, you can stroll around. It's wonderful to walk through Grand Park on a warm evening, up the hilly winding paths, past trees and lush grass. At the top, there is a playground with lots of climbing options and monkey bars, plus sweeping views. At sunset and at night, the views are magical of the city lights below. If you continue on the path up the hill you will come to Vantis Drive. Here you can walk behind the townhouses, with more views of the city below. 
Across Enterprise Way, there is a bright shopping center called Commons at Aliso Viejo. It has a supermarket with awesome foods called Trader Joe's. Eureka! is a restaurant with an attractive patio and good food. Lupe's Mexican Eatery has modern Mexican decor that I loved so much- I just couldn't stop photographing it. It is counter service with good food and friendly staff. 
It can be very cold at night, so bring a puffer jacket. I was wishing I had a blanket for my lap at the outdoor dining on a cold March night!
Aliso Viejo has very steep hills and streets, which make it quite unique.  It is manicured with reclaimed water which makes it more green than other California cities. This gives it a tranquil feel. Designed for cars, it has wide roads and townhouses clustered together. I wanted to live here but the shower water burns your skin- it scores over the safe limit for chloramine byproducts.
Renaissance ClubSport Marriott is a very nice hotel here, with windows that open, rooms that face a festive pool scene, a fun workout area, and no pets (spares your allergies).
Another playground that is nice, with lots of atmosphere because it is in a deeply recessed canyon is Canyon View Park.

Directions

Aliso Viejo Town Center is located at 26731 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. There is plenty of parking in the large lots.

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