For Justin Tarkeshian, South Orange County is much more than the place where he lives and works—it’s home in every sense of the word. Having spent his life here, Justin has watched the community grow while holding onto the places, traditions, and experiences that make it special. Today, he’s raising his own family here, running local businesses, and helping others find a place to call home through his work as a real estate agent.
“I’ve spent my entire life here, and somehow I appreciate it more the older I get,” Justin says. “There aren’t many places where you can start your morning on a trail, spend the afternoon by the ocean, grab dinner at a local spot, and still feel like you’re part of a real community.”
From childhood summers at Salt Creek to favorite family restaurants and a newfound love of golf, Justin shares a few of the places and experiences that make South OC home.
ALISO VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB
“Aliso Viejo Country Club has become one of my favorite places to stay active and unwind. The golf course is a lot of fun, but I also love having the gym, pool and restaurant all in one place. The staff is fantastic, the members are great and there’s a real sense of community here.”
FAMILY TIME AT SALT CREEK
“One of our favorite ways to spend time together is also one of the simplest. We’ll grab takeout—usually pizza from Apizza Doho lately—and head down to Salt Creek Beach for a picnic on the hill. Great food, my family and an ocean view…it doesn’t get much better than that.”
R.J.’S CAFÉ + SEVEN SEAS
“For breakfast, R.J.’s Café in Dana Point is our family favorite. When it comes to coffee, I usually brew my own at home, but when I feel like treating myself, Seven Seas in Aliso Viejo is my go-to.”
A SOUTH OC HIDDEN GEM
“When I’m in the mood for a little shopping, I’m admittedly biased toward The Fort Skate Shop in Laguna Niguel. As a co-founder, I’m proud that it’s become a true one-stop shop for the whole family, with men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing, shoes, skateboards and more.”
FROM SKATEBOARDS TO GOLF CLUBS
“Skateboarding will probably always be my first hobby, although my body isn’t quite as enthusiastic about it these days,” Justin jokes. “Over the last few years, golf has definitely taken its place, and I’ve really grown to love the game.”
SUMMERS AT SALT CREEK
“Some of my favorite memories are the summers between middle school and the time my friends and I started driving. We’d skateboard to the bus stop at Crown Valley and Moulton first thing in the morning and take the bus down to Salt Creek, where we’d spend the entire day. Some of us would surf, bodysurf, or bodyboard, and whatever money we had left after bus fare went straight to the snack bar. Those summers were the best.”
WHY SOUTH OC WILL ALWAYS BE HOME
“I get to raise my family here, run a business here, help people buy and sell homes here, and be part of a place that has shaped so much of who I am. The older I get, the more I realize how special that is.”