Best Family Dentist
Center Plaza Dentistry
Once again, husband-and-wife dental team Dr. Jaimeson Hofkes and Dr. Vivian Yin are our readers’ go-to for getting and keeping perfect smiles. Services at Center Plaza Dentistry include routine maintenance, restorative dentistry, Invisalign, makeovers, emergencies and much more. The family-friendly office also has options to schedule all members of the family at the same time for extra convenience.
centerplazadentistry.com | Los Alamitos
Best Family Optometrist
Parkview Optometry — Dr. Bryant Vo
Parkview Optometry has been serving Orange County patients since 1980. These days, the team helps children and adults alike. They use the latest technology for comprehensive eye exams, diagnosing and treating conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, cataracts and more. It’s also the first office in Orange County to be certified in the Tearcare system for dry eyes (Dr. Bryant Vo’s specialty). Plus, they offer a stylish selection of frames.
parkviewoptometry.com | Irvine
Best Hospital/Maternity Facility
Hoag Hospital
Another year, another top spot for Hoag Hospital, which aims to empower patients with their best health. Hoag has earned many accolades nationwide for its maternity care. The doctors, nurses and staff strive to bring women the best experience possible while also being ready for the highest risk situations should the need arise.
hoag.org | Newport Beach
Best OBGYN
Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group — Ann Marie Raffo, MD
Dr. Ann Marie Raffo has been a part of Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group since 1997. She believes in educating her patients and empowering them to make decisions about their care. She has a particular interest in high-risk obstetrics and laparoscopy. Patient reviewers online point out the helpful, accommodating and caring approach during the visits.
ocwmg.com | Irvine, Laguna Hills, San Clemente
Best OBGYN
Pacific Women’s Healthcare Associates
Also ranking at the top of this year’s list is Pacific Women’s Healthcare Associates. Their team of nine board-certified female physicians and seven women’s health specialty nurse practitioners aim to help women of all ages with their health needs. They’re also the largest provider of obstetrical services at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach where they exclusively deliver.
pacwha.com | Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach
Best Orthodontist
South OC Orthodontics/Chris Carter, DMD, MS
You’ve got questions, they’ve got answers. Dr. Chris Carter and his team want their patients to leave each appointment well informed. They want to learn each patient’s goals and provide a customized approach with the help of state-of-the-art technology in a judgment-free environment. Having worked as a general dentist before specializing in orthodontics, Carter can analyze a smile as well as a whole mouth.
southocorthodontics.com | Mission Viejo
Best Pediatrician
Surf City Pediatrics: Grace Kasamatsu, MD
The doctors and staff at Surf City Pediatrics are prepared to take care of your child from infancy to adolescence in their office as well as through telemedicine when appropriate. Dr. Grace Kasamatsu has been with the practice since 1998. She is board certified in pediatrics.
surfcitypediatrics.com | Huntington Beach
Best Speech Therapy
Avid Speech Therapy
The specialists at Avid Speech Therapy help children and adults meet their communication goals through the latest integrative techniques and collaborating with family members. They specialize in early intervention, autism spectrum disorder, articulation disorders, stuttering and more. Treatment options include individual sessions or small groups and social skills programs. They also have speech teletherapy options.
avidspeech.com | Fountain Valley
Best Mental Health Services for Teens
ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers
Family oriented and clinician-owned, ROWI helps teenagers ages 12 to 18 as well as their families achieve positive behavioral and emotional health. The treatments include traditional evidence-based therapy, experiential and holistic therapy such as mindfulness, art, yoga, meditation, parent and family therapy and educational collaboration with schools to keep children on track.
rowiteen.com | Brea, Lake Forest, Tustin
Best Mental Health Services
Stepping Forward Counseling Center
Stepping Forward Counseling Center provides a safe space for children and young adults who need help with emotional issues, neurobiological disorders or mental illness such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and more. Compassionate and experienced therapists come up with personalized programs and get involved in every aspect of the children’s lives to determine the best course of action.
steppingforwardcounselingcenter.com | Irvine, Yorba Linda
Best Special Needs Therapy
Tumble N’ Dots
Tumble N’ Dots helps neurodiverse kids and their families through a range of services from occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding therapy to social group classes and camps. Using play-based activities, they work with children to develop skills for everyday activities and collaborate with parents, teachers and physicians to continue the work throughout the day.
tumblendots.com | Irvine
Best Special Needs Animal Therapy
The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding
The Shea Center helps people with disabilities by providing opportunities to ride and be around horses and is recognized internationally for its programs. The skilled staff works with clients of all ages to address more than 70 physical, emotional, social and cognitive conditions through equine riding and equine-assisted therapy in a safe, outdoor setting.
sheacenter.org | San Juan Capistrano
Best Children’s Resale Clothing
Goodwill of Orange County
Once again, our readers choose Goodwill as the top place to score deals on their little ones’ clothing. With stores in just about every city and an online shopping space, parents have plenty to choose from, whether it’s a special occasion or everyday looks. Often, the items are still new with tags, making it an even sweeter deal.
ocgoodwill.org | Multiple Locations
Best Day Spa
BioSpa
The medical spa operated by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Jed Horowitz and Dr. Larry Nichter is known for its non-invasive procedures for men and women. Services include acne solutions, facials, body contouring, cellulite reduction, injectables, hair restoration, sweat elimination and much more. The procedures are performed individually or in conjunction with plastic surgeries.
mybiospa.com | Newport Beach
Best Family Photography Studio
Candice Swanson Photography
Candice Swanson tops our ranking once again with her ability to capture the special moments of pregnancy, newborn stage and major milestones. As a highly-trained photographer and a mom herself, she works with families to make the experience as good as possible from start to finish and deliver beautiful images families can cherish for years.
candiceswansonphotography.com | Orange County
Best Fitness Chain
YMCA of Orange County
YMCA is on a mission to foster healthy living in a positive and welcoming environment. For them, it’s all about community and building connections. The fitness facilities cater to members of all abilities and fitness levels through classes and healthy living programs. Family memberships also come with complimentary KidZone care while you work out.
ymcaoc.org | Multiple Locations
Best Single-Location Gym
Newport Peach
Newport Peach seeks to redefine the fitness game by working your peach off in a judgment-free, fun environment. They want you to “come as you are and dance like no one is watching.” Members can pick from a variety of classes from step, barre, strength training, Peach N’ Abs, yoga and baby-and-me barre. All fitness levels are welcome.
newportpeach.com | Costa Mesa
Best Kid’s Haircut
Sharkey’s Cuts 4 Kids
Sharkey’s Cuts 4 Kids is so much more than a hair salon. Children up to 14 years old will find something fun to do while the stylist takes care of their hair. Younger kids can sit in a car and watch their favorite cartoons while older ones can play Xbox One, PS4 or watch music concerts and sport events. They also host glamorous birthday parties.
sharkeyscutsforkids.com | Irvine
Best Nanny/Babysitting Service
Mollycoddlers Nannies & Sitters
Mollycoddlers is a privately owned and operated nanny and sitting service that helps parents throughout Orange County. The nanny staffing agency vets all candidates before adding them to the team and then vets each one specifically for every family looking for care to make sure the family’s needs and preferences are met. They offer full-time and part-time nanny services as well as babysitters and pet sitters.
mollycoddlers.net | Multiple Locations
Best Pet Groomer
Pawsatively Elegant
Pawsatively Elegant now operates in Yorba Linda after a move from Placentia, but the services are still top notch according to our readers and online reviews. Happy customers point out reasonable pricing, clean environment as well as patient and accommodating staff that takes great care of the customers’ fur babies.
pawsativelyelegant.com, IG @pawsatively.elegant | Yorba Linda
Best Pet Groomer
The Spaw
The Spaw tied for first place this year. The pet retreat and grooming salon caters to dogs as well as cats who can enjoy short- and long-term boarding in a holistic environment. Grooming services include HydroSurge massage baths, haircuts, nail care and more. Grooming appointments include use of free-run environments and 90 minutes of complimentary daycare after the appointment.
ahhthespaw.com | Tustin
Best Pet Store
PetSmart
Our readers just can’t stop shopping at PetSmart, and they once again voted it all the way to the top of our ranking. The largest specialty pet retailer has everything a pet and its owner could need, from basic necessities to toys. They also offer grooming, dog training, doggie day camp and a well-known adoption program.
petsmart.com | Multiple Locations
Best Pet Vet
Beach City Animal Hospital
Beach City Animal Hospital has been the go-to place for pet care for more than 50 years. Services include diagnostics, surgery, microchip implantation, internal medicine, dermatology, dental care, weight management and much more. Online reviewers praise the staff for being caring, kind and compassionate to the four-legged patients.
beachcityanimalhospital.com | Huntington Beach
Best Shopping Destination
Irvine Spectrum Center
Once again, our readers chose Irvine Spectrum Center as the top destination to spend their money and time. The constantly changing and growing center features trendy brands, swanky restaurants, events, entertainment and public areas for adults and children to relax and play. Plus there’s the Giant Wheel and carousel, which have become iconic over the years.
shopirvinespectrumcenter.com | Irvine
Best Family Getaway Destination
San Diego
San Diego is so full of attractions for each family member, it’s no wonder our readers keep choosing it as a top destination. Big-time tourist spots include SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Sesame Place theme park, USS Midway Museum and more. And let’s not forget Gaslamp Quarter, the lively downtown neighborhood.
sandiego.gov, sandiego.org | San Diego
Best Family Services Attorney
The Wagon Legacy
The Wagon Legacy, previously known as Varela Law, is no stranger to the top of our ranking. The firm helps clients protect their assets and legacies through probate, wills and trusts. The team takes a personalized approach to each case and offers guidance through every step of the process, educating the clients and ensuring all of their questions are answered.
thewagonlegacy.com | Placentia
Best Family Therapist
Orange County Family Therapy
Orange County Family Therapy is still the top choice for our readers. Founder Dr. Vennus Zand is looking to restore mental health and wellness in her community through family therapy, couples therapy, adult therapy, adolescent therapy, life coaching and even equine therapy. They also have telehealth options.
ocftherapy.com | Irvine
Best Therapy Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Southern California
Professionals at Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute of Southern California use a short-term, scientifically-tested approach to help adults, children and couples with anxiety and depressive problems. They work with patients to alleviate symptoms and teach them new tools to make long-term changes. They offer in-person and telehealth sessions.
cbtiofsocal.com | Newport Beach
By Jessie Dax-Setkus, Magda Hernandez and Shawn Price
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