Things To Do In Orange County can lead to a long list so I’ve narrowed it down to the favorites I like to show my friends and family when they visit the area.
Hi travelers! As a California native, I’m excited to show you Orange County, one of my favorite places.
Orange County is excellent for fun, sun, and adventure with its beaches, amusement parks, and cultural sites.
And Orange County has something for everyone—beachgoers, thrill-seekers, and cultural buffs. Let’s visit this great destination’s top attractions!
With that being said if you are planning to visit Orange County I’ll be happy to act as your tour guide to help you take in the sights and fun this area has to offer.
Brief Overview of Orange County California
Southern California has Orange County. Its magnificent coastline, beaches, and sunny weather are famous.
Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Huntington Beach are all in the county and are some of the most popular tourist destinations.
Orange County has museums, art galleries, and theaters in addition to amusement parks and beaches that range from family fun to adults-only fun.
Visitors may experience California’s past and present in the county’s many neighborhoods and rich history.
The vibe here is relaxed and upper-middle-class residents that take pride in their appearance, cars, and fashion.
There’s something fun to do for all age ranges you just need to come down and check it out for yourself.
15 Best Things To Do In Orange County
Southern California has cool places and fun spots to hang out and explore. My favorites are San Diego and Orange County because of the laid-back beach vibe and consistently warm weather.
Below Are The Best Things To Do In County:
#1. Newport Beach
Newport Beach, Orange County, California, is a lovely seaside community. Its beaches, harbor, and affluent lifestyle are famous. Tourists may surf, swim, sail, and shop. Foodies will adore the area’s seafood and farm-to-table eateries.
Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula has a family-friendly Balboa Fun Zone amusement park. Relax on the beach, hire a bike or boat, or dine at one of the numerous restaurants and cafés on the Peninsula.
Newport Beach’s museums and galleries include the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, which celebrates the area’s nautical heritage, and the Orange County Museum of Art, which exhibits international contemporary art.
Newport Beach is great for beach relaxation, outdoor activities, and cultural encounters. You can see and do a lot in a day or a week!
#2. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, known locally as “Surf City USA,” is a coastal community in Orange County, California. Surfing, beaches, and a laid-back feel define it. Huntington Beach is a top US beach destination for a reason!
Surfers appreciate Huntington Beach’s famed waves. Even non-surfers may have fun here. Walk along the Huntington Beach Pier for great views and people-watching. Rent a bike and ride the city’s seaside bike route.
Downtown Huntington Beach offers restaurants, bars, and stores. Foodies will adore the area’s eateries, which provide fresh fish and gourmet burgers. Boutiques and surf stores abound for shoppers.
The International Surfing Museum commemorates the city’s surfing history. In summer, enjoy one of the numerous surf contests or music events.
Huntington Beach is a relaxing beach vacation spot. In Surf City USA, you can surf, relax on the beach, or explore the local culture!
#3. Laguna Beach
Orange County’s Laguna Beach is another lovely seaside community. It has beautiful beaches, rocks, and art. Arriving here is like entering a tropical paradise.
Laguna Beach beaches are popular. These beaches include clean seas, smooth sand, and stunning rock formations. Main Beach, in the city center, is a popular beach with bathrooms, showers, and volleyball courts. Crescent Bay or Victoria Beach provide additional seclusion.
Laguna Beach’s art culture is famous. Local and international artists exhibit at the city’s galleries and studios. The Laguna Art Museum has 19th- through 21st-century California art.
Laguna Beach offers outdoor activities. The city’s various paths provide breathtaking views of the shore and mountains. Top of the World and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park are popular paths.
Finally, foodies love Laguna Beach. Fresh seafood and farm-to-table restaurants are available nearby. Wine tastings and excursions are available at local vineyards.
Laguna Beach is an idyllic beach hideaway. In this tropical paradise, you may climb, relax on the beach, or explore the local art scene!
#4. Disneyland
Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in Anaheim. Disneyland has been nostalgic since 1955.
Resorts vary by park count. Disneyland Resort includes Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Disney World Resort contains Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Disney World contains two water parks, shops, and resort hotels.
Disneyland rules. Peak season and holidays may crowd the park. FastPass for popular rides. The park features fast-food and sit-down restaurants. If you need a break, Downtown Disney is a short walk away.
#5. Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm is 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles in Buena Park, California. Its exhilarating rides and attractions are Western-themed.
GhostRider, a 56-mph wooden roller coaster, is Knott’s Berry Farm’s most popular attraction. HangTime, a steel roller coaster with a vertical drop and many inversions, is also popular.
Knott’s Berry Farm features live performances and rides throughout the day. I love the Wild West Stunt Show, where cowboys and outlaws do dangerous equestrian feats.
Walter Knott, the park’s creator, invented the boysenberry pie. The park has quick service and sit-down eateries.
Knott’s Berry Farm may become packed on weekends and holidays. Avoid huge waits for popular rides by coming early and choosing Fast Lane.
#6. Laguna Art Museum
Southern California art lovers should visit Laguna Art Museum. I’ve visited the museum many times and recommend it.
The Laguna Beach Museum showcases California art in a historic structure. The museum exhibits historical and modern art.
Laguna Art Museum is small enough to tour in two hours, which I like. However, the exhibits change frequently.
Visit the museum’s website to learn more about its exhibitions and events. Check out their guided tours and other special events throughout the year.
Laguna Art Museum’s location is amazing. It’s feet from the beach, so you can combine a museum visit with a beach day. You may spend the day there since there are many restaurants and businesses.
Parking at Laguna Art Museum is challenging. On weekends and holidays, nearby public parking lots fill up fast. Avoid parking issues by coming early or using a rideshare.
#7. Mission San Juan Capistrano
For history buffs, Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County is a must-see.
Plan ahead to visit the mission, particularly during the high season. Visit the mission’s website for hours, admission, and special events.
A guided tour will maximize your visit. The locals know a lot about the mission and the area’s history.
Explore the mission’s gorgeous gardens. Explore the lush greenery and colorful flowers and fountains.
The mission church, California’s oldest, is stunning. You’re sure to admire the exquisite architecture and details.
Mission San Juan Capistrano’s yearly swallow migration is notable. Visit the Mission’s Swallows Festival and Swallows Day Parade in spring.
The mission’s architecture and grounds are attractive. Take photos to remember your stay.
And be sure to wear comfortable shoes because the mission is large and requires a lot of walking.
Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a Luxury Beach House for Less?#8. Hiking trails
Hiking paths in the region provide spectacular vistas and a terrific outdoor experience.
Visit Orange County’s best hiking trails:
Crystal Cove State Park: This park features easy-to-moderate hiking routes and stunning ocean views. The El Moro Canyon Loop Trail is a popular 3.2-mile climb through the canyon to the ridge for beautiful vistas.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: This park features some of Orange County’s most scenic hiking paths, from simple to tough. The Bommer Top Trail is a popular 4.8-mile climb through coastal sage scrub to the top for stunning vistas.
Peters Canyon Regional Park: This park features simple to challenging hiking paths with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Lake View Trail is a popular 5.5-mile trek around Peters Canyon Reservoir to an overlook with outstanding Orange County vistas.
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park: This park features simple to challenging hiking paths with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Borrego Canyon Trail is a popular 3.5-mile trek through a canyon to a lookout with Orange County vistas.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park: This park features some of Orange County’s most scenic hiking paths, from simple to tough. The West Ridge Trail is a popular 7.6-mile climb through the canyon to the ridge for stunning vistas.
#9. Fashion Island
Fashion Island has 150 retailers and eateries, including Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s also have high-end departments.
The property offers stunning views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Fashion Island offers casual and gourmet eating.
Fashion Island contains a movie theater and a famous holiday ice skating rink too.
#10. The Outlets At Orange
Nike, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger are among the 120 outlets in The Outlets at Orange. Clothing, shoes, and accessories are discounted. The retail complex has a movie theater, bowling alley, and indoor trampoline park.
The Outlets at Orange offers food and shopping. A full-service restaurant or a food court provides fast meals. All tastes and budgets are covered.
Transportation to The Outlets at Orange is plentiful. Take a taxi, rideshare, or public transit. Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm are a short drive from the retail mall, which is near major roads.
#11. Irvine Improv
Irvine’s Irvine Improv hosts local and national comedians. The 500-seat club is small and private. The club’s high-quality sound and lighting enhance the experience.
The Irvine Improv offers a complete bar and restaurant. You may eat before or drink during the show. The menu comprises appetizers, meals, desserts, and several alcoholic drinks.
Fridays and Saturdays have many concerts at the club. The Irvine Improv showcases up-and-coming, established, and famous comedians.
And the Irvine Improv sells out fast, so get tickets ahead of time. VIP seating includes reserved seats and front-of-line beverages and meals at the club.
#12. The Blind Rabbit
The Packing House hides the Blind Rabbit. Its speakeasy ambiance is excellent for a romantic date or a night out with friends. The bar serves handmade cocktails, rare whiskeys, and other beverages.
The bartenders can make any drink, even their own originals. Bar nibbles compliment the beverages well.
The Blind Rabbit’s detail is my favorite. Dim lights and soft couches create a speakeasy-like atmosphere. Bartenders use suspenders and bowties to complete the 1920s look.
#13. Whale Watching
Dana Point offers excellent whale viewing in Orange County. The “Whale Watching Capital of the World” has various whale species year-round.
Dana Wharf Whale Viewing is a popular whale viewing cruise in Dana Point. Their knowledgeable guides will explain whales and other marine life on daily two-hour excursions.
Dana Point’s Ocean Institute is another fantastic choice. They provide educational whale viewing tours. Experienced naturalists lead their trips and provide intriguing facts about whales and other animals.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothes for any whale viewing excursion. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt since the water is cold. Don’t forget your camera to capture these magnificent animals!
#14. Rooftop Lounge
I suggest Laguna Beach’s Rooftop Lounge for cocktails and discussion. This stylish lounge atop the historic La Casa del Camino hotel has beautiful seaside views and is excellent for resting after a long day.
The Rooftop Lounge has a modest but tasty menu of appetizers and small dishes with a great range of cocktails, wines, and craft brews. I suggest their Rooftop Margarita or Cucumber Gimlet.
This lounge’s atmosphere is perfect for unwinding and watching the Pacific Ocean sunset. From comfy sofas to fire pits, the rooftop seating area is open-air. Live music or DJs contribute to the festive mood on weekends.
If you want a seat at this renowned restaurant, come early or make a reservation. Plan ahead for peak-hour parking and a beachy relaxed dress code.
#15. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
I love The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Orange County. Its rooftop club in Tustin provides a spectacular dining experience with a magnificent city view. The Winery serves seafood, steak, and a large selection of local and foreign wines. The seasonal cuisine features fresh, local ingredients.
The Filet Mignon with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus is delicious. For seafood enthusiasts, try Seared Ahi Tuna. Crispy wontons with a soy ginger glaze accompany it.
The restaurant is classy and comfortable with soft lighting. The menu-savvy and attentive crew make the meal unforgettable. The Winery is perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions.
The Winery’s costs are hefty, so it may not be the ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is worth it for a high-end dining experience with great cuisine and service.
Conclusion
Things to do in orange county can take a long time to check off your list. I recommend a weekend or even a week if you can stay that long.
Everyone may explore the beaches and retail centers. Mission San Juan Capistrano and the Laguna Art Museum are part of the county’s rich history and culture.
Restaurants, taverns, and comedy clubs provide a variety of food. Hiking paths and whale gazing await outdoor enthusiasts. Every visitor should visit Orange County.
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