Orange County, California, has miles of coastline along the Pacific and lots of year-round sunshine. There are many things to do for families, couples, and groups of friends with its beach towns and luxury beachfront hotels. Affectionately referred to as the “OC,” this county was made famous by reality TV stars and the film industry. But this isn’t just a place for the rich and famous. There’s a little something for everyone in the OC, and here are our top picks for things to do here.
Disneyland Park, Anaheim
What Is It? Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim is a magical experience that you’ll never forget.
Why Do It? Disneyland opened in 1955 and has been an international tourist destination ever since. The eight themed lands are Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square, and Adventureland. Here you can meet some of your favorite characters, ride roller coasters, and enjoy some delicious meals.
Good to Know: There are some great dining and hotel options here for travelers of all budgets. You can also visit Downtown Disney, which has Disney-themed shops and entertainment to keep the magic going.
Take a Surfing Lesson
What Is It? Orange County has become synonymous with surfing, so why not catch a wave while you’re visiting the area?
Why Do It? One of the best places to go for surfing is Huntington Beach, which is actually known as Surf City, USA. Lots of surfing events take place here, and there’s even the International Surfing Museum you can visit. Lots of other great surfing opportunities exist at San Clemente, which is home to numerous surf shops and international surfing competitions.
Good to Know: Surfing lessons are offered by local companies, including Banzai Surf School, the Orange County Surf School, and Aqua Surf School.
Balboa Island Ferry, Newport Beach
What Is It? While in Newport Beach, you can hop on a ferry from the Balboa Peninsula to Balboa Island.
Why Do It? If you’re a fan of the TV show, Arrested Development, then you’ll really enjoy visiting this island where the show took place. This ferry has been transporting drivers in vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists since 1919.
Good to Know: But this isn’t just a way to get from one place to another. It’s a scenic ride with lots of historic charm.
Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
What Is It? Heisler Park is a lush waterfront park in the town of Laguna Beach that offers amazing views and perfect photo ops.
Why Do It? You can enter the beach here and snap some iconic photographs of the cliffs and coastline. The park has walking trails, a marine refuge, gardens, tide pools, picnic tables, and lawn bowling greens.
Good to Know: You may even see a happy couple tying the knot because this is a popular place for weddings.
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
What Is It? Knott’s Berry Farm may sound like an orchard where you can pick fruit, but it’s actually much more than that.
Why Do It? This family farm has transformed itself into a large theme park that offers lots of unique experiences for travelers. You can ride exciting roller coasters, attend entertaining shows, and even stay overnight at the farm hotel. To cool off on a hot day, you can splash around at Knott’s Soak City water park too.
Good to Know: For entertainment, live bands, musicals, and comedy performers take the stage. The open-air Wagon Camp theater also hosts a fun Western stunt show.
Hike at Crystal Cove State Park
What Is It? To experience the natural beauty of Orange County, you definitely have to visit Crystal Cove State Park.
Why Do It? This park spans about 3 miles of beaches and nearly 2,500 acres of land, and it has easy, moderate, and strenuous hiking trails to explore. You also can bike and go horseback riding in the park, which offers both coastal and wooded terrain. There are about 46 rustic vintage cottages along the coast that were built as part of a seaside colony in the 1930s and 1940s.
Good to Know: You can enter the park at Pelican Point and Reef Point along the bluffs and also more inland at Los Trancos and School/State Park.
Shop at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
What Is It? Shopping is a way of life in Orange County, so join in the fun at South Coast Plaza.
Why Do It? This upscale shopping mall is close to lots of the area’s beaches and resorts, and it’ll make you feel as glamorous as the celebrities who call the OC home. There are over 250 stores and 30 restaurants here, drawing in millions of people each year.
Good to Know: Come see what all the buzz is about at 3333 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
What Is It? To learn a bit about the history of Orange County, make sure to visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Why Do It? This mission dates back to 1775 and has been preserved to tell the story of the region and the people who once called it home.
Good to Know: Onsite you can participate in hands-on activities like basket weaving, see permanent exhibits, relax in the gardens, and attend summer concerts and cultural festivals.
Sunset at Huntington Beach Pier
What Is It? Sunsets in the OC are absolutely stunning, and one of the best places to catch one is at Huntington Beach Pier.
Why Do It? This is a popular surfing spot, so you can also linger to watch the surfers do their thing.
Good to Know: Be sure to bring your camera to capture this breathtaking sight.
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
What Is It? Angel Stadium in Anaheim is a great place to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
Why Do It? This is the home of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team, and you may be able to catch a game if you visit during the baseball season. This is the fourth-oldest active MLB stadium in the country and also offers tours that last about 75 minutes.
Good to Know: Tour highlights include a visit to the dugout, a trip down to the field, walking through the visitors’ clubhouse, a look at the Mike Scioscia interview room, and views of the broadcasting booth.
