Located on the West Coast in California, Orange County, also known as The OC, is a relaxing and fun getaway for travelers looking to surf, enjoy beach life, and feel the rush of visiting Disneyland. The 40-mile-long coastline of Orange County is covered with several popular beaches and offers a scenic and authentic beach experience.

Travelers have been inspired to visit this part of the world owing to the rich sunshine that Orange County is showered with, unique culture, well-preserved history and art, beautiful beaches, and entertainment centers. There are so many things to do in Orange County; here's what to know about visiting.

UPDATE: 2023/10/30 13:44 EST BY LANE VASQUEZ

Discover All There Is To Do In Orange County

Orange County spans multiple California cities worth exploring; here are the highlights of what to see and do throughout The OC.

Things To Do In Orange County

Disneyland Park, Anaheim, United States
Photo by James Hartono on Unsplash
Disneyland Park, Anaheim, United States

Orange County is the entertainment center of California, the rich art, history, and culture, combined with some of the best beaches and favorable weather all year round make Orange County a busy tourist hub.

The County is known for its miles of sandy beaches, surfing, and world-famous amusement parks.

From a nice family getaway to beach sports and laid-back adventures, Orange County has a lot to offer. Here is a list of the top things to do here, including the most unique things to see in Orange County.

1 Indulge In Adventure At Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle Disneyland
CrispyCream27CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort Anaheim

Located in Anaheim, Orange County, this entertainment park has been called the happiest place on Earth for various reasons. There are actually two parks: Disneyland Park, the first park that opened in 1955, and Disney California Adventure which was inaugurated in 2001 and is themed around the history and culture of California.

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2 Soak Up Nature At Laguna Beach

Heisler Park Laguna Beach California
Deposit Photos
Heisler Park Laguna Beach California

Start the exploration of this beach from Crystal State Park which is a 3-mile-long beach overlooked by a rocky cliff. Tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty, peace, and happiness in nature while walking on the long stretch of sand.

Nearby is a small historic district with beautiful cottages. When the tide is low travelers can head to 1000 Steps Beach or walk to the famous Three Arch Bay Beach to witness the mesmerizing beauty of triple arches stacks.

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3 Stroll Down The Streets Of Old Towne Orange

Nighttime in Old Towne Orange
Shutterstock
Nighttime in Old Towne Orange

Old Towne is the ‘vintage’ district of the OC, it covers about one square mile around Plaza Square Park and is approx. 7 miles from Disneyland. The street of Old Towne is filled with historic buildings.

The district offers a one-of-a-kind experience with casual bars and restaurants lining up the street, accompanied by antique shops, beautiful eateries, and tearooms, all of which are crowded during the annual Orange International Street Fair.

4 Visit The Historic District Of San Juan Capistrano

Spanish mission in San Juan Capistrano, California
Shutterstock
Spanish mission in San Juan Capistrano, California

Mission San Juan Capistrano is called the ‘Jewel of the California Mission’, the historic town hosts some rare and precious artifacts, treasures, and paintings. Partially destroyed in an earthquake, the Serra Chapel and Great Stone Church provide a glimpse beauty and detailing of the original structure.

5 Explore The Museums At Santa Ana

Discovery Science Center Santa Ana California
Photo by Buchanan-Hermit, public domain
Discovery Science Center Santa Ana California

Santa Ana is the second most populous city and the county seat of Orange County. It is a home to vibrant evening scene and art community.

  • Discovery Science Center: Designed in the form of a giant cube, this museum works as a curiosity ignition for children where they can launch dummy missiles, conduct space missions, take a helicopter tour, and do many other things
  • Lyon Air Museum: This is a treat for any aviation fan, it hosts Antique airplanes, antique cars, and military vehicles
  • Bowers Museum: The museum has a huge collection of over 100,000 artifacts of Mesoamerican, Pre-Columbian, African, and Native American origin.

6 Don’t Miss The Sunny Surfing Beaches

Rock formations in the shore of a wavey beach
Photo by Jacob Padilla on Unsplash
Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, California

Orange County has a long coastline filled with some of the best beaches in the whole of North America. Experience authentic laid-back beach vibes, watch the surfers, of even better learn how to surf yourself at beaches to the north of Laguna Beach like Huntington Beach, also called the ‘Surf City,’ or Newport Beach which has various clubs for a luxury holiday.

The Wedge and Trestles Beach are other great beaches that surfers love.

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7 Get Your Adrenaline Going At Knott's Berry Farm

Knott's_Berry_Farm
Cliff HornCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Knott's Berry Farm theme park in California, USA

A huge 57-acre theme park located in Buena Park, California, Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the top visited theme parks in the US.

The park boasts first-class roller coasters, various interactive experiences and stage shows, finger-licking good food, and family-friendly fun featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang.

8 Shop At California's Most Beloved South Coast Plaza And The SoBeCa District

Buildings in Costa Mesa at night
Depositphotos
Buildings in Costa Mesa at night

Travelers love shopping at South Coast Plaza, which has over 250 boutiques and eateries. Shoppers can find the best and well-known designers here like Alexander McQueen and Zegna.

Head on to SoBeCa District for an even more extensive shopping experience, check out the Mitsuwa Marketplace, The Lab Anti-Mall, and the Camp for shopping, eating, and exploration.

9 Best Time To Visit Orange County

Sunny Weather, Orange County
Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash
Sunny Weather, Orange County

Orange County is blessed with favorable weather all year round and tourists can enjoy the best of Orange County throughout the year. However, summer is the best time to visit OC somewhere between May to September when the weather is sunny and travelers can spend longer time outside.

Schools are on summer holidays so Disneyland and beach cities are mostly crowded (and expensive). The holiday season is again crowded when tourists flock to Orange County to enjoy.

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Travelers can avoid the crowd, and get good deals on hotels and entertainment parks if they plan their travel during March-May or September-October.

According to Disneyland, the shortest queue at park attractions is from January to February (excluding Presidents' Day weekend).

10 What To Know When Visiting

Laguna Beach, Orange County
Photo by Derek Liang on Unsplash
Laguna Beach, Orange County

Founded on March 11, 1889, the name Orange County comes from the main crop at that time — the Orange. The County situated on the Pacific coast has a vast coastline and includes famous coastal cities like Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point (a highly underrated beach), and San Clemente.

The major cities of the OC include Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine.

Authentic Orange County life is just as exciting and fun as its amusement parks, with its vibrant urban core, casual beach cities, and a vast collection of natural treasures, The OC inspires travelers to come to play outdoors.

Travelers can spend time swimming, sailing, relaxing, watching surfers, or learning to surf at various beach towns in Orange County. Known for being one of the best surfing destinations, Huntington Beach is known as the Surf City USA, it hosts the US Open of Surfing every summer.

  • Follow the Orange County Register to stay at the top of local news, cultural events, and various restaurant options in the county.
  • Explore SoCalPulse for awesome ideas of things to do in The OC.

11 Best Way To Get Around Orange County

Airport with an airport parked
Photo by VOO QQQ on Unsplash
Airport with an airport parked

Orange County is well-connected with rest of the North America via air travel. The International Airport, John Wayne Airport, is served by nine carriers flying non-stop flights from across twenty cities in North America.

Travelers can also get down at the extremely well-connected and manageable Long Beach Airport, or the famous Los Angeles Airport (LAX), which is as also very convenient, and less than an hour by car drive to Anaheim or Huntington Beach.

As a significant part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Orange County cities have excellent public transport, the cities are also served by Uber, Lyft, and various local taxi companies.

Based on the requirement and budget travelers can choose either public or private transport, however, it is recommended to rent a car to explore several different destinations in the beautiful County.

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12 Where To Stay In Orange County

Marriott, Irvine, Orange County
Photo by Sven Piper on Unsplash
Marriott, Irvine, Orange County

With an almost perfect climate year-round with a lot of sunshine Orange County is a highly preferred tourist destination. Orange Countyis also home to top luxury hotels and spa centers, along with a growing number of Airbnb properties in the area.

Depending on the need and type of vacation the travelers are planning, they can choose to stay at the city center and enjoy the theme parks thereby avoiding grueling traffic, or stay in the Anaheim area which is near Amtrak and Metrolink trains that connect to other regions in the County.

If the travel vibe is mostly laid back, sunbathing and surfing, choose a stay near one of the beautiful beaches.

Affordable OC Hotels

Doubletree Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort

  • Location – Anaheim Resort district, closer to the Disneyland
  • Amenities – Served by Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttles, within walking distance from various restaurants and shops, rooms are large, and they offer paid parking.
  • Price - $$

Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel

  • Location – Near Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park
  • Amenities – This hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and a free shuttle service to Disneyland. The rooms are warmly decorated and come with safe deposit boxes and AC. Common amenities include an outdoor pool, gym, hot tub, and a small playground.
  • Price - $-$$

Mid-Range Orange County Accommodations

JW Marriott Anaheim

  • Location – Best hotel adjacent to the Disneyland
  • Amenities – Fairly a new hotel near ARTIC train station, and Anaheim GardenWalk Mall. The hotel boasts a rooftop bar, a walkable garden, and a wellness center, along with other top amenities to make travelers’ stay comfortable.
  • Price - $$$

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

  • Location – Situated right on Newport Beach
  • Amenities – One-of-a-kind stay, the hotel offers close to 2 dozen preserved cottages ranging from sleeping acclimation for 2 to 8 people. The rooms have an ocean view and come with refrigerator, microwave, and Kitchenette
  • Price - $- $$$

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

  • Location – One of the best-styled hotels, situated near The OC’s iconic South Coast luxury mega-mall
  • Amenities – The hotel has an amazing vibe, and the rooms are designed keeping art in mind. Travelers can find a lot of eateries nearby.
  • Price - $$-$$$

The OC's Luxury Accommodations

Renaissance Newport Beach

  • Location – Close to John Wayne Airport
  • Amenities – Rooms are bright and colorful with a beach vibe, and the hotel has a pool and fitness center for guests.
  • Price - $$-$$$

Montage Laguna Beach

  • Location – Laguna Beach
  • Amenities – One of the best luxury hotels with a breathtaking scenic oceanfront location, the rooms are elegant and luxurious, and besides all the world-class amenities, the hotel also offers limo/town car service.
  • Price - $$$$

Newport Beach Hotel

  • Location – Oceanfront Blvd, Newport Beach
  • Amenities – Beach-chic style hotel, offering rooms done in clean whites and pastel blues, equipped with spa tubs and ocean views. The hotel also has a wine bar and offers paid parking.
  • Price - $$-$$$

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Surf & Sand Resort

  • Location – Laguna Beach
  • Amenities – Located right on the Laguna beachfront, with up-to-date rooms, seaside balconies, and a generation of hospitality experience. The hotel is equipped with a full-service spa, and travelers can avail of paid service from staff to set up chairs and towels by the beach or pool.
  • Price - $$$ - $$$$
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13 Where To Eat In Orange County

An aerial view of the town, beach, and ocean in Huntington Beach, California, USA
Photo by Mike Fox on Unsplash
An aerial view of the town, beach, and ocean in Huntington Beach, California, USA

Orange County has access to the vast produce from farms and orchards of California, and a thriving restaurant and food joints to cater to the growing population and visiting tourists. The OC’s restaurants serve a very wide variety of cuisine from Sushi and dumplings to Latin cuisine.

Terrace by Mix Mix

Located at South Coast Plaza, TERRACE by Mix Mix is a beautiful dining restaurant that focuses on well-priced small plates. The cuisine is inspired by chef Ross Pangilinan’s style; the chef has vast experience working with Michelin-starred restaurants. The cuisine here is influenced by French, Italian, and modern Filipino flavors.

Antonello Ristorante

Travelers can expect the best of Italian cuisine at this restaurant. The place is a mainstay at South Coast Plaza thanks to owner and chef Antonio Cagnolo. With a romantic ambiance and a stellar wine list, travelers can expect to taste the famous mouth-watering pasta and other famous Italian dishes at this place.

The Vox Kitchen

Located in Fountain Valley, Orange County, the restaurant offers comfort Asian food and some Asian – Latin fusion options. Must-try dishes here include garlic noodles and crab congee. It is a nice place for lunch and dinner.

The Cut Handcrafted Burgers

Located in Irvin, Orange County, The Cut is famous for its quality and fresh food. Must-try foods here include handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, and weekend brunches. The restaurant also offers exciting Craft Beer, Wine, and Craft Cocktails that are worth trying. It is a nice place for lunch and dinner.

Carmelita’s Kitchen de Mexico

Located on Laguna Beach, this Mexican restaurant is a local favorite. Don’t forget to order queso fundido and slow-braised pork carnitas, and do try out ceviche and seafood enchiladas. The place is famous for margaritas and has an exotic menu of signature margaritas.

LilyPopp Cafe

Located in Anaheim, LilyPopp is known for the town’s best fresh baked bagels and bagel sandwiches. Don’t forget to order the Angel bagel when visiting this food place.

Tim Is Making Great Coffee

Located in the city of San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, this restaurant is famous for its breakfast, especially the sandwiches, and obviously aromatic and delicious Coffee. Travelers can try the Hawaiian breakfast when visiting this place.

The Deli Station

Located in Santa Ana, Orange County, this breakfast restaurant serves some of the best BBQ brisket and sausage sandwiches. Travelers vouch for the tasty turkey sandwiches and Philly cheese steak fries that this place offers.

Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen

Located in Fullerton, Orange County, this Michelin-anointed halal restaurant combines the cuisine of India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to provide some of the best chicken dishes that California has to offer. Do try the pani puri with tamarind water, mint, onion, and potato when visiting this place.

14 Best Neighborhoods In The OC

Huntington Beach, Orange County 
Photo by Dillon Pena on Unsplash
View of the sunset at Huntington Beach, Orange County, California

From beaches to amusement parks to downtown markets, the OC offers some of the best neighborhoods for travelers to unwind, and pamper themselves while witnessing some of the best nature, history, art, and culture.

Anaheim

California Adventure Park, Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA, USA
Photo by kaleb tapp on Unsplash
California Adventure Park, Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA, USA

Anaheim is the home to the famous Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park. There are also many things to do in Anaheim apart from the theme parks, including gorgeous beaches.

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Laguna Beach

The seaside town of Laguna Beach is a landscape marvel, filled with artists, painters, and photographers, who drive inspiration by divine sunshine and the beautiful coastline of tidal pools and coves. The town offers more than 100 restaurants, beautiful hotels, and galleries for visitors to explore.

Newport Beach

Located between Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach, Newport Beach is an urban beach city and boasts The OC’s famous shopping destination: Fashion Island, ideal for harborside strolling and exploring various waterfront restaurants this town has to offer.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a surfer’s heaven! Located at the northern end of the County’s coast, the consistent wave at this beach attracts a lot of surfers to enjoy wave riding. The city offers a long ocean side strand to stroll, and its Bolsa Chica Wetlands attract birdwatchers from across the globe to spot some 390 different bird species.

Irvine

Irvine is a college town and is one of the largest cities in the OC. The famous University of California campus attracts students from across the globe to pursue their dream education. The restaurants here are famous for delicious Asian food. Travelers can get a one-of-a-kind experience on a hot-air balloon at the city’s Great Park.

15 How To Spend A Perfect Day In Orange County

Beachfront homes in Newport Beach, Orange County
Photo by Derek Liang on Unsplash
Beachfront homes in Newport Beach, Orange County

Travelers can start their day with any of the beach towns along the Pacific Coast based on their interest, choose Huntington Beach for surfing, Laguna Beach for its beautiful landscape, coastline, art, and culture, and Newport Beach for a luxury beach stay.

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Families must include a visit to Anaheim for the famous Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Shop at California’s most loved South Coast Plaza and the SoBeCa District, and eat at some of the best American restaurants located in Orange County.

For travelers interested in Heritage and history, a stroll down the streets of Old Towne Orange, and an exploration of Mission San Juan Capistrano, famous for its swallows, and the Richard Nixon Library is much recommended.