Orange County, home to Disneyland, is likely on your California vacation plan. Beyond Disney fantasy, OC offers arts, culture, beaches, and whale watching. This collection of Orange County attractions will help you discover it all, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local.
(Traveling more? You may also love our guides to things to do in Santa Fe or Portland, Maine.)
Disneyland Resort
No Orange County vacation is complete without Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Disneyland Park has Tomorrowland and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where you can sip Luke Skywalker’s blue milk or have a wrap at Ronto Roasters. Disney California Adventure Park, with its Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier, is nearby.
Park Hopper tickets let you visit both parks. The lovely Pixar Place Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa provide early park entry. The best time to visit? September–October, when crowds are low and weather is ideal.
Stroll and Nosh in the Anaheim Packing District
For foodies, Anaheim is paradise. The former Sunkist Anaheim Packing House is now a busy food hall. In the Packard Building next door, more food awaits. Orange Clementine Bakery’s citrus-infused cake is available at Farmers Park Market on Sundays.
(Check out our review of the best sports bar in Huntington Beach if you’re in the mood for a laid-back night out nearby.)
Go on a Craft Brewery Tour
A half-day North Orange County brewery tour visits award-winning Anaheim, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, and Laguna Beach. The greatest part—a designated driver—and craft beer tasting and munchies cost $97. Choose your departure city for a relaxed, carefully guided tour.
Spend a Day in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a must-see coastal retreat on California State Route 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Heisler Park on Cliff Drive has beautiful views, strolling walkways, and waves pools. Enjoy a picnic at The Salt Horse or hike Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Nature lovers may kayak with La Vida Laguna, surf at Thalia Street Beach, skimboard at Victoria Beach, and mountain cycle at Alta Laguna Park. Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Playhouse, and the rebuilt Rivian South Coast Theatre provide culture and entertainment.
Attend a Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues
Sundays at the House of Blues Anaheim are one of Orange County’s trendiest activities. Their Gospel Brunch includes an all-you-can-eat Southern-inspired buffet, waffles, fried chicken, and live gospel music to raise your spirits.
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, in southern Orange County, offers excellent waters adventures. Grey and blue whales may be seen on whale watching cruises in winter and summer. See the Ocean Institute or ride an old schooner with Curlew Charters.
Stay at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, indulge at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, and experience 180blu’s live music and sunset views. In nearest Capistrano Beach, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows is more comfortable.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach has 3.2 miles of beaches, 18 miles of hiking trails, and waves containing hermit crabs, starfish, and octopuses.
Visit Crystal Cove Historic District, a 12.3-acre beach hamlet with historic residences. Stay at Moro Campground or self-guide around this 1920s film-themed park.
Doheny State Beach
Surf, sunlight, and beachfront restaurants fill Doheny State Beach, one of California’s most popular beaches. OC tourists should choose it for a pleasant day. Bonus: camp here if one day isn’t enough.
(Also planning a Gulf Coast trip? Here’s what we loved doing in Pensacola and Destin, Florida.)
Bowers Museum
The Bowers Museum in Orange County is delighted to be a member of the American Alliance of Museums, a distinction held by just 5% of America’s museums. Solo travellers and curious families will love its shifting events, historical items, and interactive displays.
Knott’s Berry Farm
First theme park in California was Knott’s Berry Farm. A 160-acre park including Camp Snoopy, roller coasters, a water park, and an 1800s ghost town. Keep an eye out for Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and 1934-era fried chicken.
Get a Fast Lane pass to avoid lineups. Book the renovated Knott’s Hotel for overnight stays.
Enjoy Shopping and Art in Costa Mesa
South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa has Cartier, Armani, Bvlgari, and Gucci. Every meal at Knife Pleat or Tableau Kitchen and Bar benefits local organisations.
California Scenario, or Noguchi Garden, is an outstanding Isamu Noguchi sculpture garden feet away. Visit the Orange County Museum of Art, with 4,500+ works and a striking design by architect Thom Mayne.
Newport Beach Whale Watching Cruise
Take a Newport Beach whale watching trip to witness marine life up close. You may find an important thing and use it in your next viral Instagram clip with the Pacific Ocean as your background with a 96% success rate.
Hop on a Ferry to Balboa Island
Balboa Island, a beautiful man-made island with boutique shopping, the Fun Zone and frozen bananas with sprinkles, is a short boat trip from Newport Beach. The sunset brewery tour and “Best Bites” culinary tour include the boat journey.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Visit Mission Spanish missionaries created Orange County’s birthplace, San Juan Capistrano, in 1776. A lovely church, gardens, and artefacts including an 1875 map, 1855 Mexican currency, and Native American sets up are at San Juan Capistrano.
Celebrate St. Joseph’s Day swallows on March 19, summer concerts, and seasonal light displays.
Feel the Fun at Irvine Spectrum
Find entertainment at Irvine Crystal Centre in Orange County. Shop famous brands, dine at the Cheesecake Factory, see a comedy performance, or try a 60-minute escape room.
Go Horseback Riding
Trail rides around Irvine Regional Park on horses let you enjoy the California sun. See local animals, California Sycamores, and Coast Live Oaks for $60 per rider. Want a Hollywood ride? Get a guided riding trip near the Hollywood sign with Anaheim transportation.
Hike Quail Hill
The Southern California Quail Hill Loop Trail is a cheap trek. The 2-mile circle is simple to find everyday. Take a free audio tour on your phone or download it to use offline.
Conclusion
Orange County has plenty with attractions, from Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm to Crystal Cove, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach. For cuisine, art, family enjoyment, or history, the OC has adventure everywhere.
(Looking for more U.S. destinations? Here are our favorite things to do in Amarillo and unique places to stay in Maine.)