Discover the Best Orange County is on the West Coast of the USA. It is the smallest country in Southern California. Dynamic Los Angeles, in the north and San Diego, in the South, is a collection of small cities. This country has been home to native Americans for thousands of years, and in 1776, European settlement took hold with the construction of Mission San Juan Capistrano. With mansions, palm trees, lined private streets, mountains and city centres, Orange County is the epitome of California.
From the sheer magic of Disneyland and the endless wineries, museums, and natural parklands, here are some things to do in Orange County.
Best Time to Visit
Months | Things to do |
Spring and Summer | Stunning fireworks, seed spitting contest |
Winter | whale watching expedition, hiking, yoga, jazz events |
Fall | Stunning fireworks, seed-spitting contest |
#1 Dana Point Harbor
It is located in the southern region of Orange County. It is known for watching dolphins and whales, boating and paddle boarding. You can also book a ferry to Catalina Island. It is also known as the “Whale Capital of the West”. It is a home to marine wildlife. This place is a must-see place in Orange County to experience live whales and dolphins.
You can make your vacation memorable with world-class sportfishing and whale-watching charters. Watching whales and dolphins is the best thing to do in Orange County, so come in winter to see grey whales, and summers will be the best season to see blue whales.
- Location: 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA
Popular : Top 10 Adventure Best Theme Parks In California 2024
Hotel Near Me
Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
- Location: 34280 Pacific Coast HWY, Dana Point, CA 92629
- Phone no: 800-568-8520
- Price per night: $149
#2 Knott Berry Farm
It is the best amusement park in Orange County, located in Buena Park. It is the best place to do fun things in Orange County with your family. This place was once used as a berry farm, but now it is famous for the world’s best wooden roller coaster. The riders are taken up 30- stories and then dropped down in 3 seconds.
This place is for adventurous people. You can also make your vacation more interesting with thrill rides, shows, shops, and restaurants, especially Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
- Location: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620-3225
Hotel Near Me
Knott’s Hotel
- Location: 7675 Crescent Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
- Phone no: 714-995-1111
- Price per night: $101
#3 Thousand Steps Beach
This beach is the most expensive in Laguna Beach. Because of its name, some tourists get scared that they have to climb thousands of stairs. But do not worry, you have to climb just 218 stairs. Sandstone cliffs surround this beach. One of the main attractions is a full walk-through cave a few hundred feet down the shoreline.
- Location: 1429 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2070
Hotel Near Me
Mason Beach Inn
- Location: 324 W Mason St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3822
- Phone no: 805-962-3203
- Price per night: $296
#4 Mission San Juan Capistrano
This historic landmark of California was built by the Spanish in 1776. It was built by the Spanish in 1776. This top Orange County destination has a historic museum, chapel, and botanical garden, making it the best place to visit in Orange County.
It is a tribute to California’s history, native American, Spanish, and European. If you want to do some unique things in Orange County and learn about the state’s history, you must visit this place.
- Location: 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano
Hotel Near Me
Autograph collection
- Location: 26907 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano
- Phone no: 949-503-5700
- Price per night: $484
#5 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
This reserve is enclosed by 1300 acres of wetland and is the largest preserve of Orange County, consisting of thousands of plants, birds, and mammals. It is the best attraction in Orange County for bird watchers and nature lovers. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities in Orange County, then this place is best for you for hiking.
The Hike on the wetland next to the Pacific Ocean is amazing. It is the largest saltwater marsh. There is an abundance of things to do in Orange County.
- Location: Entrance at Warner Ave, Huntington Beach
Hotel Near Me
Extended Stay America
- Location: 5050 Skylab West Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
- Phone no: 844-210-4793
- Price per night: $152
#6 Corona Del Mar State Beach
The city of Newport Beach operates this beach, which is the most popular beach among tourists. One of the things to do in Orange County is to visit this 30-acre-long protected sandy beach, which is popular with families and swimmers. This beach is ideal for swimmers and for those who want to sunbathe. Towering cliffs surround this beach and make an ideal backdrop for a romantic date night.
- Location: 3100 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, US
Hotel Near Me
The Resort at Pelican Hill
- Location: 22701 Pelican Hill Road, South Newport Coast
- Phone no: 888-507-6427
- Price per night: $1532
#7 Crystal Cove State Park
If you are looking for a day trip in Orange County, it is the perfect starting point for an adventurous day trip. This park is between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach and covers a 4000-acre area. This area is on the National Register of Historic Places because of 47 cottages. Its high coastal bluffs block out the rest of the world.
Moro Beach is popular among the swimmers. It’s a state park that boasts more than 18 miles of trails for hiking. You can also see starfish, crabs, and occasionally octopi in the low tide area.
- Location: 8471 N, Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
Hotel Near Me
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
- Location: 34 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA 92657-2123
- Phone no: 800-444-7275
- Price per night: $774
#8 Disneyland
Disneyland is the place where you all want to come and explore. Disneyland’s theme park is a source of unending happiness and fun for families and kids. Its resort is located in Anaheim. Disney’s name got to the height when the theme park was added. To experience family activities in Orange County, visit Disneyland, which has added new rides.
If you want to spend more days there, buy a Park Hopper ticket, which will give you access to the Disneyland campus and California Adventure. Your kids will be amazed by the Avenger area, the Pixar Pier, and many rides and amenities.
- Location: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92802
Hotel Near Me
The Westin Anaheim Resort
- Location: 1030 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802
- Phone no: 657-279-9786
- Price per night: $326
#9 Anaheim Packing District
It is the best place to find a huge variety of lunch or dinner options. In 1919, this place served as a warehouse for a packaging plant, but afterwards, it was turned into a giant hall. You have an option of more than 25 spots to taste food.
Location: 440 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805
Hotel Near Me
The Anaheim Hotel
- Location: 1700 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802-2316
- Phone no: 714 278 4420
- Price per night: $280
#10 International Museum
It is a popular area for people seeking a fun day basking in the sun, grabbing seafood, and enjoying the ocean. It is also known as “surf city”. It was founded by a Canadian woman named Natalie Kotsch in 1987 and has a collection of boards and surfing memorabilia. The museum houses a 42-foot-long surfboard that is the world’s largest surfboard.
This museum also bagged a position in the Guinness Book of World Records. You can also catch live music on Sunday.
- Location: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5142
Hotel Near Me
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
- Location: 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
- Phone no: 714-861-4470
- Price per night: $533
#11 Laguna Art Museum
Laguna Art Museum is known for its beautiful landscape and scenery. Over a hundred galleries have something for everyone to appreciate every first Thursday of the month, known as the First Thursday Art Walk. This art gallery opens at night with live music.
- Location: 307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1696
Hotel Near Me
Laguna Beach House
- Location: 475 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1629
- Phone no: 949-301-8045
- Price per night: $491
#12 Great Wolf Lodge
It is located in Garden Grove. You can enjoy an indoor water park all year round, as the water temperature is around 84 degrees. The water park itself has lagoons, slides, and a treehouse, a water tower with a huge 500-gallon bucket that fills up with water. Pools also include basketball courts, and you can take a wrap in the six-story water funnel. There is more fun, such as arcade glow-in-the-dark golf and pyjama storytime.
- Location: 12681 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92840-5857
Hotel Near Me
Delta Hotel
- Location: 12021 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840-4001
- Phone no: 00 1 714-867-5555
- Price per night: $163
#13 Balboa Fun zone
This fun zone is a great destination for things to do in Orange County. It is located in Newport Beach. There is a ferry wheel on which you can enjoy the views of the harbour. Games like ski balls keep the kids happy. You can rent a bike there for a boardwalk, or if you want to get in the water, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards or a Duffy boat. You can enjoy seafood, pizza, corn dogs, ice cream and chocolates there.
- Location: 600 E Bay Ave Ste R, Newport Beach, CA 92661-1347
Hotel Near Me
Balboa Fun Resort
- Location: 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
- Phone no: 949-645-5000
- Price per night: $645
Conclusion
Whether you are a Savvy local or a curious tourist, Orange County has something for everyone. It is the best place for family and also for kids. It is famous for its Disneyland Resort, beaches and farms. There are many things to do in Orange County for couples, families, and kids to do. If you don’t want to spend money, then there are lots of free things to do in Orange County, like free events on Thursday, free entry to museums, free summer concerts, and the annual festival.
So, what are you waiting for? Buckle up and book a ticket for Orange County, and enjoy your vacation there with your family and friends.
FAQs
What is the best town in Orange County?
Laguna Beach is the best town in Orange County.
What is the wealthiest city in Orange County?
Newport Beach is the wealthiest city in Orange County.
What are the best things to do in Orange County?
Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium and Children’s Museum are the best things to do in Orange County.
What is the best time to visit in Orange County?
Spring and summer are the best time to visit Orange County.
What is the minimum budget to visit Orange County?
$800- $1200 is the minimum budget to visit Orange County.