15 Insanely Best Things to Do In Orange County California

Orange County is Southern California’s region which is famous for restaurants, shops, resorts & fun-filled attractions. From exploring pristine beaches, sunny weather, cultural experiences & outdoor activities, there are countless best things to do in Orange County California.

Whether you are in Orange County California for a memorable weekend getaway or want to enjoy a family-friendly vacation, this historic spot won’t disappoint you. So, today we are going to share with you 15 unique things to do in Orange Country in the form helpful guide. Keep reading!

15 Best Things To Do In Orange County California

A true & real California experience comes together when you visit Orange Country in California. Not only it’s famous for stunning beaches, cultural experiences & dining options but also more than that.

Let’s get started.

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

1. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is famous for its surf beaches with pristine charm. It was incorporated back in 1909. Huntington City Beach & Huntington Beach Pier are two of the famous nearby attractions. In Huntington Central Park, you can find fields, lakes & gardens with an equestrian center.

Nearby Attractions

• Huntington Beach Pier
• Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
• Huntington Dog Beach

Nearby Restaurants

• Taste of Beauty
• Sandys Beach Shack
• Treehouse On Pch

2. Crystal Cove State Park

One of Orange County’s large national parks with open space & natural shores. The special thing about Crystal Cove State Park is its pristine beauty, 3.2 miles of beach & offshore underwater area. Also, you can enjoy hiking in this natural park to camp too under an open area.

Nearby Attractions

• California Surf Experience
• Laguna Ethos
• La Vida Laguna

Nearby Restaurants

• Splashes Restaurant
• The Rooftop Lounge
• Selanne Steak Tavern

3. Balboa Island Ferry Ride

The Balboa Island ferry ride is a two-way ride that connects Balboa Island & Balboa Peninsula. The total length of each ride is 5 minutes one way. You have the option to take your car and just enjoy the ride as a passenger by remain seated inside. If you take this ride, you will reach the Balboa Fun Zone and explore some of best places in the area.

Nearby Attractions

• Fun Zone Boat Company
• Newport Legacy Cruises
• ExplorOcean

Nearby Restaurants

• Rusty Pelican
• Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
• Beachcomber Cafe

Theme Parks and Family Fun

4. Disneyland

A theme park at the resort of Anaheim, California. Disneyland was opened back in July 1955 and was the first theme park by the Walt Disney Company. It stretches over a 100-acre area. Plaza De La Familia, Micky’s Trick & Treat, and Halloween Screams are can’t miss experiences.

Nearby Attractions

• Disneyland Resort
• Adventure City
• The Queen Mary

Nearby Restaurants

• Mimi’s Café
• Puesto Anaheim
• Centrico

5. Knott’s Berry Farm

57-acre amusement park in Buena Park, California. Going to Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the fun things to do in Orange County for adults. There are 10 roller coasters in this park. In 2015, this berry farm was considered as 12^th most visited theme park in North America & now approximately 4 million visitors per year. 

Nearby Attractions

• Independence Hall At Knotts Berry Farm
• The Source
• Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center

Nearby Restaurants

• Coasters Diner at Knotts Berry Farms
• Spurs Chop House
• Ghost Town Grill

6. Downtown Disney

A lavish lifestyle center located at the Disneyland resort. Downtown Disney is one of the must-have things to do in oc this weekend. There are various shops & dining options inside the Downtown Disney. Make a plan to visit this place with your friends & family to enjoy amazing entertainment, delicious food & magical moments.

Nearby Attractions

• Angel Stadium of Anaheim
• Anaheim Packing District
• Radiator Springs Racers

Nearby Restaurants

• Starbucks Coffee
• Earl of Sandwich
• Beignets Expressed

Cultural and Historical Sites

7. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano is the birthplace of Orange County, preserving the ancient & cultural history. It was founded back in 200 years ago and today it is California’s multi-cultural history monument. Mission San Juan Capistrano welcomes more than 300,000 visitors every year.

Nearby Attractions

• Los Rios Historic District
• The Coach House
• O’Neill Museum

Nearby Restaurants

• Rancho Capistrano Winery
• Hendrix Restaurant and Bar
• Bloom

8. Bowers Museum

An impressive art museum with more than 1,000 objects & features famous strengths in different areas. While you stay in Orange County, visit Bowers Museum is one of the best free things to do in Orange County. Explore exhibitions, attend various events & indulge in dining options.

Nearby Attractions

• Discovery Cube
• Angel Stadium
• MainPlace Mall

Nearby Restaurants

• Tangata Restaurant
• Baskin-Robbins
• NORMS Restaurant

9. Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

A burial site of Richard Milhous Nixon, an old president, and his wife. Also, it’s a presidential library that is worth visiting. Not only visiting this place is one of the cheap things to do in Orange County but also you can enjoy the upcoming events that are filled with old cultural & presidential life history.

Nearby Attractions

• Winery at Main Street
• Red Lantern Escape Rooms
• Cross Roads Escape Games

Nearby Restaurants

• Blue Agave
• The Wild Artichoke
• Wise Guys Pizzeria

Parks and Nature

10. Orange County Great Park

Great Park in Orange County is a public park located in Irvine, California. The prime focus of this park is sports, arts & agriculture. It’s one of the best things to do in Orange County today. Orange County Great Park features public restrooms, and picnic tables & dogs are completely allowed with some instructions.

Nearby Attractions

• Irvine Spectrum Center
• Pretend City Children’s Museum
• Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena

Nearby Restaurants

• Habana
• Wood Ranch
• Yard House

11. Orange County Zoo

A small 8-acre zoo located within the Irvine regional park & one of the best things to do in Orange County, NY with kids and family. Orange County Zoo is mainly home to Southwestern US native animals and plants. Some of the famous animals in this zoo are Yo-yo, Elinor, Santiago, Amanda, Nacho, and Samson.

Nearby Attractions

• Santa Ana Zoo
• Fullerton
• The Reptile Zoo

Nearby Restaurants

• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
• Houston’s
• Brava Cucina

12. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Public land & natural reserve, wholly owned by California State. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve was established back in 1979. There is no fee to visit & explore this site. From wildlife, hiking, and viewing to exploring different types of Habitats, there are various recreational activities on this site.

Nearby Attractions

• Huntington Beach
• Pacific City
• Bella Terra Mall

Nearby Restaurants

• The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar
• Sea Salt at the Beach
• Olive Pit Grill

Shopping and Dining

13. South Coast Plaza

A luxury shopping mall with over 250 stores and restaurants, hosting special events like fashion shows and live music performances. Other than shopping & attending special events, South Coast Plaza features delicious dining options that ultimately fulfills the taste of every foodie.

Nearby Attractions

• Martin Lawrence Galleries
• Regency Theater
• The LAB Anti-Mall

Nearby Restaurants

• Seasons 52
• Water Grill
• Maggiano’s Little Italy

14. Fashion Island Mall

Outdoor regional shopping mall that was opened back in 1967. Fashion Island Mall comes with shopping, dining & unique entertainment experiences. It’s outdoor regional mall that welcome visitors who is interested to enjoy outdoor atmosphere while enjoying shopping.

Nearby Attractions

• Pure Blu Spa
• Sherman Library & Gardens
• Regal Edwards Big Newport

Nearby Restaurants

• Fleming’s Steakhouse
• Great Maple
• Ocean 48

15. Old Town Orange

Old Town Orange is one of the best downtowns & its streets are filled with collectible dealers, antique shops, bars & restaurants. You can enjoy different types of community events here like the Orange International Street Fair, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Candlelight Choir Procession.

Nearby Attractions

• Orange Circle Antique Mall
• Discovery Cube
• Bowers Museum

Nearby Restaurants

• Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar
• Finney’s Crafthouse
• SEA | seafood for thought

Final Words!

Orange County, California, offers a vibrant mixture of experiences that cater to diverse interests. From sun-soaked beaches and thrilling theme parks to cultural attractions and culinary delights, these are the 15 best things to do in Orange County California. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Southern California’s unique charm, Orange County has it all.

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