When you think of California beaches, fun in the sun, and great amusement parks, Orange County comes to mind.
There are also historic parks and landmarks throughout the county to add to your experience. Whether you have recently moved to the county or looking to visit in the near future, there are a few things to do that you need to keep in mind to get the full Orange County experience.
Fun Things To Do in the Orange County Area
If you want to have the best experience when you come to Orange County, there are some things to do that should be at the top of your list before you leave or take off on your adventure.
Knott's Berry Farm
One of the favorite theme parks in the area, Knott's Berry Farm offers a Wild West theme for families and groups who want to spend a fun afternoon out in the California sun. There are over a dozen rides available, with something for everyone at your party.
Disneyland
This is a must for anyone who wants to spend several days exploring the magic of Disney with their family and friends at Disneyland. Like its sister park on the East Coast, Disneyland hosts several parks within that has rides, shows, shopping, and great food for everyone to enjoy. If you are a local, visit frequently with season passes and enjoy the magic of the park all year.
Angels' Stadium
Catch a game while you are in Anaheim at the Angels' Stadium. It is one of the most fun experiences for couples, families, and groups of friends who are getting the full Orange County experience on a beautiful California day.
For Kids and Families: Things To Do
If you are coming to Orange County with your family of toddlers or teenagers, then there are some things that you certainly want to check out while you are exploring the different cities within the county limits.
Discovery Cube
Enjoy a morning or an afternoon in Santa Ana at the Discovery Cube. Your kids, no matter what their age, will enjoy this facility where they have interactive activities that promote their discovery and get their creative juices flowing with each exhibit.
Downtown Disney District
Down in Anaheim, you should take your family down the Downtown Disney District, where they get to experience a Disney experience of entertainment, shopping, and dining that is fit for the whole family, no matter how old the kids may be.
Pretend City Children's Museum
Let your smaller children truly engage their imagination when they visit the Pretend City Children's Museum. The activities available will keep them busy for several hours and make a great stop for a day out in Irvine.
More Adult-Oriented Activities
If you are coming to Orange County with other adults and want something that is structured more to your demographic, there are several fun activities that you can enjoy just for adults.
OC Wine Trolley
Get your history on Orange County while feasting on the best food and wine that the county has to offer. On this trolley, you are able to enjoy these delicacies while being entertained about the rich history surrounding the county and its early beginnings in the Wild West.
Quail Trail
Taking on the different hiking trails of Quail Hill where your group of adults can enjoy a great hike with fabulous views and a picnic lunch to enjoy. Take your time and make great memories with your friends while you spend time bonding together as a group.
Grab Some Surf Lessons at Banzai
While your group of adults is in Huntington Beach, grab some surf lessons, and see who is able to grasp the art of wave-surfing. A day in the water followed by an evening with your favorite seafood and cocktails makes for a great adult getaway.
Don’t Break the Bank: Free and Cheap Things to Do
If you are heading down to Orange County for a few days and want to keep a strict inexpensive budget, there are a few things that you can do that are relatively cheap or even have free admission.
Old Courthouse Museum
One of the oldest landmarks in Orange County is the Old Courthouse Museum. It has free admission for guests. There is a lot of exhibits and information available within this museum about Orange County and its beginnings before it was the prosperous and famous county that it is today.
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
Located in Fullerton, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center offers public guests free entry to their facility. The estate itself is one of the oldest in the county and it houses a historical gallery that has roots in the Southwest region. The grounds are also curated and landscaped beautifully for guests to enjoy during their visit.
Enjoy The Beach
While you are in Orange County, you should definitely enjoy free sand between your toes and take a dip into the beautiful Orange County coastline. The beaches are open to the public, so the only cost you may incur is parking while you spend a day or two at the beach.
Out on the Town in the Evening? Things to Do at Night
After you have spent the day out in Orange County, there are a few things that you should take on to get the full experience at night and continue enjoying your visit. While you can enjoy some shopping while you are out, make sure to engage in one or more of these activities, also.
Mission Escape Games
Once your group has gone out on the town in Orange County and had dinner, a trip to Mission Escape Games is one of the best ways to end your night in Orange County. Spend time with your group working to escape a room designed to keep you held within and see how well you all work together.
GlowZone
If you are still over in Huntington Beach, head over to the GlowZone for some old-fashioned arcade fun. Life on the beach does not stop when the sun goes down. In fact, that is when the arcade lights up and becomes the hot spot for locals and visitors alike in the county.
Hauntington Beach Manor
If you really want to make your night interesting in Orange County, take on the Hauntington Beach Manor or other haunted houses in the area for some suspenseful and spooky fun.
Couples: Your List of Things to Do
If you are visiting Orange County with your significant other, then there are a few things you must do while you are in Orange County as a couple.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach
In the evening, several beaches in Orange County play movies for the public to enjoy. Bring your own beach towel and/or chairs with a few drinks and enjoy a romantic movie under the stars.
Gondola Adventures
Take a romantic boat tour with your significant other and embrace the beautiful Pacific Ocean in its true beauty. The Newport Harbor offers a beautiful and exclusive tour for just the two of you that is explored on these quaint boat tours. Capture the magic of the night and the romance in the air when you book one of these tours.
Fullerton Arboretum
Enjoy the exquisite views of the Fullerton Arboretum. When you tour the venue, you will be met with spectacular views all around. The romantic vibe in the arboretum is eccentric since many weddings have been held on the property.
Creative Ideas with Some Unique Things to Do
When you visit Orange County, you are probably looking for something cool to do that is not available anywhere else in the immediate area. This is why you have to do one or more of the following unique things while you are in Orange County.
Pirate Tower
Hidden in Laguna Beach, one of the hidden gems in Orange County is the Pirate Tower. Not many tourists know about it, but it has an enclosed staircase to a private home on top of a cliff. The tower was erected in 1926 and has been enjoyed by viewers ever since.
Great Park Balloon
A much larger version of a hot air balloon, the Great Park Balloon can carry up to ten times the amount of people that a hot air balloon carries. It is a short ride lasting about a half-hour, but the view you get from the balloon is unmatched anywhere else in Orange County.
Thousand Steps Beach
There is a little work to put into it, with quite a bit of walking and steps involved, hence the name, Thousand Steps Beach, but this is another hidden gem within the county. It is tucked away and hidden from tourists who do not know it is there. It is private and is one of the cleaner areas on the beach for beachgoers to enjoy.
Indoor Things to Do: Don’t Worry About the Weather
If you happen to be in Orange County on a rare day when the weather is not cooperating, there are a few things you can do indoors to keep you and your family busy throughout the day.
Bowers Museum
Another location that strives to maintain the history of Orange County, Bowers Museum is great for kids and adults alike who want to explore more information about the culture of the area and its history while beating the rain or unwanted temperatures.
Hilbert Museum of California Art
Truly embrace the art and its history as it applies to California when you visit the Hilbert Museum of California Art. One of the best ways to truly embrace and appreciate the culture of an area is to learn about local art and embrace its effect on the community.
Are You Ready to Visit Orange County?
If you are looking to plan a trip to Orange County or recently moved to the area, there is something to keep you busy and entertained while you visit the different beaches and cities throughout the county.
Use this guide to help you determine which things you should do based on your group and what your budget may be while you are visiting.