Things to do Orange County California
Centrally located in Southern California making it the perfect starting point for your day trips. You don’t have to venture too far to find many interesting destinations. The county has 40 miles of coast with wide sandy beaches and world class surfing. Inland you will find two major theme parks, shopping malls, golf courses and hotels to fit every budget. Most of these destinations are free or low cost and make a nice day trip for locals or visitors to the OC.
Orange County is huge and is highly populated. The beach communities of Orange County are fantastic. When most people think of the OC, they think of the inland areas. Which is natural, since the OC does contain many inland cities. Including Anaheim, (Disneyland) Irvine, Fullerton, Costa Mesa Yorba Linda, Santa Ana among others.
But, the beach communities such as Seal Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, (surf city) Newport Beach, Sunset Beach, are really fantastic little communities that deserve to be visited. Orange County is just behind Los Angeles County in population with roughly 3 million people. Fantastic beaches, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, it is full of places to visit and worth a closer look, take the time to see the OC, you’ll be glad that you did. Don’t forget the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Fullerton Arboretum
The Fullerton Arboretum, a 26-acre botanical garden with an ecologically arranged collection of plants from around the world. Also on the grounds Heritage house and Nikkei Heritage Museum.
Irvine Regional Park
This park has something for everybody: fishing lakes, trails, horse back riding, picnic tables, a zoo, train rides, and pony rides are just a few of the activities going on at the park This is the perfect place to spend the day.
Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
The nine acre Library & Birthplace is a three-dimensional walk-through memoir featuring a 52,000 square foot museum and the restored 1910’s Nixon birthplace.
Newport Beach Ecological Reserve
The reserve has over 1,000 acres of open space. The park includes the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. A paved road follows the south side of the bay.
Crystal Cove State Beach
Crystal Cove State Park offers 3.5 miles of coastline in its natural state. The Crystal Cove Cottages are now available for public rentals after going through a complete restoration.
Aliso and Woods Canyon Park
4,000 acres of wilderness and natural open space land. Hiking and mountain biking heaven for Southern California. You are rewarded with Ocean views at Top of the World.
Little Saigon Westminster
There are approximately two hundred restaurants in Little Saigon along with many shops and malls. Park your car and walk to enjoy all the sights and sounds of Little Saigon.
Centennial Farm
A 4-acre working farm at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center. View pigs, peacocks, cows, honey bees and more while strolling though gardens of lush vegetation. open to the public seven days a week
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Two hundred years old monument that offers tours through its 10 acres of gardens, fountains, and structures. Many shops and restaurants are near-by the mission.
Bowers Museum
One of Southern California’s finest museums and Orange County’s largest. World class exhibitions and collections. The museum also has Kidseum an 11,000 square foot children’s museum providing art and cultural for children.
Orange County Zoo
The Zoo’s focus is on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States. Petting zoo for the kids . Admission Fee: $2.00 per person ages 3 years and over.
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is the home of the tall ships”Pilgrim” and the “Pride of Dana Point”, as well as the Ocean Institute. The Harbor houses two Marinas which have about 2,500 boat slips.
Crystal Cathedral
The main sanctuary building which was constructed using over 10,000 rectangular panes of glass. The church is known for its world-famous architecture.
Sherman Library & Gardens
The Gardens provide a museum of living plants, displayed amidst a setting of immaculate gardens, beds blooming with seasonal flowers and bubbling tile fountains.
International Surfing Museum
Contains collections of surfing memorabilia and culture. A shrine to honor the Father of Surfing, Duke Kahanamoku is featured at the museum .
Newland House Museum
The museum is located in the oldest residence built in the city of Huntington Beach. The original Newland ranch had 500 acres in which they planted lima beans and sugar beets.
