Orange County is home to so much! They have a killer surf scene, world-class resorts, and some of the best beaches in the US.
Check out Huntington Beach for some great surfing, or spend your days hanging out on one of their many top beaches. The resort scene is also something for you to enjoy. You can visit some of resorts situated in Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, just a short drive away from most parts of Orange County.
With over miles of coastline, it delivers a great escape any time with tons of options when you’re looking for an adventure. Here are some fun activities you will definitely appreciate in Orange County. You’ll love your time here- we guarantee it!
Fun Things to Do in Orange County, California
1. Have a Great Day at the Beach
If you’re seeking for some fun things to do in Orange County, come out and visit the beach. It is a beautiful place that won’t break the bank, and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
The beach offers a diverse range of activities for anyone looking to dip in the saltwater over the sun. Whether you want to take some pictures, play a game of beach volleyball, or run through the sand dunes, it is easy to uncover something fun. The beach also offers sports enthusiasts more than just volleyball and sand-dune running. One sport that is almost guaranteed to be in full swing at the beach is surfing.
Aboard your surfboard; you can enjoy being in the waves as they crash against your feet while you take on any breakers that try to knock you off course. You can also enjoy snorkeling off one of Orange County’s many beaches and watch all the colorful fish swim around beneath you as you discover all the hidden treasures that lie at the bottom of the ocean.
2. Taste It’s Crazy Flavors, Fun Shapes, and Delicious Ice Cream Taco
A sweet and crispy taste will make your day and your taste buds dance. These ice cream taco treats are the perfect way to cool down from an adventurous day. They can be found at Old Towne or some stalls around the city.
The flavor options are endless, giving you a myriad of choices when it comes to your next dessert at lunch or dinner. They also come in extremely cute shapes, making them a fun treat time after time. So come and taste a sweet treat to soothe your day and make it better.
3. Spend Atleast One Day at Disneyland and California Adventure
It is time for you to experience some fun and thrills, so spend a day or two at Disneyland Orange County. This location has plenty of fun things to do, from enjoying a few rides, taking pictures with their favorite characters, and stopping by one of the many Disney dining locations.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, visit the Hall of Mirrors at Disney California Adventure. It is designed to look like Hogwarts, and there are many fun things to do here, including taking pictures with your favorite Harry Potter characters.
If you are a fan of Disney cartoon characters, you will definitely want to take pictures with them at the Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. This area is filled with twenty-five attractions and several restaurants from which you can choose.
4. Tackle the Hiking Trail of Crystal Cove State Park
The Crystal Cove Hiking Trail is one of the best trails for those looking for a bit of fun and adventure. The trail begins at the parking lot in the back of Crystal Cove State Park. It’s about a mile hike up to where you will see several hills, cliffs, streams, and other views that are not found anywhere else in Orange County.
After the hike, you can enjoy the beach at Crystal Cove State Park along with a view of many other nearby Orange County parks such as Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Mission Viejo. The beach is a few minutes drive, and there are plenty of ocean-side trails for people to get a bit of exercise.
If you’re looking for great entertainment, check out the movie theater on-site, which features popular movies from all over the world. In addition, you can have dinner in one of the many nearby restaurants or just simply enjoy your food by making your own meal in one of the park’s many picnic areas.
5. Discover the Artistic Culture of Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is an art gallery and artist residency community for visual artists. It provides a platform for the creation of innovative works in a diverse range of forms and disciplines. The gallery stands as a hub where creatives can showcase their work to the central community and also give back through exhibitions, workshops, performances, residencies, events, and more.
As artists thrive on diversity in creativity and exploration of new ideas, they can share their thoughts with others in ways that inspire them. Check out how they express their different perspectives on life through artwork.
6. Learn History and Culture at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
One of the best places to learn about history in Orange County is the Mission San Juan Capistrano. It has been here for over four hundred years and was founded by Franciscan Friars. The mission is home to some of the most important cultural heritages that exist in the area.
The Mission San Juan Capistrano Museum provides insights on old Catholic traditions and ways of life that are no longer practiced today but are important to understand how people dealt with things when they were alive. It also includes glimpses into life as a Native American by taking visitors through a series of exhibits with artifacts made out of shells from California.
7. Hike to Dana Point
The Dana Point hike is an excellent option for those looking for some fun side activities to do after checking out the sights of Orange County. Hikers can enjoy the natural beauty of Dana Point by going on this easy hike between San Juan and Aliso Viejo. The trail is very laid back, so you can still appreciate nature no matter what kind of weather you are encountering.
The trail is also popular among hikers because it’s accessible, not too challenging, and people know that if they get astray along the way, there will be someone there to help them find their way back to safety. The hike to Dana Point is considered one of the best hikes in Orange County, and it’s definitely a lot of fun.
8. Be With the Animals at Santa Ana Zoo
If you’re traveling to Orange County for the first time, the chances are that the animals at Santa Ana Zoo will be your best friends.
You can find animal-themed tours and activities in the area that offer tons of fun and understanding for guests looking to spend their day from a new perspective. There is something for everyone, including an animal-themed movie night where guests get to watch their favorite Disney movies on a screen next to the zoo’s live animal shows.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Santa Ana Zoo is offering a Petting Zoo Safari, where guests can meet up with various animals that live in Africa. The activity takes place in a large open area perfect for people looking to get some fresh air and engage in some fun with their kids.
9. Travel to Orange County’s Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most surreal and spectacular places in the world. You’ll be able to see all sorts of different animals, plants, and geological features. It’s also just a fantastic place to take in the fresh air and escape from society for a day or two.
There are plethora of ways to experience the Grand Canyon, and one of those is to go on a Hiking Tour. The Grand Canyon boasts over 1.2 million acres, and you’ll be able to see quite a lot of it in just one day. You can start by crossing the river, and there will be some fantastic hiking involved.
Another fun thing for visitors to try is rafting down the Grand Canyon West River. Plus, you’ll encounter many different animals along the way.
10. Relax at Heisler Park
Heisler Park is a must-visit in Orange County for visitors. This site is located on the city’s edge and provides a good spot for beach walkers and mountain walkers. Not only is Heisler Park large enough to accommodate individuals with various exercise needs, but it also allows for various activities like surfing and body-boarding. All visitors can also enjoy peaceful times on the beach or some of its surrounding areas, such as upland stretches and reef spots.
The park also provides ample parking space that enables easy access from the hotel or apartment. This site features a recreational fishing area that allows beginners to fish with little effort required by them. Besides fishing, there are also some areas available for picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy the beach at Heisler Park and the sunbathing opportunities that it provides for visitors.
There is also a diving area and some platforms to jump off. The park also provides activities like boating and bird watching. Visitors of all ages can enjoy this state park in Orange County because it allows for a wide range of activities.
11. Take a Ferry Tour to Balboa Island
The ferry tour to Balboa Island is one of the most popular attractions that tourists flock to when they come to this part of California. Whether they are looking for a scenic ride, the rich history it has, or just a different experience from what they are used to, tourists know that Balboa Island is one of the best places in Orange County.
There are many places to go after the Balboa Island ferry ride or even before! Those places include the Balboa Pier, Huntington Beach Art Center, and the Huntington Beach Pier. This may be a good idea if you plan to take some surfing lessons at Huntington State Beach or take some photos at one of the many scenic overlooks located around.
There is a wide variety of shops, restaurants, arcade games, and bocce ball courts to visit and enjoy! You will have a daily cover charge, but it is much cheaper than other attractions in Orange County. You can also hire bikes for an additional fee. The roads are very wide, and traffic is minimal.
12. Enjoy a Day Trip to Catalina Island
Trust me, no matter the season, you can enjoy Santa Catalina Island. The great thing about this Orange County destination is that there are many things to do or see. You could spend your entire day trip just exploring the island and only visit a few of them!
With many family attractions on the island, you can experience the adventure together like at Two Harbors, hike and bike trails in a beautiful wilderness setting at Blue Cavern. If you’re looking to relax, then head to Pebbly Beach for some sand play with kids, and for adults, head into town where shops await!
Now that you have all these suggestions for fun things to do in Orange County, which one are you most enthusiastic about doing first? You could make each one a day excursion, and you’ll be indeed be occupied in your weeks of stay here! Have fun!
Which destination do you plan to visit next? These useful guides may be of interest to you before your next vacation. Visit our website for a complete list of articles. You’ll love it and want to get your bag and go!