Here is the ultimate Orange County bucket list with over 150 suggestions (written by a local) on things to do, see and eat.
Here in Southern California, we have two of the most well-known cities in the USA (I may say in the entire world): Los Angeles and San Diego.
Nevertheless, between those cities, and its respective counties, lies another Californian jewel: Orange County.
You may not have heard about the county but I am sure you are familiar with Disneyland, Richard Nixon, and Gwen Stefani. All of them have roots in Orange County.
Compared to its mammoth neighbors, this extension of land may look small. However, it has been said the best things come in small packages. And, let me tell you, this county packs a big punch.
If you enjoy beaches, history, theme parks, food, and shopping, here I am to tell you all about the places to go in Orange County!
Table of Contents
Places to Go in Orange County
Orange County has a population of about 3 million and it is considered the third-most populous county in California and the sixth in the country.
The county does not have a defined urban center and, as a consequence, the population concentrates in the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and Huntington Beach.
The county used to be part of Los Angeles but a new county was formed in the late 1800s due to population growth.
Nowadays, Orange County is famous because of its theme parks, beaches (42 miles), and roles in music and TV.
Cool Cities and Neighborhoods
These neighborhoods offer beachy vibes, trendy eateries, open-air markets, and vintage stores.
- Huntington Beach (boardwalk and pier)
- San Clemente (beach and pier)
- Downtown Anaheim
- Downtown Santa Ana
- Downtown Fullerton
- Seal Beach (beach and pier)
- Old Town Irvine
- Old Town Orange
Museums
Those who prefer arts and culture have a lot to choose from.
- International Surf Museum
- Newland House Museum
- Laguna Art Museum
- Orange County Museum of Art
- Casa Romantica
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Los Rios Historic District (oldest residential district in the county)
- Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
- Muzeo (Anaheim)
- Irvine Museum
- Children’s Museum at La Habra
- Heritage Hill Historic Park
- Bowers Museum
- Centennial Heritage Museum
- Discovery Science Center
- Marconi Automotive Museum
- Richard Nixon Library and Presidential Birthplace
- Balboa Island Museum
Ethnic Neighborhoods
As Los Angeles, diversity is one of the assets of Orange County. Get a taste of other countries in these neighborhoods.
- Little Arabia (Anaheim)
- Little Seoul or Korean District (Garden Grove)
- Little Saigon (Garden Grove, Westminster, largest Vietnamese community in the US)
- Little India (Artesia)
Food, Delicious Food
If you like food (and who doesn’t?), come prepared with your stretchy pants. The food scene in Orange County is outstanding.
- The Packing House (Anaheim)
- 4th Street Market (Santa Ana)
- Union Market Tustin
- Union Market Mission Viejo
- Pacific City (Huntington Beach)
- The OC Mix
- McFadden Public Market
- Trade Food Hall
- The Crab Cooker (some say they have the best chowder on this side of the country, I am not convinced)
- Watson’s (drugstore and soda shop)
- Ruby’s Shake Shack at Crystal Cove
- The Hobbit (house converted into restaurant)
- Taco Maria (one of the best restaurants in the county, famous for its black tortillas)
- Vaca
- Mastro’s Steakhouse (so good!)
- Javier’s
- TJ’s Woodfire Pizza
- Din Tai Fung
- Manpuku Tokyo BBQ
- Beachwood BBQ
- Los Sanchez (Sonoran Style Mexican Food)
- Anepalco on Main
- El Farolito
- Gabbi’s Mexican Food
- Ramos House Café
- Slapfish (Lobster Rolls!)
- Fukada
- Anjin
- Mil Jugos (Venezuelan food)
- Portos Bakery & Café (stop by, please)
Festivals and Markets
It is impossible to mention all the events that take place during the year. Here are some of the most popular (but there is something going on every weekend).
- Tet Festival (Costa Mesa)
- Fiesta de las Golondrinas (Return of the Swallow’s, San Juan Capistrano)
- Newport Beach Film Festival
- Spring Citrus Festival
- Orange County Fair (Costa Mesa)
- Doheny Blues Festival
- Strawberry Festival (Garden Grove)
- Tustin Street Festival
- Sawdust Festival (Laguna Beach)
- Festival of Arts
- Laguna Art-A-Fair
- Pageant of the Masters
- La Habra Corn Festival
- International Street Fair (Orange)
- Surf City Nights
- Silverado Days
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- Orange County Market Place (Costa Mesa, the area’s most famous swap meet)
- 626 Market
- Santa Ana Art Walk
Notable Hotels
Los Angeles is full of glamorous hotels but Orange County has never been behind in this aspect. The main cities are home to top-notch hotels that appear every year on glossy (travel) magazine’s “best of” lists.
You do not have to stay in one of these hotels to enjoy them. A visit to the restaurant(s) or lounge would be a nice experience.
- Montage Laguna Beach
- The Resort at Pelican Hill
- The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
- Monarch Beach Resort
- Pasea Hotel and Spa
- Crystal Cove Beach Cottages (the (non-luxurious) historical cottages are very hard to rent)
- Avenue of the Arts
- Balboa Bay Club
- Anaheim Hotel
- Disney Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel)
Beaches
Orange County has a ridiculous number of good beaches. Pick your favorites!
- Seal Beach
- Surfside Beach
- Bolsa Chica State Beach
- Huntington City Beach
- Huntington Dog Beach
- Huntington State Beach
- Sunset Beach
- Balboa Beach Pier
- Cameo Shores Beach
- China Cove Beach
- Corona del Mar State Beach
- Little Corona del Mar
- Crystal Cove (many beaches to choose from)
- Newport Dunes Resort Beach
- Newport Municipal Beach
- Beach around the Newport Jetty
- Capistrano Beach Park
- Dana Point Harbor Beach
- Dana Strand Beach
- Doheny State Beach (camping is allowed)
- Salt Creek Beach
- Crescent Bay Beach
- Main Beach (Laguna Beach)
- Thousand Steps Beach
- Treasure Island Beach
- Calafia Beach
- San Clemente State Beach
- San Onofre State Beach
Piers (North to South)
Strolling on a pier is a Southern California classic. There are multiple options for sunset watching.
- Seal Beach Pier
- Huntington Beach Pier
- Newport Pier
- Balboa Pier
- San Clemente
Outdoors
The County has plenty of outdoor recreation too. As a matter of fact, we love being outside (even in winter).
- Mile Square Regional Park
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
- Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
- Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
- Fullerton Arboretum
- San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Santa Ana River Trail
- Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary
- Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
- Dana Point Headlands
- Orange County Great Park
- Drive the Ortega Highway
- Crystal Cove State Park (do not miss this place! It is gorgeous!)
- Balboa Ferry
- Balboa Island (and try a famous Balboa Bar)
- Duffy boat rental (Newport Beach)
- Newport Beach Back Bay and Dunes
- Surf in Huntington Beach
- Gondola Ride on Newport’s Bay
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center
- Trabuco Canyon
- O’Neill Regional Park
- Davey’s Locker (fishing and whale watching)
- Hortense Miller Garden
- Irvine Regional Park
Universities
Centers of educations have beautiful campuses and interesting museums.
- University of California, Irvine
- California State University, Fullerton
- Soka University of America
- The Art Institute of California
Theme Parks
Anaheim is the theme park epicenter of the world since it is where the first Disney park opened its doors. As a consequence, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide area dominated by all things Disney. Plus, there are other big parks located nearby.
- Disneyland
- Disney’s California Adventure (different than Disneyland, separate or park hopper ticket need for entrance)
- Downtown Disney (free of charge are full of stores, restaurant, and cafes)
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Knott’s Soak City
- Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
- Medieval Times
- Orange County Zoo
Sports
For those who love the action!
- Angel Stadium
- Honda Center (Home of the Anaheim Ducks)
Shopping
If you love to shop, you have come to the right place. The shopping complexes in Orange Country are huge and varied (way better than the ones in Los Angeles). You can plan an entire vacation around this theme.
- South Coast Plaza
- The LAB Anti-Mall
- Irvine Spectrum
- Fashion Island
- The Block
- Irvine Spectrum
- Old World Village
- MainPlace, Santa Ana
Music and Theater
For those who want to keep the soul happy, here are some options.
- House of Blues
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- Laguna Playhouse
- Irvine Barclay Theater
- South Coast Repertory
More Fun
Here are some more options for those who want more of life (like me!)
- Balboa Fun Zone
- Sherman Library & Garden
- Crystal Cathedral
Getaways
Orange County has enough to keep people busy for a long time (weeks and months) but I know there are some overachievers out there. Distances were calculated from Anaheim.
- Downtown Los Angeles (25 miles)
- Santa Monica (40 miles)
- Venice Beach (40 miles)
- Long Beach (25 miles)
- Malibu (60 miles)
- Big Bear (90 miles)
- Northern San Diego County (70 miles)
- San Diego (95 miles)
- Palm Springs (90 miles)
- Temecula (60 miles)
Resources
For more information about the city, I recommend checking the following resources. They may help you to get discounts or deals for events and restaurants.
- Orange Coast Magazine
- SoCalPulse
- The Orange County Register
- OC Weekly
- Eater LA (has articles on Orange County hottest eats)
- Groupon
- Yelp
- TripAdvisor
- Travelzoo
Sightseeing Gear
Get ready for a day of sightseeing by bringing the right gear. Here is a list of the items I pack to explore cities and towns in California.
- Walking Shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a must. I recommend investing in a good pair. My go-to brands are Clarks, Tevas, and Sketchers.
- Anti-Theft Bag – Keep your belongings safe by keeping them in an anti-theft bag. The ones manufactured by Travelon have a 5-points security system including an RFID blocking pocket. >>Check out their crossbody bag here If you prefer a backpack, this one is a good option
- Sweatshirt – A sweatshirt is a must to keep me warm during chilly mornings and nights. >Click to see this California appropriate option here
- Sun Block – Do not leave the house (or the car) without applying sunblock. I repeat, always wear sunblock when outdoors. >Buy sunblock here
- Lip Balm with Sunscreen – Protect your lips by applying a balm with sunscreen. >Get one of the best lip balms here
- Wide Brim Hat – A wide brim hat is a great way to protect your scalp, face, and neck. The ones manufactured by FURTALK come with an anti-UV function. >Buy this amazing hat here
- Hand Sanitizer – Do not forget to pack hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
- Sunglasses – These are another must when it comes to protecting from the sun. A polarized, sporty pair works better outdoors. >Take a look at this wonderful pair
- Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle. >Check out the insane options here
- THERMOS Tumblers – I have been a fan of the THERMOS brand since I received a tumbler as a gift. The tumblers keep drinks hot for hours. >>Buy THERMOS insulated tumblers here
- Camera – I have never gotten used to taking pictures exclusively with my phone. I prefer to use the Sony Alpha a6000. It is compact and takes gorgeous pictures. >Buy Sony Camera here
- Tripod – A compact tripod to take your photos and videos to a different level. >>Check out this popular option here
- Portable Power Bank – It is a pain to keep phones charged on trips (more if you are taking pictures, posting on social media, and navigating). Having a power bank is a lifesaver. The Anker portable charger can charge a phone 5 times. >Buy this incredible power bank here
More of Southern California
Wait! There is more! If you are in the area check out my guides for Los Angeles and San Diego.
And, if you want to get more insight into Orange County Beaches, check out this post:
Residents, how many of these have you visited? Visitors, which of these would you like to experience? What other places to go in Orange County can be added to the list?
If you enjoyed this article, please share it!
Time to pin!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
What a great and comprehensive list, Ruth. We used to live and work in Orange County so it always holds a special place in my heart. It’s kinda sad that some visitors don’t venture beyond Disneyland and the beaches. There are so many great places throughout the OC.
Carol says
Wow! You did a list of everything except for residents’ names. Pinned and shared my dear. Fab post.
Jeanna says
Doesn’t sound as if you’d ever get bored there and a nice variety of photos to show what the county has to offer. Orange County is pretty famous though, if I had to think of another country besides mine that’s the first one I’d think of. Looking at your photos and looking outside at the snow is quite the contrast let me tell you.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
You certainly make it look like a tempting place to visit!!
Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/02/some-african-ceremonial-masks.html
photo cache says
I have to fess up here. I have been outside many countries and I haven’t been to OC. Shame on me. Hoping to remedy this situation this year or next year. This would come in handy.
Jesh StG says
Great to see the real, everyday Los Angeles basin, Not Disney World, Beverly Hills, or Hollywood. Now we don’t live there anymore, our condo was a 5-minute walk from South Coast plaza.
You asked about my big painting – I finished that Sept -Oct., but very interestingly already before it was finished, small groups of people looked at it – not by direct invitation for art, but wanted to visit us. Haven’t shown it at my blog yet, since I want to have enough emotional distance to present it. I’ll alert you when I do:)
kiran v bakale says
NICE POST THANKS FOR SHARING
Eileen says
Hello, California is a beautiful state. The scenic views are lovely. I enjoyed the beaches and the parks.
Enjoy your day!
Sarah says
California is calling me!! Especially for the FOOD! Your photos and recommendations have my mouth watering. I just remember from the last time I was in Cali how much I loved the food haha
Lillian Small says
Looks like a beautiful and colourful place to live and visit! Love the colours in the photos.
Esther says
Oh, I need to get my little paws on some of that food. It looks SO goooood!!
#WanderfulWednesday
beatravelling says
Wow, this is an extensive list! Have heard of OC, and that there are great places, which you list proves, but the only place I’ve been is Disneyland 🙂 #wanderfulwednesday
Brigitte says
Your post make me want to go right now! Too bad I haven’t even ever visited the States. Cannot wait to go there some day and make a stop in Orange County as well.
X
Brigitte
Shareen - www.pearlsandparis.com says
Awesome post, would love to visit the OC!
BonBon says
OH my…. this is sooooo great!!! Very helpful indeed. Thank you:) Bookmarked it…
Nerissa says
Wow such a detailed list. I’d love to check out the market scene if I ever visited.
GINI says
So many choices to consider, really enjoyed the diversity of this blog.
Kate and Kris says
I read this with that theme song to the TV show ‘Orange County’ in my head – ‘California…’. Looks like a lovely place to visit and so much to do. So much diverse food too!
California Globetrotter says
Now you’ve done it. You truly have made me homesick! I lived in Fullerton while I went to CSUF and spent a lot of time going to Huntington Beach, Anaheim and all that jazz! And you’ve made me miss a good 50s diner like Rubys!! Great post! #WanderfulWednesday
Al says
I’ve been to some of these places in my visits to Southern California.
Alicia says
Oh, the OC! Such a comprehensive list with some stunning photographs. I think the sun and water alone are reason enough to visit Orange County! 🙂
Erin says
used to live in LA and LOVED escaping to orange county. so peaceful and everything has this glow about it – life on permanent vacation really. definitely need to discover more of these spots when i’m back in CA – especially devour those tacos!
Yvette Benhamou says
Had no idea Orange County was home to so many museums (or such a great food scene).
I’d be pretty interested in checking out The International Surf Museum. Great photos too.
jill says
That’s quite a comprehensive list! I’m headed your way in May – and can’t wait to do some of the things on that list. It’s been a very long while since I’ve been to the greater LA area and Orange County so I’ve lots to do.
Rachelle says
I love that you’re sharing the goodness of Orange County. I grew up in that area and was shocked that a lot of the world didn’t know about it. Thankfully the OC came around and all that changed. I agree, I’m not 100% sold that the Crab Cooker has the best chowder in the world, but it’s definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the world. I always get the shrimp on a skewer!
Vanessa Brune says
Ohhh I love this!! I don’t think I’ll be visiting California anytime soon but if I do, I’d definitely want to check out the more hidden gems so this list is perfect!!!
Rhonda Albom says
I’ve been to so many places in Orange County that I never thought of it as different than LA. After looking over your list, I think I have spent more time in Orange County than any other area in Southern California.
Sandra says
Highly impressed on how organized this post was! I haven’t been to Orange County yet, but it’s been on my list for a while.
#TravelPhotoThursday
Vicky says
This is such a great list, with some great photos! I’ve never been to the States, but this makes me want to hop on a plane!
Thanks for sharing with #feetdotravel
Anda says
I love Orange Country. We have some friends who live there and we go visit them once in a while. I haven’t seen any of those museums and haven’t eaten in any of the restaurants on your list, but I did shop at the South Coast Plaza. I was amazed how much better merchandise they have than we have here, in the area where I live (Glendale). #TheWeeklyPostcard
Caroline says
Ahh this is such an awesome list of things to do in the OC – I didn’t realize there was so much to do! I’ve always just gone to go to the beach, Disneyland, or to eat Vietnamese food! Definitely saving this list for next time I’m down there
Shona says
OMG! I honestly thought 150 was a typo but there really are over 150 places to go in Orange County. Firstly I thought Huntington Beach was still in LA so with there, the block & Disneyland, I’ve been to 3! LOL!
Cynthia Mackintosh says
I absolutely love this post and not just because I was born in Orange County. 🙂 There REALLY are a lot of things to do, smell, see and experience in Orange County!
Julia Dent says
Such a helpful post! I haven’t been to Orange County yet, so I’ll have to use this list when I go!
Brianna says
Dang! You’d need several months to see and do all of this! I’ve never been to California, but if I ever go, it sounds like Orange County is the place to be! 😛
Nailah says
Living in Los Angeles, I really should visit Orange County more often! Great list of suggestions…can’t wait to check some of them out.
Andrea Mayfield says
What a great guide! Orange County has so many great places!
Harmony, Momma To Go says
I didnt realize Anaheim was part of the OC – so I guess I was just there, but I want to explore the OC as in the beaches!
Jacqueline says
So much to see and do! You are so right, everyone knows and visits Los Angeles and San Diego, but Orange County?! Love that you’ve put all these museums, restaurants, beaches, hotels and so much more together! If I am ever in that part, I will for sure check this place out too!!
Travel Lexx says
Such an awesome list of things to see and do! Love all the food recommendations and I would love to check out Little Seoul as I love Korean food! Great list which i am going to dig up when I head back to the West Coast!
Becky says
Seems like there is a lot to do in Orange County, thanks for all the information! And the pictures are great 😀
Ozzy says
Wohooo How much things to do in Orange County!! Crazy to think you have done all of them!!!
Sharon says
This is quite a list! Your post is a great resource for me, as I live in San Diego and my daughter lives in LA. We will be driving through Orange County next weekend! My favorite place of all is Disneyland. We had a year’s pass that just ended and I already miss the Disney magic!
Anisa says
I haven’t spent much time in Orange County (just a weekend in Long Beach), but I would love to go back. I would really like to visit the ethnic neighborhoods that you mentioned.
budget jan says
Great Post. I think it will become some sort of OC Reference Bible. I’m sure it will be helpful for many people. I love the ocean shots.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
So many great things to do in Orange County – I have done/visited only a handful! The OC offers up so much variety, beaches, neighborhoods, activities, attractions – seems like you would rarely have time to get bored if you lived there 😉
sallie rainville says
That will keep anyone busy for a decade or so! What a wonderful reference tool. It really is an amazing area — and we already knew there was more to it than Disneyland … but there is a lot here to see that we didn’t know about. Maybe someday …..
Lauren says
What an impressive list! I’ve been to Orange Country, but only seen a few of these spots! Pinned this for when I’m in the area again!
Edith says
So many places to explore! 3 years near LA was not enough time to visit all these places but I’m glad we spent every weekend trying new ones. Once I’m back in Arizona I’ll for sure be going to the places we missed when we make roadtrips! #weekendwanderlust
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) says
Great list of places to visit in the OC. My favorites are the beaches and some great food. Your photos are awesome. There are some restaurants have yet to visit. Thanks for a comprehensive list. #feetdotravel
Angie (Feetdotravel) says
I have heard of Orange County but I don’t recall why (possibly American TV lol). I didn’t actually know it had this much to do but I would probably hit one of the beaches and not get very far after that, except maybe try another beach and one of the awesome restaurant options! Darn, I really need to get away from the beach more as you have provided plenty of other amazing things to see and do here! Pinned #feetdotravel
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
Once again, Ruth, you’ve got us eager to head west! Rob spent a lot of time in Orange County when he was younger, but together, we haven’t explored much of it. So many beaches, so many restaurants. Great to have this resource for when we go back!
Cliodhna Ryan says
This list is so useful and would be the perfect bucket list for someone just moving to Orange County! You have only increased my desire to visit California. I knew about the beautiful beaches but had no ideas about the parks and activities that were available.
Shikha Singh says
Just a word – ‘wow’. There is food, there is sightseeing and so much to explore. It’s a complete holidays destination for an international traveller. And foodies can munch so many options. It’s great! Thanks for sharing.
Remco Melis says
This is my first time visit at here and i am really happy to read all at single place.
Kina says
Ꮲretty! This was an extremely wonderful artіcle. Thanks fօr supplying this info.
8 says
Hola! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead
and give you a shout out from Dallas Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great job!
Agnes says
Living in San Diego, we don’t make it up there nearly enough. I didn’t know they had a decent museum scene!
Jonathan Liu says
Adventure City (theme park) and The Source (Shopping Mall) are also big-timey attractions with rollercoasters, movie theaters, and lots of shopping!
Slyvia Connely says
Really enjoyed reading this article! The insights you shared about the topic were informative and thought-provoking. I particularly found the part about the article to be very intriguing. It’s great to see such thoroughly researched and educational content. Excited about your upcoming content!