Paraglide over the coastline at Torrey Pines31. Hard-hitting . Cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway (preferably in an open-top convertible) not only one of the best things to do in Orange County, but also one of the quintessential things to do in California! I absolutely love outdoor adventures, and some of my favorite activities include hiking, mountain biking, yoga, and of course, heading to the beach! This is another center for play-based learning. Take a day trip to the beach cities of Los Angeles: Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Malibu, etc. ), 31 Unforgettable Things to Do in Lake Atitlan | A Complete Lake Atitlan Travel Guide, A Complete 3 Day Banff Itinerary: How to See the Best of Banff in 3 Days. read about Deelite Distribution here. From walking along the waterfront to shopping at local boutiques, sunbathing, hiking, and snorkeling, theres plenty to keep you busy for the day or a full weekend on the island. The Orange County Business Journal presents the 2019 Civic 50 Orange County in partnership with OneOC, recognizing the 50 most community-minded companies with small, medium, and large Orange County workforces. This tour is perfect for a quick do-everything weekend trip. One of the major shopping destinations in Orange County is the Irvine Spectrum, an outdoor shopping center with over 100 shops to choose from and many dining options as well as a Ferris wheel, movie theater, improv theater, and spa. Flights tend to be a bit more expensive than flying into LAX (~40 miles away), which is the closest major international airport. Theres no need to book ahead and no admission fee (although donations are much appreciated). Save up for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences By Alan Gibbons, Astgik Khatchatryan, Barbara Neal Varma, Michelle Pagaran, Jordan Poblete and Chelsea Raineri - February 18, 2022 Spanning across Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, and Westminster, youll find over 4,000 Vietnamese-American businesses that make up an area in Orange County, California called Little Saigon. , 130. Instead, you sign up on your phone via the app. Parking can also be a giant headache, especially in tourist-frequented areas, such as Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. | Newport Beach, 69. Well, for starters, theres a hot air balloon, so theres that. If youre looking for more outdoor activities in Orange County, dont miss Crystal Cove State Park. Going to the beach is also one of the best free things to do in Orange County (although you usually have to pay for parking). There are plenty of accommodation options in Anaheim, as well as tons of restaurants and bars nearby! See a show at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts you can see a touring Broadway production, a symphony performance, or the ballet here (they are offering outdoor events, and indoor events are scheduled to be back check schedule here). | Irvine , 39. Spend the day wine tasting in Temecula Valley. Tucked away just a mile from the coast, Costa Mesa is a vibrant and eclectic city to explore. From beaches, hikes, foodie spots, shopping, and the arts, and photo spots, here are the things to add to your Orange County bucket list! Go wine tasting at A Hidden Vine on the Lake. Driving is definitely the best way to get around in Orange County. A marathon is a long-distance race of 42.2 km (26.2 miles) long definitely not an easy feat that requires training and hard work! 135. The Old Courthouse Museum is a Romanesque Revival style goliath from 1901. Enjoy everything this sunny part of California has to offer with this Orange County bucket list. -Richard Nixon home in San Clemente The Los Angeles Angels Stadium is in central Anaheim. Enjoy the coastal views from Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar. Grab some award-winning pizza at Pizzeria Mozza, the OC outpost of acclaimed chefs Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joe Bastianich, the team behind the famous Osteria Mozza in neighboring LA. Its kind of kitschy, but its one of those gotta-do-it-once types of things. SoCal has a TON of things to see and do, and most of them are within a two-hour radius. I will be planning a roadtrip in Cali soon and this will definitely come in handy! Time to make it real. Sample local craft brews at Bootleggers Brewery. Maple Springs trail is a 9.5-mile out-and-back hike with a 1,463-foot elevation gain. Read our guide to the Disneyland Magic Key Passes. The tour bus cruises down the coast, stopping at Laguna, Huntington, and Newport Beach beaches. Looking for some epic things to do in Los Angeles? FORT BRAGG, Calif. I've been playing on the railroad. Have a picnic at ONeill Regional Park. Walk along Marine Avenue to take in the local shops and dine on fresh seafood at one of the restaurants near the water. , 49. The tower looks straight out of a fairy tale and is one of the most unique Orange County attractions!| Laguna Beach , 84. Its perfect after a visit to the park or if you skip Disneyland altogether but still want Disney-themed things to do in Orange County. . Looking for more island escapes? -rodeo in august in San Juan Capistrano | Irvine, 34. This is the most stunning state park in the area, offering coastal views, plenty of easy hiking trails, tide pools, and historic buildings. I grew up and spent the first 23 years of my life in the LA area, and then lived in San Francisco for over a decade. Travel Guides Orange County Bucket List I recently came across this Los Angeles Bucket List as I was browsing Pinterest and decided it was time to put together an Orange County Bucket List. Great list too, -sailing lessons in Dana point harbor or Newport Beach $349. John Wayne Airport is served by several major car rental agencies. | Dana Point, 121. Here, you can get to know California sea lions, harbor seals, and northern elephant seals. Laguna Beach covers a long stretch of coastline, including multiple coves that are ideal for snorkeling. (and a lot of things to do within the area)! Support and celebrate the art of local artists at the Sawdust Art & Crafts Festival they also offer classes and workshops year-round! Instead of watching an Angels game from your hotel room or the bar down the street, go see the real thing. Check out the California art at the Laguna Art Museum, the oldest cultural institution in the area. Garlic & Chives is also supposed to be amazing! The Quail Trail crests Serrano Ridge and connects with dozens of trails in the San Joaquin hills, which eventually connect to Crystal Cove this was named the best trail in Orange County by Vacation Idea Magazine! Its the perfect summer activity! Youll find your pick of luxury hotels and resorts in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Orange County Bucket List - Things To Do in Orange County Before You Die, Santa Ana, CA. Although this isnt as much of a hidden gem as it used to be with its popularity on Instagram, finding the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach is still a fun thing to do in Orange County. Visit the International Surfing Museum. Local tip: During October, Knotts Berry Farm transforms into Knotts Scary Farm, which is one huge haunted house. -rent kayaks in Dana point harbor One of the best things to do in Laguna Beach is to explore the art scene. Hi Heather!! Bay Shores Peninsula (Newport Beach): Best choice if youre looking to stay in Newport on a budget. Even the founder of the museum, Natalie Kotsch, isnt a surfer. Find the Pirate Tower on Victoria Beach23. | Rancho Santa Margarita, 116. Roam the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Springs41. A definitely must on any Orange County bucket list, for both kids AND adults! They have tons of unique flavors (which are always changing) which are all delicious! Cross the border into Tijuana for authentic Mexican food29. Hike to the Sinks, aka OCs mini Grand Canyon, at Limestone Canyon. Admire the seasonal flowers in the horticultural oasis of the Sherman Library & Gardens. Friday, September 1, 2023: 5PM - 10PM . Sony. Get a combination with a rice bowl! As the name suggests, the Downtown Disney District is another Disney-related activity. The trail offers beautiful beach views, but is also situated along railroad tracks, so you can see the trains go by.| San Clemente , 125. Orange International Street Fair | Enjoy OC Stay overnight at the Crystal Cove cottages. Visit The Huntington Botanical Gardens6. Orange Countys airport, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana. Check out the Old Courthouse Museum in the Downtown Santa Ana Historical District. If theres one thing you cant miss with a visit to Orange County, California, its the beach. | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, The Ultimate Guide to San Juan Capistrano, How to See Granada in 2 Days: A Perfect (and Detailed!) It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Follow along as I search California and the world for the tastiest desserts, the most colorful photo spots, the coolest hidden gems, and more! Grab your friends and rent a duffy boat to cruise around the waters of Newport Beach. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Sip on some of OCs best coffee at Portola Coffee Roasters. Seriously the best donuts in Orange County! Fan the page to get updates.. | Newport Beach . Hike to the Top of the World, and enjoy 360 panoramic views of Orange County and Laguna Beach. Always check the latest restrictions and business information to make sure they are open before you head out. See the best views of LA from the Griffith Observatory4. Hi Karletta, I am so happy to inspire you to come back for another visit! | Laguna Beach, 78. The Balboa Fun Zone is positioned along the Balboa Peninsula and has arcade games, a Ferris wheel, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. | Trabuco Canyon, 111. San Jacinto, 46. Or, if youre like me and surfing isnt your thing, head over to the Huntington Pier to watch the experts do their thing. 2. Love this guide!! Ive always seen these giant balloons, which are actually powered by helium and not hot air, from the 5 Freeway and have always been curious about them so obviously they ended up on my Orange County bucket list. Next-Day DeliveryWe've researched the least expensive delivery option, and it's Next-Day shipping! | Irvine, 46. Think of a unique photo idea for your hike to Potato Chip Rock32. , 132. Eat fresh seafood at Bear Flag Fish Co. | Newport Beach, 64. The street fair takes place throughout Old Town Orange around Plaza Park and Orange Circle on the following streets: Chapman, Glassell, Olive, and Orange. Ive had this on my Orange County bucket list for awhile now, but can never seem to snag a reservation hopefully soon! This is why I wanted to put together an ultimate bucket list for the best things to do in Orange CountyI have a lot of first-hand experience and knowledge around this area of California. Feast on some tapas at the trendy Lola Gaspar, in the heart of the Santa Ana Arts District. Never been to the States yet so I do not know what I would choose to visit my first time! | Costa Mesa, 97. We don't believe in spam, so you can rest assured that every email we send you will be hand-crafted full of awesome goodies. | Buena Park, 6. Not too far from Disneyland, youll find Sweet Rolled Tacos in Garden Grove. of my favorite things that Ive done and the all the new things Im discovering in the OC. Get first dibs on travel updates, tips, and deals. Visit the redwoods at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. You can easily ride along the beachside bike path to Huntington Beach and back. Orange County enjoys year-round sunshine, so there is really no bad time to visit! Once you arrive on the island, its easy to feel as if youve been transported to another time with the number of historic buildings, quiet trails, and the very few cars youll come across. If you have more time, a few other Orange County beaches to check out include the following: Looking for an even more in-depth look at the beaches in the area? Embrace your sweet tooth with a drool-worthy (and Instagram-worthy) churro and ice cream from the LOOP Handcrafted Churros. We make it easy to find & book the best things do in your city, all in one place. | Newport Beach, 67. After shopping, check out the many statues and installations as well as colorful murals around the city. Situated between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach and spanning 3.2 miles of coastline, theres a lot to explore at Crystal Cove State Park. I live for good design, coffee, red wine, pretty paper, and ramen (which I work off by running half marathons). I know, its so hard to choose what to do during your first trip somewhere! Havent done OCs grand canyon though, so that will be next! Take the OC Wine Trolley through Old Towne Orange. This is a rehabilitation center for Pinnipeds (the scientific category that seals and sea lions are a part of). Hike Saddleback Mountain via the Holy Jim trail up to Santiago Peak, the highest point in Orange County at 5,689 feet. Vietnamese Coffee or Cookies & Cream. It is displayed at 410-498 Olive Ave. in Huntington Beach. Ride the Orange Balloon at Irvines Great Park20. Looking for more info on Catalina Island? Bike, walk, SUP, or kayak in Mission Bay38. The 37-mile Trans-Catalina Trail takes 3-5 days to hike. This destination cafe is decked out in pink pop art and has a menu full of sweet treats that will make you smile. | Irvine, 42. Local Tip: Doheny State Beach is right next to San Juan Capistrano, so after youve had enough history for the day, you can relax on a nice beach. It also stands on a cliff overlooking the ocean, so you cant beat the views. Amazing ideas I want to do every single one of these! Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. From Santiago Peak, you can see as far as Catalina Island to the southwest, south Bernardino to the north, and Riverside to the East. Have a great time!! Jenn explores soup dumplings in the SGV and Orange County | The Bucket Thanks Liz! This California bucket list has been updated for 2021 and includes all outdoor activities so you can safely explore Southern California! | Huntington Beach, 53. Eat some upscale tacos at Taco Maria, which have earned many accolades for their elegant, modern Mexican fare, made from pre-Hispanic ingredients and heirloom products. During the Art Walk, the Laguna Art Museum offers free admission and the galleries provide free charcuterie and wine. The entire property has a stylish, modern vibe. Fullerton, California is located in northern Orange County near Anaheim and Buena Park. Watch a movie on the beach at Beachfront Cinema. Deciding where to stay will largely depend on which things to do in Orange County you are interested in, and your budget. There are fun sculptures and colorful flowers throughout Heisler Park. Order the omakase at Sushi Noguchi, known to have some of the best sushi in all of Orange County. | Laguna Beach, 88. Read our guide to the best hikes in Orange County. Read our guide to the best hikes in Laguna Beach. | Costa Mesa , 105. Will-Call(self pickup) at our location; which is FREE. Attend a Festival in OCs Art Capital, 25. Public transportation does exist, but is rather inefficient in getting you where you need to go. In celebration, I came up with this Orange County bucket list, filled with over 130 (yes, 130 see, told ya there was a ton of cool things to do in Orange County!) Downtown Disney is the area you walk through to get to Disneyland or California Adventure. Located less than 6 miles from Newport Beach, and less than 2 miles from South Coast Plaza. 718 Comments Here is our Bucket List of things to do and see in Orange County, CA Prior to exploring an area, we like to plan out all the activities that we would like to do. Take the aerial tram up to Mt. Slurp on a bowl of udon or soba at Fukuda. Two years later, I found myself making the move to the OC. I hope you have a good road trip playlist because its time to turn up the tunes and meander along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. While youre there, dont miss out on visiting the Nix Nature Center to learn more about the history, flora, and fauna of the area. Top 10 best hikes in Orange County - The World Bucket List Ride all the rides, say hi to your favorite Disney characters, eat some Dole Whip and beignets, and catch the fireworks over the Sleeping Beauty Castle! I'm Heather, and I started this blog to share my California travel experiences with you. | Costa Mesa, 104. Admire Californias superblooms at Walker Canyon (Lake Elsinore), Chino Hills State Park, or the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. Im so happy you found it! This has always been one of my favorite things to do in Orange County since high school! | Brea, 9. | Irvine , 37. And you just made the list for me. From Southern California, continue north along the PCH for 656 miles of breathtaking views in all directions. | Anaheim, 20. There's something for everyone- a comic book shop, an army surplus store, chic coffee shops, a tea house, a pie shop, and so much more. This helps us know ahead of time what things we really want to see, especially since most of the time we are there for just a week. The tracks, laid. This 4 km (2.5 miles) hike in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park offers some of the most incredible views in Southern California. Comprehensive termite treatments. They'll cross the. 100 Things to Do in OC. 1. Stroll through the lively Downtown Disney district. This will come super in handy when we visit hopefully in a few months. Watch the surfers at Trestles, known as the Yosemite of Surfing you can spot many pro surfers here! Known for its stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous weather, Orange County is the quintessential image that most people think of when they think of California. Required fields are marked *. Here are some of my picks for where to stay in Orange County: Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa (Costa Mesa): Simple but comfortable rooms, with an on-site pool and hot tub. For more things to do in Irvine, check out Orange County Great Park. I just recently found out about this spot and immediately had to put it on my Orange County bucket list!| Silverado, 109. Each room comes with a marble soaking tub, a plush cream sofa, and luxurious robes. | Garden Grove, 48. Download your free Southern California Bucket List printable! In a few days, these 58-year-old pals, who have known each other since their days at Ridgecrest Intermediate School in Palos Verdes, will be leaving for London. 60. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. County Directory Assistance. I also have quite a few friends who grew up there who give me all the local tips whenever I visit for what to see and do. Crystal Cove State Park is another one of the most popular tourist spots in the area, so expect it to be somewhat crowded. Catalina Island is a little pricey, but if you can work it into your budget, a visit to Catalina Island is well worth the price and one of the best things to do near Orange County. Local tip: Parking is free for 15 minutes if you want to just hop out and walk around quickly. Hopefully you were able to add some new things. At the Fullerton Arboretum, youll see Orange County locals out for a stroll and university students learning about sustainable gardening practices. Grub on some Korean-Mexican fusion food at Urban Seoul. I live right next door and I am just now realizing exactly how many things []. Watch surfers at the Wedge in Newport Beach. Copy this page as a Link. Try their mochi cookies as well.| Costa Mesa , 106. Yes yes yes! I mean miles and miles of outdoor fun! If you can, stop through Orange Countyits so pretty and so many people overlook it! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Take a gondola ride through the canals of Newport Harbor. Three Seventy Common's bucket of fried chicken with sides including garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, smokey braised greens, kale salad, cole slaw, green beans and spice cake, from bottom left. If youre looking for even more fun places to go in Orange County, make a trip to Knotts Berry Farm for some serious roller coasters. We've delved deep to find not only the classic must-sees of this iconic city, but also the eccentric, unique, and just downright spectacular hidden things to do in Los Angeles. and, specifically one of the best things to do in Anaheim. Your email address will not be published. Share this page to Linkedin. 43. Make sure to visit Heritage Hill Historical Park during one of the free tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 am. Spanning 34 cities and taking up the space between Los Angeles and San Diego, theres a lot of ground to cover in the O.C. 2. | Orange , 24. For most people, its beaches and Disneyland. Read more about my story here. The metal sculptures are pretty amazing too! If I ever find myself in Southern California again I will certainly use this for inspiration and hopefully I will tick a few boxes of. Read my detailed guide to backpacking the Trans-Catalina Trail. Plus, biking is way more efficient (and fun) than walking. Orange County's Ultimate California Bucket List Guide (formerly caroekg.com), COPYRIGHT 2023 - PICTURES & WORDS. I wander the world aimlessly in search of delicious food, spend way too much time dreaming of my next adventure, and kinda miss the fog (after complaining about it every day for 11 years). 65. Not only do you get to see some of the worlds best surfers compete, but they have lots of vendors, live music, and just lots of summer fun, making this one of the best things to do in Orange County in the summer! 43 Berg "Wozzeck". favorite_outline. Get dim sum at the first US outpost of Tim Ho Wan (the original location in Hong Kong received a Michelin star). Ive been to LA but only hit 2 of the items on your list. There are lots of amazing Vietnamese restaurants, but one of my absolute favorites is Brodard be sure to order the nem nuong cuon, or pork spring rolls. Meanwhile, the route via Holy Jim Trail and Main Divide Road is to the south. Read my guides to the best hikes and beaches on Catalina Island and how to plan a Catalina Island day trip. Its definitely on the touristy side but also free and worth visiting at least once for the full Disney experience. One of the best ways to see Orange County cities is on a bike. Sit inside the Dana Point Sea Cave21. These sugary tacos are perfect for those hot Southern California days, whether youre traveling in Orange County with kids or simply looking for a fun treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. | Laguna Beach, 89. Sip on some cocktails inside the Blind Rabbit, a secret speakeasy. Beautiful pictures as well. Get a frozen banana at one of the banana standsbecause theres always money in the banana stand (ha ha, any other Arrested Development fans out there?). Jazz and classical meld perfectly in this irresistible American classic. This is an interactive activity center focused on kids learning about the real world through play. | Irvine, 45. This is a fun way to see the beach, harbor, and Balboa Island from a unique perspective. World-class museums. These free things to do in Orange County also made our bucket list By Alan Gibbons, Astgik Khatchatryan, Barbara Neal Varma, Michelle Pagaran, Jordan Poblete and Chelsea Raineri - February 22, 2022 The best things to do in Orange County! Orange County Summer Bucket List For OC Families Going to Hello Kitty Cafe with a group of friends is a lot of fun. Top of the World Trail - a short, steep, and worthwhile hike Credit: Instagram / @r0syr0ses First up on our list of the best hikes in Orange County is the stunning Top of the World Trail at Laguna Beach. You can sign up for the open access day at letsgooutside.org, Really fun and creative idea. 30minutes from Disneyland and there are plenty of dining and shopping options in this area as well. There are plenty of hiking, rock climbing, and star gazing opportunities in the park read more about what to do on a Joshua Tree day trip here. Address: 99 Plaza Square #75, Orange, CA 92866 With plenty of boutique and antique shops and restaurants of every kind, Old Towne Orange is a great destination for a weekend outing with friends or family. The scenic tower, also known as La Tour, was built in 1926 for beach access from the house that was built above it.

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