As a beach gal, Orange County always offers a lot of options for a sunny and warm escape. Whether you’re from the area or visiting, there’s a lot more to this county than the crowd infested Disneyland and heading to Laguna Beach to pretend you’re friends with Lauren Conrad.
If you’re looking for something to do on a nice Southern California day, head to one of these 11 Orange County attractions.
Crystal Cove State Park, nestled along Pacific Coast Highway and the beach, is the perfect place to come in for a nice walk along the water, a moderate hike, or to walk down to the ocean. Also, the next stop up from Crystal Cove is an outdoors and animal-friendly Ruby’s.
8471 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 92651
2. Balboa Island
I head over to Balboa Island whenever I want good Italian Food (Amelia’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant), cute shopping (there are countless boutiques that range from inexpensive to expensive), and to see lots of fat cats. The only thing to do on Balboa Island is to roam around Main Street, but it’s worth doing, trust me.
Main Street, Balboa, 92662
If you’re in Orange County during the summer months, June 26 to August 30, to be exact – you have to make a visit to Laguna Beach for the Saw Dust Festival. The festival is for the creative and crafty. Drawing more than 200,000 visitors each year, the festival features works from Orange County artists and demonstrations classes. Ever wanted to make your own jewelry? This is the place to go.
Last year, I bought an amazing photograph (shown above) from the festival. Best piece of artwork I’ve owned thus far!
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 92651
4. The Wedge
The Wedge, in Newport Beach, is one of the best surf and spectator sports along the coast. The Wedge, created by accident during the 1930’s when the city created the rock jetty that separates the harbor and the ocean, has crazy big waves. When the waves approach the shore at a specific angle (generally from the south swell), a second wave will hit along the jetty, creating a larger, wedge-shaped, unpredictable, and unstable wave. The waves can get so big that are recorded to reach 30 feet high in the past. Despite the danger of this beach, it’s a famous and popular surf, skimboarding, boogie boarding and body surfing beach for those who dare.
Balboa, CA, 92661
5. Orange County Great Park
Most hot air balloon rides cost a pretty penny, but the balloon a the Orange County Great Park is only $5 to $10. The Great Park Balloon was created to be a public observation deck and can fit 25-30 passengers at a time. Just make sure to come early and reserve your shop – they fill up quickly!
1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, 92606
6. Thousand Steps Beach
This is another attraction in Laguna Beach. Thousand Steps Beach is exactly what it sounds it – it’s a beach that takes 1,000 steps to get to (great butt workout if you ask me.) Once you make it down the steps to the beach, there are caves to explore, flat sand beaches, and crystal blue water. Just don’t wear yourself out playing at the beach, there is still 1,000 steps to get back up to your car.
31972 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 92651
7. Old Towne Orange
I went to undergrad in Old Towne Orange at Chapman University. If you’re looking to enter a time warp and feel like you’re a part of Gilmore Girls, this little town will certainly give you that feel. Old Towne Orange, centered around a two main streets Glassell and Chapman, has antique shops galore. In recent years, the town has started to adapt to the college atmosphere surrounding it. So if you’re looking for amazing happy hour deals, try Citrus City Grille or if you’re in need of a perfect little black dress, Laurenly has you covered.
Chapman and Glassell, Orange, 92866
Catalina Island is only an hour off of the coast of Orange County. While it’s not considered part of the county, Catalina is a great stop for a short and romantic vacation or a day trip. Once you’re on the island, rent a kayak and cruise around the beaches. Last time I went, I packed a bottle of wine and lunch for my buddy and I. We beached the kayak, and Wa-La – you’re on private (but pebble!) beach.
#1 Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon, 90704
9. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is a fun area for young adults. Head to Main Street in the center of the city for upscale shopping (Diane’s Swimwear!) and good food. If you head out during the summer, be sure to make to the Vans US Surf Opening July 27 to August 2.
Main Street, Huntington Beach, 92648
If you’re looking to rent or take out a Duffy boat, sailboat, or any type floatation device (I love paddleboarding) the Newport Beach Harbor is the perfect venue for these boats and toys. Follow the harbor into the canals of Balboa Island to get lost and explore the mansions alongside the water.
700 East Edgewater Place, Newport Beach, 92661
11. Downtown Disney
Ok, yes. I said Disneyland is not worth the visit because of the crowds. But Downtown Disney is a great place to go for a fun dinner, enthusiastic atmosphere, and a Disney feel without the Disney cost. I particularly love visiting the Hard Rock in Downtown Disney for live music and small crowds.
1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 92802