Twenty years ago, Orange County had a much more laid-back, quieter atmosphere with fewer modern attractions. The shift toward more trendy nightlife, larger shopping experiences, and advanced entertainment options has since transferred the county into a more dynamic and bustling place for tourists and locals alike. There’s no shortage of things to do in OC, from exploring beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures to experiencing unique dining and cultural spots. Here’s a curated list of the top 100 things to do in OC:
Beaches & Coastal Fun
1. Relax at Crystal Cove State Park and explore the tide pools.
2. Take a photo at the Pirate Tower on Victoria Beach.
3. Walk along the scenic Heisler Park in Laguna Beach.
4. Ride the Balboa Ferry to Balboa Island.
5. Explore the charming streets and shops of Balboa Island.
6. Ride the Ferris Wheel at Balboa Fun Zone.
7. Take a sunset walk on the Huntington Beach Pier.
8. Take a kayaking tour with sea lion viewing in Laguna Beach.
9. Take a leisurely walk along Newport Beach Pier and enjoy stunning sunsets and coastal views.
10. Visit Thousand Steps Beach and explore the sea caves.
Outdoor Adventures & Hiking
11. Hike to Top of the World in Laguna Beach for incredible views.
12. Walk among redwood trees at Carbon Canyon Regional Park.
13. Kayak or paddleboard in the Newport Back Bay.
14. Go whale watching and dolphin from Dana Point.
15. Explore the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area.
16. Spot wildlife at San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary.
17. Take a nature walk at Sherman Library & Gardens.
18. Hike Peters Canyon Regional Park for scenic lake views.
19. Visit the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach.
20. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Culture, History & Museums
21. Tour the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.
22. Stroll through the Los Rios Historic District (the oldest neighborhood in California).
23. Explore the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.
24. Visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda.
25. Check out vintage planes at the Lyon Air Museum.
26. Admire outdoor sculptures at Noguchi Garden.
27. Visit the Casa Romantica Cultural Center in San Clemente.
28. Explore Laguna Beach Art Galleries and Museums.
29. Discover unique art at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA).
30. Walk through Old Towne Orange, known for its antique shops and historic charm.
Theme Parks & Family Fun
31. Spend a magical day at Disneyland in Anaheim.
32. Experience thrill rides at Disney California Adventure.
33. Ride the classic Timber Mountain Log Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm.
34. Scream on Xcelerator at Knott’s Berry Farm.
35. Get soaked at Knott’s Soak City Water Park.
36. Play interactive exhibits at Discovery Cube OC.
37. Let kids explore at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine.
38. Visit the Great Park Balloon & Carousel in Irvine.
39. Watch a medieval jousting show at Medieval Times in Buena Park.
40. Enjoy a pirate-themed dinner at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure.
Food & Drink Experiences
41. Eat your way through Anaheim Packing District.
42. Grab a fresh Cuban pastry at Porto’s Bakery.
43. Enjoy delicious desserts in a vibrant atmosphere at The Spoon.
44. Sip cocktails with a view at The Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach.
45. Enjoy oceanfront dining at The Deck on Laguna Beach.
46. Taste authentic tacos at Tacos Los Cholos.
47. Experience a hidden speakeasy at The Blind Rabbit in Anaheim.
48. Visit Rodeo 39 Public Market for diverse food options.
49. Relax with a drink and take in the stunning sunsets and fish aquarium at Edge Bar at VEA Hotel.
50. Indulge in tasty desserts at the House of Chimney Cakes in Anaheim.
Shopping & Markets
51. Shop luxury brands at South Coast Plaza.
52. Browse the outdoor shopping at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
53. Stroll through the trendy shops at The Lab Anti-Mall.
54. Explore the eco-friendly shopping at The Camp in Costa Mesa.
55. Find unique gifts at SOCO & The OC Mix.
56. Walk through the quirky Old World Village in Huntington Beach.
57. Discover handmade goods at the Orange Circle Flea Market.
58. Hunt for vinyl records at Creme Tangerine Records.
59. Take a leisurely stroll, shop and enjoy a scenic ride on the 108-foot Ferris wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center.
60. Check out the Laguna Beach Farmers Market.
Entertainment & Nightlife
61. See a Broadway-style show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
62. Watch live music at House of Blues Anaheim.
63. Enjoy a symphony performance at the Pacific Symphony, Great Park Live in Irvine.
64. See indie bands at The Observatory OC in Santa Ana.
65. Visit Pacific Amphitheatre during the OC Fair.
66. Enjoy a sunset drink at Pasea Hotel’s Treehouse Lounge.
67. Visit a rooftop bar at Huntington Beach’s Pacific City.
68. Sip craft beer at Golden Road Brewing in Anaheim.
69. Try wine tasting at McClain Cellars in Laguna Beach.
70. Explore the bar scene in Downtown Fullerton.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
71. Attend the OC Fair in Costa Mesa (summer).
72. Watch the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (December).
73. Experience OC’s tallest tree, dazzling holiday displays, and festive shopping at the San Clemente Outlets. (December)
74. Walk through the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach.
75. Enjoy the Orange International Street Fair (September).
76. See whales at the Dana Point Festival of Whales (March).
77. Celebrate the season with affordable and festive fun at Holidayz at the Park in Irvine’s Great Park.
78. Immerse yourself in the festive holiday lights at Dana Point Harbor and snap photos with the Merry Kiss Me and Happy Harbor Days displays. (December)
79. Watch sandcastle competitions at the San Clemente Ocean Festival.
80. Go to the Tustin Tiller Days festival.
Relaxation & Wellness
81. Get a spa day at Montage Laguna Beach.
82. Soak in the hot springs at Glen Ivy Spa (Corona).
83. Indulge in a Balinese-inspired treatment at Aarna Spa inside Pasea Hotel & Spa.
84. Experience ultimate relaxation with beachside yoga in Huntington Beach.
85. Book a massage at Pelican Hill Resort.
86. Take a sound bath at Be The Change Yoga.
87. Walk the Fullerton Arboretum for a peaceful retreat.
89. Enjoy a serene stroll through the peaceful gardens, featuring hidden meditation spots, at Niguel Botanical Preserve.
90. Spend the day at Surf & Sand Resort Spa, Laguna Beach.
Scenic Drives & Lookout Points
91. Drive along Ortega Highway for stunning mountain views.
92. Take in the scenery at Lookout Point Park in Corona del Mar.
93. Hike up to Inspiration Point in Newport Beach.
94. Take a leisurely walk along the Dana Point Bluffs and enjoy stunnig harbor views.
95. Catch the sunrise at Top of the World in Laguna Beach.
96. Go for a sunset picnic at Crescent Bay Point Park.
97. Walk out to the Pirate’s Cove viewpoint in Newport.
98. Watch the waves from Dana Point Harbor.
99. Take in the panoramic views at Alta Laguna Park.
100. End the day with a bonfire at Huntington Beach.
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Where to Stay
Here are some suggested hotels in Orange County, California, ranging from luxury to budget options, located near landmarks and popular activities like Disneyland, beaches, Knott’s Berry Farm, and cultural sites.
Luxury Options
- Montana Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach: Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this resort offers stunning ocean views, a full-service spa, and the Mosaic Pool with a poolside bar. It’s perfect for a luxurious coastal escape with access to surfing, art tours, and beach activities. Book a room here.
Nearby Activities: Art galleries, Crystal Cove State Park (hiking and beach), Pageant of the Masters (seasonal). - Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club:
A Five Diamond-rated resort with a private beach club, three pools, and oceanfront golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Ideal for a laid-back yet indulgent stay with coastal cuisine and activities like whale watching. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Whale watching, surfing, Dana Point Harbor (kayaking, sailing). - Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Offers direct access to Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney District. Features luxurious rooms, themed pools with waterslides, and fine dining at Napa Rose. Perfect for families or Disney enthusiasts seeking upscale comfort. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney shopping and dining.
- The Resort at Pelican Hill: Known for its Italian-inspired design and massive Coliseum Pool, this resort offers villas with full kitchens and panoramic coastal views. Great for golf lovers (Pelican Hill Golf Club) and those seeking a serene luxury retreat. Book a room here.
Nearby Activities: Golf, Newport Beach, hiking at Crystal Cove, sailing.
Mid-Range Options
- Paséa Hotel & Spa: A modern beachfront hotel with ocean-view rooms, a spa, and a rooftop bar. Offers bike rentals and watersports facilities, making it ideal for an active beach getaway. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Huntington Beach Pier (surfing, dining), Main Street nightlife, windsurfing.
- Balboa Bay Resort: A waterfront retreat with bay views, a heated pool, and a celebrated dining scene (A+O Restaurant | Bar). Balances luxury with accessibility to Newport’s yacht-filled harbor and shopping. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Balboa Island Ferry, Fashion Island shopping, Newport Beach water activities.
- The Ranch at Laguna Beach: Nestled in Aliso Canyons, this boutique resort offers a mix of luxury and nature with an outdoor pool, spa treatments, and a 9-hole golf course. Great for outdoor enthusiasts. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Aliso Beach (surfing, kayaking), hiking, whale watching.
- Hyatt Regency Orange County: A family-friendly hotel just 1.4 miles from Disneyland, with spacious suites, an outdoor pool, and a shuttle service (seasonal). A solid mid-tier option for theme park visitors. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Disneyland, Angel Stadium, Anaheim Convention Center.
Budget Options
- Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center: Affordable and modern, with an outdoor pool and free breakfast. It’s a 15–20-minute walk to Disneyland, offering great value for theme park trips. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Anaheim GardenWalk.
- Ayres Hotel & Spa Mission Viejo: A boutique-style hotel with a pool, spa, and free breakfast, located 27 minutes from Disneyland. A budget-friendly choice with a touch of comfort near historic sites. Book a room here.
Nearby Activities: San Juan Capistrano, shopping, hiking in nearby canyons. - Hotel Pepper Tree: Offers extended-stay rooms with kitchenettes, an outdoor pool, and a quiet vibe. A practical, low-cost option for families or longer visits. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Berry Farm, Disneyland (20-minute drive), Buena Park entertainment.
- Laguna Beach House: A budget-friendly boutique hotel with a nightly wine hour, outdoor pool, and proximity to art galleries and beaches. Ideal for a coastal stay without breaking the bank. Book a room here. Nearby Activities: Laguna Beach art galleries, Main Beach, Pacific Marine Mammal Center.