You are not going to be disappointed if you are planning a trip to Orange County, California. This Southern California hotspot is bursting with miles of beautiful coastline, amazing food and drink, fun activities for the whole family, and an abundance of sunshine. Here are seven of the best things to put on your itinerary list for Orange County, California.
Day at the Beach
There is no doubt that the biggest draw of Orange County is its many beaches. Regardless of if you are looking for a secluded experience or if you want to immerse yourself in all of the action, there is a beach for you in this corner of California. Huntington Beach is the ideal place to catch a wave surfing. Looking for an artsy and upscale vibe? You would be wise to head to Laguna Beach. Conversely, partiers will love the vibe of exciting Newport Beach.
Hit Up the Breweries
Southern California’s brewery scene is exploding, making Orange County one of the hottest places to be for beer snobs. By hiring a private chauffeur driver for your day of fun, you know that you will be safe and well taken care of. Lean on chauffeur services so that you can truly kick back and enjoy your time exploring all of Orange County.
Head to a Winery
If beer is not your jam, the area also offers a number of wine tasting rooms. Newport Beach is one of the best places to sample some of the Golden State’s best wineries. However, unlike the wineries in Napa Valley, this location also provides scenic beach views while you sip your wine. There is nothing better than watching the sunset on the Pacific Ocean while enjoying some of the region’s premier wineries.
Dive Into the Disney
No trip to Orange County is complete without a trip to the Disneyland theme park. In addition to the traditional Disneyland park, visitors can also enjoy the adjacent California Adventure theme park. You should plan at least two days to visit these parks so that you do not have to rush through all of the magic. Both theme parks offer a host of family-friendly attractions as well as thrill rides, guaranteeing that everyone at your party will have an excellent time.
Head Out on Hike
If getting your exercise in the water is not your idea of fun, you will be pleased to learn that Orange County is also home to some of the state’s most popular hiking trails. Head to El Moro Canyon Loop Trail for a challenging five-mile hike amidst colorful wildflowers and the ocean in the distance. This looped trail is located close to Laguna Beach, making it a great pairing if you want to hike in the morning and hit the sun and the surf in the afternoon.
Visit a Museum
Orange County is more than just stunning natural beauty. This populated area also offers a number of interesting and entertaining museums for you and your family to enjoy. Located in Santa Ana, the Bowers Museum boasts an extensive collection of art from ancient China, the Pacific Islands, and more. Also in Santa Ana, you will find the Discovery Cube family museum, featuring a variety of hands-on exhibits that kids will love to explore. To learn more about the interesting history of the area, be sure to visit the Old Courthouse Museum.
Discover the Tide Pools
Many people visit Orange County to check out the area’s distinct tide pools. These pools are home to a bevy of sea animals and wildlife. You can find these pools during low tide at various beaches throughout the county. Laguna Beach is especially popular because of its many tide pools. Animals that you can expect to find in the tide pools include mussels, hermit crabs, and sea urchins. Be sure to show the tide pools and their inhabitants the respect that they deserve as you check out their natural habitat.
There is no shortage of ways to enjoy the beauty and fun of Orange County. This list of seven things to check out is a great place to start your Southern California adventure.
