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77 Fun Things to Do in Orange County Today

Benjamin Juster

With idyllic Southern California beaches, world-famous amusement parks, nature, history, and ample other Orange County sightseeing to ingest–it’s easy to see where the adoration felt by so many locals and tourists comes from. It’s certainly not a hard feat to find some fun things to do in Orange County this weekend, whether you’re looking for family activities in Orange County, date night ideas, or solo activities.

 

Before You Go

Contents

Fun Things to Do in Orange County TODAY

To help you on your fun-seeking endeavors, we set out to make the most comprehensive list of the best Orange County places to visit that are open NOW.

This guide will take you into the most fun things to do in Orange County this weekend with family, with your significant other, with friends, or by yourself for some epic solo adventuring.

Be sure to drive safe! In case of the unfortunate event of a car accident, prepare yourself by checking out our guide for what to do if you get in a car accident while traveling. (And on a related note: we happen to know one amazing Orange County car accident attorney who is also a wonderful human being as well as an incredible personal injury lawyer, although we hope you never need him!).

Bookmark, Pin, and Share

This Orange County guide boasts tons of information, so we recommend you bookmark and/or pin it so you can continue to return to it as a resource.

And better yet, be sure to share it with your friends and family, so they can make their Orange County travel plans as well. We will update this post as news comes in.

 

Here are the most fun things to do in Orange County, California that are open now!

 

 

 

1. Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove by Drone

As nature lovers, we’re happy to mention Crystal Cove State Park first on our list of best things to do in Orange County, California.

One of Orange County’s largest remaining areas of undeveloped coastal open space and seashore, the park protects 3.2 miles of beautiful sandy beaches and coves.

 

 

Some of the best hiking trails in the area are also found at Crystal Cove, as well as 24 historic beachside cottages available for nightly rentals.

The park itself is free, but parking is $15/day per car.

If you split that with everyone in a full car, it can make a visit to Crystal Cove one of the best cheap things to do in Orange County this weekend.

 🗺️  Location: 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 6AM – Sunset

💰 Fees: $15/daily for parking

 

 

2. Balboa Island & Balboa Peninsula

Newport Beach’s Balboa Island & Peninsula offer some of the best Orange County tourist activities for visitors. At either, grab yourself a famous Balboa Bar or frozen banana!

 

Balboa Peninsula

On the Balboa Peninsula, you’ll find the main Newport Beach, Newport Pier and Balboa Pier, and Balboa Fun Zone.

The Balboa Fun Zone hosts some of the top Orange County kids activities, including a Ferris wheel, carnival games, and lots of tasty treats.

🍽️ Dine at Lighthouse Cafe, Bluewater Grill, Woody’s Wharf, Cabo Cantina, or The Old Spaghetti Factory.

 

Balboa Island

Balboa Island is a chic harbor island full of fun eateries and shops.

It’s the perfect size for exploring by foot or rental bike, making it one of the top fun things to do in Orange County, California.

Balboa Island is reachable by car, foot, or ferry.

🍽️ Some Balboa Island restaurants to check out are Royal Hen, 501 Park Avenue Bistro, and Shanghai Pine Gardens, Ciao Balboa, Wilma’s Patio Restaurant, and The Village Inn.

Balboa Fun Zone

On Balboa Island, you can also find Balboa Fun Zone, one of SoCal’s oldest amusement attractions.

🗺️ Location: Balboa Fun Zone, 600 East Bay Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92661

🕒 Hours: Balboa Fun Zone Hours vary due to season, check website

💰 Fees: Free admission; attractions have separate fees

 



Booking.com

 

3. Disneyland & California Adventure

It goes without saying that visiting Disneyland (and its sister park California Adventure) is one of the most fun things to do with kids in Orange County.

 

YOU’LL LOVE | Hilton Anaheim, walking distance to Disneyland

 

Don’t miss our guide to getting on the Rise of the Resistance ride!

Don’t visit Disneyland with your kids without taking part in one of the best toddler activities Orange County has to offer — posing with their favorite character!

 🗺️ Location: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

🕒 Hours: website

💰 Fees: website

 

 

4. Knotts Berry Farm

The 2nd-most-famous theme park in the area, Knotts Berry Farm proudly can claim its place on the list of top Orange County tourist attractions.

With 40 rides and loaded with more thrilling coasters than Disneyland, Knotts has oodles to offer those looking for the best Orange County kids activities.

 

READ MORE| 42 Tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

 

The park’s Camp Snoopy area is also one of the best things to do with toddlers in Orange County, with lots of rides catering to the little ones who aren’t ready yet for bigger rides.

🗺️ Location: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

🕒 Hours: website

💰Fees: website

 

 

5. Victoria Beach & Pirate Tower

Sunset from Victoria Beach

 

Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach is home to the whimsical Pirate Tower, and both are fun free things to do in Orange County.

The Pirate Tower was built in 1926 as an enclosed beach-access stairway, but it’s taken on a whole new life as one of the most quirky and unique landmarks in Laguna and Orange County.

 

Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach

 

How to Get to the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach

The Pirate Tower is at the northwest end of Victoria Beach.

Once you get down the stairs to the beach, turn right and follow the cliffs until you get to the rocks at their base.

You should be able to see the Pirate Tower from here. It’s a little bit of an adventure to reach, as you have to cross over lots of rocks and even jump over some gaps that lead down to the water below.

Don’t visit the Pirate Tower during high tide or other times of high or rough surf.

For these reasons as well, it’s not really recommended to bring small children with, either, although we did see a small boy by the tower upon our visit.

Right next to the Pirate Tower, you’ll also find one of the Laguna Beach secret pools.

However, be warned–when we visited, the pool was not filled with water like it is in the picture below. It was just a pile of dry sand!

 

🗺️ Location: 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒  Hours: 6AM – 10 PM; Pirate Tower only accessible at low tide

💰 Fees: Free, make sure you follow parking regulations

 

 

6. 626 Night Market

The 626 Night Market, an offshoot of the larger night market in Arcadia, is an Asian-themed night market extravaganza held several times a year in Costa Mesa.

Dozens of vendors offer food, drinks, and goodies in the festival-inspired atmosphere.

Check out the lively OC 626 Night Market to see why it’s one of the best things to do in Orange County at night–you won’t be disappointed!

 

🗺️ Location: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

🕒 Hours: Various dates; check website

Friday & Saturday: 4 PM – 12 AM

Sunday: 4PM – 11 PM

💰 Fees: $5 admission, $10 parking

 

7. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano ranks as one of the most well-known historical Orange County tourist attractions.

Dating back to 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano is known as the “Jewel of the Missions” and is thought to be the oldest building in California.

The mission grounds have been carefully maintained over the years, with some portions being restored and others allowed to remain semi-ruined.

A visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the most educational family activities in Orange County, and highly recommended if you want to learn a little bit about California’s history.

 

🗺️ Location: 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

🕒 Hours: Thursday – Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM; closed Monday – Wednesday

💰 Fees:  Adults (18+) $14 | Seniors (60+) $12 | Youth/Student $9 with school ID | Household of 4 $45 | 4th Grader Package (with bonuses included) $15.47 | Children (4 and younger): Free | Purchase tickets here.

 

8. Go Surfing

Orange County’s surf culture goes back almost 100 years, with cities like Huntington Beach being world-famous for surfing. If you’re looking for active things to do in Orange County, why not give surfing a try?

Here’s a great, fairly affordable Surf School you can try out.

Reliable surf year-round and sunny weather make Orange County a top surfing destination for both beginners and experts alike. Maybe couples surf lessons are just what your relationship needs, if you’re looking for fun dates in Orange County!

 🗺️ Location: Cali Surf School, 222 La Brea Street Unit 1, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

 

9. Check out the world’s largest surfing competition

If you’re lucky to be in Orange County during the Huntington Beach U.S. Open of Surfing, don’t miss it!

This summer competition and festival brings in world-class surfers from around the globe to compete on the shores of Huntington Beach.

You’ll also find a sprawling festival in honor of the competition on the sand, with food and alcohol vendors, portapotties, and tons of free activities. This year the competition festivities also included a Vans skateboard stadium, but the line can be very long to get in.

 

 🗺️ Location: Huntington Beach Pier

💰 Fees: Free, but go early to find free or cheap parking or you’ll have to pay $20

 

 

10. Heisler Park

Palm Tree-lined Shore at Heisler Park

 

Checking out this beautifully manicured oceanfront park in Laguna Beach is one of the best things to do in Orange County for a laidback, beachy vibe.

The park stretches along the tops of the bluffs and down to the beach itself. Strolling through Heisler Park on a lazy weekend morning is definitely one of the top family activities in Orange County.

Better yet, hop down to the sand to feast your eyes on the stunning palm tree-lined shore.

 🗺️ Location: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 5 AM – Midnight

💰 Fees: Free

 

11. Visit the oldest bar in Newport on a brewery tour

Sip on some of Orange County’s finest brews on this Newport Beach brewery tour that takes you to the oldest bar in Newport, as well as a modern brewery.

You’ll get all the inside dirt on the area’s connection to Hollywood’s rich & famous!

 

 

12. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park covers 7,000 acres in the coastal canyons surrounding Laguna Beach.

The park is one of the top cheap things to do in Orange County for nature lovers, with miles of hiking and biking trails that take you past Orange County’s only natural lakes.

 🗺️ Location: 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 7 AM – Sunset

💰 Fees: $3 for parking

 

13. Downtown Disney

Right outside of Disneyland, the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district is full of fun things to do with kids in Orange County.

Though Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are currently closed the Downtown Disney District has begun a phased reopening.

Downtown Disney is home to over 20 businesses, restaurants, and shops of all kinds that cater to Disney parkgoers.

Two we recommend are Splitsville and Black Tap Anaheim.

 

Craft Cocktails at Splitsville, Downtown Disney Anaheim

 

One highlight of Downtown Disney is Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a one-of-a-kind dining and bowling experience with all kinds of yummy food, including sushi, craft-burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, cocktails, and more. It’s the perfect thing to do in Orange County with kids!

 

You’ll also find some fun things to do in Orange County at night here, like Black Tap Anaheim. Definitely go for their Crazy Shakes! View menu here.

 🗺️ Location: 1580 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

🕒 Hours: varies; check website

💰 Fees: Free parking with validation

 

 

 

14. Orange County Tide Pools

Several Orange County beaches are home to tide pools where you can get up close and personal with some of the area’s aquatic life. Crystal Cove, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach in general are home to the best tide pools in the area.

Visiting the tide pools is one of the best things to do with toddlers in Orange County — they’ll love checking out the pools and exploring their every nook and cranny!

 


15. Take a ride on the Great Park Balloon

Irvine’s Orange County Great Park is home to one of the best family activities in Orange County!

Here you can take a ride 400 feet up into the air in a tethered hot air balloon for an unmatched 360-degree panorama of Southern California. The Great Park Balloon ride is one of the unique and memorable fun things to do in Orange County for young and old alike!

 

 🗺️ Location: Orange County Great Park, 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618

🕒 Hours: Thursday–Friday: 10 AM–3 PM.; 7PM–10 PM

Saturday–Sunday: 9 AM–3 PM; 7 PM–10 PM

Monday–Wednesday: Closed

💰 Fees: Call 949-724-6247 for the most updated ticket information.

 

16. Newport Beach

Newport Beach by drone, with Saddleback Peak in the distance

Newport Beach is home to some of the best things to do in Orange County. Home to Balboa Island, Corona Del Mar, and Crystal Cove, upscale Newport Beach embodies all that comes to mind when you think of Orange County — sun, sand, and palm trees, with a bit of glitz and glamour thrown in.

 

 

17. Pacific Coast Highway Drive

Driving down the 40+ mile length of the Orange County coast from Seal Beach in the north to San Clemente in the south is one of the cool things to do in Orange County if you like drives.

Driving by miles and miles of beaches, you’ll have your pick of where you want to stop and spend the day as you cruise by palm-lined boulevards and ocean vistas.

If you’re a fan of scenic drives, we highly recommend you check out our comprehensive guide to the best scenic drives in the LA area, with all the epic drives in and around Los Angeles.

 

18. Seal Beach

Surfer at Seal Beach

 

It’s easy to feel the local beach vibes in the small beach town in northwestern-most Orange County known as Seal Beach.

Sunset at Seal Beach

 

Walkable Main Street in Seal Beach is packed with shops and restaurants, making it perfect for some fun dates in Orange County. Main Street ends at the Seal Beach Pier and Seal Beach itself, just a few more of the fun things to do in Orange County you can find in this town.

Personally, we love to snag a few burritos at the El Burrito Jr. takeout counter and eat across the street on the grass.

 

 🗺️ Location: Ocean Avenue and Main Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740

🕒 Hours: Seal Beach 4:30 AM – 10 PM

💰 Fees: Free street parking is available

 

19. Little Saigon

The cities of Westminster and Garden Grove rank as the highest concentration of Vietnamese-Americans in the United States.

The bustling 3 square mile area known as Little Saigon is chock-full of 4,000 Vietnamese-American businesses, with literally everything under the sun. If you love Vietnamese food, this will be definitely be one of your favorite Orange County attractions!

Be sure to check out our guide to the top Vietnamese dishes you oughta give a taste!

 🗺️ Location: Between the cities of Westminster and Garden Grove, centered around Bolsa Avenue.

9200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683

 

20. International Museum of Surfing

If you’re visiting Huntington Beach, otherwise known as Surf City USA, don’t miss a visit to the International Museum of Surfing.

Showcasing the history of surfing through artifacts and memorabilia, this is one of the best family activities in Orange County that’s fun and educational at the same time!

 🗺️ Location: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

🕒 Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM

💰 Fees: No admission fee, donations accepted

 

 

21. Thousand Steps Beach

Don’t worry, despite its name, this beach in Laguna only has 223 steps!

One of the largest beaches in the Laguna area, come see why Thousand Steps Beach is one of the fun places in Orange County to visit.

The cliffs at this beach harbor some tunnel-like caves that you can walk through at low tide. The southern tunnel at the beach is where you make your way to the next place on our list: the Laguna Beach Secret Pools.

 🗺️ Location: 31972 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 5AM – 9 PM

💰 Fees: Free parking, but take note of parking regulations to avoid a ticket.

 

22. Laguna Beach Secret Pools

 

The definitely deserves to join our list of the top unique and cool things to do in Orange County.

The Laguna Beach Secret Pools are really unlike anywhere else in OC, mysteriously built right on the beach in 1929 by Hollywood director Edward Griffith.

The builders misjudged the tides, so the long-abandoned pools have been filled with saltwater over the years. The waves crash spectacularly over the edge of the pools, creating dramatic spray.

It’s a bit of a trek to get to the pools, so if you’re the adventurous type, you’ll find the Laguna Beach pools definitely one of the best things to do in Orange county. Read on to find out how to get to the Laguna Beach Secret Pools.

How to Get to the Laguna Beach Secret Pools

If you want to visit the pools, make sure you visit during low tide and plan accordingly, as it is MUCH harder to get to the pools/leave when it’s high tide.

 

23. El Moro Canyon Trail

This moderate 2.9 mile to 5 mile loop trail (depends on how long you want to make it) through the coastal backcountry of Crystal Cove State Park known as the El Moro Canyon Trail should be on any outdoor lover’s list of fun things to do in the OC.

Ascend the canyons of Crystal Cove to take in beautiful views of the Pacific Coast, mountains, Catalina Island, and seasonal wildflowers. Horses can also use this trail.

 🗺️ Location: From Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, 3 miles south of Corona Del Mar, turn north (inland) at the traffic light signed “School- State Park.” Pass the El Moro School and park in the El Moro Canyon / Crystal Cove parking lot and follow the signs for the trail.

🕒 Hours: 6 AM – Sunset

💰 Fees: $15/daily for parking

 

 

24. Charter a Sailboat and Go Sailing

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the ocean blue, consider giving it a try in Orange County.

One of the fun things to do in Orange County is to charter a sailboat and live out your sailing dreams.

You can charter a sailboat for a half day, full day, or sunset sailing, with a lesson in sailing.

 

25. Huntington Beach

Going to the beach is definitely one of the most fun things to do in OC, and Huntington Beach spoils with 8.5 miles of sandy beaches.

Huntington Beach, affectionately known as Surf City, USA, is a coastal gem that effortlessly blends sun-kissed relaxation with vibrant entertainment.

Divided into several different beaches, including Huntington State Beach and Sunset Beach, there’s plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and so many other activities in Surf City USA.

🏄 Surfs up, bruh! Huntington Beach also hosts the largest surfing competition in the world (see #9 for more info!)

Stroll down Main Street, where quirky shops line the streets, offering everything from sunglasses, raunchy tees and booty shorts, to the latest surf culture clothing.

But the heart of the action lies at the iconic Huntington Pier, a hub of activity. Here, live music fills the air, fishermen line the side of the pier, and local vendors showcase crafts, completing this lively surf-loving paradise.

 🗺️ Location: Huntington State Beach, 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646

🕒 Hours: (State beach) 6AM – 10 PM

💰 Fees: $15 to park at the state beach, limited street parking in neighborhoods nearby.

 

26. Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruise

A whale watching cruise is just one of many fun things to do in Orange County this weekend with family. Just off the Orange County coast, you have the chance to view many types of whales, as well as dolphins and other sea animals.

Get discounted whale watching and dolphin cruise tickets here. With discounted tickets, this is one of the top cheap things to do in Orange County!

If you get seasick easily, make sure to bring motion sickness wristbands, or invest in an electrode stimulator nausea wristband.

 

Location: Davey’s Locker Whale Watching, 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661

🕒 Hours: Davey’s Locker offers 2 – 2.5 hour whale watching cruises between 6 AM – 7PM daily.

💰 Fees: $11.50 and up per person, depending on offer.

 

27. Get on a Boat to Catalina Island

Take a quick trip out to Catalina Island for one of the best romantic things to do in Orange County.

Just 75 minutes from Newport Harbor, you can easily escape the bustle of your busy city life on Catalina for a day or two. Get discounted tickets to Catalina here.

 🗺️ Location: You can reach Catalina Island from many spots in Southern California. The Catalina Island Flyer leaves from Newport Harbor. 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661

🕒 Hours: Must arrive at 8 AM on the scheduled day of purchase.

💰 Fees: $57+ per person (varies based on season).

 

28. Medieval Times

Medieval Times certainly is one of the classic fun things to do with kids in Orange County; both Lauren and I went here several times as children!

It’s also one of the best indoor activities in Orange County, as you watch an exciting battle between the brave knights and feast on your utensil-less dinner. Grab a turkey leg with your bare hands and sneer at your opposing side!

 🗺️ Location: 7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

🕒 Hours: Various showtimes a day; the show is about 2 hours long.

💰 Fees: Adults $63.95, children $36.95

 

29. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Beach

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Orange County, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and the adjacent Bolsa Chica State Beach offer lots of interesting options.

The Ecological Reserve protects over 1,200 acres of important wetland habitat, while the state beach offers 3 miles of sandy shoreline.

Bolsa Chica State Beach is especially popular for its bonfire rings as well as RV camping, two of the fun things to do in Orange County that you can find here. The beach is also used for fishing.

 🗺️ Location: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Bolsa Chica State Beach is directly across California Highway 1.

🕒 Hours: Reserve 6 AM – 8 PM daily; Beach 6 AM – 10 PM daily

💰 Fees: Reserve has no entrance fee; parking at the beach costs $15 daily; RV camping ranges from $50 – $65 nightly.

 

 

30. Knotts Soak City

This waterpark at Knotts Berry Farm shouldn’t be missed if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Orange County in the heat of summer.

If you want to visit some fun places in Orange County, with or without kids, the 23 waterslides, 750,000 gallon wave pool, and the 1/3rd mile lazy river will probably be enough to satisfy you.

Knotts Soak City requires a separate admission fee from Knotts Berry Farm, and is only open from May to September, although you can sometimes get discounted combined park admission here.

 🗺️ Location: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

🕒 Hours: Hours vary

💰 Fees: Prices vary from $28.99+ for adults to $17.99 for children and seniors.

 

31. Santiago Peak

If you love hiking and nature, hiking Santiago Peak will definitely be one of your top things to do in Orange County.

Saddleback Mountain, of which Santiago Peak at 5,689 feet is the highest point of (as well as Orange County), is visible throughout much of Southern California on a clear day.

This is a quite strenuous hike at over 15 miles round trip and 4,300 feet of elevation gain.

FIRE CLOSURE: As of May 14, 2022 this area is closed due to the Jim Fire.

 

 🗺️ Location: Trabuco Creek Rd, Corona, CA 92883

The trail starts from the Holy Jim Trail parking area on Trabuco Canyon Road. Part of the road to the trailhead turns to gravel, and it is not recommended to drive on this road after a heavy rainfall.

 

 

32. Tall Ships Festival at Dana Point

Every September, Dana Point harbor is home to the Tall Ships Festival, where replicas of historic ships from the glory days of sailing take to the seas.

This is definitely one of the most fun things to do with kids in Orange County — there’s even a mock cannon battle!

The Dana Point Tall Ships Festival is held every year in September.

 

 🗺️ Location: Ocean Institute, Dana Point: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629

 

 

 

33. Laguna Beach Main Beach

The biggest and most popular beach in Laguna, this is a broad, sandy beach with all the amenities a beachgoer could want.

What makes this one of the fun places in Orange County to visit is not just the basketball and volleyball courts available, but the fact that Main Beach connects to a long walkable stretch of beaches to the south towards Sleepy Hollow Beach.

Walking over a mile on the beaches here in Laguna is definitely one of the cool things you can do in Orange County, so check it out!

 

 🗺️ Location: S Coast Highway and Broadway St,Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 5 AM – 1 AM

💰 Fees: Metered parking

 

 

34. Goff Cove Beach

This beautiful sheltered cove is one of the best fun free things to do in Orange County. In addition to the natural bluff, a breakwater and huge rocks have been installed to make for better swimming conditions.

 🗺️ Location: 30801 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 24 hours

💰 Fees: Free


 

35. Rent a Fat Bike

Rent an electric fat bike if you’re looking for some fun, active things to do in Orange County. Huntington Beach has an 8-mile paved bike path, but you can also take these babies directly onto the sand.

 🗺️ Location: Fat Bike Rentals, 20001 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

💰 Fees: From $49 for a half-day electric fat bike rental (sometimes even cheaper!)

 

36. Fashion Island

Fashion Island will top your list of Orange County Attractions if you like luxury shopping. Come and check out the dozens of high-end shops and restaurants in an upscale environment.

 🗺️ Location: 401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

🕒 Hours: Daily (except Sunday) 11 AM –  7 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 6PM

 

 

 

37. South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza makes it on to the list of Orange County attractions as the largest mall on the west coast of the United States. With over 270 stores, South Coast Plaza represents the highest concentration of fashion retailers in the US. Perfect for a rainy day.

Those who love shopping should definitely consider the Plaza one of the fun things to do in Orange County.

 🗺️ Location: 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

🕒 Hours: Every day except Sunday 11AM – 7PM; Sunday 12PM – 7PM

 

 

38. Anaheim Packing District

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Orange County at night, the Anaheim Packing District has lots to keep you busy, including wine tasting. This historic 1919 former citrus packing facility has been transformed into a lively food court with over 50 restaurants, bars, and vendors.

 

Since it’s covered, it’s also one of the top indoor activities in Orange County, as well. Perfect for a rainy day!

 

 🗺️ Location: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

🕒 Hours:  11 AM – 9 PM every day

💰 Fees: Varies

39. Noguchi Garden

The Noguchi Garden stands out from other Orange County attractions as one of the most prominent publicly accessible outdoor sculpture parks in California.

Designed by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, the 1.6 acre sculpture garden consists of different abstract elements that correspond to the natural landscape of California.

Don’t forget to check the Noguchi Garden off your list of fun things to do in Orange County!

 🗺️ Location: Pacific Arts Plaza, 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

🕒 Hours: Every day 8AM – 12 AM

💰 Fees: Free

 

40. Paddle Boarding

Looking for some fun dates in Orange County? Try your hand at paddleboarding, one of the fun things to do in Orange County on the water. We love this activity so much, we also put it on our list of the best date ideas in Long Beach, CA.

You can rent paddleboards in Newport Beach, Sunset Beach, or Dana Point, or book paddleboards or kayaks here for a discount.

 🗺️ Location:  Paddle Board Newport Beach, 1500 West Balboa Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92663

🕒 Hours: Every day except Wednesday 10 AM – 6 PM; Wednesday 10 AM – 4 PM.

💰 Fees: From $27 for a single-person paddle board when booked at this link

 

41. Orange County Breweries

Check out a few of the area’s many small breweries for some fun things to do in Orange County at night. Many of these breweries offer tastings and pairings with food, which makes for good indoor activities in Orange County, as well.

Learn more about Orange County breweries here.

 


 

 

42. La Casa Del Camino Rooftop Lounge

Mojitos and Ceviche at La Casa Del Camino Rooftop Lounge

 

Our visit to the La Casa Del Camino rooftop lounge was one of our favorite things we did on our last visit to Orange County.

The view from here at sunset is one of the top romantic things to do in Orange County, but even if you don’t come at sunset it’s still a lovely view.

Sip on some cocktails and enjoy some scrumptious eats. If you like seafood, we recommend the poke and the ceviche. The poke is seriously one of the best we’ve ever had!

Poke at the Rooftop Lounge

 

The lounge is on the roof of a very cute boutique hotel, which we had the chance to stay at, and which is currently accepting reservations. We’d recommend staying in the “Lost” Room, which is where we enjoyed our stay. Book here for discounts.

 🗺️ Location: La Casa Del Camino, 1289 S Coast Hwy 4th floor, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM

Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10PM

Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9 PM

 

 

43. Check out the antique shops & boutiques of Old Towne Orange

One of the fun things to do in Orange County is to check out the Old Town Orange District.

This charming district in downtown Orange is packed with antique shops, cute boutiques, and restaurants.

Walking Food Tours are available to show you the best of what Old Towne Orange has to offer.

 

 🗺️ Location: Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours, 960 N Tustin St #163, Orange, CA 92867

 

 

 

44. Dana Point Headland Beach

The cliffs above this beach make for stunning views, as well as shielding the area from the encroaching development that surrounds it.

One of the top things to do in Orange County is the variety of beautiful beaches in the area, and this one doesn’t disappoint for those looking for rugged cliffs and tide pools.

 🗺️ Location: 34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629

🕒 Hours: 7 AM – 7:30 PM

💰 Fees: Free parking

 

45. Los Rios District San Juan Capistrano

This beautifully preserved historic neighborhood in San Juan Capistrano is the oldest neighborhood in California.

The nearby mission San Juan Capistrano dates back to 1776, and much of the surrounding neighborhood dates back to the early 1800s. Strolling through the tree-lined streets of Los Rios is one of the top romantic things to do in Orange County.

 🗺️ Location: 26711 Verdugo St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

 

 

46. Trevor’s at the Tracks

This unique San Juan Capistrano restaurant finds itself on the list of romantic things to do in Orange County due to the ambiance both inside and outside.

The Trevor’s at the Tracks restaurant is inside the historic Verdugo Street Train Depot in the Los Rios District, where guests dine on locally-sourced New American cuisine.

Live music and a variety of dining areas make this restaurant popular for dates.

 🗺️ Location: 26701 Verdugo St Historic Train Depot, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-3146

🕒 Hours: Every day except Sunday 11AM – 10PM; Sunday 11AM – 9PM.

 

 

47. Orange County Art Walks

Different cities in Orange County offer art walks several times a year where local artists display their work.

These art walks are a great way to experience some unique Orange County attractions while supporting local artists and communities. If you’re looking for non-touristy, fun things to do in Orange County, check out one of the art walks if you’re in the area at the right time.

Art walks offer music, art, food, and other types of live performances. They’re held in Anaheim, Balboa Island, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and Tustin.

All the information about the Orange County Art Walks can be found here.

 

 

48. Orange County Zoo & Irvine Regional Park

There’s no shortage of fun things to do with kids in Orange County, including the Orange County Zoo.

This small 8-acre zoo focuses on exhibiting plants and animals native to the Southwestern United States, such as bears, ocelots, and mountain lions. The barnyard petting zoo is a great idea if you’re looking for one of the things to do with toddlers in Orange County, as well.

The zoo is inside Irvine Regional Park, a 475-acre park that offers lots of other fun toddler activities in Orange County, including a train ride and pony rides.

 🗺️ Location: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

🕒 Hours: Zoo: Weekdays, 10 AM – 3:30 PM; Weekends, 10 AM – 4:30 PM.

Irvine Regional Park: Fall-Winter 6AM – 6PM; Spring-Summer 6AM – 9PM

💰 Fees: Zoo Entry: $2/person 3 years and up, 2 and under is free.

Irvine Regional Park: Monday – Friday: $3/vehicle; Weekends $5 (Holidays extra).

 

49. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Parks

If you’re looking for active things to do in Orange County, check out the 4,500 acres of open space and wilderness at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Parks.

Over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails make their way by two streams through preserved coastal oak savanna.

 🗺️ Location: 28373 Alicia Pkwy, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

🕒 Hours: 7 AM – Sunset

💰 Fees: $3 for parking

 


50. Corona Del Mar Beach

This wide, south-facing state beach offers lots of fun stuff to do in Orange County.

Chock-full of amenities and popular with sunbathers, volleyball players, and swimmers alike.

 🗺️ Location: Ocean Blvd and Jasmine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92625

🕒 Hours: 6AM – 10PM

💰 Fees: $4.50/hour for parking in main lot, very limited free street parking nearby

 

51. Pirates Cove Beach

Pirates Cove Beach in Newport offers great examples of some of the things to see in Orange County.

The cliffs and rocky alcoves below them provide lots of opportunities for kids to play in, as well as making for lovely views from either the beach or the clifftops.

The beach is also protected by being inside Newport Bay, so it’s good for swimming as well.

 🗺️ Location: West side of Corona Del Mar Beach parking lot, Ocean Blvd and Heliotrope Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92625

🕒 Hours: 6AM – 10PM

💰 Fees: $4.50/hour for parking at the Corona Del Mar parking lot.

 

52. Rent a Boat

One of the many romantic things to do in Orange County is to rent a boat or kayak at one of the several lovely harbors. Take a cruise around Newport Bay, or kayak around Huntington Harbor if you’re looking for a more active date.

Depending on your location and the kind of boat you’d like, you can check out OC Boat Rentals for electric boats or Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals for kayaks.

 🗺️ Location: OC Boat Rentals, 3333 West Coast Highway Ste 201, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals, 16732 Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Beach, CA 90742

 

 

53. Black Star Canyon

This rugged canyon is definitely one of the fun places to go in Orange County if you’re looking for a taste of wilderness. The 6.8 mile out-and-back trail through Black Star Canyon offers backcountry canyon views and even a seasonal waterfall.

Visit during the winter to catch a glimpse of Black Star Falls!

 

 🗺️ Location: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676

💰 Fees: Free

 

54. Go Parasailing

If you’re looking for some exciting and fun dates in Orange County, why not try parasailing? Get your heart pounding as you soar up to 800 feet and take in the beautiful views off the coast of Newport Beach. Arrange discounted parasailing here.

 

 

 

55. Diver’s Cove Beach

Diver’s Cove Beach is one of the places to visit in Orange County if you’re looking for good diving spots. As its name suggests, this beach in Laguna is popular for diving, as well as offering a large sandy beach (at low tide) for other beachgoers.

 🗺️ Location: 631 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 7AM – 7PM

💰 Fees: $1/hour for parking

 

 

56. Rockpile Beach

Some of the cool things to see in Orange County are the fantastic tidepools at Rockpile Beach that are exposed during low tide. The outcroppings and namesake rockpiles at this beach create lots of tidepools to check out!

 🗺️ Location: 400 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Southern part of Heisler Park)

🕒 Hours: 24 hours

💰 Fees: Free, possible street parking fees

 



Booking.com

 

57. North Star Beach

If you’re looking for active things to do in Orange County, check out North Star Beach in Newport Beach’s Back Bay.

At the nearby Newport Aquatic Center, you can rent kayaks and stand-up-paddleboards to explore the calm waters of the Newport’s Back Bay. Exploring the inlets of the Back Bay could be one of the top things to do in Orange County, if you’re up for a bit of exploration!

 🗺️ Location: 1 Whitecliffs Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

🕒 Hours: Newport Aquatic Center Hours Monday – Friday: 7AM – 4:45PM, Weekends: 7AM – 3:45 PM

💰 Fees: Single kayak: $15/hour, minimum age: 7
Double kayak: $20/hour, minimum age: 7
Stand Up Paddle Board: $20/hour, minimum age: 14 (1 person per Board)

 

58. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure

The Broadway-scaled, pyrotechnics-laced Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is one of the top Orange County kids activities you’ll find. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Orange County at night, take your family to the show!

The Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is one of the indoor activities found in Orange County, in case of rainy days.

 🗺️ Location: Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, 7600 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620

🕒 Showtimes:

Monday – Friday: 7PM

Saturday: 5PM & 8 PM

Sunday: 3PM & 6PM

Reservations required 24 hours in advance. 

💰 Fees: Varies between $28 – $67

 

59. Treasure Island Beach

Safe swimming conditions make Treasure Island Beach in Laguna one of the fun places to go in Orange County.

Huge offshore rocks protect the beach from currents and rough surf, making this beach a popular swimming spot. Clear water also lends itself to good snorkeling, as well.

 🗺️ Location:  Coast Highway and Wesley Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

 

60. Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Some of the most fun things to do in OC include getting out and enjoying the great outdoors.

Take a visit to Santiago Oaks Regional Park to enjoy its 1,269 acres and miles of hiking/biking trails through the rolling foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains near Orange.

 🗺️ Location: 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869

🕒 Hours: 7AM – Sunset

💰 Fees: Monday – Friday: $3/vehicle for parking; Saturday – Sunday: $5/vehicle

 

61. Aliso Beach

One great thing about Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach is that it offers lots of parking off of Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Orange County, you won’t have to worry about finding parking at this beach.

This wide sandy beach is popular with families and surfers alike, with rough surf as well as a play area for kids, making it one of the most fun things to do in Orange County this weekend with kids.

 🗺️ Location: 31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 6AM – 10 PM

💰 Fees: $1/hour for parking

 

 

62. Salt Creek Beach

This wide sandy beach is located just beneath the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point.

Like many other places to visit in Orange County, this is a beach park that’s well-developed for recreation, with a manicured lawn,  picnic tables, BBQs, restrooms, and the like, making it an afternoon at Salt Creek Beach one of the most fun things to do in Orange County this weekend.

 🗺️ Location: 11 Ritz-Carlton Drive Dana Point, CA 92629. Park in the large parking lot at the loop in the road. You can walk down to the beach or pay $1 for a shuttle on busy days.

🕒 Hours: 5AM – 12AM

💰 Fees: Parking is $1/hour

 

 

63. Top of the World, Laguna

 

Top of the World in Laguna Beach is one of the fun free things in Orange County because of its long views of the coastline and nearby mountains.

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in the OC, why not try a quick hike with nice views? You should check out Top of the World at Alta Laguna Park. It’s also one of the starting spots of the Aliso & Wood Canyons trails.

 🗺️ Location: Alta Laguna Park, 3299 Alta Laguna Blvd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. The trail to Top of the World is at the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard.

🕒 Hours: 7AM – Sunset

💰 Fees: Free

 

64. Fullerton Arboretum

This 26-acre botanical garden, the largest in Orange County, displays over 4000 plants from around the world.

Some highlights of the Fullerton Arboretum include the California Native Vegetation Garden, an 11,000 square feet organic vegetable garden, and an extensive cycad collection.

Head over to the Arboretum if you’re looking for one of the cheap things to do in Orange County ($5 suggested donation).

 🗺️ Location: 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA 92831

🕒 Hours: Every day 8AM – 4:30 PM

Fee: Suggested $5 donation

 

65. T-Street Beach

 

 

This beach in San Clemente is right next to the San Clemente Pier, helping it get onto the list of fun places to go in Orange County. This palm-lined beach features lifeguard stations and all other amenities that beachgoers need for comfort and safety.

Things to Know

 🗺️ Location: 340 W Paseo De Cristobal, San Clemente, CA 92672

🕒 Hours: 4AM – 12AM

💰 Fees: $1.50/hour for parking.

 

 

66. Do an Escape Room Challenge

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Orange County at night, try one of the many escape rooms that have popped up in OC in recent years. Most are located around Irvine and Anaheim.

 

67. Go Golfing

Orange County’s sunshine and year-round average temperature of 70 degrees makes for the perfect environment for golfing.

If you’re looking for fun stuff to do in Orange County, you could try your hand at one of the over 50 golf courses found here. Soak up the sun and the ocean views while you try to get that birdie!

 

 🗺️ Location: Robert Stevens at River View Golf, 1800 West Santa Clara Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92706

🕒 Hours: Monday: 2PM – 5PM

Tuesday, Friday: 1PM – 7PM

Thursday, Saturday: 9AM – 7PM

Sunday: 9AM – 5PM

💰 Fees: $40+ for private lessons

 

68. Crescent Bay Beach

Going to this large and popular beach in Laguna Beach is one of the fun free things to do in Orange County if you love beaches. Crescent Bay Beach offers a variety of activities, including scuba diving, tide pools, and wildlife viewing at Seal Rock.

 🗺️ Location: Cliff Drive and Barranca St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Access is off of Cliff Drive one block from Pacific Coast Highway. Look for the road that says “Authorized Vehicles Only” and follow it down to the beach.

🕒 Hours: 24 hours

💰 Fees: Free

 

69. Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge

 

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge, on the 9th floor of the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, is OC’s highest rooftop coastal viewpoint.

What makes this one of the fun places in Orange County to visit? The chance to enjoy the beautiful beach view while sitting back with a cocktail in hand.

One of the fun things to do in Orange County is catching a view of the sunset, so why not do it at the lounge with a drink and tasty eats?

 🗺️ Location: Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

🕒 Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 5PM – 9PM. Saturday – Sunday : 3PM – 9PM

Menu

 

70. Middle Man Beach

This small and sandy cove between Goff Cove Beach and Treasure Island Beach is only accessible by climbing over rocks from either beach.

If you’re looking for a secluded place to visit in Orange County, it could be worth your time to get to Middle Man Beach. Be careful that you only visit this beach at low tide, as during high tide the water levels can make access difficult.

 🗺️ Location: 30801 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Between Goff Cove Beach and Treasure Island Beach. Access is limited to climbing over rocks from either beach. Park somewhere along Pacific Coast Highway and walk to Goff Cove or Treasure Island Beach.

 

💰 Fees: Free

 

71. Laguna Beach Art Galleries

One of the fun things to do in Orange County is to check out some of the art galleries in Laguna Beach.

Laguna’s beautiful coastline has long drawn artists, and nowadays the town is home to over 100 art galleries and studios. Many galleries can be found on Pacific Coast Highway in town, and you could easily make an afternoon strolling from gallery to gallery.

 🗺️ Location: Over 100 galleries, many found around Pacific Coast Highway.

🕒 Hours: Varies

💰 Fees: Varies

 

72. Richard Nixon Presidential Library

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda commemorates the life and presidency of the 37th president.

One of the most unique indoor activities in Orange County is to be found here: a full-scale exact replica of the Oval Office as it appeared in Nixon’s time. President Nixon’s Sea King helicopter is also on display.

 🗺️ Location: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886

🕒 Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM

💰 Fees: Varies between free – $16, various discounts available.

 

 

73. Cameo Shores Beach

This little sandy beach below the Cameo Shores neighborhood in Newport Beach is one of the fun places to go in Orange County if you want to visit tide pools.

Since the beach is below a private neighborhood, you’ll have to walk along the rocky shoreline from nearby Little Corona Del Mar Beach. Make sure you visit at low tide to view the tide pools.

 🗺️ Location: 115 Milford Drive Newport Beach, CA 92625 (but access south along the shore from Little Corona Del Mar Beach (Ocean Blvd and Poppy Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92625)

🕒 Hours: 6AM – 10PM

💰 Fees: Free

 

 

74. Wine Tasting

While Orange County might not be one of the top centers of California wine culture, there’s still lots of places to go wine tasting in the OC. If you’re looking for fun dates in Orange County, consider visiting one of the area’s many tasting rooms to sample some tasty wines.

Checking out some of Orange County’s vineyards might just be one of the top romantic things to do in Orange County, as well!

 

75. Moss Street Beach

Frequented mostly by locals, who refer to it as “Moss Point Beach,” this little rocky beach in Laguna Beach is one of the fun places to go in Orange County if you’re looking for scuba diving.

The reefs near here make for some nice scuba diving, but be sure to check the tide tables before you visit.

At low tide, you’ll also find some cool tide pools!

 🗺️ Location: 101 Moss St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

🕒 Hours: 24 hour

💰 Fees: Free

76. Pretend City Children’s Museum

The Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is one of the top fun things to do with kids in Orange County, allowing the littles ones to play dress up and take on real-world roles in various exhibits that act as an interconnected city. It’s an educational experience that’s super fun for kiddies, while teaching them how the world works!

The Pretend City Children’s Museum is one of the recommended fun things to do in Irvine with kids.

 

Parking is free and available in a parking lot behind building.

 🗺️ Location: 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

🕒 Hours: Closed Monday. Tues – Sun 10AM – 12:30PM & 1:30PM – 4PM

💰 Fees: Children & Adults: $19.95

 

77. Bowers Museum

The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana has over 100,000 objects in its collection, ranging from Native American art to California landscapes and world art, including renowned traveling international exhibitions.

Come for one of the best indoor activities in Orange County–definitely an option to keep in mind for a rainy day!

 

 🗺️ Location: 2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92706

🕒 Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM; closed Mondays

💰 Fees: From $10 – 15; children under 12 free

 

Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend: Final Thoughts

There you have it–our comprehensive list of the most fun things to do in Orange County this weekend with family.

We hope this resource for Orange County sightseeing will prove valuable to you, and would love to hear your feedback! Further, if you have any top Orange County places to visit that are open now and missing from this list–send us a message and let us know!

 

Heading to LA next? Check out our LA bucket list, the best places to eat in LA, the best dog-friendly hikes in LA, and the top scenic drives in the LA area! Also, learn about why we think LA is freaking awesome.

 

 

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