Fun Things to Do in Orange County – The Trip.com Guide!

Located in Southern California, south of Los Angeles, Orange County is a large and incredibly diverse region. With a pleasant climate, miles of beautiful sandy beaches, great surfing opportunities, and a few world-famous theme parks, it’s no wonder why tourists flock here.

With such varied geography and diverse population, of course, there are a million great things to do in Orange County. Let Trip.com introduce some of the very best to you!

Things to Do in Orange County – Disneyland Park

Frolic with Mickey and Co at Disneyland Park!

One of those aforementioned world-famous theme parks is, of course, Disneyland. Located in the city of Anaheim, Disneyland is the original Disney resort in Orange County. Recently, a sister park has also been added to the complex – Disneyland California Adventure. See below for details of that!

What you’ll find at Disneyland Park itself is a great range of rides like the classic Pirates of the Caribbean (which of course gave rise to the well-loved film franchise) and Space Mountain.

At Disneyland Park, there’s plenty to do, especially for younger kids – they’ll love the Main Street Parade of all their favorite Disney characters, as well as the chance to get up close with Mickey, Minnie, and all the rest.

All of this makes Disneyland Park one of the most popular things to do in Orange County!

Things to Do in Orange County – Disneyland California Adventure Park

Great weather in Orange Country at Disneyland California Adventure

You’ll find Disneyland California Adventure right across the plaza at the entrance to Disneyland Park – it’s actually built on Disneyland’s old parking lot. California Adventure’s collection of thrill rides makes it one of the most exciting things to do in Orange County, especially for teenagers and young adults!

What do we mean by thrill rides? Well, just take a look at the Incredicoaster! At 55 miles per hour, it’s the faster rollercoaster in the park. And with inversions as well as appearances from the cast of the Incredibles, it’s a ride you’ll want to take again and again.

Disneyland California Adventure is much more than a good time, though. It’s a celebration of everything that has made this area of California unique – the migrants, the explorers, the native Americans, the aviators, and the common people.

You’ll not just be exhilarated here; you’ll also leave with a deeper sense of the mystery and allure of this place. As far as things to do in Orange County go, this has to be up there with the best.

Things to Do in Orange County – Los Angeles Crystal Cathedral

The resplendent Crystal Cathedral of Orange County

This majestic piece of architecture, built in 1981 as the largest glass building in the world, can be found in the city of Garden Grove.

This beautifully-named city is right next to Disneyland and is worth a look around itself – especially if you’re an avid Go player! Little Seoul in Garden Grove has several unique Go parlors where students of the game can hone their skills. You’ll find there are interesting things to do in Orange County everywhere you look.

But if you’re visiting the Crystal Cathedral itself – and pictures really don’t do it justice – you’ll find tours conducted from Monday to Saturday at 10:00 and 13:00.

Things to Do in Orange County – Newport Beach

Golden sun and golden sands at Orange County's Newport Beach

If you’ve ever watched the famous TV show set in Orange County, The OC, you’ll know that here at Newport Beach you’ll be rubbing shoulders with millionaires!

It’s one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the US, and you’ll see evidence of lavish lifestyles everywhere you look – the cars, the clothes, as well as the mansions…

But it’s perfectly easy to spend some time here without breaking the bank – which is great, because there are plenty of activities happening. Beyond the beach and the surf, there’s also the Orange County Museum of Art, trips to the quaint and picturesque Balboa Island, Newport Landing Whale Watching… The list goes on!

And, if you’re lucky (or if you’ve planned ahead!), your trip might coincide with one of the many celebrations and festivals the town puts on throughout the year. There’s a film festival in Apr, a jazz series between May and Oct, and even a Christmas boat parade (in Dec, of course).

Newport Beach is home to some of the most varied and interesting things to do in Orange County. Don’t miss it!

Things to Do in Orange County – Davey’s Locker Whale Watching

You can see whales year-round in Newport Beach

We can’t just mention something as fun as whale watching and simply leave it there! So let’s give you a better idea of what you can expect with whale watching in Newport Beach…

Established in 1958, Davey’s Locker Whale Watching and Sportfishing offer unique trips out into the Pacific Ocean to catch a glimpse of some of the most enigmatic and terrific creatures on Earth. Blue whales, humpbacks, and more, can be spied playing, splashing, leaping, and feeding in their natural habitat.

Of course, when you’re dealing with whales, there’s only so much planning that can be done. Every single journey is an entirely unique experience! This is one of the truly unforgettable things to do in Orange County.

Things to Do in Orange County – Corona del Mar

Blue skies, blue seas – everything we expect from California!

Also in the vicinity of Newport Beach is Corona del Mar, another fantastic spot for swimming or surfing!

Half a mile long, surrounded by cliffs and a rock jetty, it’s been used as a location for film and TV by Disney. Corona del Mar is the ideal spot for a picnic while watching the sunset – perfect for a special experience with that special someone.

If you’re looking for some relaxing or romantic things to do in Orange County, you should look no further than Corona del Mar.

Things to Do in Orange County – Institute and Museum of California Art

Irvine, home to the Institute and Museum of California Art. Source: Derek Liang / unsplash

The home of the Institute and Museum of California Art is Irvine, Orange County. Irvine is one of the biggest and newest cities in Orange County, being incorporated as recently as 1971. A lot of the land is in the possession of the University of California, who used some of it to establish the IMCA in 2017.

At the museum, you’ll have the chance to appreciate some of the great and iconic contemporary art that California has to offer. The history, the peoples, and the landscapes are captured in the exhibitions here so vibrantly and touchingly that they’ll be impressed on your memory forever.

In addition to the IMCA, while you’re in town, there’s also the Irvine Museum, where you can enjoy for free some great Californian Impressionist art. These are some great cultural things to do in Orange County!

Things to Do in Orange County – Pretend City Children’s Museum

Learning is fun at Pretend City!

If you’re traveling with young kids, they’re bound to love the Pretend City Children’s Museum while you’re in Irvine. And who knows, you might learn something new yourself!

What you’ll find at Pretend City is a miniature, fully-interconnected city where children can take on real-life roles and really get creative with how they interact with one another. They’ll go to work, buy groceries, visit the doctor, and even collect their wages from an ATM.

This is a truly inclusive play zone where kids of all ages and abilities can play together according to their own developmental milestones. One of the great things to do in Orange County for kids of all ages!

Things to Do in Orange County – Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

The Nixon library’s perfectly-maintained replica of the East Room of the White House

If you’re a politics or history enthusiast, the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum will give you a fascinating insight into one of America's most controversial and polarizing figures.

Built in 1990 to house the former president’s extensive archive collection, it’s been developed and renovated to present an interactive narrative of his life and times. It even comes complete with a perfect replica of the East Room of the White House, which is used as an events space.

The museum is open between 10:00 and 17:00 Monday to Saturday – you can bring to life (or relive!) the heady days of JFK, the Nixon visits to China, and, of course, the Watergate scandal that finally brought him down.

For those seeking some historical things to do in Orange County, they should thank President Nixon for this unique opportunity…

Things to Do in Orange County – Adventure City

Classic fairground attractions at Adventure City

Adventure City is one of the smaller theme parks in Orange County, but that comes with its benefits! The most annoying things about the bigger parks are always the crowds and the prices. At a smaller park, you can enjoy some great rides at more reasonable rates, and you won’t be lining up all day.

This is a great theme park visit for all the family, with rides aplenty that even the littlest ones will be able to enjoy. There’s Rescue Rides, Balloon Races, a family rollercoaster, and also a classic wild-mouse-style Rewind Racer coaster.

This last ride is a special rollercoaster known as a shuttle. That means, instead of looping back around to finish where it started, once you get to the end, the rollercoaster takes you backward to the start! A unique experience, and just one of the many fun things to do in Orange County.

Things to Do in Orange County – Honda Center

Catch the ice hockey at the Honda Center

You can barely move in Orange County without noticing something from a movie or television show. Previously, it was the lavish lifestyles of Newport Beach bringing back memories of the rich-kid dramas of The OC. Now, the Honda Center takes us back to the classic Disney hockey movie The Mighty Ducks.

Home in real life to the Disney-founded hockey team the Anaheim Ducks, the Honda Center (previously known more imaginatively as The Pond) featured heavily in the movie, which told the story of a young hockey team fighting against the odds.

If ice hockey isn’t your thing, then there’re also opportunities to catch professional wrestling, MMA, and all manner of concerts, too.

Coming up there’s music from alternative US duo Twenty One Pilots, classic British heavy metal group Iron Maiden, and Mexican singer-songwriter Gloria Trevi. An eclectic mix – there’s something for everyone at the Honda Center!

For sporting or musical things to do in Orange County, the Honda Center is surely your best bet.

Things to Do in Orange County – Marconi Automotive Museum

It should go without saying that the petrolheads among you will be chomping at the bit for a trip to the Marconi Automotive Museum.

It’s a non-profit museum that channels all its revenue from ticket sales to charity – so you can feel good about yourself while you’re drooling over its fantastic selection of historic, luxury, and otherwise rare automobiles.

And, guess what, it’s another trip to the movies here, too. Among the iconic cars on show at the Marconi Museum is the Batmobile from the original 1989 Batman film starring Michael Keaton. Complete with the ability to shoot 20-foot flames from its jet fuel-injected engine!

On top of that, you can see KITT from the classic TV show Knight Rider, and the General Lee car from the Dukes of Hazzard. Two real blasts from the past…

Beyond the cars of popular culture, serious automotive enthusiasts will also relish the chance to see one of the rarest cars ever produced – the 1996 Ferrari FX. It was made for the Sultan of Brunei, and the one on show here is the only example currently outside Brunei itself. This museum is one of the more unique things to do in Orange County.

Things to Do in Orange County – Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm is a farm of thrills and fun!

A little too old for Disney, but still craving the excitement of the rides? Move up a level, to the heightened thrills of Knott’s Berry Farm!

Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t your average farm. Although it started life way back in the 1920s as a humble roadside berry stand, today Knott’s Berry Farm boasts rides by the name of Supreme Scream, Wipeout, and Xcelerator. You should know what you’re getting in for!

With huge vertical drops, acceleration from 0 to 82 miles per hour in 2.3 seconds, and some dizzying heights, this is a world away from Mickey and Minnie…

And while the older ones are screaming for more, the younger ones won’t feel left out. There’s a mini railway, as well as face painters and caricature artists. If you can’t handle the more thrilling rides, just head over to Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm and you’ll find a more relaxed kind of fun.

If you’re ever wondering what to do in OC, you’re always spoiled for choice with theme parks! They are the most exhilarating things to do in Orange County!

Things to Do in Orange County – Fullerton Arboretum

Full bloom at Fullerton Arboretum, Orange County

Fullerton Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in Orange County, and is one of the more relaxing things to do in OC.

In a county famed for its surfing, its rollercoasters, its ice hockey, and its whales, it’s important to know where to go to chill out sometimes! So we’re going to introduce some of the idyllic and meditative gardens dotted around this beautiful area of the world.

With over 4,000 plants – focusing on species that are extinct or near to extinction – spreading over 26 acres, the winding garden paths of Fullerton Arboretum will take you on some wonderful natural journeys.

Things to Do in Orange County – Noguchi Garden

Interesting views at the miniature Noguchi Garden. Source: Sven Piper / unsplash

One of Orange County’s hidden treasures, this uniquely-designed garden in Costa Mesa was produced by the landscape artist Isamu Noguchi. A Japanese-American artist, he sought to bring Eastern and Western traditions together in his work.

That’s very clear in this little Noguchi Garden, hidden among high-rise office buildings. There is a Zen-like meditative quality to the selection of materials and their placement in the garden, and yet this 1.6-acre miniature garden symbolizes the huge state of California itself.

With redwood, waterfalls, streams, and desert plants, it offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the miraculous quality of life here, at the far edge of the New World. There are some very profound things to do in Orange County…

Things to Do in Orange County – Medieval Times Buena Park

He prepares for combat...

Okay – so far, you’ve screamed at the top of your lungs on various rollercoasters. You’ve relaxed in some of the most idyllic gardens the US has to offer. You’ve geeked out in museums and art galleries. Isn’t it time to get a little silly?

If you’re nodding enthusiastically right now, then you’re the type who’ll love an evening out at Medieval Times Buena Park. It’s well-known to some, but there may be a few out there who haven’t had the privilege of dining out at this most unique of venues. So let’s take a look at what they have on offer!

Have you ever wanted to experience what it was like to feast in the 11^th Century? This is where you can make that dream come true. Eat authentic medieval dishes – without utensils – while you take in a floor show involving falconry, jousting, and horsemanship. Who doesn’t like a little falconry with their poultry?!

It’s a great dining experience with the family – the kids will love it and won’t be getting bored at all during their meal. It’s also a fun date idea for things to do in Orange County. Huzzah!

Things to Do in Orange County – Tanaka Farms

Collecting pumpkins at Tanaka Farms. Source: Irasema MacAllister / unsplash

For something a little different, why not head back to Irvine for an interactive farm experience at Tanaka Farms? This provides a great, wholesome, and healthy day out for all the family.

This is a real, working, 30-acre farm, and you’ll be taken on a guided wagon ride around the whole works. On the way, you’ll stop off to pick a variety of fruit coming into season. There’s a fall harvest tour, tractor rides, strawberry picking, and, of course, cute little chicks to coo over.

Tanaka Farms is dedicated to responsible farming practices, too, so kids can learn what it takes to cultivate crops and livestock ethically and sustainably.

The produce and the events on the farm will of course depend on the time of year you visit, so you can be sure every experience is entirely unique. The whole family will leave with a deep understanding of what it takes to bring your food to the table. You might also leave with some samples of that food, as well!

This just goes to show that there are many meaningful things to do in Orange County.

Things to Do in Orange County – Santa Ana Zoo

Colorful birds at Santa Ana Zoo. Source: James Lee / unsplash

If you’re hankering for more animals, then be sure to pay a visit to the Santa Ana Zoo. This is certainly one of the classic things to do in Orange County.

The zoo was opened in 1952 and is dedicated to collecting species from Central and South America. You’ll really get a feel for the flora and fauna of the rest of the great American continent right here in OC.

In addition to a great selection of permanent exhibits, the zoo also holds special seasonal activities. Why not check out Boo at the Zoo for Halloween? Or the live butterfly experience?

Of course, it wouldn’t be a typical OC attraction if there weren’t a few rides on offer, too. For a very reasonable price, you can have fun on the Zoofari Express Train, the Monkey Ferris Wheel, or the Conservation Carousel. After you leave Orange County, you might never need another fairground ride again!

Orange County – A Playground for All Ages!

As you can see, there is no limit to the fun things to do in Orange County. You could spend a lifetime just exploring the myriad of theme parks that are on offer here – and we’re sure some of you might!

But even if you don’t have a head for heights or a stomach for rollercoasters, there’s a lot more on offer besides. The fun things to do in OC could fill several volumes – this is just a very brief introduction. Be sure to check on Trip.com for all the rest of the attractions!

FAQ