Reserve brunch at the Beachcomber, just steps from the waves. Don’t forget your Bloody Mary.

Rent a Duffy boat off the Lido Marina in Newport Beach. 

Bike along the Santa Ana River to the beach.

Surf at the world-famous Wedge (if you’re a pro). Sound familiar? You may have seen it on the documentary The Endless Summer. 

Take the ferry to Catalina Island.

Enjoy some freshwater fishing at Big Bear Lake.

Take a snowshoe tour through the Ponderosa pines on Big Bear Mountain.

Make a poke bowl at Bear Flag Fish Company.

Watch a hockey game: the Anaheim Ducks home stadium is the Honda Center.

Get a butter & salt donut at Sidecar Donuts.

Take a walk (bonus: free parking!) along the 1300-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

Drive a luxury car courtesy of one of OC’s exotic car rental services and drive the Coast Highway in style.

Schedule a training session at SoCal Weightlifting.

Drink a milkshake with a view from the iconic Crystal Cove Shake Shack—an OC staple since the 1940s!

Add chia pudding to your acai bowl from Blue Bowl.

BMX enthusiast? Try the trails at Fairview Park.

Drink in the ocean views at the picturesque Crescent Bay Point Park.

Buy a steak to grill from The Butchery.

Shop your favorite luxury brands at South Coast Plaza.

Take a hot air balloon ride in the enormous Great Park Balloon—it holds up to 30 passengers!

Go antique shopping in historic Old Towne Orange.

Explore the Old West Ghost Town at Knott’s Berry Farm!

In Orange County during the summer, our main job is staying cool. Get inventive by skipping the pool for a good old-fashioned water park day at Knott’s Soak City.

Watch the sunset from the San Clemente pier.

Take a job along the Back Bay Loop Trail through one of Orange County’s gorgeous nature preserves.

Explore the tide pools and plan a picnic at Laguna Beach’s Heisler Park.

Enjoy a whole new shopping experience at The LAB in Costa Mesa; Orange County’s famous “anti-mall.” Don’t miss ARTery; an urban art gallery housed in a shipping container.

Attempt a new rock climbing route in Big Bear.

World War II history buff? Don’t miss the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana; home to an amazing array of displays on vehicles and aircrafts from the era.

Get some amazing shots for your social media page at The Noguchi Museum, a small but charming hidden gem.

Walk the gardens and learn the history of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Visit a 1930s historic district right on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park.

See the mysterious Pirate Tower on Victoria Beach.

Don’t miss the stunning view from the Huntington Beach Pier.

Snowboard on Big Bear Mountain.

Enjoy a day at the beachside playground in Marina Park.

Splurge on a lux shopping experience at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Thought you’d have to travel north of San Francisco to see the famous California giant coastal redwoods? Think again! They’re right here in Orange County at Carbon Canyon Regional Park.

Travel back in time (or at least feel like you did) at the Blind Rabbit, a charming little speakeasy in the Anaheim Packing District.

Fly a kite or model plane on the fields of Fairview Park in Costa Mesa.

Watch the sailboats in Dana Point Harbor.

Treat your kids to a day of fun and learning at the Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine.

Follow the Dana Point Headlands Trail for a beginner-friendly hike with stunning views and springtime wildflowers.

Passionate about modern art? Don’t miss the Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art.

Catch a concert during the Hyatt Regency Summer Concert Series in Newport Beach.

Indulge in a dreamy and secluded beach day at Pirate’s Cove.

Challenge yourself to the 6.8-mile Black Star Canyon Trail in Orange. Rated “difficult” but don’t worry, plenty of novice hikers have taken on the challenge! (I recommend hiking shoes!)

Organize a volleyball or basketball game at Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point.

Get in a workout and then drink in the stunning views at Thousand Steps Beach (pro tip: it’s actually only 218 steps).

Ride the ferris wheel at Balboa Fun Zone amusement park.

See wildlife native to the Southwest including coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions at the Orange County Zoo.

Spend a day in Westcliff, a quaint little neighborhood considered by many to be one of Newport Beach’s best-kept secrets.

Make learning fun for your kids with a visit to the Discovery Cube OC—an exciting science museum that offers interactive STEM classes and a whole lot more.

Learn about our amazing Pacific Ocean sea life at the Orange County Marine Institute in Dana Point Harbor.

Join the over 200,000 visitors who attend the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach every year. Walk the sawdust-covered paths and enjoy incredible local art in Laguna Canyon.

Travel in style (and for free!) on the Laguna Beach trolley during the summertime.

Take the Balboa Island Ferry to watch the boats and see all the cute homes on Balboa Island. You can even fish off the piers!

Scream your way through the GhostRider at Knott’s Berry Farm—the highest wooden roller coaster in the state!

Visit the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, voted the best museum in OC for 16 years straight!

Shop by the sea at Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente, a quaint and easygoing beachside destination of shops and cafes. 

Stay at the Crystal Cove cottages (if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation!).

Go snorkeling in Laguna Beach – top locations include Thousand Steps Beach, Diver’s Cove, and Shaw’s Cove.

See the beautiful art and artifacts of another era when you visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded as a chapel in 1776 and dubbed the jewel of the California missions. (If you go on a Friday morning, you can take a tour as part of your admission fee.)

Learn the history of agriculture at the Fullerton Arboretum, dedicated to preserving over 4000 plants—many of them rare or in danger of extinction. 

Plan a camping trip or hiking expedition at Doheny Beach, one of the oldest state beaches in the area.

If being a trapeze artist is on your bucket list, make it a reality at SwingIt Trapeze in Anaheim!

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway (windows down, music up). Orange County has 42 miles of beaches along our coastline!

Take a surf lesson in Huntington Beach (set your mind at ease, or not, by checking recent shark sightings first).

Plan a fine dining experience at one of OC’s two Michelin-starred restaurants: Hana Re and Taco Maria.

Take a drive to The Getty Center in Los Angeles for a phenomenal day of art exploration—all free except for parking.

Hike to the Red Rock Canyon at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

Walk through the Los Rios Historic District. It’s like taking a trip back in a time machine!

Hotel La Casa Del Camino in Laguna was built in 1929 and beloved by celebrities of Hollywood’s Golden Era. There are 10 surf suites in the Spanish-style hotel that were designed by local surf companies such as Roxy, Billabong, and Rip Curl. Plan your next staycation here, complete with stand-up paddle board lessons and art classes!

Go whale watching – either from Newport Beach or Dana Point. 

Walk the San Clemente Beach Trail, starting from Metro Station parking lot at North Beach south to the Calafia State Beach. Some of the best hiking views in OC, and a relatively flat trail most of the way so it’s perfect for all ability levels.

Watch Mike Trout hit a home run at Angel Stadium.

Take a day trip out to Joshua Tree National Park.

Go ziplining in Big Bear!

Take a yacht cruise through Newport Beach harbor with Hornblower Cruises.  

Walk El Moro Canyon Loop Trail in Laguna Beach.

Hit the high notes at Plush Karaoke Lounge, the only karaoke lounge in Orange County.

Another hidden gem? The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 7,000 of amazing natural coastal canyons, with more than 40 miles of hiking trails.

Taste international flavors at Diamond Jamboree, a global cuisine destination with over 20 spots to eat.

See wildlife in their natural habitats at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach.

Visit the International Surfing Museum.

If you love rock climbing, Orange County has some fantastic indoor climbing gyms. Check out Planet Granite in Fountain Valley or Rockreation in Costa Mesa!

Learn about the solar system and see the stars at Tessmann Planetarium in Santa Ana. 

Try an escape room! Fox in a Box in Fullerton and Mission Escape Games in Anaheim are a few local spots.  

If interactive dinner theater is more your thing, try The Dinner Detective in Anaheim or The Gourmet Detective (locations across Orange County) for a meal with a side of murder mystery.

Take a dance class at the Atomic Ballroom.

Watch a movie in luxurious style at The LOT at Fashion Island. This is an upscale take on a classic movie experience, with leather seats and tasty treats like truffle fries and filet mignon!

Stay at the Crystal Cove cottages (if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation).

Try something new: Go indoor skydiving at iFLY Oceanside Indoor Skydiving!

Plan a bonfire night on the beach. Don’t forget s’mores ingredients, blankets, and fire materials. OC beaches that offer free fire pits on a first-come first-serve basis: Corona Del Mar Beach, San Clemente, Newport Beach, Aliso Beach, Dana Point, Huntington State Beach, Laguna Beach, and San Onofre State Beach, and Capistrano Beach.

The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center focuses on amazing local art and is a short walk from restaurants and other features of downtown Anaheim. The outdoor area is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax!

Visit Western-themed ZOOMARS Petting Zoo for a pony ride or gold panning expedition with the kiddos; located on Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano.

Learn some of the history that shaped your beloved Orange County at the Old Orange County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival building located in Santa Ana’s historic downtown.

In Orange County we love our Restaurant Weeks. Check out this year’s schedule for fun culinary experiences hosted by restaurants in various cities throughout OC!

Experience cinema by the sea at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

During the holiday season, Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts 30 days of Christmas programming and a tree lighting every night. Make some memories at Capistrano Lights. 

We may not have snow, but we sure have spirit. The Santa boat ride on the Dana Pride has been an OC Christmas tradition for generations! And you just can’t miss the stunning Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

Check out Medieval Times in Buena Park for attractions like a jousting show and a meal you can eat with your hands. I mean, what more do I need to say?

If you’re a runner, don’t miss the Santa Claus for A Cause 5K/10K in Huntington Beach State Park! Tis the season for giving back.

With a host of great bars and burger joints, downtown Fullerton is a favorite spot among locals for a night out on the town.

Get in the Christmas spirit at Knott’s Berry Farm—which turns into Knott’s Merry Farm every holiday season! Visit the Christmas Crafts Village, enjoy festive food choices, and experience some “snow” in sunny Southern California when you visit Ghost Town. And don’t miss the ice shows like Merry Christmas, Snoopy!

Make time for a round of golf on one of Orange County’s stunning golf courses. From the Pelican Hill Golf Club to the Coyote Hills Golf Course to the Monarch Beach Golf Links, there’s something for everyone. You might see me out there. ;) 

There’s a large Middle Eastern community in Orange County, and the cuisine here is incredible. The Little Arabia district centers around Brookhurst Street in West Anaheim and features some amazing restaurants from different Arabic cultures including Syria, the UAE, Morocco, and Lebanon.

Check out the upcoming events and special concerts at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in our 37th president’s childhood town of Yorba Linda. The museum has lots of info about President Nixon and some amazing artifacts and attractions, including the Army One helicopter. 

Walk California’s second-longest pier and plan a day of shopping, surfing, and dining in Seal Beach.

Check out the Hoag Classic, a PGA Tour Champion Event hosted by Newport Beach Country Club every March.

For all the trendy dining, coffee-drinking, and home design inspiration your heart could desire, don’t miss SoCo and the OC Mix, a funky and stylish destination in Costa Mesa. 

If you’re not looking for a swim (this place has riptides) but you are looking for a private beach to read your book and enjoy the sunshine, Table Rock Beach in Laguna might be the spot for you.

Take the kids to see some crazy creatures at Prehistoric Pets, a reptile zoo in Fountain Valley.

The annual two-month long Festival of the Arts celebrates art, music, and culture in Laguna Beach. This event features the famous Pageant of the Masters. Check it out!

Exercise that need for speed (or your kids’) at K1 Racing Indoor Go Karts, with locations in both Irvine and Anaheim.

If you’re an angel so long as you get your pizza, you should probably snap a pic at the Pizza Wings mural at Cruisers Pizza Bar and Grill in Huntington Beach.

An old 1920s gas station converted to a steak house, A Restaurant in Newport Beach is a legendary Orange County eatery (once a favorite of John Wayne’s).

Locals have voted Bagel Me! the best bagel in Orange County several times. Visit any of their six locations throughout Orange County to see if they’re right! Other favorite spots include the Bagel Shack in San Clemente, Bagels & Brew, and Bagelmania Coffee House (this one has a drive thru). 

Enjoy the 60+ rides and attractions at the world-famous LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad!

The Westside Museum in Costa Mesa hosts the Westside Market on the second Sunday of every month, with free entry and live music, food, art, and much more!

Plan a romantic outdoor dinner with panoramic views at The Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, or a beachside lunch by the waves at The Deck on Laguna Beach.

Savor Santa Ana is a popular October walking event. For the price of a tasting ticket, try a delicious sampling of select foods, desserts, and craft beers from restaurants throughout downtown Santa Ana. Other foodie events are held throughout Orange County, including Taste of Anaheim, The Taste Costa Mesa, World Taste Anaheim Packing District, Taste of Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach’s Taste of the Nation, and more!

Don’t miss the annual summer Vans US Open of Surfing event in Huntington Beach.

If you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, take a trek through Aliso & Woods Canyon Park in Laguna Niguel.

John Wayne remains one of Orange County’s most beloved celebrity residents. Take a guided boat tour of new and old celebrity homes in Newport Bay, including John Wayne’s. You can even take a tour of the Duke’s yacht the Wild Goose, his pride and joy, docked in Newport Harbor and owned by Hornblower Cruise Company. 

Eat a churro. There are churro trucks all over Orange County, like Don Churros Gomez in Anaheim!

Sucker for a good swap meet? Try the Orange County Marketplace in Costa Mesa (held at the Orange County Fairgrounds), or the Cypress Swap Meet, Golden West College Swap Meet, or Anaheim Indoor Swap Meet (allegedly the largest in Orange County!).

Celebrate America’s birthday at the Independence Day on the Back Bay event in Newport Beach, wrapping up with a stunning fireworks display over the water.

Spoil yourself at The Resort at Pelican Hill located between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach and once named the No. 1 Resort in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler.

Find your inner sailor with a sailing lesson at Newport Sailing Adventures!

Take a romantic Italian-inspired private gondola ride through Newport Beach and enjoy a delicious meal on the water through Gondola Adventures.

Check out one of the best bird-watching sites in North America at the coastal wetlands of Upper Newport Bay Park and the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.

Take your pup for a walk at Castaways Park.

Get a selfie at The Mural at Pacific Hideaway in Huntington Beach.

Have you ever tried stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)? Test the waters on Newport’s Back Bay! Local SUP rentals are available, such as Pirate Coast Paddle.

Take a horseback riding lesson or schedule a trail ride through nature at the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center.

Love skateboarding? Orange County has some amazing skate parks, like Vans Skatepark, Volcom Skate Park, Etnies Skatepark, and Anaheim West Skatepark.

Try a famous Balboa Frozen Banana (bonus points for each Arrested Development reference) or Balboa Bar on Balboa Island.

Take a trip to Vietnam for the day: Visit one of the 4,000 Vietnamese-American businesses of Little Saigon in Orange County. Don’t miss a Vietnamese iced coffee!

Plan a hike through the amazing Limestone Canyon (also known as “The Sinks”) on one of the quarterly open access days on Irvine Ranch Conservancy. There are some incredible mountain biking and hiking trails available! 

Watch the monster trucks at Monster Jam in Anaheim!

Take an outdoor yoga class in the park in Laguna Beach or Huntington Beach. You can even try a baby goat yoga class at Goods & Goats Market in San Juan Capistrano!

Get a good seat on the sand for the annual Huntington Beach Open Volleyball Tournament, usually held on the south side of the Huntington Pier.

Skip the grocery store and hit up one of our Certified Farmers’ Markets for some amazing local produce! Here’s a list.

During the wintertime, visit the Enchanted Forest of Light at the Descanso Gardens. This beautiful botanical destination is open year-round. 

Shop major deals and steals from your favorite brands at The Outlets at Orange.

Experience a night on the town at the Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor dining and shopping destination a few steps outside of the Disneyland Resort.

Go snorkeling! Favorite local spots include Fisherman’s Cove, Diver’s Cove, and Crescent Bay.

If speed is your style, rent a jet ski off Dana Point or Newport beach.

One thing you’ll learn if you live in Orange County long enough is that there’s always something new to try, like paddleboard yoga. Book a class at SoCal Paddle Yoga in Mission Viejo! 

Plan a deep sea fishing excursion from Dana Wharf or Newport Beach.

Enjoy a lux staycation at Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach. Other favorite local spots include Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point and The Inn at Laguna Beach.

Visit the Butterfly Garden on the Oso Creek Trail, a 3.2-mile paved trail in Mission Viejo. 

Just to the north of the Huntington Beach Pier you’ll find the only off-leash dog beach in Orange County. This fun spot has some great events like the Corgi Beach Day and the Surf Dog Surf Competition!

Check out a cool hidden gem and a favorite local coffee spot, Daydream Surf Shop in Costa Mesa.

Hit up the House of Blues Anaheim for some live music and Southern food.

The OC Japan Fair is a unique annual event that features tasty Japanese food, live performances, and more at the OC Fair & Event Center.

See one of California’s last citrus packing warehouses at the Anaheim Packing District, which has been historically preserved and transformed into a food hall.

Ride your bike along the 10-mile Ocean Strand.

Have a big group for beach day? Try Salt Creek, it has plenty of parking!

The Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona Del Mar is a 2.2-acre living museum of amazing plant life, from desert flowers to roses to botanicals. 

Tour the Catalina Casino (now a museum) for a taste of Old Hollywood glamour.

Take a tour of the 30-acre Tanaka Farms in Irvine. Be sure to pick up some seasonal produce while you’re there!

Sip some free wine and visit local art galleries at the Laguna Beach Art Walk, held on the first Thursday of every month.

Watch a movie on the big BIG screen from the comfort of your car: Check out the Star Vu Drive-In at the OC Fair & Event Center.

Motorcycle lovers shouldn’t miss Southern California’s most famous biker bar and former Hell’s Angels haunt: Cook’s Corner off El Toro Road.

Test your aim at one of Orange County’s indoor shooting ranges.

Try one of the world-famous Cuban pastries at Porto’s Bakery in Buena Park, a Southern California cult favorite named #1 on “Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S.” in 2016. You’ve got to try one of the Refugiados™, a guava and cheese strudel that is out of this world.

Rent a 4-man bicycle on Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

The Irvine Park Railroad offers an annual Pumpkin Patch! Explore the Hay Maze and Haunted House and pick up your pumpkin.

Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar turns into a pirate’s lair for Halloween! Visit the Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens to get in the spooky spirit with nautical style. 

Don’t miss the Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade. There’s a Kiddie Costume Contest, a Halloween Pooch Pawrade, and more!

During the fall, there’s nothing better than apple picking. Riley’s Apple Farm in Yucaipa is just a short drive from OC, and it’s the perfect spot for a fall getaway. Other fun activities include cider pressing, tomahawk throwing, archery, and more!

Enjoy a fun run before the feast: Try Turkeys on Trails at Irvine Regional Park and Santiago Oaks Regional Park, the OC Turkey Trot 5K at Irvine Valley College, or the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run at Angel Stadium

Plan a day of wine tasting at one of Orange County’s lovely wineries! A Stone’s Throw Winery in San Juan Capistrano features the historic Swanner House, built in 1916. In Silverado Canyon, Cowboy Canyon Winery is surrounded by horse farms and offers a charming country experience. Other options include Orange Coast Winery, Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery, Laguna Canyon Winery, Bellante Family Winery, Pozzouli Vineyard & Winery, and more!

Try a honey-tinged cocktail with a 360 view at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.

Go on a self-guided sculpture tour of Costa Mesa’s Arts District. Map here!

Cowboy up and shoot some whiskey at popular western bar The Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano.

Check out the Orange County Fair, open 23 days during the summer.

Bet on the ponies at Los Alamitos Racetrack.

You don’t need to buy a ticket to Disneyland to enjoy a walk-and-shop with all the flavor of the Happiest Place on Earth at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim.

Play a round of mini golf or bowling with glow-in-the-dark lights at the GlowZone in Huntington Beach. 

Challenge yourself with a hike to the top of Saddleback Mountain.

See the stars: Top of the World in Laguna is the perfect hiking destination for beautiful 360 views of Orange County.

See the city lights: Drive up Villa Park for stunning views of the city lights and highways.

Take a daytrip to Temecula for a day of wine tasting!

Visit the shops and restaurants at Pacific City, a seaside mall in Huntington Beach.

Go RV camping at the Newport Dunes.

Catch a show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Their event calendar includes dances, improv, movie nights, and more.

Visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach to see rescued and rehabilitated marine mammals, including seals and sea lions! These amazing animals are released back into the wild once they’ve been rehabilitated. Entrance is free though donations are appreciated.

Catalina Island offers more than seaside fun. Head inland for a little wilderness experience: Camp overnight or even backpack the entire island on the 37-mile Trans-Catalina Trail!

Enjoy the latest sensation from L.A.: Stop by the new Randy’s Donuts in Costa Mesa.

See a movie on the big, BIG screen (and in 3D) at the Irvine Spectrum IMAX theater.

Pamper yourself with a day at the spa. Orange County has some phenomenal spots, including the Aarna Spa at Pasea and A Little Touch of Heaven in Lido.

Combine two of the best things on earth (tacos and ice cream) and what do you get? Yup, an ice cream taco from Sweet Rolled Tacos in Huntington Beach or Garden Grove. 

Get the best sunset photo of your life at Inspiration Point in Newport Beach.

Take yourself on a craft beer tour through some of the great breweries in Orange County! A few favorites include Four Sons Brewing in Huntington Beach, Noble Ale Works in Anaheim, and Docent Brewing in San Juan Capistrano.

Catch a comedy show at the Irvine Improv Comedy Club. This stage has featured some of the biggest names in the biz, including Joe Rogan, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Asenio Hall, and many more!

Orange County has some of the best resorts in the world. Get a resort day pass and enjoy the pool and amenities at one of our amazing hotels, such as the Monarch Beach Resort or Pasea Hotel & Spa.