What Makes Orange County Special?
A renowned beach destination, Orange County, CA, is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Its beaches are unparalleled, and the weather is mild and sunny all throughout the year.
Orange County is also where you can find “The Happiest Place on Earth” and other theme parks that make it the perfect place to have a magical experience no matter how old you are!
If you love the outdoors, you’ll have plenty of fantastic options in Orange County as you explore the diverse trails throughout the region. Avid golfers of all skill levels have almost 50 beautiful golf courses to choose from.
The shopping, dining, and entertainment scene in Orange County is exceptional. There are plenty of options for retail therapy, from small boutique shops to luxurious malls.
Restaurants offer a vast variety of flavors, from succulent seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine. There’s something to satisfy every palate. There’s always live music to keep you entertained in Orange County, from small venues to large arenas.
There are a lot of amazing experiences waiting for you when you visit the cities in Orange County. Read on to know the top 10 cities you must visit!
1. Anaheim
Number one in our list of the top cities in Orange County, CA, Anaheim is most well-known for Disneyland, but the famous theme park is not the only highlight of this town.
There’s plenty to explore beyond the borders of the Happiest Place on Earth. Downtown Anaheim is a culinary hotbed, home to Anaheim Packing House food hall, where you’ll find 20 different merchants all in one place.
The historic Center Street Promenade has it all – Anaheim’s finest handmade crafts, chef-driven restaurants, and avant-garde vendors. It’s also home to the local farmers’ market, street fairs, art shows, and seasonal events like the famous Anaheim Nutcracker Holiday Festival.
2. Laguna Beach
This tranquil year-round escape offers a place to connect with pristine beaches, nature, art, wellness, and welcoming locals.
Laguna Beach boasts a unique topography, with seven miles of coves and beaches. It also has the most beachfront lodging in all of California, making this city an ideal spot for a beach getaway.
Beyond its iconic beaches, Laguna is home to over 22,000 acres of protected wilderness, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers. Explore mountain biking trails for all levels, hundreds of miles of hiking, breathtaking vistas, and marine sanctuaries.
3. Newport Beach
Newport Beach combines laid-back beach town vibes with luxurious living. It’s a place where you’ll find historic cottages and dive bars alongside oceanfront mansions and a yacht-lined harbor.
The city boasts a vibrant surf culture, with over eight miles of coastline. The Wedge is considered the best bodysurfing spot in the country, with waves that can easily reach 20 feet in height.
Other surfing spots along Newport Beach include Echo Beach and Blackies, where experienced surfers flock, and Little Corona, a popular choice among beginners.
Upper Newport Bay is an ecological reserve surrounded by a 10-mile loop trail where birdwatchers, joggers, equestrians, and cyclists enjoy nature. The four-mile-long Lower Newport Bay, on the other hand, is where you’ll find exquisite shops and excellent restaurants.
4. Irvine
Irvine is a perfect destination for families, offering plenty of fun outdoor activities for kids.
Tanaka Farms is a place where the whole family can be entertained while learning about the harvest during strawberry and watermelon season.
The 600-plus acre Orange County Great Park offers an exhilarating adventure for those who would like to soar 400 feet into the air in the Great Park Balloon or go for a spin on the Great Park Carousel.
5. Huntington Beach
Nicknamed Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is popular for its year-round consistent waves and a surf culture like no other.
Watching the locals riding the waves alongside the landmark 1,850-foot-long pier is simply spectacular. Immerse yourself further into the surf culture by visiting the International Surfing Museum, Jack’s Surfboards, and the Surfing Walk of Fame.
Aside from enjoying the beach life, there are other outdoor activities in Huntington Beach that would appeal to nature lovers, such as hiking or birdwatching at the restored estuary at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, one of SoCal’s most vital coastal wetland habitats.
6. Dana Point
Dana Point offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in various outdoor activities and adventures, world-class dining, and unique shopping experiences.
Known as the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World”, thousands of gray whales migrate along its coastline from December to May as they make their way from the Arctic to the warmer waters of Mexico.
For boating enthusiasts of all levels, an unforgettable seaside adventure awaits at Dana Point Harbor, where you can set sail and explore Catalina Island. You can also go kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or scuba diving.
7. Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is known for its vibrant arts scene, unique shopping experiences, and burgeoning culinary culture.
Visit the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the home stage for the American Ballet Theatre’s Gillespie School of Dance, the Pacific Symphony, and the Philharmonic Society. The Center is also the only place in Orange County where you can see a Broadway show.
For retail therapy, the South Coast Plaza features over 250 designer stores, such as Hermès, Baccarat, and Gucci. The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP are dog-friendly places where you can find rare boutique shops and restaurants that support local producers.
8. San Clemente
An oceanfront Orange County town set along four miles of gorgeous coastline, San Clemente is a haven of perfect waves, swaying palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets.
San Clemente is one of the country’s leading surfing destinations, drawing surfers from all over the world to the Trestles, the legendary series of five breaks at San Onofre State Beach.
A self-guided tour at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, the magnificent blufftop 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival estate of city founder Ole Hanson, offers stunning views amidst music and dance performances.
9. Fullerton
Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Fullerton is a charming city that boasts a rich history and a vibrant community.
The Summit House, one of Orange County’s best restaurants, is a must-visit. This old-world chalet sitting atop a hill with panoramic views of the city will transport you back in time as you are served the most delicious prime rib in town while live music is played by a pianist.
Downtown Fullerton is known as one of the more walkable neighborhoods in Orange County. It’s a great place to visit for those who enjoy architecture. Go on a self-guided walking tour of Fullerton’s historic buildings and stop by the many delightful restaurants and cafés to experience their culinary offerings.
10. Orange
Located across the Santa Ana River, the City of Orange offers a refreshing experience to visitors.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park is a nature lover’s paradise where you can go hiking, biking, or horseback riding amidst an awe-inspiring view of Orange and the surrounding foothills.
Another great attraction worth visitng is the Hilbert Museum of California Art, boasting a collection of over 1,000 paintings. The exhibit primarily consists of watercolors and oil paintings by artists of the California Scene Painting movement.
Check out The Outlets at Orange, Orange County’s original outlet mall and one of the largest shopping centers in Southern California. This open-air mall boasts more than a hundred storefronts selling designer goods at discount prices.
Conclusion
There you have it – the top 10 must-visit cities when you travel to Orange County!
Beyond the beautiful beaches, there’s so much to look forward to when you visit these destinations, from satisfying your palate with delectable dishes from excellent restaurants to connecting with beautiful nature through various outdoor activities.
If you want to know more about Orange County real estate, please give me a call today at (949) 235-8614. You may also email me at pat@patparryhomes.com for questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shady Canyon
Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach are the best cities to enjoy Orange County’s popular beaches.
Are there family-friendly activities in Orange County?
Anaheim’s famous theme parks, Disneyland and Universal Studios, offer magical experiences for families.
What is the best city for shopping?
The City of Orange is the best city for shopping. Here, you’ll find The Outlets at Orange, Orange County’s original outlet mall and one of the largest shopping centers in Southern California.
