Quick Summary:

  • What makes Orange County an iconic destination?
    • Orange County is one of the most iconic counties in the United States, largely due to its gorgeous beaches, scenic trails, upscale communities, and countless mentions in the film and television industry.
  • Is Orange County a good place for a vacation or weekend trip?
    • Orange County has everything necessary for a great holiday or weekend trip.
  • What activities and attractions can visitors enjoy in Orange County?
  • How is the weather in Orange County?
    • The sunny weather of Southern California is a major draw for visitors.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of William - Fotolia.com

2. Adventure City ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tours
Adventure City | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Adventure City

3. Angels Baseball

Category: Entertainment
Angels Baseball | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Michael Flippo - Fotolia.com

4. Balboa Fun Zone

Balboa Fun Zone | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of thestroms - Fotolia.com

5. Bowers Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Bowers Museum | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Bowers Museum

6. Crystal Cove State Park

Category: Activities
Crystal Cove State Park | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Byron Moore - Fotolia.com

7. Discovery Cube Orange County

Discovery Cube Orange County | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

8. Disney California Adventure

Tours
Disney California Adventure | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Earl Robbins - Fotolia.com

9. Disneyland

Disneyland | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Disneyland

10. Doheny State Beach

Category: Beaches
Doheny State Beach | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Gabriele Maltinti - Fotolia.com

11. Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Downtown Disney

12. Fullerton Arboretum

Category: Activities
Fullerton Arboretum | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Mark - Fotolia.com

13. Knott’s Berry Farm

Category: Activities
Knott’s Berry Farm | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com

14. Knott’s Soak City

Knott’s Soak City | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of tinadefortunata - Fotolia.com

15. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of littleny - Fotolia.com

16. Orange County Great Park

Category: Activities
Orange County Great Park | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of wedninth - Fotolia.com

17. Orange County Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Orange County Zoo | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Mark - Fotolia.com

18. Pretend City Children's Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Pretend City Children's Museum | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Pretend City Children's Museum

19. Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace

Category: Kids & Family
Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace

20. Salt Creek Beach Park

Category: Activities
Salt Creek Beach Park | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of Sebastien Burel - Fotolia.com

21. Sherman Library and Gardens

Category: Kids & Family
Sherman Library and Gardens | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of LOBO - Fotolia.com

22. The Ranch Anaheim

The Ranch Anaheim | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© The Ranch Anaheim

23. The Wedge

The Wedge | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of rouda100 - Fotolia.com

24. Star Tours

Tours
Star Tours | Things to Do in Orange County, California
© Courtesy of serhiibobyk - Fotolia.com

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