Orange County Day Trips Things To Do Attractions

Explore an extensive list of day trip ideas in Orange County. Uncover exciting activities, from popular tourist attractions to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Start planning your adventure today!

Gardens Nature – Family Activities – Beach Camping – Parks – Unique Eateries – Museums – Scenic Drives.

Explore Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is a historical destination often called the Jewel of the Missions. Visitors are welcome to explore the gardens and historic buildings. Tours are self-guided, and the admission fee for the grounds is quite reasonable. Additionally, the nearby town of San Juan Capistrano offers a variety of dining and shopping options.

Spend a Day in Beautiful Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach features seven miles of beautiful coastline and some of the best beaches in Orange County. When first arriving in Laguna Beach, travelers are greeted by the 1930s lifeguard tower that watches over the sand activities at Main Beach. For visitors not soaking up some rays, there are many fascinating public artworks and local galleries, including the Laguna Art Museum.

Crystal Cove Beach: An Historic Coastal Destination

Crystal Cove State Park is home to one of the most stunning beaches in Southern California. With three miles of pristine Beach and over 2,000 acres of park, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a day outdoors. The main entrance to the park is through the Crystal Cove Historic District, where you can also find the charming Crystal Cove Beach Cottages that date back to the 1920s.

Old Towne Orange Antique Shops & Sidewalk Restaurants

Are you looking for a perfect destination for a lazy weekend-day trip? Look no further than the Old Town District in the City of Orange. Old Town Orange has various cozy sidewalk restaurants and bric-a-brac antique stores that will delight you. Stroll through the district and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this 1920s gem.

Corona Del Mar Day Trip “Crown of the Sea”

Corona del Mar is a small, picturesque town between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. It is well-known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking cliff-side views, trendy restaurants, and quaint shops. The name “Corona del Mar” translates to “Crown of the Sea” in Spanish, and the past, it could only be reached by a small boat or a dirt road crossing the Irvine Ranch from the Peninsula. Nowadays, it is easily accessible and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Trestles Beach: A Southern California Surfing Paradise

Trestles Beach is located on the boundary between Orange County and San Diego County, and it’s regarded as one of the finest surfing beaches in California. The Beach is three and a half miles long and consists of five surf breaks known as Cotton, Uppers, Middles, Lowers, and Church. Trestles Beach doesn’t have a parking lot, hotels, or a paved beach trail, but it boasts miles of unspoiled Southern California coastline for visitors to enjoy.

1000 Steps Beach Salt Water Pools

The concrete pools at Paradise Bay in South Laguna Beach have been around since the 1930s. You can reach them Via 1000 Steps Beach and pass through a low-tide cave or swim around the point. The saltwater pools are heated by the sun and during low tide and are significantly warmer than the nearby Pacific Ocean. During high tide, it can be challenging to reach the pools.

Gardens – Nature Hikes

Discover the Beauty of Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Bolsa Chica is one of the few remaining wetlands in Southern California. Over the past century, the area has been utilized for various purposes such as hunting, gun emplacements by the United States military, and extensive oil production fields. Now, the site is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the natural surroundings. You can explore the area independently or join a guided tour on select weekends.

Newport Beach Back Bay Hiking, Biking, and Kayaking

The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a vast area of marshlands and towering bluffs spanning a thousand acres. It is one of Southern California’s last few remaining estuaries, where fresh and saltwater merge. A paved trail runs along the south side of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve. The Back Bay is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Niguel Botanical Preserve Laguna Niguel

The Niguel Botanical Preserve is a beautiful garden four miles inland from the Pacific Ocean along Crown Valley Parkway. Covering over 18 acres of Crown Valley Community Park, the preserve is on a hillside with several trails leading to the top. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of Saddleback Mountain from the top of the hill. A hidden gem worth exploring makes it a perfect Orange County day trip destination.

Fullerton Arboretum: A Garden Oasis

The Cal State Fullerton Campus is home to over 4,000 plants across 26 acres. The Arboretum’s primary objective is to safeguard the earth’s invaluable plant heritage, and thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and generous supporters, this goal is being achieved. Admission and parking are free for visitors. Nearby, downtown Fullerton is a great place to round out your day trip and offers many dining options.

San Clemente Beach Trail Hike Along The Beach

The San Clemente Beach Trail stretches 2.3 miles from North Beach to Calafia Beach, located south of the San Clemente Pier. The trail offers a picturesque setting for hikers, joggers, and dog owners to enjoy the scenic coast views. However, bicycles are not recommended on this trail due to the high volume of foot traffic. As you stroll along the beach, you may glimpse a Pacific Surfiner or metro link train as a railroad track runs adjacent to the route.

Quail Hill Loop Trail Irvine: Perfect for all Ages

The Quail Hill Loop Trail is a part of the City of Irvine’s open space preserve. This trail is a little over two miles long, perfect for a family hike, and offers spectacular views of the Irvine Valley. The trailhead provides ample free parking, and if you go for a longer walk, you can take the six-mile loop along the Shady Canyon Trail to Boomer Canyon and then back. However, the Quail Hill Loop is more than enough if you have younger children. This trail is Dog-Friendly.

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary a Hidden Oasis

The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is open to the public and accessible daily from dawn until dusk. This hidden oasis is a beautiful place to visit and offers stunning views of nature just minutes away from the bustling city and the San Diego freeway. The Sanctuary is open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. Take a walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife waiting for you in this fantastic Sanctuary.

Bommer Canyon Nature Trail Step Back in Time

Bommer Canyon in Irvine is an excellent destination for hiking. The primary nature trail is a leisurely two-mile hike, which ends at a former cattle camp once used by the Irvine Ranch Company. The cattle are long gone today, but several buildings, cattle loading ramps, corrals, equipment, and a native garden can be seen at the cattle camp. Bommer Canyon Nature Trail is open from dawn to dusk. No dogs are allowed on this trail.

Treasure Island Park Laguna Beach Breathtaking Views

Treasure Island Park in Laguna Beach is considered one of the most breathtaking parks in Orange County. The park boasts a paved pathway along the cliff top, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach below. Visiting Treasure Island Park is like taking a stroll through a picture-perfect postcard. Parking is difficult at this popular spot, with a small lot that fills up quickly.

Salt Creek Beach Dana Point Surfing Spot

Blufftops and Beach trails connect Salt Creek Beach to the Dana Point Headlands. Salt Creek is located below the Ritz Carlton Hotel in South Orange County and has been a favorite surfing spot since the 1960s. Nowadays, surfers and guests of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, share Salt Creek Beach. The hotel sits on a bluff above the beach, offering a picturesque view. Despite the crowd, there’s ample space for everyone. Salt Creek is among the most extensive beaches in South Orange County.

Sherman Gardens Corona Del Mar

Established in 1955, the Sherman Library and Gardens were originally a nursery. The mild coastal climate is perfect for trees, shrubs, flowers, and succulents to thrive. You can plan on spending about an hour here, but it may take longer if you want to have lunch at the Gardens restaurant. The charming beach town of Corona Del Mar boasts several stunning beaches and dining options along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Orange County Family Activities

Goat Hill Junction Free Train Rides

Goat Hill Junction is a great place for the kids for a fun and affordable adventure—free train rides for kids of all ages every third weekend of the month. Train rides last about fifteen minutes, and you can board as many times as you like. (You must go to the back of the line each time.) Tip: arrive early or at the end of the day for the shortest lines.

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Buena Park, California

Come and witness the thrilling spectacle of Pirates battling it out while swinging from the masts of a massive indoor pirate brigantine. As you enjoy a delicious three-course meal, you will be a part of the show and encouraged to compete against other groups to create the most noise. So, get ready to cheer on your favorite pirate and make some noise!

Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park Buena Park, CA

Knott’s is a favorite with both locals and out-of-state visitors. For Southern California’s oldest theme park, Tickets are half the price of Orange County’s other big-dollar theme park. The park offers an excellent mix of first-class roller coasters, thrilling rides, interactive entertainment, and elaborate stage shows catering to guests of all ages.

Disneyland® Resort Anaheim

Disneyland® opened on July 17, 1955, on 75 acres of land that was once used for orange groves. Over the years, the theme park has undergone many changes. Today, it consists of eight distinct “lands,” each with its own unique theme. While a visit to Disneyland® can be costly, it is a must-see attraction for visitors from out of town.

Medieval Times Dinner Show Buena Park, CA

If you are in the Anaheim resort district, it’s worth taking a 15-minute drive to Medieval Times Dinner Theater Buena Park. The show features a thrilling tournament between Knights of the Realm, who compete in games such as the flag toss, ring toss, and javelin throw before engaging in an intense jousting match using genuine medieval weapons. At the end of the tournament, only one knight will emerge victorious and earn the title of Champion.

Tanaka Farms Orange County U-Pick Farm Tours

Tanaka Farms is a family-owned farm in Orange County that has been operating for many years. Depending on the season, they grow various organic fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, tomatoes, watermelons, and pumpkins. One of the most popular activities for families is the tractor-pulled farm tour, which allows visitors to witness the growth of various fruits and vegetables in the fields. Visitors can even sample fresh produce straight from the vine during the tour.

Adventure City: Anaheim’s Lessor-Known Theme Park

Adventure City is an ideal destination for families with children under 12. Parents can accompany their kids on some rides, while others are exclusively designed for children. The admission fee includes unlimited access to all rides, shows, and attractions, except for the arcade and Mount Adventurous. If your kids are fond of trains, they will surely enjoy riding the 1938 vintage miniature train that circles the theme park. Adventure City’s latest attraction, Rewind Racers, will surely attract coaster fans to check out the new ride.

Discovery Cube Santa Ana For Kids of All Ages

Family fun for kids of all ages. It’s hard not to miss the science center with its giant black solar cube hanging over the freeway. Inside the center are two floors with more than 150 interactive exhibits. Discovery Science Cube Orange County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers, and increasing public understanding and appreciation of science, math, and technology through interactive exhibits and programs.

Big Orange Balloon Irvine Everyone Rides for Free

Passengers can climb aboard the 30-person gondola and ascend to 400 feet in the air for a serene balloon ride experience. The Great Park Carousel is another attraction located near the balloon ride. It can accommodate up to 36 passengers and is accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs. The balloon operates on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The balloon rides are free and sponsored by FivePoint. However, children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult during the balloon flights.

Santa Ana Zoo Prentice Park

The Santa Ana Zoo displays 90 different species in 35 exhibits and is a great place to introduce younger children to the wonders of the zoo. Allow about three hours for your zoo visit. This will give you ample time to see the animals and ride the train.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The center cares for and releases injured California seals and sea lions that become stranded along the Orange County coast. Visitors are welcome to stop by and check out the Critters anytime between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

Newport Aquatic Center Kayak Rentals

Newport Aquatic Center is located at the Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve entrance, spanning over one thousand acres of marshlands. Visitors to the Newport Aquatic Center can rent one or two-person kayaks by the hour.

Balboa Island Day Trip

Getting to the Balboa Peninsula is part of the fun. Today, bridges connect Balboa Island to the Peninsula and the rest of the city, but the Balboa Island Ferry was the only way to get between the island and the Peninsula in the past.

Orange County Beach Camping

Doheny State Beach Camping

Doheny State Beach features 114 campsites. Not all sites are directly on the beach, but you will be only steps to the Pacific Ocean if you are lucky enough to reserve a beachfront campsite. Doheny Beach offers plenty if you only visit for a day trip: picnic tables, bike rentals, and a paved beach trail to San Clemente.

San Clemente State Beach Camping

Locals would like to keep this place to themselves, but the state of California has provided plenty of parking space so we can all enjoy this beautiful beach. The blufftop campground features 160 campsites. Most sites do not have a beach view; however, the ocean is visible if you can get a reservation next to the canyon.

Moro Campground Crystal Cove

Moro Campground offers spectacular ocean views from all of its sixty campsites. Unlike some other beach campgrounds, there is no bad campsite. Everyone has an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. Along with the blufftop camping, a vast day-use area has 17 covered shade ramadas with picnic tables, 2 group pavilions, and an outdoor nature center.

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are hot, and everyone wants to rent one. You have seen the pictures, read the guidebooks, and looked at all the reviews. You’re ready to rent a beach cottage at Crystal Cove but have heard it’s almost impossible to get a reservation. It may be more accessible, so check out our rental guide.

Newport Dunes Resort

Situated opposite the multi-million dollar beachfront properties that line the golden coastline of southern Orange County’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Dunes presents a 110-acre year-round aquatic playground at the Back Bay nature preserve entrance that the entire family can enjoy.

Orange County Parks

Irvine Regional Park

The 477-acre park contains some of the oldest coastal live oaks in Orange County, and the preservation of those trees led to the major renovations that the park has undergone. Activities include paddle boats, train rides, Orange County Zoo, hiking, and picnicking.

O’Neill Regional Park

Tucked away neatly under coast live oak and sycamore trees in Trabuco and Live Oak Canyons, O’Neill Regional Park serves as a day-use picnic area and an overnight camping facility. O’Neill Park has many seasonal activities, but the main draw is the picnic and campground facilities and an equestrian campground.

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is an expansive protected 8,000-acre wildlife preserve abutting the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest. The park is accented with seasonal wildflower displays and running streams.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

The lake at the Laguna Niguel Regional Park Center is a secondary attraction to the lush emerald lawns, and sturdy Sycamore trees adorn the 236 acres surrounding it. This South Orange County Park is perfect for a family day trip.

Mile Square Park Fountain Valley

Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley is a 640-acre urban oasis. Mile Square Park has three golf courses, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball & softball diamonds, an archery range, and a wilderness area.

Aliso and Wood Canyon Park

Aliso and Wood Canyon is part of the 19,000 acres Laguna Coast greenbelt. The park has over 30 miles of trails, from moderate to strenuous. Aliso and Wood Canyon Park offer hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking.

Laguna Lake Park Fullerton

Laguna Lake Park is a beautiful, relaxing lake in the middle of Fullerton. Activities include fishing, picnicking, and hiking. The 7-acre lake is surrounded by mature trees that provide plenty of shade. Park benches are situated around the lake, where you can sit and enjoy the view.

Nix Nature Center Laguna Canyon

The James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center is the headquarters for the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The center is the gateway for recreational users to explore the vast network of trails throughout the 20,000-acre South Coast Regional Wilderness.

Orange County Unique Eateries

LAB Anti-Mall Costa Mesa

Shop till you drop, then Feast on creative Cuban cuisine at Habana, washed down by a magnificent Mojito. Follow it up with a hand-crafted sweet treat. We highly recommend the Nutella macaroons created by the crew at Honey and Butter.

Anaheim Packing House

The Anaheim Packing House is a collection of eateries every foodie will love. The restored two-story building looks more like a greenhouse than a food center. Once inside, you will find the building packed with places to dine.

Shake Shack Newport Coast

Ruby’s roadside diner is located on the bluff overlooking Crystal Cove Beach. Since mid-1940, Shake Shack has been a favorite stop for locals and tourists. Before Ruby took over, the place was known as the Date Shack, and its signature drink was date shakes.

Beachcomber Restaurant Crystal Cove

Beachcomber Restaurant features oceanfront breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With its prime location, the restaurant can often have long waiting times. If you have to wait, you will be handed a pager to stroll along the beach or sit at a picnic table on the beach promenade. Reservations are recommended when visiting the Beachcomber Cafe.

Silverado Canyon Cafe

The food here is your basic diner fare hamburgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items. Most customers are locals, but the price is right, and you don’t find small-town diners like this in Orange County.

Pearson’s Port Newport Beach

Along with living crab and lobster (in season), Pearson offers sea bass and buckets of prawns caught earlier that day. Everything is fresh; they usually sell out within a few hours, so arrive early. No food is served at Pearson’s. It would be best to cook your seafood dinner or lunch at home or in a hotel.

Cooks Corner Roadhouse

The bar is packed with bikers on weekends, and the parking lot is jammed with hundreds of motorcycles. The crowd is usually friendly, mixing weekend warriors and hardcore bikers: cold beer, breakfast dishes, burgers, and sandwiches.

Orange County Museums

Richard Nixon Library

The original farmhouse where President Nixon was born is just a few steps away from his final resting place in the Nixon Memorial Garden. Inside the Library is the main gallery where you can journey through history, exploring the many exhibits.

Lyon Air Museum

Lyon Air Museum is adjacent to the runway at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. The Lyon Air Museum is housed in a thirty thousand square foot hanger designed to display William Lyon’s collection of historic aircraft.

Heritage Hill Historical Park

Heritage Hill Park is tucked between a shopping center and a Lake Forest, California, riding stable. The park contains several historic structures, including the original El Toro one-room schoolhouse and St. George’s Episcopal Church.

Stanley Ranch Museum

Stanley Ranch Museum is a look into the past of Garden Grove. Even though homes now surround the ranch, it doesn’t take much imagination to picture what Garden Grove looked like 100 years ago. Nearby Stanley Ranch, you can also find Garden Grove’s Historic Main Street.

Muzeo Museum Anaheim

Muzeo in Anaheim is located in downtown Anaheim. Formally the Anaheim Museum and now expanded with a new modern building. The 25,000-square-foot MUZEO complex includes Anaheim’s original Carnegie Library, built-in 1908.

Orange County City Guide

Little Saigon Westminster

Little Saigon has the largest concentration of Vietnamese shopping outside Vietnam. This three-square-mile area has nearly 2,000 Vietnamese restaurants, shops, and businesses exploring. Start your visit to Little Saigon by visiting the Asian Garden Mall. Inside the mall is a food court with a long row of grills, cafes, bakeries, and pho restaurants.

Newport Beach Orange County Day Trip

If you need a beach getaway but need your creature comforts, Newport Beach, located in Orange County, is a great place to spend a day. It offers a slightly calmer atmosphere than other tourist haunts like Huntington Beach.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, aptly named “Surf City USA,” boasts over eight miles of wide, sandy beaches and is the longest stretch of uninterrupted beachfront anywhere on the West Coast. The climate is sunny and comfortable year-round, and it is one of California’s most famous surfing spots. Most recently, it has been home to the US Open Surfing Championships.

Fullerton Day Trip

Sometimes you don’t have to look too far to find fun ways to spend a day with the family. The City of Fullerton, located in northern Orange County, is ideally situated for experiencing all that Southern California has to offer.

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Harbor offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, beachfront shopping and dining, and various lodging choices. Nearby Doheny State Beach is a popular seaside camping destination, only steps from the water.

Orange County Road Trips

Ortega Highway 74 Road Trip

California Route 74, or Ortega Highway, stretches just over 21 miles from beautiful San Juan Capistrano in the west to growing Lake Elsinore Valley in the east—things to see and do along the Ortega Highway in South Orange County.

Santiago Canyon Country Drive

Orange County’s last back-country road, Santiago Canyon Road, also known as County Highway 18, extends for about 12 miles between the City of Lake Forest and the City of Orange. Nothing rivals a relaxing drive along an unspoiled strip of Southern California highway.

Los Angeles Day Trip Ideas