Orange County, CA is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.
Whether you’re looking for great shopping or an activity with your family, Orange County has something for everyone. The county also offers plenty of attractions that are perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing weekend with friends.
If you want to visit Orange County, these are some places you should consider seeing.
- Do you want to visit Orange County? If so, here are some places you should consider seeing.
- What are the top things to do in Orange County?
- What activities can you do in Orange County?
- Where can I go if I want to find something fun for my family or friends to do?
Below is our top pick of some of the best attractions in Orange County that will make your trip even more memorable.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) was founded in 1977 to rescue and rehabilitate marine mammals that are injured, ill, or orphaned. It’s one of the only open-ocean facilities for sea mammals in the United States. The PMMC is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteer staff and donations from the community. They treat more than 50 species of marine mammals including whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions.
The center operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days per year. You can visit them during their normal operating hours which are 10 am to 5 pm every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
It costs $12 for adults with student discounts available at $8 per person if you show proof of your school ID at checkout time.
It’s easy to get there by car, just take Highway 22 north from Laguna Beach toward Dana Point/San Diego until you reach I-5 Northbound then go west on I-5 until exit 15 which will put you on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Drive north along PCH until you see signs directing traffic toward Newport Oceanfront Inn & Suites where there will be an entrance into Irvine Regional Park. If coming from Laguna Beach it takes about 45 minutes by car via PCH with congestion expected during busy times such as rush hour – so leave early! Remember, driving in Orange County can be tricky as it is an area with heavy traffic and lots of tourists. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has reported that there were more than 40,000 crashes in 2017 alone.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident on the road, we highly recommend hiring an orange county car accident attorney to help you with your case. Contacting an Orange County car accident lawyer right away will ensure that you get all the benefits that you deserve after your wreck.
Balboa Island
This small island is located right off Newport Beach, which makes it a perfect place to spend a day with the family. The main attraction of Balboa Island is its quaint shops and restaurants along with its beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of food options including restaurants such as Anthony’s Fish Grotto, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, or Tony Roma’s Barbeque Ribs & Spirits. You can also grab a snack like an ice cream cone or pizza slice at one of the many vendors along the pier. If you’re looking for something with more substance then head over to Ruby’s Diner for their famous breakfast burritos or lunchtime burgers!
If you just want some coffee then stop by Starbucks inside the Orange County Market Place which also has a wide selection of merchandise including souvenirs and clothing items that are perfect for taking home with you!
At night time Balboa Pier transforms into an amazing sight as lights illuminate its walkways while music plays throughout creating an enchanting atmosphere; there are also live performances featuring local artists playing various genres like jazz music during the summer months so check out what shows are being offered before heading out there!
World- Class Theme and Amusement Parks
The theme parks in Orange County are world-class attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. These include Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm Resort. The two offer great discounts if you purchase tickets online before your trip or make them part of a package deal when booking accommodations at one of our hotels near Knott’s Berry Farm or Universal Studios Hollywood.
In addition, there are plenty of amusement parks in Orange County as well as right outside its borders that offer fun for kids and adults alike. Some popular ones include Legoland, SeaWorld San Diego and Six Flags Magic Mountain just north of Los Angeles — all three offer discount tickets if purchased online before traveling to Southern California.
The Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach is located in Dana Point, Calif., and is Orange County’s most popular beach. It features a mile-long sandy beach with pristine water that’s ideal for swimming and surfing.
The beach offers facilities for visitors including restrooms, showers and picnic areas. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily (lifeguard season ends on Sept 30). Fishing piers are also available at Doheny State Beach, as well as boat launches for kayaks or canoes if you’d like to explore the calm waters of Dana Point Harbor before heading out into the open sea.
If you’re looking for other surfing spots in Orange County, you may find Yeeew to be quite useful. It has an extensive directory of awesome surf accommodations around the world.
Ancient Structures
If you love history and buildings, you must see The Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. It was founded in 1776, making it the oldest of all 21 California mission churches. It’s also a National Historic Landmark and is well-known for its many tourist attractions.
These include the famous swallows that return to the mission every March 19th (both literally and figuratively), a museum and gift shop for travelers looking to buy souvenirs from their trip and more.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any feedback or would like us to include your favorite activity, let us know in the comments below!