10 Best Things to Do in Orange County

Disneyland Park, built in 1955 by Walt Disney, features 8 themed areas that are teeming with amusement rides, colorful characters, live music, and street parades. Located on Disneyland Drive, it’s one of the largest theme parks in the world. Thrill seekers can enjoy exhilarating rides at the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, while families with young kids can explore the Sleeping Beauty Castle and meet Disney princesses at the Royal Hall.

Shipley Nature Center has all sorts of outdoor attractions, including trails, conservatories, and even a native plant nursery filled with incredible flora that's native to the Orange County region. Be sure to stop by the butterfly house as well, where you'll see these colorful creatures flying around in an array of vibrancy. If you visit during the summer, you can catch special events like live music performances taking place here. Fans of birding will find much to see here as well, as this nature center is home to numerous songbirds year-round, and their nectar-rich plants draw in plenty of hummingbirds and wrens to see.

Crystal Cove State Park is a coastal protected natural area known for its beauty and its virtually endless array of outdoor land and water activities. Travelers from all over come to visit the shores of this park, which has waves suitable for surfing and spots commonly used for scuba diving. Kayaking is also popular in this area. If you're looking for fun farther inland, you can embark on a thrilling hike or bike ride through the area's nature trails.

The Discovery Cube is a popular museum and activity center designed to entertain and educate young minds. If you're traveling with kids, this is a great destination to help them learn while they're also having fun. Within the Discovery Cube, you'll find presentations, exhibits, games, and shows that are all designed to teach kids about space, water conservation, and good eating habits, among other topics. The Cube also holds events every now and then, including special shows and overnight events like Night at the Cube that celebrates the anniversary of the moon landing.

The Old Courthouse Museum takes you back more than a century into Orange County's rich history. Upon reaching the building, you'll notice its impressive sandstone and granite composition that gives off an imposing yet welcoming atmosphere that only draws you in closer. Inside, you'll find extensive archives and artifacts that bring valuable insight into the region's past. The Orange County History Center and the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society's library are both located inside, along with the Orange County Archives.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a centuries-old Christian mission that you can tour with a guide or on your own to see the impressive architecture and historical artworks. The Spanish Colonial architecture stands proudly against a backdrop of vibrant greenery and blue skies if you visit on a sunny day. When you tour the interior, you can peruse their extensive collection of historical artifacts and artwork from the 18th century onward, including an interpretive room dedicated entirely to Native American art.

Laguna Beach art galleries display some of the best works from local artists, allowing you to enjoy the inherent allure of the artwork itself and immerse yourself in local culture. The galleries include the Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art, Kush Fine Art, and the Cove Gallery. At these locations, you can see photos, acrylics, paintings, and some odd mediums that artists have used to express themselves. Visit during the summer, and you can even enjoy an art festival among these galleries.

The Pretend City Children's Museum is designed to offer fun exhibits that kids will enjoy and that also provide valuable insight into various career opportunities. All sorts of careers are on display here, along with various adult tasks like going to the bank or shopping for groceries. Kids can enjoy a safe place to practice it all, and they may even find the inspiration they need to pursue a particular career like a doctor, lawyer, or virtually anything else you can imagine.

The El Moro Canyon Loop Trail offers a fulfilling hiking experience complemented by scenic views and spectacular sights like wildflower fields and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is 5 miles in total, and it's not all that difficult to traverse. The path is suitable for beginners, making it a good choice for novice hikers or those wanting to bring the whole family along—just be sure to wear the proper footwear. You could also choose to book a horseback ride down this trail.

OC Brewery Tours offers tours for locals and travelers looking to sample the top breweries in Orange County. Microbreweries tend to be everywhere these days, but the unique tastes of original Orange County brews not only offer stunning flavors, but they provide insight into the local culture. OC Brewery Tours works to unite the best breweries in town in a single trip, so you can hit all the best spots, including All American Brew Works, Lost Winds, Beachwood Brewing, and more.