Orange County is Your Place for Year-Round Fun in the Sun

Few places offer you the entertainment options like Orange County, and even fewer can do this year-round. Unlike so many other places, there really seems like only one season in Orange County, and that is the season for having fun in the sun. That’s because us folks in Orange County are truly blessed with some of the greatest weather here in the United States. As a result, you can go to the beach during the day, then come to one of our plentiful cities and villages for an evening out without worrying about bad news from the meteorologists.

Popularly known as The OC, Orange County has a wonderful mixture of so many different cultures and ethnicities who are united in pride over our home and a love for all it has to offer. Take a trip with us as we explore the wonders of Orange County and show you why you should make it your next travel destination, whether you are planning a little day trip or flying out for an extended vacation.

Sun and Surf in Orange County

Not all beaches are created equal, and it is important to know that before you head out to the gorgeous Pacific Ocean here in Orange County. Some beaches are perfect for a peaceful walk, and others are ideal for swimming with the kids. Orange County has over 42 miles of pristine coastline with beaches meant for different cultures and lifestyles. With that much beachfront, there is sure to be room enough for everyone.

Huntington Beach

The popular epicenter of the California Surf Culture that sprang up in the late Fifties, Huntington Beach is the one place you must go if you are a diehard surfer or someone who just loves watching these brave men and women challenge nature. Huntington Beach has truly earned the name Surf City USA with a stretch of beachfront that has the perfect break line. Even if you aren’t a surfer, there is so much to do in Huntington Beach. The famous pier juts out into the Pacific, giving you unparalleled views of this gorgeous ocean. There are also plenty of retail stores, great places to eat, and bonfire pits on the beach, so you can camp out with the locals and watch the sunset every evening.

Victoria Beach

If you are looking for a quieter place to have a romantic walk or to get more in touch with the natural beauty of Orange County, Victoria Beach is your ideal choice. Located in the town of Laguna Beach, Victoria Beach offers a magnificent stretch of beach, ending at a mysterious pirate tower set into the rocks. Known as La Tour, this structure was built in 1926 as a way to facilitate access to the beach. Laguna Beach also has the challenging staircase of Thousand Steps Beach, a great way to get in some exercises during your visit.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is the perfect destination for people who love the nightlife and want to spend their time in a beachfront hotspot with world-class restaurants and elegant shopping at exclusive boutiques. You can enjoy surfing lessons and exceptional fishing during the day and then spend the night on a sunset cruise, enjoying all this beautiful community set on 10 miles of coastline has to offer.

Salt Creek Beach Park

If you are coming to visit us in Orange County and have young children, you must take them to Salt Creek Beach Park. Located in lovely Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach Park offers just enough waves to remind you that you are in the ocean but is not so challenging, so your kids can enjoy body surfing, buggy boarding, or just getting their toes wet while you work on your tan. The beach is even home to a protected tide pool, so you and the kids can get an education on all the incredible species of wildlife that make Dana Point home. There are also plenty of picnic areas so you can enjoy a light lunch to refresh before the kids go back to the ocean for more.

Theme Parks in Orange County

Disneyland

Orange County is truly the cradle of the great American theme park. Since Mickey Mouse’s best friend Walt Disney opened the gates to Disneyland Park on July 22, 1955, putting Anaheim on the map, Orange County has been the epicenter of these amazing places that are fun for the whole family while transcending the basic amusement park. Disneyland has so much to offer, including classic attractions like Cinderella’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, and the Haunted Mansion, and newer additions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pixar Pier. Superhero fans are anxiously awaiting the opening of the Avengers Campus, where they can see all their favorites do battle with the forces of evil. Disneyland Park is open year-round and features everyone’s favorite characters, some truly magical parades, and a closing fireworks display that is not to be missed.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Starting out as a roadside berry stand in the 1920s, Knott’s Berry Farm is more than just a place to get into a jam celebrating the folks who created the boysenberry. This venerable theme park opened to the public on December 3, 1981, and hasn’t looked back. Today, there are three different parts to Knott’s Berry Farm. The 160-acre theme park includes rides and amusements unlike any other in the world, with some of the most thrilling roller coasters you’ll ever dare to ride. The theme park encompasses Old West Ghost Town, Camp Snoopy for the little ones, Fiesta Village celebrating California’s Hispanic roots, and The Boardwalk with an old-fashioned carnival atmosphere. If you want to beat the heat, then head over to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. Making up the Knott’s Berry Farm trifecta is the California Marketplace with some of the most delicious fried chicken you will ever eat.

A Collection of Some of the Finest Communities

Orange County has some of the most inviting cities and quaintest communities you’ll ever find here in the United States. You can spend a day just driving down the coast of Huntington Beach to San Clemente. San Juan Capistrano hosts the famous mission where the swallows return every year. Anaheim is not just home to Disneyland and the Angels baseball team, but also has the Packing District, an eclectic collection of different dining destinations. Stradling Newport Beach and Huntington Beach is Costa Mesa with its collection of scenic public parks.

Plaza Square Park

Orange County gets its name from Old Towne Orange, which is home to Plaza Square Park. You can get the real flavor of this town square in Orange, which was founded back in 1871. With plenty of stores and restaurants, you can spend a day shopping or just relaxing in this beautiful space. Orange is known as the Antique Capital of California, with more than 40 antique boutiques nestled in Plaza Square Park. If you can’t find it here, you probably won’t find it anywhere.

Bowers Museum

Historic Santa Ana is the largest city in Orange County and is located inland just due south of Anaheim and Orange. It features an Artists Village that has maintained its Bohemian roots and the Bowers Museum, the finest collection of art in the entire county. First opened in 1936, the museum was devoted to the history of Orange County until 1987 when the City of Santa Ana closed it. The museum reopened in 1992 at about six times its original size and now features exhibits from around the world.

As you can see, Orange County is home to a vast collection of cultures and attractions sure to thrill any visitor or resident. From our beaches to our theme parks and museums, you can find entertainment all year round. Our community culture is strengthened by our diverse communities who call Orange County home. Explore Orange County with friends or family today!