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Things to do in Orange County

 

Attractions (178)

Activities (141)

Nightlife (7)

Shopping (24)

All (178)
Outdoors (59)
Sports (26)
Amusement (23)
Performances (20)
Museums (19)
Cultural (17)
Zoos & Aquariums (8)
Landmarks (4)
Name

Attractions travelers recommend

Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
Ranked #1 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Parks
Map | Visitor photos (29)
Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Ranked #2 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Missions; Gardens; Museums
Owner description: Visit the birthplace of Orange County, California Landmark and Museum. The most beautiful mission in the world and renowned... more » Owner description: Visit the birthplace of Orange County, California Landmark and Museum. The most beautiful mission in the world and renowned for return of the swallows. Guided tours daily and audio tour available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Vietnamese. Hands-on activities include California Missions Resource Studio, Curiosity Carts, Native American Basket Weaving, Koi Fish Feeding, and Panning for Gold and Adobe Brick Making. The site itself serves as a living outdoor museum with original buildings constructed by Native Americans in the 18th century including the Serra Chapel, Ruins of the Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing. Relax in peaceful and stunning gardens. « less
Map | Visitor photos (229)
Ranked #3 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Game/ Entertainment Centers
Owner description: Consistently voted one of the top things to do in Orange County, Flightdeck is a flight simulation attraction providing... more » Owner description: Consistently voted one of the top things to do in Orange County, Flightdeck is a flight simulation attraction providing civilians the opportunity to pilot fighter jets in actual cockpit simulators and a Boeing 737 flight simulator. Experience the challenge of aerial maneuvers at 500 knots, aircraft take-offs and landings and the excitement of air-to-air combat. Up to ten people can fly at the same time, each in their own authentic F-16 flight simulator! There is also the "Officer's Club", an observation area where guests can view and listen to all of the action on large LCD monitors, where they will see what each pilot is seeing during their flight and also hear the interaction between the pilots and the ATC crew (air traffic control).Flightdeck offers 45 minute air combat flights and 30, 60 & 90 minute Boeing 737 flights. Advanced reservations are required. « less
Map | Visitor photos (26)
1,000 Steps Beach, Laguna Beach
Ranked #4 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Beaches
Map | Visitor photos (35)
Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach
Ranked #5 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Map | Visitor photos (53)
Balboa Island Ferry, Newport Beach
Ranked #6 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Ferries/ Boats
Map | Visitor photos (12)
Ranked #7 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Amusement/ Theme Parks; Disney

Hints and advice for folks travelling, especially with children.  Stay as close to the Park as you can - it's good to be able to come out for a break without losing too much of... more »

Map | Visitor photos (2450)
Ranked #8 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Theaters
One of the region's premier performance venues.
Map | Visitor photos (2)
Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach
Ranked #9 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Beaches
Map | Visitor photos (52)
Ranked #10 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: State Parks; Beaches
Map | Visitor photos (51)
Orange County Coast, Huntington Beach
Ranked #11 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Biking Trails
Map | Visitor photos (23)
Balboa Island, Newport Beach
Ranked #12 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Islands
Man-made island that features upscale shops, restaurants and an amusement park.
Map | Visitor photos (53)
Ranked #13 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Historic Sites; Libraries
Owner description: Dedicated to one of the most controversial U.S. presidents, the complex includes a large museum, high-tech galleries, movie... more » Owner description: Dedicated to one of the most controversial U.S. presidents, the complex includes a large museum, high-tech galleries, movie and interactive video theaters, plus the spectacular First Lady's Garden and Nixon's restored birthplace. « less
Map | Visitor photos (28)
Ranked #14 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Visitors are welcome to view rescued seals and sea lions.
Map | Visitor photos (18)
Ranked #15 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Specialty Shops; Flea/ Street Markets; Specialty Museums

 Downtown Disney is a great addition to the Disney scene, offering many fine shops and restaurants to choose from.  There is now  a Sephora store and the World of Disney will give... more »

Map | Visitor photos (220)
Huntington Central Park, Huntington Beach
Ranked #16 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Parks
Map | Visitor photos (7)
Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
Ranked #17 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks
Map | Visitor photos (23)
San Clemente Pier, San Clemente
Ranked #18 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks
Map | Visitor photos (26)
Ranked #19 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Arenas/ Stadiums/ Fields
Map | Visitor photos (90)
Pelican Hill Golf Club, Newport Beach
Ranked #20 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Golf Courses
Owner description: Tom Fazio designed Pelican Hill's two 18-hole golf courses to be unlike any that you've ever played before. To further... more » Owner description: Tom Fazio designed Pelican Hill's two 18-hole golf courses to be unlike any that you've ever played before. To further enhance your game, add Pelican Hill's unmatched service and amenities; professional forecaddies, luxurious locker rooms, practice facility, shoe attendants, club cleaning service, golf shop and golf academy. « less
Map | Visitor photos (11)
Huntington Beach State Park, Huntington Beach
Ranked #21 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: State Parks
Map | Visitor photos (5)
Ranked #22 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Parks
Map | Visitor photos (10)
Ranked #23 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Children's Museums; Art Museums; History Museums
Exhibits specialize in the art of the world's indigenous peoples.
Map | Visitor photos (18)
Ranked #24 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Game/ Entertainment Centers; Movie Theaters
Entertainment mega-complex and adult playground featuring movie theaters, eateries, arcade games.
Map | Visitor photos (21)
Newport Beach, Newport Beach
Ranked #25 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Beaches
Map | Visitor photos (99)
Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
Ranked #26 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Theaters
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Ranked #27 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Playgrounds; Zoos; Scenic Railroads; Bodies of Water; Nature/ Wildlife Areas; Historic Sites
Map | Visitor photos (59)
Catalina Express, Dana Point
Ranked #28 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Ferries/ Boats
Owner description: Catalina Island is just an hour away aboard our fast and sleek boats out of Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. We are... more » Owner description: Catalina Island is just an hour away aboard our fast and sleek boats out of Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. We are committed to offering the most advanced, state-of-the-art watercraft available while maintaining a high level of dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and quality of service. Today, the fleet consists of 8 high-speed vessels. More than one million passengers set sail to Catalina Island each year on board Catalina Express, and with year round service and up to 30 departures daily, you can easily join them. « less
Map | Visitor photos (8)
Ranked #29 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Museums

This museum is loaded with cars that have been owned or loaned to Mr. Marconi, a former race car driver. Awesome is the description of these cars in an out of the way but easily... more »

Map | Visitor photos (9)
Downtown Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach
Ranked #30 of 178 attractions in Orange County
Category: Neighborhoods
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Trusted travel advice about Orange County