Things to Do in Orange County, California: A Local’s Guide to Beaches, Harbors & Coastal Days

Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford

Along the picturesque coastline of Southern California, Orange County offers a ton of things to do and natural beauty to see. Whether you’re a resident in search of new adventures or a visitor exploring this sunny region for the first time, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Orange County.

I spent four years of college in the city of Orange, came back a few years later, and have been calling our little piece of South OC “home” since then, about ten minutes down the canyon from Laguna. (We were even legally married at Laguna Beach City Hall.) This is the list I hand friends when they visit: the beaches I actually spread a towel on, the harbor afternoons we keep repeating, and the trails, tasting rooms, and towns worth a full day. If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, my Newport Beach travel guide and Laguna Beach travel guide are the place to start.

Before you scroll: In my humble opinion, the best things to do in Orange County include cove-hopping in Laguna Beach, renting a duffy boat for a cruise around Newport Harbor, whale watching out of Dana Point, shopping and lingering at Lido Marina Village, and enjoying the views at Crystal Cove State Park. Give one day to something inland, like antiquing in Old Towne Orange or giving in to California cowboy culture in San Juan Capistrano. And no one will blame you if the real reason you’re visiting the OC is for a full day at Disneyland. Two or three days cover the coast pretty well, but a week lets you slow down and see much more.

Visit The Best Beaches in Orange County

If there’s one thing Orange County does best, it’s a beach day. From the surf breaks in Huntington to the tucked-away coves of Laguna, every stretch of Pacific Coast Highway moves at its own speed. Honestly, Laguna Beach has the best beaches and coves in all of OC, which is why you’ll see so many of them here. For the full Laguna rundown, my Laguna Beach travel guide goes a bit more in-depth, cove by cove.

Whether you’re catching a wave, packing a picnic, or chasing golden-hour light, these are my favorite places to spend the day:

• Aliso Beach – Laguna Beach: One of Laguna’s easiest beaches to reach, with parking right next to the sand. A wide shoreline, steady waves, and lifeguards make it a good pick for families and bodysurfing. Don’t feel like packing lunch? The Lost Pier Café sits right on the sand.
• Corona del Mar State Beach – Newport Beach: A protected cove, gentle waves, and plenty of room to spread out. The color of the water at CdM State Beach at golden hour is reason enough to stay until the sky goes dark.
• Crescent Bay – Laguna Beach: A cove framed by rocky cliffs and palms, with clear water for swimming and boogie boarding. At low tide, explore the tidepools along the northern rocks, then climb up to the bluff-top park for the view back toward town.
• Moro Beach – Crystal Cove State Park: The most accessible stretch of Crystal Cove State Park, with parking, restrooms, and an easy walk to the sand. It pairs perfectly with a morning on the bluff trails.
• Newport Municipal Beach – Newport Beach: The classic Newport beach day. Wide sand, volleyball courts, and the pier as its centerpiece.
• Salt Creek Beach – Dana Point: A South OC favorite with consistent surf, scenic bluffs, and ocean-view lawns above the sand. A paved path leads from the lot straight down to the beach.
• Shaw’s Cove – Laguna Beach: Small, sheltered by cliffs, and loved by snorkelers for its clear water. Parking is limited, so arrive early. I suggested this spot when I shot our friends’ Laguna Beach proposal because it’s that pretty.
• Thousand Steps Beach – Laguna Beach: Don’t let the name scare you. It’s closer to 200 steps (still a workout on the way back up), and absolutely worth it for the wide sand, bright blue water, and the sea cave at the south end. Go at low tide.
• Treasure Island Beach – Laguna Beach: A postcard cove below the Montage Laguna Beach, with calm water and tide pools. Stay for sunset; it’s one of Laguna’s best.
• Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach: Home of the iconic Pirate Tower, it feels a world away from PCH. The tower itself is closed inside, so admire it from the sand. Go at low tide so you can walk the rocks and explore the tide pools.

Local Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, beach parking can fill up quickly — especially in Laguna and Newport. Arrive early or opt for a weekday visit for easier parking and lighter crowds.

Boating, Surfing & Whale Watching Adventures in Orange County

The best way to experience Orange County’s coastal lifestyle is to actually get out on the water. Cruising Newport Harbor, paddling around Dana Point, taking a wobbly first surf lesson in Huntington: these are the days that capture everything that makes this coastline special.

• Duffy Boat Rentals: A Newport Beach classic. These little electric boats are easy to drive (no license needed) and made for brunch on the water or a sunset cruise with snacks and a bottle of something cold. Bring a speaker and float around Newport Harbor as the light goes gold. You can rent a duffy boat out of Dana Point, too, but my favorite company is EB Rental LTD. in Lido Marina Village.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: The calm harbors in Dana Point and Newport Beach are made for paddling, and rentals are easy to find near the docks. Keep an eye on the buoys; there’s usually a sea lion or two lounging on them.
• Surf Lessons: If you’re going to take a surf lesson anywhere, make it Huntington Beach. It’s Surf City USA for a reason: consistent waves, great instructors, and pier-side energy that’s as classic SoCal as it gets. More experienced surfers can head south to Salt Creek in Dana Point or T-Street in San Clemente. Browse surf lessons in Huntington Beach on Viator.
• Sailing Excursions: For something a little more elevated, charter a private yacht or sailing tour from Newport Beach or Dana Point. Many companies offer charcuterie boards, wine, and sunset sails along the coast — the perfect mix of luxury and laid-back. We did this with my in-laws for Max’s 21st birthday, and it ended up being one of those perfect California afternoons — calm seas, warm light, and dolphins cruising alongside the boat! Book a sunset sailing cruise on Viator.
• Whale Watching: Orange County is one of the best places in California to spot dolphins and whales year-round. Head out from Dana Point Harbor (the “Whale Watching Capital of the World”) or Newport Landing for a few hours on the Pacific — morning cruises often mean calmer trips! Browse whale watching and dolphin tours from Dana Point on Viator.

Shopping in Orange County: Boutiques & Open-Air Malls

Orange County takes shopping seriously, but in true SoCal fashion, it happens outdoors: sunshine, palm trees, and a latte in hand while you wander (and people-watch).

• Fashion Island – Newport Beach: Orange County’s take on coastal luxury, set on a hill above the ocean. The open-air layout feels like a resort, with fountains, lush landscaping, and a breeze moving through as you browse Vince, Rails, and PAIGE. Stop at Joey or R+D Kitchen for lunch, then catch sunset over Newport Harbor. Locals know to come back for the holidays, when the giant Christmas tree transforms the courtyard.
• Irvine Spectrum Center – Irvine: Palm-lined walkways, colorful storefronts, and that iconic wheel towering over it all. It’s the most all-in-one of the bunch: national favorites, specialty shops, dinner, and a movie in one stop.
• Lido Marina Village – Newport Beach: Tucked just off the harbor, Lido blends coastal luxury with a small-town feel, and it’s one of my personal favorites to window shop, especially. Shop LoveShackFancy, Jenni Kayne, or Sugar Paper (the cutest stationery and gifts), then grab a coffee at Herst Coffee Roasters or a cocktail at Malibu Farm, which is a must.
• Pacific City – Huntington Beach: Ocean views with your shopping, just steps from the Huntington Beach Pier. Surf culture meets boutique style here: browse in your sandals, grab a smoothie, and catch the sunset without moving your car.
• South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa: If you’re in the mood to splurge, this is the destination for designer shopping in OC. It’s one of the largest luxury malls in the country, home to Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, and still manages to feel polished rather than overwhelming.

Beyond the big multi-shop destinations, OC’s towns are full of icons and hidden gems alike, all worth wandering into. Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Melrose in the OC – San Clemente
• Nuance Home + Lifestyle Boutique – Laguna Beach
• Our Spare Change – San Clemente
• Roger’s Gardens – Newport Beach
• The Shop – Laguna Beach
• Tuvalu – Laguna Beach

Take a Coastal Hike or Nature Walk

OC’s coastline isn’t only for beach towels and boat days. It’s also home to bluff-top trails, shady canyons, and wildflower-dotted hillsides with the Pacific stretched out below.

• Crystal Cove State Park – Newport Coast: Miles of trails with panoramic ocean views, rolling hills, and beach access at the bottom. Walk the bluffs in the morning, then cool off at Moro Beach.
• Heisler Park – Laguna Beach: Less a hike than a bluff-top stroll, but one of the prettiest walks in the county. On weekend mornings you’ll often find painters at their easels along the path, facing the same view that drew artists here a century ago.
• Irvine Regional Park – Orange: California’s first regional park, and a local favorite for wide walking trails, picnic areas under old oaks, and paddle boats on the lake. The Orange County Zoo is tucked inside, too.
• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – Laguna Beach: Shaded canyons and hushed trails with a real “hidden California” feel, just minutes from PCH.
• Peters Canyon – Orange: Inland but scenic, with trails for hiking or jogging through native California landscape.
• Top of the World – Laguna Beach: One of the best views in all of Orange County, from the ocean to the inland valleys on a clear day. Bring water; the climb is worth it.

Spend the Day in an Iconic OC Town

Each Orange County town has its own personality — from laid-back surf culture to artsy coastal charm and historic squares filled with character. Part of the magic of OC is that every few miles feels like a new world.

• Dana Point: Relaxed and rugged, with ocean cliffs, a busy little harbor, and a small-town feel. Come for the whale watching, stay for a sunset walk along the headlands.
• Huntington Beach: Surf City in every sense: the pier, the waves, the bonfire rings, and Pacific City for a sunset bite. Book a first surf lesson here if you’ve always wanted to try.
• Irvine: Green spaces, bike paths, and more hidden gems than people expect, like the U-pick fields at Tanaka Farms and seasonal events at the Great Park.
• Laguna Beach: Artsy, coastal, and effortlessly beautiful. Spend the day gallery-hopping, boutique shopping, and cove-hopping. It’s also where Max and I were legally married, which makes it a little extra special to us. My Laguna Beach travel guide and best restaurants in Laguna Beach cover everything you need.
• Newport Beach: Polished, lively, and full of harbor energy. Rent a Duffy, grab a cocktail at Lido Marina Village, or take the tiny ferry to Balboa Island for a frozen banana. My Newport Beach travel guide and best restaurants in Newport Beach have the full picture.
• Old Towne Orange: Vintage charm meets foodie heaven, with antique shops, cafés, and a historic Circle that feels like stepping back in time. I spent my college years at Chapman University here, and my favorite restaurants in Orange are the ones I keep going back to.
• San Clemente: A Spanish-style surf town with walkable streets, great restaurants, and a pier made for sunset.
• San Juan Capistrano: The oldest corner of OC, home to the Mission and the Los Rios Historic District, with a dining scene that deserves more attention. Here’s where I’d eat: the best restaurants in San Juan Capistrano.

Where to Eat in Orange County

Orange County’s dining scene is, to put it simply, impressive: ocean-view brunches, hidden taquerias, harborside fish tacos, and dinners worth planning a weekend around. Rather than squeeze it all in here, I’ve written a guide for each corner of the county:

Wine Tasting in Orange County

Orange County isn’t exactly known for its vineyards, but you might be surprised how many good places there are to sip and swirl without leaving the county.

• Lido Tasting Room by Bravante Vineyards – Newport Beach: A stylish, coastal spot for an afternoon glass by the harbor. The list is all Bravante, a Napa Valley winery, which makes it a little taste of wine country in the middle of Lido Marina Village.
• Rancho Capistrano Winery – San Juan Capistrano & Ladera Ranch: A longtime local favorite with two OC locations. The San Juan Capistrano tasting room pairs perfectly with lunch before or after a visit to the Mission.
• Giracci Vineyards & Farms – Silverado Canyon: One of the few actual vineyards in OC, set in the foothills for a true wine-country feel. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it for the rustic setting and laid-back weekend tastings.
• Hi-Time Wine Cellars – Costa Mesa: Not a winery, but a local wine shop (more like an institution) for discovering new bottles, with a tasting bar that hosts regular events.
• Third Place – Costa Mesa: A natural wine bar made for lingering, with an easygoing list, casual bites, and the kind of relaxed room where one glass turns into the whole evening. I also love their patio!
• Fable & Spirit – Newport Beach: Technically a restaurant, but its wine list and pairings make every dinner feel like a tasting. It’s one of our favorite special-occasion spots; more in my Newport Beach restaurant guide.
• McClain Cellars – Laguna Beach: A fun, artsy tasting lounge pouring wines from their Santa Ynez vineyards, with bright artwork and plenty of local flair. They also have an Irvine location.

Whether you’re sipping in Silverado Canyon or a few steps from the sand, Orange County proves you don’t have to go far for a good pour. For a true Southern California wine country day, the Temecula Valley is about an hour and a half away. And when you’re ready for the real thing, my guide to Napa Valley will get you there.

Visit Local Attractions & Cultural Hubs

Beyond the beaches and boutiques, Orange County has more history and heart than most visitors realize: a Spanish mission, seaside galleries, a century-old Ferris wheel, and family farms that make perfect additions (or alternatives) to a beach day.

• Balboa Fun Zone – Newport Beach: A nostalgic slice of old-school California, with a harborside Ferris wheel, arcade games, and frozen bananas nearby on Balboa Island. The area is in the middle of a restoration, so expect a few changes as it’s refreshed.
• Disneyland Resort – Anaheim: The reason many people come to Orange County in the first place, and a must at least once. Ride everything, grab a churro, stay for the fireworks, and plan it all with my ultimate Disneyland guide, written after more than 100 visits. [LINK: cleared ticket/hotel affiliate, if you have one]
• Laguna Art Museum – Laguna Beach: Small but significant, right above the Pacific, and devoted to California art and coastal culture.
• Mission San Juan Capistrano – San Juan Capistrano: One of California’s most historic landmarks and a peaceful place to wander, especially in spring when the gardens are in full bloom. Buy tickets on the Mission’s website, then walk to lunch from my San Juan Capistrano restaurant guide.
• Pacific Marine Mammal Center – Laguna Beach: A family-friendly stop to learn about rescued sea lions and seals. Admission is free; donations are encouraged.
• River Street Ranch – San Juan Capistrano: Beside the Los Rios District, this petting zoo (still known to many locals as Zoomars) is adored by families for its pony rides, farm animals, and tiny train. Guests fill out a waiver before visiting, so do it online ahead of time.
• Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Costa Mesa: The home of Broadway tours, concerts, and ballet in Orange County.
• Tanaka Farms – Irvine: A working family farm known for seasonal U-pick: strawberries in spring, sunflowers in summer, and pumpkins in fall. A little farm life, a lot of sunshine.

Where to Stay in Orange County

The best base depends on the days you want. Choose Newport Beach for harbor afternoons, bike rides, and polished coastal hotels; my picks start with Lido House and Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, and the full list lives in my guide to where to stay in Newport Beach. Choose Laguna Beach for coves, galleries, and boutique stays with real personality, like Hotel Joaquin and Le Petit Pali; see all of them in my guide to the best hotels in Laguna Beach. Dana Point works well if whale watching and quieter South OC days are the priority, and Anaheim only makes sense if Disneyland is the main event.

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Orange County has a way of surprising you, no matter how many times you’ve been. One visit it’s a cove you didn’t know existed, the next it’s a harbor sunset from the back of a Duffy, or a lazy afternoon in a tasting room you’d walked past a dozen times. Pick your beach, pick your town, and let the coast set the pace.

When you’re ready to go deeper, my Orange County guides have you covered, from where to stay in Newport Beach to the best coffee shops in Orange County.