Our List of Orange County’s Best Tourist Destinations
With famous theme parks, historic sightseeing, and a wealth of sunshine Orange County is a great destination for tourists of all interests. Orange County stands out as one of the must-visit destinations on various travel lists. That is why it attracts approximately 40 million visitors annually.
In Orange County, you will find everything you need for the perfect family holiday or adventurous weekend trip. From beaches and shopping malls to museums and restaurants, Orange County offers something for everyone. No wonder it is one of the most iconic destinations in California. That is why Orange County was featured numerous times in films and television series.
Trying to sum up the best tourist destinations in Orange County is not an easy task. However, we did our best to come up with this list of the biggest tourist destinations in Orange County. We made sure to put something for everybody and to reflect the true California experience.
Here is our list of the 5 biggest tourist destinations in Orange County.
Disneyland
You cannot go to Orange County and miss the chance to meet Mickey Mouse in person. The county of oranges doesn’t just have sunny beaches and great weather. It is also the home of “The Happiest Place on Earth”, Disneyland.
Long before the multiple parks and resorts that exist today, the first Disneyland amusement park opened here in Anaheim by Walt Disney himself back in 1955. Till now, the Disneyland amusement park is still considered one of the highlights of visiting Orange County. With thrilling, magical attractions and favorite cartoon characters coming to life, Disneyland provides an unforgettable experience for people of all ages.
Check out the video below for an awesome tour of Disneyland Park.
Huntington City Beach
Surfing is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Orange County. That is why “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach landed 2nd place on our list. The world-famous surfing beaches of Huntington Beach draw about 4 million people annually.
Huntington Beach has also received many awards, including “Best Family Beach from OC Parenting Magazine.” It is because Huntington Beach provides numerous outdoor activities for everybody. Besides surfing, you can also play volleyball, soak up the sun or eat some food. The three and a half miles of sand provide room for all beach games and relaxing, fun activities.
Surprisingly, visiting Huntington Beach might be even more pleasant at night. You can enjoy the beautiful California sunset on the famous Huntington Beach Pier. This Orange County landmark is located off Main Street. There you can fish, ride a bike, walk or enjoy a delicious meal. Whatever you do, make sure not to miss the sunset there!
Want to see Huntington Beach up close? Click the video below.
Balboa Island
Sunny beaches are not the only tourist attraction in Orange County. This man-made island in Newport Beach is a vacation destination for many. Like other places in Orange County, Balboa Island offers something for everyone. It features big and small delights.
You can go shopping at the local boutique shops, eat at restaurants or enjoy a romantic gondola ride. There is also an amusement park on Balboa Island. For a one of a lifetime experience, do not miss the whale-watching cruise. All these adventures and more make Balboa Island one of the best destinations to visit in Orange County.
Do you remember the frozen banana stand from Arrested Development? That was in Newport Beach too. Take a look at the video below to see Balboa up close. (Unfortunately the banana stand may not make an appearance.)
Discovery Cube Orange County
Inspire, educate, impact that is the mission of the Discovery Cube Orange County. That is why any family vacation in Orange County should include this award-winning science extravaganza. Visiting the Discovery Cube Orange County will help your children uncover the potentials of their minds.
This science museum features a huge collection of varying exhibits, tours, galleries, research stations, and engaging activities for children of all ages. The attractions in the Discovery Cube Orange County cover topics like space, water conservation, and good eating habits. As a parent, all you need to do is just sit back and relax. Let your children explore and follow their imagination, curiosity, and senses. They will be amazed by the world around them.
Formerly known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, the Discovery Cube Orange County is located in Santa Ana, California. In 2013, the Discovery Cube Orange County received the National Medal for Museum and Library Services. This is not just a great place to visit with your children. You can also celebrate their birthday parties there. In all cases, adding the Discovery Cube Orange County to your must-see list will make your trip to Orange County unforgettable.
Crystal Cove State Park
With about 2,500 acres of land and over 3 miles of beach, Crystal Cove State Park is one of the largest remaining natural seashores in Orange County. Crystal Cove State Park is the go-to destination for those who love bike riding, camping, trekking, or even equestrian sports.
For those who love water, Crystal Cove State Park offers great activities above and under the water. You can take a surfboard or a kayak or go scuba diving. There is never a dull moment in Crystal Cove State Park. You can check the tide levels on the park’s website before you go.
Visitors can also enjoy the historic part of the park. Crystal Cove State Park contains a federally listed Historic District. There is also an old seaside colony of picturesque cottages from the mid-20th century.
Picking the 5 biggest tourist destinations in Orange County, CA was no easy task. So, tell us what other attractions you think should be added to our list? We would love to hear from you in the comments.
Orange County isn’t just known for its tourist destinations and beaches, it’s also filled with thriving, innovative businesses. At My OC Bookkeeper, we understand the challenges of running such businesses and help companies from Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Riverside to achieve their boldest business dreams. Our services include accounting, bookkeeping, outsourced CFO, and financial model development. Click on the surfers below and check out our website to learn more.
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