15 Exciting Things to do in Orange County with Kids

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Orange County, or The O.C as it became more commonly known after the popular TV show in the early 2000’s, has quickly become one of our favorite regions in California.

Before the teen soap series, it was simply Orange County, just as the locals like it. It was famous for its beaches, its surfer vibes, and its theme parks.

Compared to other areas in Los Angeles, the OC is more humble, more family-friendly, and no less exciting. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do in Orange County California with kids, as we discovered on our road trip across Southern California.

Here’s what we got up to!

Things To Do In Orange County, CA With Kids

1. Relax on Huntington Beach (HB)

Huntington Beach, affectionately known as Surf City USA, is where the laid back surfie culture meets a little bit of beach sophistication.

If you’re a Beach Boys fan (waves hand madly), HB is the beach lifestyle they sold you on so well in their groovy beach tunes.

Huntington Beach’s transformation over the years has been quite dramatic. 40+ years ago, it was identified by the rows of oil derricks along the shore line.

Now it’s boutique stores, classic cafes, fine-dining options and luxury hotels create a vibrantly fun atmosphere. Huntington Beach is the place to be seen.

Just look at whose handsome smiling face can be seen luring you in from the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway).

Huntington Beach is not just a cool city, it also has one of the best beaches in Orange County.

It’s on the edge of discovery and will soon become a destination that sizzles like the Californian sun in three ways only – hot, hotter, and hottest.

Huntington Beach’s location makes it an ideal place to stay when exploring Orange County, as it’s right in the center of the region, putting you within easy distance of other areas.

It’s 35 minutes to Anaheim, an hour to Hollywood, and 90 minutes to San Diego.

Huntington Beach and Pier

There’s nothing like sitting at a pub with a Californian local talking about life in the old California days over a pint of local brew.

Huntington Beach Pier is where the local surfers used to jump off to catch a wave. I’m not sure if today’s society would let them be so daring, but the waves sure haven’t gone away in protest.

On Fridays, between 11:00am- 7:00pm there is a local arts and craft fair at the bottom of the pier.

Huntington Beach is noted for its consistent waves that brings surfers from across the globe. Many come here to artfully weave between the pier pylons. Only for those who know what they are doing!

Every August, the US Surfing Open is held here. This massive professional surfing event has contributed to the beach town’s rapid growth and the storefront windows being plastered with images of Mick Fanning. Hey, no complaints here. Keep that Aussie gold coming.

It’s not just the water that entices sport lovers, but the recreational activities. Along the beachfront, you’ll find rows of beach volleyball nets, which are used by pros and Olympic gold medalists, and of course – you!

Nets are free, and you can rent volleyballs from concessionaires down by the beach.

You can also rent stand up paddle boards and surfboards, bikes and surreys. Want to learn how to surf? HB is one of the best beaches in Orange County for surfing and learning to surf here would be an iconic thing to do!

Huntington Beach takes beach memory making a step further.

You can purchase firewood and smores to grill in over 500 concrete fire rings available for free on the beach. It’s the Huntington Beach way and something I have never heard of any other beach in the world doing.

Have you?

And the Huntington beach sunsets are pretty awesome – one of the best free things to do in >Orange County California!

There’s 10-mile paved boardwalk runs the full length of the shoreline parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH as the cool kids call it.

Huntington has plenty of Eco tourism and local experiences with the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Shipley Nature Center and Huntington Beach Wetlands.

2. Explore Downtown Huntington Beach

Main Street Huntington Beach is where you’ll find your cafes, restaurants, bars, and surf wear.

Plus, there is a surfing walk of fame, and the International Surfing museum, where we popped in for a short visit.

It’s small enough to not take up too much of your time, but there’s enough to keep you interested with its collection of old and new skate and surf boards.

I particularly liked seeing the Guinness Book of World Records this surfing town holds, including most amount of people riding a surfboard for 12 seconds – let’s make that count at 66!

You can even see this gigantic sized surfboard – the world’s largest – hanging from the building in the parking lot.

If you love all things surfing, this is a must-visit. Both my girls love to shop (danger ahead) so they loved strolling up and down Main Street checking out the sales in the surf shops and making their own Havaianas in the Havaiana store.

On Tuesday evenings, Surf City Nights turns Main Street into a pedestrian farmer’s markets with live music, food samples and activities for kids.

3. Shop in Pacific City

Pacific City is a modern retail, entertainment, and dining space overlooking Huntington Beach.

Pacific City was the original name of the early oceanfront village that we now know as Huntington Beach.

This mall was named in honor of that village to once again bring to life a vibrantly rich place that celebrated the unique and natural beauty surrounding it.

It’s a beautiful space and definitely has a vibrant and celebratory style while keeping in tune with the natural beauty of Huntington.

You get outdoor lounges, fire pits, and Huntington Beach views from every plaza, patio and deck.

It’s a real gathering place of visitors and locals and I can see why.

Lot 579 is a modern food hall featuring burgers, and beer, coffee and our favorite the Pie Not, An Aussie bakery filled with meat pies, sausage rolls and lamingtons.

4. Stay at Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort

The Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort on the corner of 5th and PCH was so great, we’re adding it to our list of things to do. There is too much to say about it – it was fantastic!

Not just for its beach front location, the views from our room, and its modern funky design.

And nor was it for the free wine social hour, free s’mores by the fire pits, ping pong tables, corn hole, or an absolutely amazing restaurant…

But we loved it for the social atmosphere. It was like staying in a hostel, but with the lovely luxury comforts of a four-star hotel.

The vibe was relaxed and family-friendly. We spent our evenings sitting around the fire pits chatting with strangers swapping travel stories and tips.

You’d greet each other the next day in the lobby or courtyard and catch up on the day’s activities.

If you travel with your pets; it’s also pet friendly.

The Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel is an absolute winner and definitely is in our top 5 favorite hotels in the USA – which is saying a lot, as we’ve visited over 20 states now…

5. Eat at Pacific Hideaway, Kimpton Shorebreak

If you’re interest in foodie things to do in Huntington Beach eat at the Kimpton’s restaurant, Pacific Hideaway.

Breakfast or dinner take your pick, the food was exceptional.

Choose whether you want to sit on the deck with views of PCH and the palm trees leaning over to worship Huntington Beach, (don’t worry they have Mexican blankets in case of evening chills).

Or inside on one of the swing bench chairs. They don’t actually swing, but they are darn cute.

You have Southeast Asian or Latin American influences in the Pacific Hideaway.

And the breakfast bowl was scrumptious. You’d never know it’s so healthy for you.

And the girl’s pancakes and French Toast were dished up with color and beauty to match the pretty bouquet of flowers on Frida’s Kahlo’s head.

How beautiful is this mural on the wall of the restaurant?

6. Learn at the Ocean Institute Dana Point

Richard Henry Dana, the seaman who Dana Point is named after, described this place as solemn and romantic.

It’s a very pretty location with the harbor sitting under the cliff tops that you see so much of in Southern Orange County.

Dana Point is a departure point for sailing adventures and whale and dolphin watching excursions, but, it’s also the home of the Ocean Institute.

The Dana Point Ocean Institute uses the ocean as their classroom to inspire children to learn.

As we wandered through the various parts of the facilities that included touch tanks, and life-sized displays of gray whales, and the growing life cycle of the jellyfish, groups of children moved experimenting, playing games and interacting with the ocean on various summer camps.

What a cool way to learn about, and fall in love, with the ocean.

The girls really loved the behind-the-scenes tour. It was way better than me teaching them this stuff from a textbook.

The Institute also teaches about maritime life and history. Outside in the harbor sits the tall ship, The Pilgrim, a full-sized replica of the brig on which Dana once sailed.

The girls were able to walk aboard the ship picturing what life was like as a sailor spending six months on board sailing around the Americas from Boston to California to trade for cow hides.

We put them to work raising the mast too! I don’t think they’ll complain about cleaning their room again.

The Ocean Institute is now open to the public seven days a week where you can tour the facility, participate in lab activities, go on a Whale Watching Cruise or head to sea aboard a historic tall ship.

Visiting the Institute is one of the best educational things to do in Orange County with kids!

7. Admire Mission San Juan Capistrano

Orange County is not just about theme parks and beautiful beaches, but cultural enrichment. There is also historical charm only a few miles away from the Dana Point coastline.

A worthy stop is Mission San Juan Capistrano, the birthplace of Orange County.

It was founded by the Spanish in 1776, at the same time the Founding Fathers were signing those important documents over in the East.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is stunning, especially when we visited in June with the flowers setting the stoned walls of the mission alight.

The 10-acre site is filled with bougainvillea covered walkways, lush gardens, fountains and exhibits.

It is so colorful and pretty inside with plenty of space to wander and relax.

A feature of the mission are the ruins of the Great Stone Church. It took six years to build and one minute to destroy in the 1812 earthquake that killed 40 people inside attending Mass.

It’s now a fitting memorial to the strength and resilience of the local community.

The Serra Chapel inside the mission is the oldest church in California. Mass is still held here.

Its notable feature is the gold plated Baroque altarpiece that is decorated with 52 angel faces – one for every Sunday of the year.

Don’t miss the Sacred Garden and the Bell Wall beside the Great Stone Church. As you can see it’s really beautiful.

The Mission is also a space for the community.

Events are held here year-round, including the historic bell ringing for special occasions, an annual battle of the mariachis festival and a celebration for the Return of the Swallows.

The mission is well known for the swallows that return here each March to nest.

I’d love to return and experience a summer concert series under the stars in the beautiful grounds of this mission, or the Native American storytelling that happens on the first Sundays and 2nd Saturdays of the month.

There is a sad Native American history attached to the mission. As you know the Missions were built by the Spanish in order to convert the indigenous in the area to their way of living.

So, amongst this beauty there is a heavy history.

I love how the Mission now celebrates the Native American traditions via different interactive exhibits inside and honoring their spirit through experiences like this.

This Mission is another one of the most interesting and educational things to do in Orange County with kids!

Multi language audio tours are free with the admission ticket or you can take staff guided tours.

To keep the kids engaged with the history of Mission San Juan Capistrano, they receive a Mission Passport, which is an activity book filled with historical facts and games.

8. Stroll around the Los Rios Historic District

Across the train tracks from Mission San Juan Capistrano is the Los Rios historic district, a perfect place to stroll, eat, enjoy tea, and boutique shop.

There are 31 homes along Los Rios Street, the earliest dating to 1794, and they look as they did two centuries ago.

Many of the homes are still owned by the original families.

Browse the items that match the rooms they are displayed in. Tea Towels and oven dishes sit in the kitchen, clothes hang up in the wardrobe and outside are all your garden goods.

It was cute!

Pop into Ellie’s Table which is located in the 1883 Judge Egan House. It’s a delicious bakery and café perfect for a lunch break. And they even have gluten free goodies.

I was too full from my pumpkin soup and quiche to fit one of them in. The food here is homemade and exceptional. It’s reasonably priced and has a lovely local story.

The streets around the Mission display a variety of architectural styles.

Adobe, Victorian, Spanish and Revival, all of which house galleries, bookstores, boutique stores (Wildfire Mercantile is fun), restaurants and taverns.

9. Take a Tanaka Farms Strawberry Tour in Irvine

Did you know that California produces 80% of North America’s strawberries?

We loved learning this and more on a strawberry farm tour at Tanaka Farms, Irvine, which is about 30 minutes from Huntington Beach.

Tanaka have been running tours of their farm here for 20 years.

The one-hour wagon ride tour goes around the 30-acre farm where you’ll learn about the farm’s history and farming methods and you’ll see what is growing.

Everything is organic so feel free to taste away.

Have you ever tasted corn straight from the ground?

I didn’t even know you could eat it raw and it was the most delicious thing I tasted on the farm. It was sweet and creamy and so fresh.

We also tasted carrots, onions (pass), bok choy, and coriander.

We then jumped off at the end to run through the strawberry fields and pick a container full of them. Of course, we ate a few as we went.

Strawberry picking was one of the girl’s favorite things to do in Orange County.

Besides farm tours, Tanaka Farms also sell their produce in a small market out front.

10. Explore the OC Night Market in Costa Mesa

The Orange County Night Market, also called the 626 Night Market, is the largest event of its kind in the US! They are held every Friday night in the fairgrounds and attended by thousands of people.

The fairgrounds are lined with food trucks, merchandise, arts and entertainment, including men trying to hang off the monkey bars for 2 minutes in order to win $100.

Must be hard because the strongest looking man in the crowd only lasted 46 seconds.

You’ll see long queues for dishes like hot Cheetos-encrusted corn dog or nachos, or fried peanut-butter meatballs from Chick n Charlie’s.

The multicultural atmosphere at the OC Night Markets is fun and vibrant.

If you love quirky drinks and tapioca balls, then be sure to grab a giant baby bottle of boba milk tea. If that is not your style, they have drinks in giant light bulbs as well.

There is a $5 entry fee for the OC Markets, and parking is $12.

The entry fee left us a little bewildered as to why people would pay an entrance fee to eat from food trucks, but hundreds turn up each week, and as one local said,

“Oh, the OC night markets are so fun. I used to go every week when I was at college.”

Food is very expensive, so you might just want to go for the vibes rather than to each.

11. Stroll around Newport Beach California

Newport is said to be California’s Riviera.

On one side of the Balboa Peninsula, you have waterfront mansions, yacht filled harbor and six resident islands of various sizes, one of which, Collin’s Island, James Cagney is said to have one in a poker game. Another Balboa island, Bay Island, is completely car free.

On the other side of the Balboa peninsula you have 8 miles of surfing beaches. We only had one morning in Newport Beach CA but we loved strolling around and admiring the constrasts.

11. Take a Duffy Boat Tour

What a wonderful way to start a day! Relaxing on a Duffy boat tour of Newport Bay is a great way to explore this part of the OC.

Once you arrive in Orange County, you will quickly learn the term Duffy boat.

It’s an electric boat, similar to a golf cart, which is perfect for the waters of Newport Bay.

To keep a calm waterway for the residents of cities, you cannot go faster than 5 knots, which meant Kalyra could play skipper for a bit.

Our guide, Carolyn, was full of energy and passion for Newport and Orange County and shared with us many stories about life in Newport.

Carolyn pointed out sites like Shirley Temple’s childhood home, and the beach where some of Gilligan’s Island was filmed.

She also pointed out the lot where John Wayne used to have his home.

There’s a new home on it now – which was one of my favorites on there – but they have kept the big sign out the front that said, Dukes Point.

I took a photo of it to send to my dad. He is the world’s biggest John Wayne fan.

Balboa is the most well-known of the islands and there is cute car and passenger ferry which transports people back and forth from the peninsula.

Apparently, the ice cream on the cute main shopping street there makes it a worthy visit.

We finished our Duffy boat tour of Newport Bay with a favorite local’s activity: Dock and Dine.

We docked in front of the Lighthouse Café for a spot of lunch. Fish Tacos, beignets and extraordinary views topped off an extraordinary morning.

You can rent a Duffy boat for your own self-guided tour or join a guided one like Carolyn offers.

12. Play at Balboa Fun Zone

The Fun Zone on the harbor grabbed us for a trampoline jump and a Ferris wheel ride before leaving Newport.

This Ferris wheel may be smaller than most, but it is the longest Ferris wheel ride I’ve ever had.

The girls absolutely loved it and we had gorgeous views out over Newport from the top.

Where else do you go after rotating through the air, but for ice cream?

Waiting for you are the refreshing flavors of a California summer at Cowafornia ice cream. All ice creams are made with real California milk.

Cowafornia Baby.

Pineapple Coconut was my perfect fit for an afternoon ice cream in Newport Beach. Cowafornia even have sugar free chocolate, which Craig said was delicious. No ice cream guilt needed!

We ran out of time to explore more of Newport, but if you have time be sure to check out Corona Del Mar Beach, Back Bay for hiking and biking trails, and The Wedge, which is known for big wave surfing.

The week before we arrived they had 12-foot waves.

But, they have been known to reach 20 feet! Wowzer!

13. Chill out in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a popular vacation destination in the OC and is a little more upmarket than Huntington Beach.

There’s plenty of things to do here and it’s popular for couples’ breaks, families and art lovers.

Around Laguna you’ll find seven miles of coves and canyons, offering you plenty of outdoor activities and Laguna Beach beaches to enjoy.

Laguna Beach has different beaches to the rest of Southern California, they are smaller and more sheltered rather than the wide sweeping beaches you find along most of the coastline.

Some of the best beaches in Laguna beach are also found at the bottom of steep cliffs, like the aptly named 1,000 Steps Beach recommended to us by locals, Megan and Scot from Bobo and Chichi.

I don’t think it has 1,000 steps but it certainly feels like it. It’s worth heading on down.

They also recommended Table Rock Beach for sunset and Treasure Island Beach.

Victoria Beach, and its natural pirate tower also comes recommended and then there is the main Laguna Beach, which will probably be more crowded than the other beaches.

Just across the road from main beach are winding streets filled with restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

14. Dance at Fete de LA Musique

If you are in Laguna Beach in June, the Fete de LA Musique is one of the top events in Laguna in the summer and brings a lively atmosphere to this Orange county beach town.

This music festival was actually conceived by American musician Joel Cohen in 1976 while he was working at a radio station in France.

He proposed an all-night music celebration during the summer solstice. It began as a recognized cultural event in 1982.

Laguna Beach is an artistic community, so it makes sense that it is held here each year to celebrate the coming of summer.

Walk around the streets of Laguna Beach downtown and the main beachfront to listen to a wide variety of music from local musicians.

My favorite was the band on the beach singing Purple Rain.

As Laguna is an arts community, you may also want to check out the Laguna Art Museum, which collects, and exhibits works of art created by California artists or that represent California history and culture.

15. Eat at Las Brisas

When it came to Laguna Beach restaurants, Las Brisas was mentioned to us by almost everyone we spoke to about when visiting Laguna Beach.

It’s a restaurant on the cliff top at Laguna Beach and has incredible coastline views.

It also has incredible Mexican food as well. Craig’s rapture over his beef brisket tacos had me lamenting not ordering them.

Although my salmon choice, was just as delicious!

The cloudy skies cancelled our date with a Laguna beach sunset.

We went back to the Kimpton for smores and red wine around the fire pits instead.

16. Go to Disneyland Park Anaheim

You are probably wondering when I was going to mention Disneyland Park in Anaheim in this guide? Honestly, it’s not the BEST thing to do in OC, but it is one thing that brings a lot of people to this region – and we had a blast there so why not mention it?

Disneyland Park is just like any other Disneyland Resort, it has themed zones such as Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and a mixture of thrill rides and gentle rides. It has some of the named classics, like Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain, as well as a chance to meet your favorite Disney characters, watch parades, and light shows.

We spent 10 days there (yeah, and we still didn’t see it all), and loved exploring each zone at our own pace.

You can read about our visit to Disneyland Park Anaheim here.

17. Get your thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm

Another theme park in Orange County not to miss is Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park in California.

This theme park has a fascinating history. It started off as a small roadside amusement park, as a way to sell Knott’s Berry Farm produce, and expanded to this huge theme park with thrill rides and roller coasters.

It’s a theme park of firsts – it had the Calico Mine Ride, the first interactive dark ride, and the Corkscrew, the first modern looping roller coaster.

Today it has over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. It’s smaller than Disneyland so you could easily spend a day here and see it all.

18. Go hiking in Crystal Cove State Park

If you love the outdoors, don’t miss a chance to hike in Crystal Cove State Park, which has 18 miles of hiking trails through coastal shrub and wilderness.

There are trails for all skill levels, some more challenging ones take you to beautiful vistas the California mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the distance, whereas the gentler trails take you through woodlands and along the Moro Creek. 

You can read more about the trails in Crystal Cove State Park here.

19. Meet the animals at Santa Ana Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo is a must for any wildlife lover or families with little animal enthusiasts!

The animal exhibits here are designed to educate and inspire.

This zoo is small, mostly exhibiting primates and birdlife (they have a Bald Eagle, the national bird of the US), but they also have some unique mammals from around the world that you don’t find in ordinary zoos.

I find it amazing how they have an Exmoor pony, all the way from the UK, as well as ocelots, armadillos and guanacos.

If you enjoy zoos, the Orange County Zoo in Irvine Regional Park is also a popular one and has petting zoo where you can feed some of the animals.

20. Let your imagination go wild at Pretend City Children’s Museum

One of the reasons we loved our visit to Orange County was for all the fantastic opportunities for learning there for our daughters.

The Pretend City Children’s Museum is a unique museum that simulates a child-sized interconnected city, and allows children to roleplay and learn about jobs in a hands-on way.

They can pretend to be construction workers, teachers, and doctors, and learn problem-solving skills, critical thinking and creativity.

There are 17 interactive exhibits in total, and lots of trained staff on hand to help kids with their learning.

Our daughters are a bit old for this now, but if you have toddlers who are into imaginative play, they will love this museum!

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying those beautiful location shots from the O.C. TV show put this part of Southern California on the map, but we hope this guide has shown you there is much more to offer here.

We all know reality is far better than fiction.

Rumor has it if a local hears you calling it the O.C. drinks are on you!

The O.C., I mean Orange County, sure gave us a lot of great memories on our adventures. What about you? What are you most excited to do? Let us know in the comments.

More Southern California Tips

If you need more inspiration for your trip to California, here are some other related guides that may help…

• 10 day itinerary for Southern California 
• Things to do in San Diego
• Hyatt Regency Orange County Review
• Fun things to do in Los Angeles with kids
• Cool Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles
• Non-Touristy Things to Do in Los Angeles
• Where to stay in Los Angeles (the best neighborhoods and the best hotels)

More Road Trip Ideas

And if you’re not set on a North California road trip, here are some other road trip ideas to muse over…

• Lost Coast Road trip, Northern California
• Road trips from Los Angeles
• Best road trips in the USA
• Best scenic drives in the USA

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