ANAHEIM & DISNEYLAND AREA:
- Disneyland Resort: visit the iconic theme parks, including Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
- Downtown Disney District: shop, dine, and enjoy live entertainment without a park ticket
- Anaheim Packing House: explore a trendy food hall with dozens of artisan food vendors in a restored citrus warehouse
- Honda Center: catch an Anaheim Ducks game, concerts, or large-scale events
What to eat:
- Churro waffles with cinnamon glaze: The Loop: Handcrafted Churros
- Korean corn dogs: Myungrang Hot Dog (Packing District)
- Nashville hot chicken sliders: Sweetbird
- Famous Restaurant: Napa Rose – refined California cuisine inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
IRVINE & GREAT PARK AREA:
- Great Park Balloon: ride a massive helium balloon with views of Orange County
- Palm Court Arts Complex: browse rotating exhibits and public art installations
- Irvine Spectrum Center: shop, dine, and ride the colorful Ferris wheel at this outdoor mall
- UC Irvine Arboretum: walk through gardens of native plants and global species
What to eat:
- Rich tonkotsu ramen: HiroNori Craft Ramen
- Udon and tempura sets: Fukada
- Matcha boba with oat milk: Cha for Tea
- Famous Restaurant: Hello Kitty Grand Cafe – adorable themed cafe with sweets and a hidden tea room
NEWPORT BEACH & COASTAL ORANGE:
- Balboa Island Ferry: take a short ride to Balboa Peninsula with your car, bike, or on foot
- Newport Beach Pier: stroll the pier, rent bikes, or surf gentle waves
- Fashion Island: shop luxury brands and enjoy coastal dining in this open-air mall
- Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve: hike or birdwatch in peaceful coastal wetlands
What to eat:
- Lobster rolls and garlic butter fries: Bear Flag Fish Co.
- Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza: Trenta Pizza & Cucina
- Açaí bowls with granola: Banzai Bowls
- Famous Restaurant: Nobu Newport Beach – elegant waterfront dining with upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion
HUNTINGTON BEACH & COASTAL NORTH:
- Huntington Beach Pier: walk the iconic surf pier and watch longboarders from the shore
- Main Street: explore surf shops, bars, and cafes just steps from the beach
- Pacific City: shop and dine in a modern coastal complex with ocean views
- Huntington Central Park: relax in Orange County’s largest park with gardens and a serene lake
What to eat:
- Hawaiian BBQ bowls: North Shore Poke Co.
- Loaded breakfast burritos: Sugar Shack Café
- Soft serve with cereal toppings: Afters Ice Cream
- Famous Restaurant: Watertable – coastal fine dining inside the Hyatt with ocean views and seasonal menus
COSTA MESA & ART SCENE:
- South Coast Plaza: shop luxury brands and dine at acclaimed restaurants in one of the nation’s top malls
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts: attend Broadway shows, ballet, and concerts in a sleek venue
- The LAB Anti-Mall: visit this artsy shopping and food center known for indie brands and street art
- OC Fairgrounds: attend the annual OC Fair or year-round markets and expos
What to eat:
- Birria tacos with consommé: Taco Maria (inside The OC Mix)
- Artisan pastries and espresso: Portola Coffee Lab
- Kimchi fried rice bowls: Silverlake Ramen
- Famous Restaurant: Mastro’s Steakhouse – upscale dining with prime cuts and luxury ambiance
SAN CLEMENTE & SOUTH COAST:
- San Clemente Pier: walk the scenic pier with surfers, fishermen, and ocean views
- Avenida Del Mar: explore boutiques, cafes, and galleries in the historic heart of town
- Outlets at San Clemente: shop coastal outlet stores with ocean views and open-air promenades
- Casa Romantica Cultural Center: tour gardens and enjoy events at this cliffside historic estate
What to eat:
- Avocado toast with poached egg: Bear Coast Coffee
- Fish tacos with chipotle crema: La Siesta
- Blueberry pancakes and eggs: Antoine’s Café
- Famous Restaurant: Nick’s San Clemente – polished American bistro with signature dishes and cocktails
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ORANGE COUNTY:
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel (Anaheim): luxury resort with private park entrance and lodge-style decor
- Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa: upscale oceanfront resort with pools, cabanas, and dining
- Resort at Pelican Hill (Newport Coast): lavish villas, spa, and golf with breathtaking ocean views
- The Ranch at Laguna Beach: rustic-meets-luxury resort tucked in a canyon near the beach
- Paséa Hotel & Spa (Huntington Beach): modern beachfront hotel with rooftop bar and oceanfront views