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OC Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

  • Anaheim Packing District: A trendy food hall with eclectic eateries inside a restored citrus packing house.

  • Balboa Island: Offers quaint shops, eateries, and a scenic boardwalk.

  • Balboa Island Ferry: Short, scenic ferry ride between Balboa Island and the peninsula.

  • The Wedge (Newport Beach): A famous spot for body surfing and watching impressive waves.

  • Los Rios Historic District (San Juan Capistrano): The oldest neighborhood in California with charming homes and cafes.

  • Mission San Juan Capistrano: A historic landmark known as the "Jewel of the Missions."

  • Tanaka Farms (Irvine): A working farm offering seasonal produce picking and educational tours.

  • Sherman Library and Gardens (Corona del Mar): A horticultural retreat with beautifully landscaped gardens.

  • Old Towne Orange: Charming downtown with antique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

  • Downtown Fullerton: A vibrant district with nightlife, restaurants, and historic charm.

  • Historic Downtown Santa Ana: Features arts venues, restaurants, and a growing creative scene.

Orange County Beaches and Coastal Attractions

  • Huntington Beach: Known as "Surf City USA," famous for its surf culture and pier.

  • Aliso Beach Park (Laguna Beach): A family-friendly beach with tide pools and coastal views.

  • Inspiration Point (Corona del Mar): Popular lookout point offering panoramic ocean views.

  • Laguna Beach: Offers art galleries, coves, and scenic beauty.

  • Newport Beach: Features the Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Island, and beautiful beaches.

  • Crystal Cove State Park: Provides tide pools, hiking trails, and historic beach cottages.

  • Dana Point Harbor: Ideal for whale watching, boating, and waterfront dining.

  • The Wedge (Newport Beach): A renowned spot for body surfing and large waves.

  • Seal Beach: Charming beach town with a historic pier and relaxed vibe.

  • San Clemente Pier: Features ocean views, a fishing pier, and dining options.

  • Salt Creek Beach: Popular among surfers and sunbathers for its scenic bluffs.

  • Corona del Mar State Beach: A popular beach for swimming and sunbathing.

  • Victoria Beach: Known for its “Pirate Tower” and picturesque scenery.

Arts, Culture and History of Orange County

  • Mission San Juan Capistrano: A historic landmark known as the "Jewel of the Missions."

  • Bowers Museum (Santa Ana): Showcases world cultures through art and artifacts.

  • Laguna Art Museum: Focuses on California art and artists.

  • Casa Romantica Cultural Center (San Clemente): Offers cultural programs in a historic Spanish Colonial Revival home.

  • Heritage Museum of Orange County (Santa Ana): Preserves local history with historic buildings and exhibits.

  • Hilbert Museum of California Art (Chapman University, Orange): The collection focuses on the California Scene painting movement of the 1920s–70s.

  • Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California (Irvine): Showcases California art and educational exhibits.

  • Laguna Playhouse (Laguna Beach): Community theater offering plays and live performances.

  • Little Saigon: Vibrant cultural and commercial district for the Vietnamese-American community.

  • Lyon Air Museum (John Wayne Airport): Features WWII-era aircraft and memorabilia.

  • Pirate House (35th St & Marcus Ave, Newport Beach): A whimsically decorated home known for its pirate-themed façade.

  • Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum (Yorba Linda): Features exhibits on Nixon's life and presidency.

  • Old Towne Orange Historic District: Known for its antique shops and historic architecture.

  • Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center (San Clemente): Preserves surfing history with boards, photos, and memorabilia.

Shopping in the OC

  • South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa): A premier shopping center with luxury retailers and fine dining.

  • Irvine Spectrum Center: Features a giant Ferris wheel, shops, and entertainment options.

  • Fashion Island (Newport Beach): An open-air mall with ocean views and upscale stores.

  • Anaheim Packing District: A trendy food hall in a restored citrus packing house with diverse cuisine.

  • The LAB Anti-Mall & The CAMP (Costa Mesa): Unique shopping and dining experiences with an artistic flair.

  • Orange County Farmers Markets

  • The Local Gem Collective (Orange)

Orange County Performing Arts and Events

  • Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa): Hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances.

  • Pageant of the Masters (Laguna Beach): An annual event where art comes to life through live reenactments.

  • City National Grove of Anaheim: A venue for concerts and special events.

  • Festival of Whales (Dana Point): Celebrates the annual migration of gray whales with parades and activities.

  • Tall Ships Festival (Dana Point): Features historic sailing vessels and maritime exhibits.

  • The Observatory (Santa Ana): Popular venue for live music and events.

  • Old World (Huntington Beach): A Bavarian-themed village with dining, festivals, and live entertainment.

Sports Venues in Orange County

  • Angel Stadium (Anaheim): Home to the Los Angeles Angels baseball team.

  • Honda Center (Anaheim): Hosts concerts, sports events, and is home to the Anaheim Ducks hockey team.

  • The Great Park Sports Complex (Irvine)

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