Orange County

California
Knott\'s Berry Farm which includes rides
Laguna Beach featuring flowers, a beach and landscape views
Laguna Beach which includes a coastal town, landscape views and a sandy beach
Huntington Beach which includes landscape views, swimming and a sandy beach
Garden Grove which includes a house and a city

Orange County Travel Guide Video

With amusement parks, surfing and migrating swallows, this Southern California destination is a great spot for a warm and wonderful vacation.

Orange County, sometimes called “the OC,” offers a fun getaway with theme parks and water activities on the Pacific Ocean. Plan a sunny California vacation for every member of the family to participate in their favorite activities.

See Mickey Mouse and enjoy dozens of rides at Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim. This popular attraction is much more than a theme park, with hotels, a spa and 100 places at which to eat. Make reservations for the kids to meet their favorite characters at one of the more than 20 special experiences.

Where the Knott family once sold berries and preserves in Buena Park, now Knott’s Berry Farm is a theme park with family rides, thrill rides and even a water park. In addition to exciting rides, participate in fun experiences, including panning for gold, meeting Snoopy and watching a blacksmith at work.

Real life in Orange County is just as exciting as its amusement parks. The Pacific Ocean offers a vast playground that never closes. Watch surfers or learn to surf at one of the beach towns along the coast. Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA, hosts the US Open of Surfing every summer, with surfers from around the world displaying their skills on world-class waves. Swim, sail or simply relax at some of the other OC oceanfront towns of Seal Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and San Clemente.

See the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a Spanish mission with a lovely chapel, beautiful gardens and more than 230 years of history. Each spring, thousands of cliff swallows fly here from Argentina. Join the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, celebrating the birds’ arrival with flamenco dance, food and the Swallows Parade.

Orange County begins less than a 1-hour drive, depending on traffic, south of Los Angeles International Airport, making it easy for visitors to reach the region from anywhere in the world. Follow the model of the San Capistrano swallows and return every year to appreciate the thrills and relaxation of this special part of California.

Popular cities in Orange County

Disneyland® Park which includes rides, flowers and a statue or sculpture
Anaheim
Known for Theme parks, Friendly people and Family-friendly
With Disney resorts and professional sports teams, this city outside of Los Angeles offers exciting entertainment for family members of all ages.

Reasons to visit

  • Honda Center
  • Disneyland® Resort
  • Disney California Adventure® Park
Newport Beach showing landscape views, swimming and tropical scenes
Newport Beach
Known for Beaches, Islands and Sea
This chic, oceanfront community is famous for its beautiful surf, views and houses.

Reasons to visit

  • Newport Pier
  • Fashion Island
  • Balboa Pier
Laguna Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Laguna Beach
Known for Beaches, Dining and Sea
Head to the creatives' haunt located in one of California's most historic towns amid a stunning coastal setting.

Reasons to visit

  • Thousand Steps Beach
  • Victoria Beach
  • Heisler Park
Huntington Beach showing street scenes, a city and tropical scenes
Huntington Beach
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping
”Surf City USA” earned its name from the famous waves and the longest stretch of uninterrupted beachfront on the West Coast.

Reasons to visit

  • Huntington Beach Pier
  • Bella Terra
  • Main Street
Irvine
Irvine
Known for Business, Shopping and Excursions

Reasons to visit

  • Orange County Great Park
  • Lyon Air Museum