Orange County, also referred to as "The OC," is a county in southern California known for its renowned amusement park Disneyland. While Disneyland is a must see for families and children, there are many things visitors can do when visiting The OC such as going to a beach or museum. Here's a 7-day itinerary to give you lasting memories while visiting the OC:
Day 1 - Mission San Juan Capistrano
Located in the southern region of Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded by Junipero Serra on November 1, 1776. The purpose of this mission was to spread Christianity and stretch Spain's territorial boundaries. After Mexico gained independence from Spain and California became a state, Mission San Juan Capistrano returned to the Catholic Church. Today, San Juan Capistrano is a popular landmark captivating photographers, artists, visionaries and visitors and is a common field trip destination for local youth.
When visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano, guests can view exhibitions, check out gardens and fountains with adorable koi and enjoy original adobe architecture. Events such as basket weaving demonstrations take place regularly (to see full calendar of events click here). The Mission can be accessed through car or train via Metrolink or Amtrak. Mission San Juan Capistrano is open Tuesday through Sunday 10Am-5PM (the mission is closed on Monday's, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). While closed on Mondays, appointments can be booked for photography sessions and guided tours. General admission for adults is $18. For those interested in getting an annual membership, costs start at $40.
Day 2 - Make waves at Newport Beach
With more than 15 beaches to choose from, a popular beach destination at The OC is Newport Beach. There are many activities to choose from including 2 piers, Newport pier and Balboa pier, surfing and lounging on the beach. Couples can enjoy a rendezvous and watch a movie at The Lot and end the night with a private gondola ride including appetizers, lunch and dinner and desserts. In addition to Newport Beach, other beaches include Huntington Beach, also referred to as "Surf City," which has several attractions on its main street Beach Boulevard.
Day 3 - Knott's Berry Farm
Looking for a theme park alternative to Disneyland, visit Knott's Berry Farm. Located in Buena Park, what started off as a roadside berry stand with a diner specializing in chicken in 1920 grew into an amusement park with rides and shows focused on the old west. The restaurant, Mrs. Knott's Chicken Diner Restuarant, is well known for its classic fried chicken, handmade biscuits and boysenberry pie. Knott's Berry Market sells its signature berry jams and preserves as well as flavored coffee and gifts/souvenirs. Its adorable mascot is Snoopy from the hit TV show "Peanuts" and visitors can take pictures with him and his crew Charlie Brown and Lucy while they are walking around and performing at Camp Snoopy. During Christmas and Halloween, the park comes alive with seasonal decorations and attractions such as photos with Santa Claus and frightening mazes. Coming during the warm season, visitors can check out Knott's water park, Knott's Soak City. Hours of operation for Soak City are 10AM-6PM.
Knott's Bery Farm is open Monday-Thursday 10AM-6PM, Fridays and Sundays from 10AM-10PM and Saturdays from 10AM-11PM. Admission for individual tickets starts at $59.99 for Knott's Bery Farm admission and $99.99 for Knott's and Soak City admission. Hotel packages are also available.
Day 4 - Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel & Attractions
Want a bird's eye view of The OC, ride the Giant Wheel at Irvine Spectrum. Containing 52,000 LED lights, the Wheel is open Sunday-Thursday from 10AM-9PM and Friday-Saturday 10AM-10PM and costs $8 per person/ride. There is a skip the line option with tickets costing $12/person for one ride.
While visiting the Irvine Spectrum, one can go shopping at various stores including Target and Nordstrom, dine at restaurants such as Panda Express and The Cheesecake Factory. Other rides and attractions available at the Spectrum include carousel, comedy club Irvine Improv and go on a mission and solve a puzzle at The Escape Game.
Day 5 - Dana Point
25 miles south of Orange County's airport, John Wayne, is Dana Point, a laid-back seaside town referred to as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World. Visitors can take a cruise with some lines visiting the beautiful nearby destination Catalina Island. Dana Point's Ocean Institute provides tours on marine life including whales and also provides unique tide pool hikes along the Marine Conservation. Other activities include golfing, health and wellness activities such as yoga and day spas and bike rentals.
Day 6 - Orange County Museum of Art & California Scenario
In the city of Costa Mesa is the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), a modern and contemporary art museum with more than 4500 objects from the 20th and 21st centuries and include permanent and seasonal exhibitions such as A Moon for Daydreamers Alexandra Grant's Telepathy is One Step Further than Empathy. There is no admission cost to visit the museum (donations are accepted) and is open Wednesday-Sunday 11AM-6PM.
Neighboring the OCMA is California Scenario, a small garden containing sculptures designed by artist Isamu Noguchi, a respected sculptor and landscape architect. Completed in 1982, the “Noguchi Garden” contains beautiful Californian landscapes such as forests, mountains, bodies of water, plants and deserts. Visitors will enjoy viewing and sitting by its fountain. All are welcome to come to the garden for no cost 7 days a week from 8AM-midnight with parking available on Avenue of the Arts parking structure.
Day 7 - Medieval Times
Travel back to the 11th century during Spaniard medieval times at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. With locations through the United States and Toronto, Orange County's castle is located in Buena Park. Enjoy a show of knights battling on horses to protect the monarchy. The attraction also has a Museum of Torture and Hall of Arms displaying medieval artifacts. Patrons can enjoy a 4-course meal made for a royal with staple items including tomato bisque soup, garlic bread, roasted chicken, herb potato, sweet butter corn, deserts, coffee and 2 round of non-alcoholic beverages. Vegan options are available as well as alcoholic drinks. Tickets start at $73.95 for adults and provide various packages for celebrating birthdays or other special occasions to receive the royal treatment.
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