Top Things to do in Orange County
Top Hotels in Orange County
- 1. The Westin Anaheim Resort
- 2. The Anaheim Hotel
- 3. Capri Laguna On The Beach
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center
- 5. Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort
- 6. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
- 7. Best Western Los Alamitos Inn & Suites
- 8. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate
- 9. Kings Inn Anaheim
- 10. The Westin Anaheim Resort
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Orange County That You Shouldn't Miss
Beyond its epic theme parks and perfect weather, Orange County is celebrated for outdoor dining, entertainment and beach-bound adventure. Treat yourself at South Coast Plaza for the finest in luxury shopping and superlative restaurants. Spend an afternoon aboard a whale watching cruise in Newport Harbor, or cast a reel from the Huntington Beach Pier. Stop to smell the flowers at the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore Laguna’s vast variety of boutique shops along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Restaurants in Orange County
1. Inspiration Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Staidthere - Jakarta, Indonesia
We were delighted to see that this small promontory was reserved for the public, and we felt it was tastefully designed with a curving "vanishing" walkway leading down to the viewing area where there are teakwood benches facing the sea. The viewing area is romantic, so weddings are held there. The shape of the viewing area suggests the bow of a small boat facing the activity on the beach and channel to the Newport Beach harbor, but we felt that the view to the south was the most captivating because of the shapes of the cliff and rugged rocks in and near the water, especially just before sunset.
2. Vietnam War Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By dnaleciz - Moreno Valley, United States
During a recent trip to "Little Saigon," had the opportunity to visit the Vietnam War Memorial. As a former soldier, who spend time serving in South Vietnam, this was a very difficult memorial to visit. During my years in Vietnam, I lost many good friends, both Vietnamese and American servicemen and women. Those deaths still haunts me to this day. The Vietnam War Memorial in "Little Saigon," Westminster, California was dedicate on April 27, 2003 at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park. It features two bronze 15 foot high statues of soldiers, (a South Vietnamese and an American soldier) standing together atop a black marble base arranged in a semi circle. The flags of the United States of America and the Republic of South Vietnam are flying behind the soldiers. In the center is an "eternal flame'' bronze urn surrounded by a moat and iron fence. There are no name inscriptions on the memorial. This memorial pays respect to those 58,178 American and 300,000+ Vietnamese men and women who fought and died during the 1961 - 1975 Vietnam War. Around the circular memorial, one will find a park with shade trees, rose bushes, park benches, a playground for children, and restrooms. A quiet place to reflect on friends loss during the war. For me this visit to the Vietnamese War Memorial is step towards healing the wounds of war. Recommend that everyone should visit this memorial and spend a few moments honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the War.
3. Pirate House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By dim066 - Rescue, United States
We ya e been visiting the area for years and never knew this existed! Other than parking, the house/display is awesome! There’s even 2 boats in the water with pirates in Them! If you peek over the wall, the outdoor bar has monkeys all over it! Definitely worth a quick stop.
4. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 917 reviews
With a visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, guests can tour the most modern presidential museum in the country to learn about Richard Nixon the man, his life, and his presidency. The twenty-eight-year-old presidential museum went through a complete renovation less than two years ago. The all-new museum features nearly 70 new major exhibits, 30 unique multi-media experiences, 11 original films, 12 custom digital interactives, 10 curated archival film sequences, more than 600 photographs, 8,000 square feet of wall murals and more than 300 artifacts. There is so much history in itself at the Nixon Library. Enjoy tours of Richard Nixon's original birthplace and boyhood home, walk through the presidential helicopter that flew four Presidents, take in the splendor of the White House East Room and pay respects at the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon.
Reviewed By Nostalgiyeah - Bellevue, United States
Turned out to be a memorable and informative visit for me. The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum not only holds the displays and artifacts during the time related to the time in office of President Nixon, but also includes his childhood home (which has been restored) and also the Army One helicopter used by four presidents, including Richard Nixon. The emphasis of the museum is, as expected, surrounding the life and circumstances of Richard Nixon when he was in office. There are exhibits about his childhood years, time in the military and his terms as a Senator and as the Vice President under President Eisenhower as well. The exhibits in the museum are divided into sections and are quite lucid and detailed. At the beginning, there is an exhibit about Vietnam war and how Nixon won the 1968 Presidential election promising to reduce the number of American troops in Vietnam and how he went about achieving that. Substantial emphasis is given to foreign policy under Nixon and probably one of the most important exhibits is the famous China trip of President Nixon. The exhibit details the back channel negotiations prior to the trip, the flight to China, the days of the visit and its impact on Sino-American relations. His visit to Moscow and impact on the Soviet-US relations are also documented as well. There are also exhibits dedicated to domestic affairs during the Nixon administration like establishment of the EPA, ending of military draft and lowering of voting age to 18. He was the President during a significant portion of NASA's Apollo space program (including moon landings). Other exhibits included the Middle East, Nixon Presidential campaigns and his vice presidency. But arguably one of the largest exhibit, is the coverage of Watergate scandal and how that consumed his presidency. Another thing I found insightful is the coverage of First Lady Pat Nixon, which did justice to her role in the Nixon presidency. There is a replica of the Oval Office in the White House inside the museum. This museum is also the final resting place of Richard Nixon and Pat Nixon, in the midst of a beautiful and picturesque rose garden.
5. University of California Irvine
6. Downtown Disney District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,768 reviews
Make way for more magic with unique eateries, upscale shops and exciting entertainment for Guests of all ages at Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney District! Check out Disney fan favorite shops like World of Disney, Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, & Disney Home; and unique restaurants like Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes & Salt & Straw. For the most up to date health and safety measures and top things to know, go to: https: //disneyland.disney.go.com / experience-updates / downtown-disney / Check out Disney fan favorite shops like World of Disney, Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, & Disney Home; and unique restaurants like Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes & Salt & Straw. For the most up to date health and safety measures and top things to know, go to: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/
Reviewed By CMelam - Bend, United States
In addition to the two Disney parks, there's also Downtown Disney which is a must see when in Anaheim. We always have a great time walking around Downtown, shopping, having a great meal, and just hanging out. There are plenty of restaurants, great shopping opportunities if you've forgotten to buy your keepsakes in the park, and a great place to people watch. You can get many of the sweets that you can find in the park, and the huge Disney store has everything you could want.
7. Huntington Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,330 reviews
Huntington Beach Pier was first finished in 1904 but was damaged in storm and rebuilt in 1914 and in 1931 500 feet was added to the pier but it separated from the original pier in the earthquake of 1933. The pier was repaired but was damaged again by hurricane in 1938 but was repaired the following year. During WW1 the pier was taken over by the military and a submarine lookout and large machine gun was installed. After the war the pier was returned to the public and held up until the storms of 1983 & 1988 finally damaged pier to the point it needed to close. The current pier was finished July 18th, 1992 with a dedication with 500,000 people. The pier was built using much of the same 1914 design. Huntington Beach draws almost 4 million people annually who come for the surfing, volleyball, air show, food and even Segway Tours from Surf City Segway can be booked.
Reviewed By Hilberaldi
Discover the best of Southern California culture, the most authentic surfing lifestyle and 16 miles of coastline in Huntington Beach, a welcoming town. A worthwhile trip are the beaches located in this region (Southern California), especially Huntington Beach. After two full days at the Disneyland and California Adventure Park parks in Anaheim, we decided to have a free day at the beaches to rest a little from the hustle and bustle of the amusement parks. We left early and drove to Huntington Beach (38 km from Anaheim), one of the most beautiful beaches in California, named Surf City, where you can visit a super cool surf museum, the International Surfing Museum, the Pier which is very beautiful, you will also find hotels near the sea, shops and restaurants that are great for enjoying the best coastal weather in California. Several rock bands were born in Huntington Beach, such as The Offspring and Avenged Sevenfold. It has a beautiful mural made by artists and the Huntington Beach plaque carved in concrete. The Pier is simple but very cozy, we stop at a cafe to enjoy a delicious cupcake and a coffee drink, feeling the sea breeze on the face and the energy of this beautiful region of California. With fabulous options scattered all over Huntington Beach, the dining scene can only be described as eclectic, with never-changing little taquerias and cafes, as well as new restaurants that use fresh local ingredients in creative ways. There is certainly something to please even the most demanding palates. On the day we visited the site there was a peaceful protest of war veterans on the beach sand, there were people playing volleyball and many surfers enjoying that sunny morning. We walked around the city, very well organized, safe and clean. From here we head further south to Newport Beach.
8. Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center
9. Balboa Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By SFantle101 - Bellevue, United States
A classic California beach pier. Stroll the entire length, check out the people, the fishing, the surfers, the views. Chill and immerse!
10. Arden Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By oDrJo - Lake Forest, United States
Helena Modjeska was a Polish actress specializing in Shakespeare in the late 19th Century. She came to the California in 1876 with a group of friends intending to establish a commune, but the project failed and she returned to acting. Her Queen Anne style home was designed by the noted architect Stanford White and she lived there from 1888 until her death in 1906. It passed through several hands until 1986 when it was purchased by the County. It's a long trip top get there, but very scenic, and well worth it.
