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
Top 8 Piers & Boardwalks in Orange County, Orange County
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. Main Beach
2. San Clemente Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,172 reviews
Reviewed By emarquez2018 - San Clemente, United States
The bar menu and happy hour specials offer plenty of options and are really good. Best clam chowder around and the shrimp and crab cocktails are scrumptious. The restaurant offers the freshest seafood flown in from Seattle and other places. (Iv'e seen them unloading huge halibut and other fish off the back of an ice truck!)
3. Dana Point Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,069 reviews
Known as the “Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World” Dana Point Harbor offers a variety of recreational amenities, boater facilities, dockside dining, and unique shopping experiences that cater to visitors, locals and boating enthusiasts. Activities abound both in and out of the water from watching migratory gray whales that frequent the coastline to enjoying the stunning sunsets and picturesque harbor views. Discover Dana Point Harbor and set sail on a historic and unforgettable seaside adventure.
Reviewed By JerseyDi - Huntington Beach, United States
This area is beautiful. There are shops with clothes, moccasins, souvenirs, jewelry and a variety of items. There are a few good restaurants, coffee shops and cafes. There is a walking trail along the harbor. You can walk past baby beach, rent kayaks and paddle boards, visit the Ocean Institute and museum, learn about the area from the friendly volunteers, take a tour on the ship docked there or just relax. You can walk to the end of the trail that follows the harbor and sit and watch the ocean waves crash over the rocks. It is beautiful to just relax and eat a picnic lunch. I recommend taking plenty of photos. Later go up the hill and there is an overview of the harbor. Again, take plenty of photos.
4. Balboa Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
Scenic...thats what came to mind when I visited Balboa Village located in the beautiful City of Newport Beach,California!The whole area is jumping with locals and visitors that come for sun,fun,food,drinks,shopping,walking and people watching on the streets and historical pavillion built by billionaire Henry Huntington! Theres a beautiful beach side marina and beach with plenty of beach recreation activities.Lots to do for everyone that visits Balboa Village! . . . . #marinaparkcommunitycenter #newportbeach #balboapenninsula #waynesalvatti #godisgood #beachlife #balboablvd #socal #californiadreaming #californiadreamin #lighthousecafe #beachcafe #ilovenewport #ilovesocal #surfing #bodysurfing #thewedge #surfinusa #newportbeachcalifornia #lidoisle #lighthouses #iloveligthouses #serene #peaceful #kids #family #fun #beachfun #redline #balboapavillion #henryhuntington #carferry
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Seal Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By citronjimmerz - Irvine, United States
Driving home from a a Memorial Service In Westwood, I decided to take the Seal Beach Blvd. turn off and drive along as much of the coast as possible going home to Irvine. Then we agreed that a walk on the pier at Seal Beach was long overdue. Luckily found meter free street parking close by. A bit breezy, air was 63, the water was 52. Only two surfers were out on longboards and full wetsuits, catching some nice knee high waves. Perhaps a dozen people were on blankets on the sand, out numbered by seagulls one hundred to one. One particular girl who had a bag of potato chips attracted the attention of many of the gulls. I counted 11 large freighters, half riding high in the water, the other half low. All waiting for their opportunity to enter San Pedro Harbor. This is the second longest pier in California, some 1,800 feet plus. Damaged by a fire several years ago, it was closed for 3 years for repairs. Beautiful wide beaches here, and a residential community of not high density high rise buildings. Community feel here.
8. Newport Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By 105marionc
This pier still doesn’t have a restaurant at the end of it, but the walk is entertaining. All ages venture down this pier. I love to watch the fishermen catch fish. At this time of year, when the waves are good, surfers catch waves. Some of these surfers are beginners while others seem professional. There are several restaurants near the pier. Dory Fishing boats go out to fish daily. They have a stand near the pier where fresh fish are sold. Often there are musicians who play music and sing in the square by the pier.
