What to do and see in Orange County, Orange County: The Best Sights & Landmarks

October 23, 2021 Kandra Bartel

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

Ocean Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92865 http://gotosocal.com/inspiration-point/
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 125 reviews

Inspiration Point

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. Saddleback Church

1 Saddleback Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA 92630-8700 +1 949-609-8215 http://www.saddleback.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 121 reviews

Saddleback Church

Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada

This church is quite large. The people in this church are happy. I like that! There are many palm trees. They also have Saddleback students ministries. When I walked it seemed it was a beautiful place with trees and flowers. After church, people can play volleyball. A must see!

3. Vietnam War Memorial

14180 All American Way at 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683-4857 http://westminsterchamber.org/index.php
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Vietnam War Memorial

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.

4. Pirate House

35th Street and Marcus Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Pirate House

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.

5. Newport Beach California Temple

2300 Bonita Canyon Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660-9118 +1 949-644-1820 http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/newportbeach/
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Newport Beach California Temple

Reviewed By deela13 - Mesa, United States

While in Newport Beach we went to the Newport Temple one morning while on vacation. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we were able to go inside the temple. But we have come before and just walked the grounds and taken pictures. Beautiful area and view. Sunday meeting house right next to the temple for anyone (you don't have to be a member) that needs a place to go on Sunday morning. I believe the Sacrament meeting started at 9:00 am. Friendly people and peaceful surroundings!

6. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886-3903 +1 714-993-5075 [email protected] http://www.nixonfoundation.org
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 917 reviews

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

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.

7. Jain Centre of Southern California

8072 Commonwealth Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621-2520 +1 714-523-5246 http://www.jaincenter.org
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Jain Centre of Southern California

8. Downtown Disney District

Disneyland Dr at Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804 +1 714-781-4565 https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,768 reviews

Downtown Disney District

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.

9. The Pilgrim

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629-2723 +1 949-496-2274 [email protected] https://www.ocean-institute.org/general-information/about-pilgrim
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

The Pilgrim

Reviewed By Bandonman

Built in 1945, the "new" brig Pilgrim is a replica of the original Pilgrim sailed by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. in 1834-35 on his historic cruise from Boston the coast of California, which he chronicled in his literary classic Two Years Before The Mast. It's a great educational and fun experience to board this tall ship, hear how old-time sailors lived, and learn about Dana Point in the 1830s. Highly recommended.

10. Honda Center

2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806-5904 +1 714-704-2400 [email protected] http://www.hondacenter.com
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 650 reviews

Honda Center

Reviewed By jennifertU8476TQ - Los Angeles, United States

Went to see the New Kids on The Block amongst others here, I planned to park in the premium but I got there too late for that, so I ended up parking in the General lot. It wasn't too bad, the walk wasn't bad, the only thing was they didn't have markers to say where you parked. At the end of the night it was super easy to get out. Inside they had turned some of the men's restrooms into women's being there were mostly women at the concert so it wasn't too long of a line. Concessions lines weren't too bad. The sound for the show was great! I was sitting in section 225 row J, which were amazing seats. They had another smaller stage they came on throughout the show that was almost right in front of me. All in all this was a great place to see a concert.

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