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· WHAT'S HAPPENING · THINGS TO DO

Less timed, more timeless.

Hikes, tide pools, museums, harbor walks and hidden gems across all 34 Orange County cities — curated by locals who actually live here.

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Activities listed
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Free to visit
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Outdoor spots
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Cities covered
Home/What's Happening/Things to Do

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Huntington Beach, CA

One of the largest remaining saltwater marshes in Southern California, offering 1,700 acres of protected wetlands ideal for birding, hiking, and connecting with nature.

Easy2 hrs

Bowers Museum

Santa Ana, CA

Orange County's premier art and culture museum, home to extraordinary collections spanning pre-Columbian art, Native California cultures, African ceremonial art, and traveling international blockbusters. The Spanish Mission Revival building and its courtyard café make it as beautiful as its collection.

Art LoversHistory BuffsFamilies$
All Levels
Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park

Newport Beach, CA

A breathtaking 3.2-mile stretch of unspoiled coastline in Newport Beach offering tide pools, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, hiking trails, and a historic beach cottage district - one of OC's greatest treasures.

Nature LoversPhotographersFamiliesFree🐾 Dogs OK
Easy3 hrs

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point, CA

The self-proclaimed "Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World." Walk the 2,500-slip marina, book a whale watch cruise, kayak into the ocean at Baby Beach, or browse the weekend farmers market along the harbor. Humpbacks and blue whales pass close enough to photograph from the bluffs December through April.

FamiliesWhale WatchersSailorsFree🐾 Dogs OK
Easy1–2 hrs

Heisler Park Tide Pools

Laguna Beach, CA

Laguna Beach's most accessible and rewarding tide pools, tucked beneath the grassy bluffs of Heisler Park. At low tide, the rocky shelves reveal purple sea urchins, ochre sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs in vivid pools. Sunset from the grass above is an event in itself.

Nature LoversFamiliesKidsFree
Easy4 hrs

Irvine Regional Park

Orange, CA

Orange County's oldest regional park, established in 1897 — 477 wooded acres along Santiago Creek with pony rides, a small zoo, paddle boats, bike rentals, and miles of equestrian trails. The towering sycamores and coastal live oaks make it one of the most photogenic parks in the county.

FamiliesKidsDog Walkers$🐾 Dogs OK

Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, CA

Founded in 1776, this stunning Spanish mission is one of California's most historic sites. Its Great Stone Church ruins, lush gardens, and resident cliff swallows draw visitors from around the world.

Easy3 hrs

Old Towne Orange Historic District

Orange, CA

America's largest National Register historic district, centered on a perfectly preserved 1886 town plaza. A full square mile of Victorian homes, 1920s bungalows, and antique stores radiating from a circular park — plus some of OC's best independent restaurants and coffee shops woven in between.

Antique HuntersHistory BuffsFoodiesFree🐾 Dogs OK
Moderate2–3 hrs

Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Orange, CA

A canyon park tucked into the Santa Ana Mountains just minutes from the freeway — ancient valley oaks draped over the Santiago Creek trail, a 1,000-year-old oak tree the size of a small house, and 18 miles of trails leading toward Weir Canyon Wilderness. Cooler and quieter than most OC parks.

HikersTrail RunnersDog Walkers$🐾 Dogs OK
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