Crystal Cove State Park
In 1912, an early Laguna Beach artist described finding a rugged coastline “with cove after cove and headland after headland, golden cliffs and deep blue and purple ocean and clear emerald pools, lazy sea and pounding surf.” More than 100 years later, that’s the world that you can still experience at this 2,400-acre/971-hectare coastal parkland. Head inland and upland on foot or mountain bike to explore trails winding into the foothills (especially pretty after winter rains encourage annual grasses). Walk along the park’s 3 miles/5 kilometres of coastline to find your own perfect sandy crescent with family-friendly waves (also popular with surf-casting fishermen). Another find here: Crystal Cove State Park Historic District, order an ahi tuna burger at The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, or pick up a creamy shake from Ruby’s Shake Shack to take back to your beach blanket. There is also a charming collection of vintage beachfront cottages, rustically restored and available for overnight stays. (Note: reserving one of the 21 extremely popular cabins takes patience and perseverance; check the website for details.)
Discover Orange County
Whether it’s manicured beach towns or celebrated theme parks, all framed by oceanfront towns and luxury yachts, “The OC” stands out as one of the state’s most iconic destinations. The always-amazing Disneyland Resort, roughly a 1-hour drive south of L.A. and 2 hours north of San Diego, continues to be one of the best-loved theme parks in the world, while Knott’s Berry Farms and other OC attractions amp up the fun meter.
“Surfing is like golf. . . it keeps knocking you down. But when you stay with it and catch that wave. . . magic.” — actor Dennis Quaid
Shop at spectacular South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, or get the surfer look in Huntington Beach, aka Surf City, USA.
Costa Mesa
Although it was named after its topography—“coastal tableland”—Costa Mesa has...
Laguna Beach
The Orange County town of Laguna Beach gets to have it both ways:...
Irvine
Irvine’s central location—45 miles from Los Angeles, 85 from San Diego, and 15 minutes from...
4 Incredible Resorts in Orange County
With long stretches of golden sand, prime surfing spots, excellent dining, and top golf courses, the good life doesn’t get much better than along...
Spotlight: Disneyland Resort
The undisputed granddaddy of theme parks has been leading the way since 1955, inviting visitors to spend the day in the ultimate land of make-...
Irvine Spectrum Center
Southern California is known for its sunny, open-air shopping centers, but this outdoor mall in the heart of Orange County ups the ante with...
Orange County’s Best Beaches
With 42 miles of sandy coastline and a string of small, eclectic beach towns, Orange County delivers the quintessential Southern California...
Spotlight: Anaheim
With its laid-back vibe and unbeatable attractions, this vibrant city on the northwest side of Orange County has become a popular destination for...
Great Wolf Lodge
At first glance, a completely indoor water-park hotel might seem unnecessary in sunny Orange County. Fans of the Great Wolf Lodge brand, however,...
Newport Beach’s Surf Scene
Back in 1971, a Sports Illustrated article about bodysurfing not only anointed Southern California “the cradle of the sport,” but...
Santa Ana
Not showy or sassy like some of Orange County’s more touristy towns, Santa...
Dana Point
The southern origin of California’s Highway One offers some gorgeous drama, like beach town...
O.C. Shopping
Shopping in The O.C. is almost as legendary as surfing. Start at expansive South Coast Plaza, California’s largest luxury shopping complex, with...
Buena Park Playtime
Just northwest of Disneyland Park in Anaheim, the town of Buena Park offers more places to play. Knott’s Berry Farm features Camp Snoopy with kids...
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Walk through this presidential library to explore a tumultuous time in American history—but also to glimpse a piece of Orange County’s...
The California Questionnaire: Brian Huskey
Brian Huskey first came to national attention in 2013 when he competed on season 11 of Bravo TV’s Top Chef, set in New Orleans. The...
Shopping is an art form in California. Whether you're in search of the perfect cocktail dress or an authentic Mexican piñata, you'll find it here. Want to sample fresh produce? Try our farmers...
The California Questionnaire: Greg Long
California native Greg Long has carved out a name in the world of competitive big wave surfing by conquering the most challenging waves on the...
From Disneyland classics to beachfront carousels, the Golden State’s best-in-class theme parks deliver something for everyone. Take a tram ride to tour movie back lots at Universal Studios...
Golf in Orange County
With ideal Southern California weather and some of the country’s most celebrated courses, Orange County justly earns the nickname “California Golf...
Huntington Beach
The endless summer lives in Huntington Beach. Southern California’s beach culture...
Get dressed up and party at special events all over this beautiful beach town in “the O.C.” Special chefs’ dinners at area restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, and other special experiences...
Orange County's Luxury Resorts
The good life might have been invented in “The O.C.”—especially when it comes to resort destinations. With spas, elegant dining, posh lodgings,...
With a nickname like “Surf City, U.S.A.,” Huntington Beach is the obvious place for this 9-day, sun-and-wave extravaganza, the world’s largest surf event. Top pros including Kelly Slater and Rob...
Arguably one of the most unique events in the world, this eye-popping pageant presents tableaux vivants ("living pictures"), ultra-detailed recreations of classical and contemporary works of art,...
Maybe it’s the sun-streaked hair, the frequent smiles, the eyes always gazing west, looking to the horizon to see when the next set might roll in. It’s the unmistakable look and vibe of a...
Trip 5-7 days 10 stops
Highway One Classic
Start in one of California’s sunniest destinations, not just in terms of the weather, but also in attitude. In the heart of the city, shop in Horton Plaza, or catch a baseball game at...
Finish your trip in one of the world’s great cities. For a novel way to visit “the City by the Bay” park your car and explore by foot, bike, and unique public transportation. Pedal bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge and back, then explore the lush Presidio, a former military base that’s now a...
With nearly twice as many professional teams as any other state, California is big league all the way. But the state’s sports scene goes far beyond football and baseball, with a diverse line-up of...
Orange County Surfing & Surf Culture
Orange County’s surfing tradition dates back more than 100 years when pioneering Hawaiian surfer George Freeth performed wave-riding...
Newport Beach
Look one way in Newport Beach, and you’ll see oceanfront mansions and a yacht-...
Kiss a beluga, see cool movie props, and learn about Walt’s secret hideaway on exclusive and behind-the-scenes tours at California’s theme parks and attractions. Here’s a roundup of worth-the-...
California Welcome Centers in Orange County
Known as The OC, Orange County is located in the heart of Southern California – the geographic centre of beautiful places and bountiful...
Start your coastal cruise in this elegant city hugging the coastal mountains, where classic Spanish architecture gives the region a sun-washed European look straight out of the Riviera. Santa Barbara, nicknamed “the American Riviera,” may have a burnished antique look of much of the...
End your trip with at this sunny, waterfront city. Downtown, shop at Horton Plaza, or catch a baseball game at Petco Park. See the giant pandas at the...
Orange County Great Park
Turning former military land into a roughly 1,300-acre/526-hectare green space, this Irvine park is as ambitious as it is...
