ORANGE COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS
orange county travel guide
Orange County (Laguna Beach) California: At a Glance
![Laguna Beach, USA 🇺🇸 - by drone [4K]](https://cagirltravels.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F43KyVSnP6ME%2F0.jpg)
Orange County is one of the top California travel destinations, along with Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Located south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego, Orange County, often known by its initials O.C., has some of the best California beach towns, from high swank, think Real Housewives, to small neighborhoods dedicated to surf culture.
Protected wilderness runs along the eastern line of Orange Country, and on the west side, you’ll find some of the best luxury hotels and restaurants.
Orange County encompasses Huntington Beach, Anaheim (aka Disneyland), Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Costa Mesa, Buena Park, Irvine and Santa Ana.
Newport Beach is the first place in California I visited in college with a friend; it’s what I think of when I think, California.
We stayed in a fancy house in the hills overlooking the yachts in the harbor. I’ll never forget how sweet the air smelled and how beautiful the lights were that doted the hills at night. I decided on that trip that California was home.
orange county travel guide
Orange County California: Know before you go
✈️ Airport: John Wayne Airport (code: SNA) – Named for the actor, John Wayne, who lived in Newport Beach. The John Wayne Airport is also referred to the Santa Ana Airport.
Going to Disney? It’s best to fly into Santa Ana Airport (SNA) when going to Disney, not LAX, even if it requires a connection. A connection is easier than fighting LA traffic.
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
💵 Currency: US Dollar
🗣️ Language: English, though Spanish is common
🚘 Car Rentals: Renting a car is easy-peasy in California, especially when you use Discover Cars. They have the best rates. Check out this guide to Renting a Car in California for information on the process.
Orange County travel guide
What’s the best time to visit Orange County California?
Orange County is a year-round destination, averaging 250+ days of sunshine each year. The sunniest days in Orange County are in July, which has the most sun per day, with an average of 10.2 hours.
Orange County experiences significant seasonal variation in monthly rainfall.
The rainy period of the year lasts for 6.1 months, from October 21 to April 23, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches. The month with the most rain in the O.C. is February, with an average rainfall of 3.0 inches.
For the best weather: Summer — June, July, and August have the best weather.
Orange County Shoulder Season: The high season is late June through Labor Day, which means the shoulder seasons are September to December and March to early June.
For the best value: The cheapest month to fly to Orange County is January. You’ll get the best bang for your buck anytime that isn’t summer.
Orange County travel guide
Where is Orange County California located?
Orange County, often known by its initials O.C., is a county located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in Southern California, United States. It sits below the City of Angels and to the north of San Diego.
Orange County California Map
What part of the state is Orange County in?
Orange County is located in Southern California, which is the southern region of the state of California, USA.
Besides visiting Orange County, you’ll find other great things to do in California in these cities and towns close by: Los Angeles, San Diego, Temecula, and Catalina Island.
Orange County travel guide
What’s the closest airport to Orange County California
When you fly to Orange Country, use the John Wayne Airport (code: SNA). Even if you’re gong to Disney, it’s best to fly into Santa Ana Airport (SNA), not LAX, even if it requires a connection. A connection is easier than fighting LA traffic and faster.
Need to know: John Wayne Airport is sometimes called the “Santa Ana” or “Orange County” airport
What’s the best way to get to your Orange County Hotel?
The easiest, safest, and cheapest way to get from John Wayne Airport to your hotel is via private shuttle service, but you can also catch a Lyft or Uber or take public transportation.
The private shuttle is the fastest way to get from John Wayne Airport to your hotel, with door-to-door service. ➜ BOOK NOW!
🚘 If you plan to grab an Uber, Lyft, or other app-based rideshares walk to the designated areas located on the top levels of parking structures A2 and B2, and in the Terminal C parking structure on the upper level next to the ticketing area.
Renting a car in California at SNA is another option if you plan to take day trips in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Temecula, or Santa Barbara. Check out Renting a Car in California Guide to get ahead of the process. I only use and recommend Discover Cars; they offer the best rates and FREE cancelation.
🚘 Need a car rental while you’re in Orange County?
Discover Cars has the best rates. Check them out here!
Orange county travel guide
Where to stay in Orange County California?
Where you stay in Orange County depends on what you plan to do while in Orange County.
If you’re after an easy-to-like local vibe and good beaches, stay in Newport Beach. If you’re coming into the OC to see all things Disney, stay in Anaheim to be close to the attractions and within minutes of the park.
If it’s surfing you’re after, there’s no better place than Huntington Beach, where the entire town is centered around surf culture. There are surf shops, the International Surfing Museum, and the Surfing Walk of Fame are all moments away from the pier. Huntington Beach also has a spirited nightlife.
Laguna, perhaps my favorite place to stay, has a low-key vibe, a ton of boutique shopping, and amazing beaches tucked away against the cliffs. You’ll also find great hikes and gardens here.
Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach
At this idyllic seaside getaway, every accommodation has an ocean-facing balcony, just about a mile from the center of the prestigious Laguna Beach.
Surf and Sand Resort has proximity to the Pacific Ocean and beach, making it a highlight for travelers, and of course, it has a pool and a spa onsite.
Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
One of the best hotels in Newport Beach is Balboa Bay Resort.
Water lovers will appreciate the resort’s outdoor pool and proximity to Newport Bay.
The hotel sits right on the harbor. You get a view of the water and boats in the bay where you can take full advantage of the property’s maritime locale by renting kayaks, paddleboards, or motorboats and taking to the seas.
Hotel Lulu, Anaheim
Just 10 minutes walk from Disneyland, this hotel offers on-site dining and a heated outdoor pool. It’s an excellent place for families who want to be minutes from the theme park.
Anaheim Convention Center is only 8 minutes from Hotel Lulu, and Knott’sKnott’s Berry Farm is 14.9 km away. Plus is has a bar right next to the pool as a way to relax after all those rides.
Kimpton Shorebreak, Huntington Beach
If you are looking for the perfect beach hotel experience, Kimpton Shorebreak Resort offers such an experience. It boasts easy beach access and, for others, a soothing atmosphere around the fire pits peppered in the property’s courtyard.
Kimpton has top-notch customer service and a delicious on-site restaurant, and it’s even pet-friendly! The beds are made up of Italian Frette linens; what more could a girl want?
Orange County travel guide
Best things to do in Orange County California
There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in Orange County, one of best places to vacation in California.
Most involve being in, on, or near the water, and of course, Disneyland in Anaheim — there’s much to see in each neighborhood in Orange County. Click on any image below to learn more⤵
Orange County travel guide
Best Orange County tours
Tours in Orange County are a great way to see different towns on the O.C., — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Orange County, this is the best way to get around because transportation fees add up quickly! 💡 Note: If you do want to have a car during your visit to Orange County visit, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in California.
Below, you’ll find the most popular and best tours in the O.C. and the surrounding areas — including tours to and from Los Angeles.
Orange County travel guide
Is Orange County safe?
According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Orange County.
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Orange County; they do. As this is a complex topic, you can do a deep dive by check out the article Is California Safe to Travel Right Now?
As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.
What’s the best travel insurance for Orange County?
🏆 For travelers to any destination, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase travel insurance from:
✓ World Nomads – For general travelers
✓ SafetyWing – For digital nomads, general travelers, and anyone under 70
✓ Medjet – For more repatriation coverage
✓ Insure My Trip – For travelers over 70
↳ Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!
Orange County travel guide
Orange County Travel Blogs: Learn more about Orange County 🐻
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- San Jose Airport to San Francisco Private Transfer
- Best National Park Tours From Los Angeles in 2024
Orange County Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink the tap water in Orange County California?
You can – I wouldn’t. Orange County tap water is legally safe to drink but to be on the safe side, an active carbon filter could be used to remove THMs and reduce Arsenic and Chromium 6 by 40-70%.
So what can you do while traveling?
- If renting a home with a kitchen, they will most likely have a water filtration system. Or a Brita Water Filter Pitcher in their refrigerator to filter out harmful contaminants.
- You can keep buying bottled water. This is the expensive option, and all those plastic bottles are terrible for the planet! 🌎
- Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle! This bottle keeps you hydrated – and you need that when you’re traveling especially – and filters out those nasty chemicals and contaminants that have no business in your body!
The Water-To-Go Bottle incorporates a three-stage filtration mechanism that eliminates 99.9999% of waterborne pollutants, such as viruses, bacteria, microplastics, heavy metals, and chemicals. I can attest to its efficacy as I own three and can confidently consume tap water from any source – anywhere I travel — without concern.
Orange County travel guide
What is the weather like in Orange County?
Orange County has a steppe climate. In North America, this environment is typical of transition areas between zones with Mediterranean climates and actual desert climates.
During the year, there is little rainfall in Anaheim. Precipitation here is about 331 mm | 13.0 inches per year. The average temperature in Anaheim is 63.0 °F | 17.2 °C.
In beach towns like Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, temperatures are slightly cooler, but not much. The average temperature in Huntington Beach is 62.4 °F | 16.9 °C. Precipitation here is about 331 mm | 13.0 inches per year.
Is Orange County expensive?
There is no noticeable difference when comparing Orange County to other large cities in California, like San Francisco and San Diego. All three can be expensive or inexpensive to visit depending on what you do and where you stay in each city.
Dining out and entertainment options can be pricey in Orange County, especially in upscale areas like Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. However, there are more affordable options available, including casual eateries and local food markets.
But yes, California is expensive.
Orange County travel guide
Is Orange County California worth visiting?
Yes — Orange County is a unique destination that so many types of travelers will want to check out, from beach goers and nature enthusiasts, to adrenaline junkies and those who want to surf all day.
If you understand what you’re signing up for, high price tags by U.S. standards, and lots of other tourists, and you don’t mind those things, you’ll enjoy your Orange County trip.
For travelers looking to lay on beautiful Orange County beaches, the O.C. will deliver and then some; take Instagram-worthy photos on the beautiful beaches, stroll on the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, take the kids to Disneyland, and shop in Laguna.
How many days do I need in Orange County California?
If you want to explore Orange County, you’ll want five full days. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas like a day trip to LA, you’ll need at least seven to ten days; but of course: The longer, the better!