Explore the oc: orange county day trips

Orange County is the epitome of Southern California. There is a vibe here you’ll find no place else on earth. People travel to Orange County for both business and pleasure, and at the heart of any experience is the ability to enjoy our casual sophistication, pristine beaches, legendary theme parks, wide open spaces, variety of recreational activities, innovative restaurants, alluring hotels, amazing shopping, and so much more. With bright sunny days and wonderful starry nights, this is the place where California dreams are made.

There’s no better destination to experience the best of the “OC” than Irvine. We like to say when you stay in Irvine you’re within 30 miles and 30 minutes of Orange County attractions, including the theme parks, shopping malls, and beaches.

Orange County is home to the original theme park: Disneyland Resort. And not far is Knott’s Berry Farm. If you’re here for the beaches, the OC has 42 miles of them — perfect for surfing, sunning, and strolling. In fact, the beaches aren’t the only place to spend time outside. We have an amazing variety of sprawling wilderness and nature parks where you can hike, bike, bird watch, picnic, relax, and more.

We look forward to welcoming you to Orange County!

Day Trips from Irvine to Orange County’s Top Beaches

Irvine’s prime location places it a short drive from some of Southern California’s most stunning beaches. Newport Beach, with its iconic pier and bustling harbor, is perfect for sunset strolls and offers access to numerous hiking trails along the bluffs. Laguna Beach, a haven for artists, boasts hidden coves like Thousand Steps Beach and vibrant tide pools, best explored during low tide. Crystal Cove State Park, a preserved coastal gem, provides expansive beaches and scenic state parks ideal for hiking and panoramic ocean views. For a less crowded experience, explore Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, known for its excellent surfing and expansive grassy areas.

Laguna Beach, CA

Only 14 miles away from Irvine, Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city perched on the cliffs. Outdoor activities include scuba diving, body surfing and trekking at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. As an artist community, Laguna holds exceptional festivals such as The Sawdust Art Festival and Pageant of the Masters. Explore the tide pools at Crescent Bay, Diver’s Cove, or Thousand Steps during low tide, where you can observe marine life. For shopping, visit Laguna’s downtown for boutiques and art galleries. Immerse yourself in art at the Laguna Art Museum.

Newport Beach, CA

The coastal city of Newport Beach is only 9 miles from Irvine, CA. Take in the marvelous views at Crystal Cove State Park, ride a duffy boat in Balboa Island, or dine in one of the local restaurants in Corona del Mar. You can embark on whale watching tours from newport Harbor to spot gray whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Fishing excursions are also available. For luxury shopping, explore Fashion Island. Explore Balboa Island and have a frozen banana.

Dana Point, CA

A short 30 minute drive away is Dana Point, with nearly 7 miles of coastal bluffs and rolling hills along the Pacific Ocean. The Doheny State Beach attracts hundreds of travelers yearly. It has one of the few harbors in OC where locals and visitors can enjoy sport fishing, parasailing, bicycling and more. Known as the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®,” offers incredible opportunities to witness migrating gray whales and playful dolphins year-round. Beyond wildlife encounters, fishing excursions provide anglers with the chance to reel in impressive catches, while annual festivals like the Festival of Whales and the Tall Ships Festival bring vibrant celebrations to the harbor. For a more relaxed experience, exploring the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area offers breathtaking coastal views and tranquil hiking trails.

Huntington Beach, CA

Known as “Surf City”, Huntington Beach is the venue for the annual US Open of Surfing. The International Surfing Museum showcases the beginnings of surfing and its downtown is pure Southern California beach vibe. The beach is dotted with numerous public fire pits, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings, while countless beach volleyball courts buzz with competitive energy. For those seeking outdoor adventure, nearby hiking trails offer scenic views of the coastline and surrounding hills. Notably, Huntington Dog Beach provides a dedicated, leash-free haven for canine companions to romp and play in the surf.

Discover Orange County Attractions Near Irvine

Orange County boasts far more than its beautiful beaches, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for every visitor. From the vibrant shopping and entertainment at the Irvine Spectrum Center to the diverse cultural offerings and outdoor activities within the City of Irvine, there’s always something new to discover. For a deeper dive into the region’s attractions, visit well-loved theme parks and experience long-standing county fairs.

Costa Mesa, CA

Dubbed as the “City of the Arts”, Costa Mesa is a mere 6 miles from Irvine. For the ultimate shopping spree, South Coast Plaza has all the international luxury brands. For entertainment, the OC Fair and Event Center holds the biggest and most attended events in the county. The annual OC Fair is a summer tradition showcasing agricultural exhibits, thrilling carnival rides, and live entertainment. Throughout the year, the center also hosts a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and trade shows, making it a dynamic hub for community gatherings and entertainment in Orange County. Popular attractions include pig races, the petting zoo, and unique fair food.

Anaheim, CA

Less than 20 miles away from Irvine, is Anaheim, home to Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Anaheim Convention Center, where the world’s largest expos are held. The Anaheim Packing District was once an orange processing plant and is now a food hall housing world-class culinary talents. Visitors can explore the multi-level space, sample global cuisine, and enjoy live music on certain days.

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is a historic gem, renowned for its beautifully preserved Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776, offering tours that illuminate California’s early Spanish colonial history. Visitors can explore the mission’s grounds, museum, and the charming downtown area, rich with historical architecture and local attractions.

Day Trip from Orange County

Orange County’s prime location makes it a fantastic hub for exciting day trips. Just a short drive north, you can immerse yourself in the glamour of Los Angeles, strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame or experiencing the magic of Universal Studios. Southward, San Diego beckons with its world-famous zoo and vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. Eastward, the desert oasis of Palm Springs offers a relaxing escape with its mid-century modern architecture and stunning mountain views. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can venture to Temecula Valley’s picturesque vineyards, while those seeking wildlife encounters can easily reach the San Diego Zoo.

Make Irvine your home base for exploring Orange County! With its central location, Irvine provides easy access to all the region has to offer. Explore hotels in Irvine here.