Orange County: The Ultimate Activities Guide for Travelers

A Coastal Escape for Every Traveler

Explore, Relax & Indulge While Destination Sitters Takes Care of the Kids!

From stunning beaches and luxurious resorts to world-class theme parks and vibrant arts scenes, Orange County (OC) offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re here for thrills, romance, culture, or relaxation, let Destination Sitters handle childcare so you can enjoy the very best of Southern California’s most glamorous and adventurous destinations!

Orange County is home to some of California’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Must-See Outdoor Spots

• Crystal Cove State Park – Hidden beach coves, tide pools, and scenic oceanfront hiking trails.
• Top of the World (Laguna Beach) – A local favorite for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains.
• Balboa Island (Newport Beach) – Stroll charming streets, rent a Duffy boat, and enjoy the famous Balboa Bar.
• Dana Point Harbor – Take a whale-watching cruise or explore hidden beaches like Strands Beach.
• Huntington Beach Pier – Soak in classic California surf culture at the Surf City, USA pier.

Where to Eat Nearby (4 & 5-Star Picks)

• Studio at Montage Laguna Beach – Fine coastal cuisine with breathtaking ocean views.
• The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon (Anaheim) – A Michelin-recognized steakhouse with a California ranch feel.
• Javier’s (Newport Beach) – A trendy, upscale Mexican restaurant with stunning ocean views.

For outdoor lovers, Orange County is a playground of thrilling activities.

Top Adventures

• Surfing in Huntington Beach – Take a lesson at Corky Carroll’s Surf School.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Newport Harbor – Rent a Duffy boat for a private ride through million-dollar homes.
• Hiking at El Moro Canyon (Crystal Cove) – A hidden gem with stunning ocean views.
• Whale Watching in Dana Point – The best spot in SoCal to see migrating whales year-round!

Where to Eat Nearby

• Selanne Steak Tavern (Laguna Beach) – A classic steakhouse with an elevated dining experience.
• Water Grill (Costa Mesa) – High-end seafood dining near South Coast Plaza.

A trip to Orange County isn’t complete without experiencing world-famous theme parks!

Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)

• Disneyland Park – Iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World.
• Disney California Adventure – Thrill-seekers love Cars Land, the Incredicoaster, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.
• Best Dining:
  • Napa Rose – Fine dining inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
  • Blue Bayou – Enjoy Cajun cuisine inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride!
  • Oga’s Cantina – A Star Wars-themed cocktail bar inside Galaxy’s Edge.

Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park)

• The oldest theme park in California, featuring roller coasters, Wild West shows, and Knott’s famous fried chicken.

🎟 Pro Tip: Skip the lines with Genie+ at Disneyland or Fast Lane at Knott’s!

From designer boutiques to hidden artisan markets, shopping in OC is a luxury experience.

Best Shopping Destinations

• South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa) – The Rodeo Drive of Orange County, featuring Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.
• Fashion Island (Newport Beach) – An upscale outdoor mall with high-end shops and an ocean view.
• The LAB Anti-Mall (Costa Mesa) – A hip, artsy shopping spot filled with local artisans and vintage finds.

Where to Eat Nearby

• Marché Moderne (Newport Beach) – Michelin-starred modern French cuisine.
• Mastro’s Ocean Club (Newport Beach) – A fine dining experience right on the water

Orange County has a thriving food scene blending oceanfront dining, farm-to-table, and international flavors.

Must-Try Restaurants

• Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa) – Michelin-starred French fine dining.
• Las Brisas (Laguna Beach) – Coastal Mexican cuisine with panoramic ocean views.
• Vaca (Costa Mesa) – Spanish-inspired steakhouse with an award-winning chef.
• Bear Flag Fish Co. (Newport Beach) – Fresh-off-the-boat seafood tacos and poke bowls.

🌅 Dinner with a View? The Cliff (Laguna Beach) or The Deck on Laguna for oceanfront dining.

Explore galleries, museums, and live performances.

Best Art & Culture Experiences

• Laguna Art Museum – Celebrating California artists and coastal-inspired works.
• Sawdust Art Festival (Laguna Beach) – A seasonal local art fair with handmade pieces and live music.
• Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa) – Broadway performances, ballet, and concerts.

Where to Eat Nearby

• The Hobbit (Orange) – A multi-course French dining experience in a historic home.
• Nobu (Newport Beach) – World-famous Japanese fusion cuisine with waterfront views.

🛁 Relax & Recharge: Luxurious Spa Retreats

Indulge in five-star pampering at OC’s top spas.

Best Spa & Wellness Centers

• Montage Spa (Laguna Beach) – An oceanfront oasis with world-class treatments.
• Pelican Hill Spa (Newport Coast) – Luxury wellness inside an Italian-inspired resort.

Orange County is made for romance, from sunset strolls to luxury getaways.

Most Romantic Spots

• Gondola Rides in Newport Beach – A Venetian-style cruise through the harbor.
• Sunset Drinks at Rooftop Lounge (Laguna Beach) – One of the best sunset spots in OC.

💍 Planning a Wedding or Honeymoon? The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and Pelican Hill Resort offer dreamy venues.

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and fall offer the best weather.
• Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST).
• Airport: John Wayne Airport (SNA) – A stress-free alternative to LAX!

Destination Sitters: Trusted Babysitting Services in Orange County

👶 Why Choose Destination Sitters?
✔ CPR-certified, background-checked, and reference-verified babysitters
✔ Sitters bring books, toys, and games to keep kids entertained
✔ Available at hotels, vacation rentals, theme parks & special events
✔ Multilingual sitters available upon request

📍 Also Available in Nearby Cities:
✔ Los Angeles
✔ San Diego
✔ Palm Springs
✔ San Francisco