Orange County: Coast, Culture and Family Destinations

Orange County in California stretches along about 42 miles of coastline and includes a wide variety of cities. That’s why, when choosing a vacation rental, the specific location matters more than the county name. Decide whether the beach, culture or family outings are your priority, then compare the actual address and current selection.

Coast and Natural Areas

Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry. Its historic coastal district includes 46 rustic cottages dating from the settlement period of the 1930s and 1940s. The park offers educational programs year-round, such as guided hikes and tide pool walks; check the schedule. Huntington State Beach is described as a surfing destination. Swimming is permitted and lifeguard services are available, but current water and supervision conditions should still be checked. The beach also protects nesting areas for threatened bird species; respect any barriers.

History and Family Destinations

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 and is now a history museum. The return of the swallows is celebrated as an annual tradition on March 19; this does not guarantee a natural occurrence on every visit. In the city of Orange, the OC Zoo is located in Irvine Regional Park and focuses on native Southwestern species. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park has a historic Ghost Town; the adjoining water park is a separate attraction. Check opening hours and tickets for each destination.

Relevant location pages for further planning include Huntington Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Orange and Buena Park. The links are for geographic reference and do not indicate that vacation rentals are available.

For the broader travel overview: California.