Enjoy Spring Break in Orange, CA

After a long winter of hitting the books, spring can’t come soon enough. Luckily, it’s almost here. And you’re probably starting to plan your spring break adventure. Whether you live in Orange, California, or you’re just coming to the area to get away from it all, there are lots of ways to enjoy spring break while you’re here. From sandy beaches and restaurants with a view to thrilling amusement parks and mountain escapes, Orange has what you’re looking for during your spring break. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy spring break this year in Orange.

Hit Up the Beach

You have your selection of top-notch beaches that are all close to Orange, making this a highly rated reason to spend spring break here. Laguna Beach is popular because of its rugged cliffs that create secluded coves of small sandy beaches. It’s a favorite destination for artistic types who want to paint or take some stellar photos. If you’re interested in chartering a cruise or just looking at some beautiful yachts in the marina, check out Newport Beach. There are lots of aquatic adventures just waiting for you along its shores.

If those options aren’t enticing enough, then why not head to Dana Point? At this harbor, you can book a fishing trip or a whale-watching adventure. You’ll also find lots of interesting shops and restaurants to explore. While you’re on your beach discovery kick, you might also consider a visit to Huntington Beach. This is the perfect spot to take a surfing class or just hang back and watch others take part in the sport. Because so many come here just for the waves, don’t be surprised by the great stores offering beachwear and surfing gear.

Dine at an Ocean View Restaurant

When you’ve spent the day at the beach surfing or shopping, you’re going to be ready for a nice meal by the time dinner rolls around. So, check out one of the many beachside restaurants that offer a sweet view of the ocean. Whether you’re dining with that special someone or a group of friends, there’s no end to the incredible restaurants you can choose from near Orange.

Between the Newport and Laguna Beaches, you can try some of the exceptional cuisine at The Beachcomber. It offers tables in the sand, where you’re just feet from the waves. The menu features cocktails and local craft beers as well as items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bear Flag Fish Co. is the place to go for sustainably sourced seafood. It has three locations, so one is sure to be close by. Bear Flag lets you get your seafood by the pound or you can try one of its specialties, such as tacos, seafood salad, or New England clam chowder.

Go Camping in the Santa Ana Mountains

Within an easy drive of Orange is the Santa Ana Mountain range, where you can go for all sorts of outdoor adventures. The 8,000-acre Caspers Wilderness Park is an excellent destination for camping, hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and more. It has a nice campground that can accommodate RVs and tents. The site has electricity, and a dump station is available for RV use. There are also opportunities for horseback riding in the park. If you’re there on the weekend, visit the nature center or participate in a ranger-led program to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region.

Another great spot for camping or just getting out in nature near Orange is the O’Neill Regional Park. You’ll find over 23 miles of trails that take you through cactus, wild buckwheat, sagebrush, chaparral of scrub oak, buckthorn, and mountain mahogany. There are also 79 campsites for both tents and RVs. If you don’t want to camp, take a picnic lunch and then go for a hike or just sit back and watch the wildlife.

Check Out an Amusement Park

Orange is conveniently located close to several amusement parks that offer rides, food, shopping, and excitement. Purchase your tickets to the iconic Disneyland, where you’ll see characters that bring back childhood memories, experience fun rides, and find gifts for all your friends and family. If Disney isn’t your thing, you can check out Knott’s Berry Farm. This is the original California theme park, and it features everything you could want in a spring break adventure. Thrilling rides, such as the GhostRider and HangTime roller coasters, will provide you with an experience you won’t soon forget.

You can also hear live music or catch one of the family-friendly shows while you’re in the park. It uses the history of California as inspiration, for rides and attractions, which is something to keep in mind as you make your way through everything Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer.

Explore a Pier

Thanks to the incredible coastline close to Orange, there are also many piers you can visit. The Manhattan Beach Pier is a cool spot to go if you want to check out an aquarium too. This pier features an aquarium at the end of it, making it unique. It’s also the oldest concrete pier on the West Coast, having been around since the 1920s. At the pier’s entrance, you’ll find several shops and restaurants.

In Newport Beach, there are two piers you can walk along: Newport Pier and Balboa Pier. Both of them have restaurants where you can grab a bite while you watch the birds and the waves. If you’re near the Balboa Pier, you can also consider taking the short ferry ride across the bay for a fun, inexpensive activity that makes for a great photo opportunity.

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy spring break in Orange. From beaches to mountains, you can do it all. If you need more ideas for where to go for spring break, contact us. We’re always happy to help you find out about all the great experiences you can have when you’re in Orange.

Drone view of the pier by Renato Sanchez Lozada is licensed with Unsplash License