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Orange County Attractions
Fun things to do while visiting or living in Orange County

Fun & Leisure Activities
Historical Sites Landmarks
Zoos - Petting Zoos
- Other Attractions & Things to Do -
Catalina Island Museums
Theme Parks Tours
Whale Watching
 

 

Fun & Leisure

Air Combat USA®

Imagine yourself scanning the skies in a real military aircraft in search of the enemy airplane. You spot the bogey, and the fight's on. Pulling g's, making quick decisions you out maneuver your opponent and line 'em up in your gunsight, squeeze the trigger and Guns...Guns.... Guns! The bogey erupts in smoke and you roll up and away, Victorious! This is not a simulator, this is the real deal. You are at the controls of a military fighter, while your military trained instructor coaches you to victory.

Click above to check it out or call 714.525.7590 Fullerton Municipal Airport. Gift Certificates Available. Groups are Welcome!

Cruise Newport Beach
Sunset Cruise Newport Beach -
Live Latin Music Two Cruises To Choose From Nightly

Choose from our Fiesta Newport Beach Cruise with live Latin music complimentary chips and salsa, and a unlimited drink special of only $15 (icey legendary Newport Beach margarita is highly recommended) ! Or our Newport Beach Sunset Cruise with beautiful sunsets, live Spanish music, complimentary chips and fresh salsa, and of course the unlimited drink special of $15! Both cruises are 1 ½ hours and tour Newport Bay as well as the famous Newport Beach coastline. Upstairs sundeck, indoor salon, and many other comforts will leave you wanting more. Cruise price only $25

Dana Wharf Sportfishing
90 Minute Sunset Catamaran Harbor Cruise & Beyond

Join us aboard our new, luxurious catamaran for a 90 minute sunset cruise. You'll enjoy beautiful, dramatic views of the famous Dana Point headlands, Doheny Beach, the stunning Orange County coastline and a cruise through Dana Point Harbor. The Ocean Adventures catamaran features a full cash bar, so this cruise makes for a perfect date or get together with friends and family! $25 Adults / $15 Kids 3-12 / 2 and under are FREE

Thursdays - Sundays starting June 7th! 6:00pm - 7:30pm
*Schedule permitting, please look online or call to confirm times

Davey's Locker
Whale & Dolphin Cruises
in Newport Beach

Davey's Locker in the Historic Balboa Pavilion (famous Orange County landmark) next to the Balboa Funzone has over 40 years of history providing whale watching cruises. Endorsed by the Orange County Cetacean Society, Davey's Locker provides year round whale watching cruises daily. During the winter and spring months witness the grey whale migration and during the summer and fall months the giant blue whales. With the nutrient rich waters just outside Newport Bay providing ideal habitat for several species of whales and dolphin, Davey's Locker has one of the highest number of sightings in California. Davey's Locker takes great pride in their 96% success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin. Sightings are so good, that they guarantee sightings on each whale watching cruise. A specifically built for whale watching ship provides viewing opportunities from any point on the ship.



ExplorOcean/Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
600 East Bay Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 673-7863

Explore our region's maritime heritage with family-oriented interactive exhibits, ship models, artifacts and art, located in the heart of the historic Balboa Fun Zone on Newport Bay. In addition to our touch-tank, visitors will enjoy a mix of hands-on activities, interactive programs, and special performances that will connect you to the living museum in our backyard. Our galleries include: The Steele Model Pavilion, the East Wing (Sea of Adventure), Newport and the Extraordinary People galleries. Our goal is to connect visitors to the adventure, inspiration and mystery of the sea with an emphasis on the human experience and man’s impact as it relates to the marine environment.

FLIGHTDECK Air Combat Center
Located in Anaheim
The Flight is Simulated. The Experience is Real!

Authentic military flight simulation center providing civilians the opportunity to pilot a fighter jet in actual flight simulators. Flight gear, training and in-flight instruction are provided to ensure a challenging aviation-themed adventure. Open to the general public with special programs for corporate events, team building and group parties. With a maximum capacity for 72 people

Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869

Irvine Park Railroad is a one-third scale train that takes both children and adults on a scenic, 12-minute ride through beautiful and scenic Irvine Regional Park. The train ride is narrated by the engineer. Other activities inside of the park include Irvine Park Rentals' paddle boats and Wheel Fun Rentals® bikes (single surrey bikes, double surrey bikes, deuce coupes, choppers, beach cruises and more), the Orange County Zoo and pony rides. Annual events include an Easter Eggstravaganza, Anniversary Celebration, Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Train. Located in the foothills of Orange, Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM.

Jetlev Southwest
Fly the world’s first recreational jetpack!

The Jetlev R200 water-propelled jetpack is safe, fun and easy to fly! Within minutes, our Certified Flight Instructors will have you flying using our state-of-the-art training process, which utilizes walkie-talkie helmets for ongoing communication throughout your flight and remote control throttle capability to assist pilots with the learning process. Flight Experience Sessions consist of safety video, equipment overview, and 20-30 minutes of flight time (depending on package), with the majority of first-time pilots up and flying within the first 5 minutes. High-Definition video packages, returning pilot discounts and monthly membership programs also available. Jetpacks are now a reality, so Stop Dreaming and Start Flying!

Located in Newport Harbor

Old World Village
Huntington Beach

Old World Village is a very unique shopping, dining, beauty, arts and entertainment center, located on 8 acres in Huntington Beach. You're invited you to take a stroll through the cobble stone streets and shop at the many specialty stores and services in this charming replica of a German Bavarian town. In addition to the many shops, Old World Village is home to many fine dining options as well as entertainment and events including the 9 week celebration Oktoberfest from September to the end of October.

Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869

Come visit Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park... with many fun cycle and paddle boat options from which to choose, we offer the ultimate in fun and recreation for the entire family to enjoy. From toddlers to grandparents, all visitors are sure to enjoy the outdoors at the Irvine Regional Park. Wheel Fun Rentals is the premier provider of fun and unique outdoor recreational vehicles. Our fleet of cycles -- which are ideal for sightseeing, people watching, exercising or simply enjoying the park -- include the surrey, double surrey, deuce coupe, quad sport and chopper. Other bikes available for rent include tandem bikes, cruiser bikes and kids bikes. We also feature paddle boats (aqua cycles) available to rent; visitors can ride the paddle boats on the beautiful lake located inside of the park.

Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park is located adjacent to the historic boathouse next to the lake and opens daily at 10 am

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Historical Sites

Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente

Overlooking San Clemente pier, this 1928 estate was the home of the city’s founder, Ole Hanson. The renovated 2.4-acre site features historic exhibitions, literary symposia, musical attractions, special events, and diverse educational and cultural opportunities that encourage visitors to explore the Romance and Reality of the Southern California experience.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
Ortega Hwy and El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago. Today it is a monument to California' multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage.

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace opened its doors on July 19, 1990 with celebration, fanfare and more than 50,000 friends and well wishers including Presidents Nixon, Bush, Reagan and Ford and their First Ladies. It is a privately supported, non-profit institution dedicated to educating the public about the life and times of the 37th President and encouraging interest in history, government and public affairs.

Ronald Reagan Federal Building
411 W Fourth Street
Santa Ana, CA

This federal courthouse was nominated for the Presidential Design Awards 2000 and for the Presidential Millennium Award for Design Excellence. This building, which incorporates technology and tradition, since opening, has become a catalyst in the revitalization of downtown Santa Ana.

The Pilgrim
Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point

Docked at the Ocean Institute, the Pilgrim is a full size replica of the hide brig immortalized by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. in his American seafaring classic novel 'Two Years Before the Mast'. Dana said of the Pilgrim, "The vessel I am going on is small, but strong and a remarkably fast sailer having been built for the smuggling trade."

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Landmarks & Attractions

Ocean Institute
Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point

The public can join their scientists aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for an in-depth study of whales, dolphins and sea lions using customized state-of-the-art equipment including plankton nets, grab samplers, video microscopes and the dolphin-cam! Free Marine Mammal Lecture Series 2002 will run January through March.

Discovery Science Center
2500 Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs.

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Tours

Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari
Dana Point Harbor

Come sail with Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari's on our hi-tech sailing catamarans year round, with its exclusive Eye-to-Eye Underwater viewing POD™. Daily trips to see dolphins, up to 5,000 strong, leap and play right off our bow, migrating Gray whales Dec-April and Blue Whales May-Nov. See them below, too, with our underwater video camera, hear them on our hydrophone. Celebrity and Certified naturalists make this exciting excursion educational and entertaining, too. Homemade triple-fudge brownies make this a one-of-a-kind adventure unforgettable. You can see a live feed from our boat, the first and only place in the world where you can view Whales and Dolphins Live right from your computer during our daily Dolphin & Whale Watching excursions at whalewatchingtv.com!

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whalewatching
Dana Point Harbor

Dana Wharf has been bringing the highest quality fishing and whale watching experiences to residents and anglers of the Dana Point and surrounding areas since 1958. Dana Wharf is proud to offer the best whale watching deals on the west coast - trips as low as $16! Dana Wharf showcases several top of the line vessels and all of the boats ensure total passenger comfort and enhance the fishing and whale watching experience. Dana Wharf's experienced, family-oriented crew is there to make your fishing and whale watching experiences as enjoyable and educational as possible - every skill and experience level is welcome! Dana Wharf guarantees our whale watching cruises! If you don’t see a GOOD showing of whales or dolphin, you’ll get your ticket back to come out with us again any time in the future for FREE!

Use coupon code OCNET for a 30% off your fishing or whale watching excursion.

Davey's Locker - Newport Beach
Whale & Dolphin Cruises

Davey's Locker in the Historic Balboa Pavilion (famous Orange County landmark) next to the Balboa Funzone has over 40 years of history providing whale watching cruises. Endorsed by the Orange County Cetacean Society, Davey's Locker provides year round whale watching cruises daily. During the winter and spring months witness the grey whale migration and during the summer and fall months the giant blue whales. With the nutrient rich waters just outside Newport Bay providing ideal habitat for several species of whales and dolphin, Davey's Locker has one of the highest number of sightings in California. Davey's Locker takes great pride in their 96% success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin. Sightings are so good, that they guarantee sightings on each whale watching cruise. A specifically built for whale watching ship provides viewing opportunities from any point on the ship.

Mention Orangecounty.net And Get $15 Whale Watching Cruise Rate!

OC WildLife & Beach Tour

Come see the hidden treasures in Orange County and experience the California Riviera on a ½ day eco-tour though paradise! Observe seals & sea lions up close, visit hidden beach coves with breathtaking views, and explore the sea life in the tide pools, or experience a nature preserve where you can see thousands of migrating birds. Learn about the importance of wildlife, conservation and protecting the environment. Tour in a luxury mini coach or passenger van. Light walking. Tours include transportation, educational guide, bottled water and snack.
For a reservation, call: 949-500-6981 or visit our website.

Newport Landing Whale Watching-Newport Beach/Newport Harbor

Newport Landing offers multiple whale watching cruises daily year round. View giant blue whales to over 100 feet in length during the summer and fall months and grey whales on their annual migration during the winter and spring months. Huge pods of several varieties of dolphin, finback whales, minke whales, humpback whales, killer whales, and sea lions are viewed as well. A 96% success rate in viewing whales and/or dolphin means almost every trip has viewing opportunities. Our whale watching ship was built just for whale watching with seating and viewing options from almost any part of the ship. 65 feet in length the stability and comforts are great for those concerned with being on the ocean. Sightings are Guaranteed: You will get a free trip if we do not see whales or dolphin!

309 Palm - Suite A, Balboa CA
Mention Orangecounty.net And Get $15 Whale Watching Cruise Rate!

 

Zoos in Orange County

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92862

The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park. The park is located within the city limits of the City of Orange. The zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park. The zoo specializes in the animals and plants from the southwestern United States.
Located within Irvine Regional Park

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Today the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a public zoological garden occupying a unique urban site in the heart of Orange County. Situated on approximately 20 acres, it hosts more than 270,000 people annually.

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