39 Best Sights in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Inside this local art and history interactive museum, visitors can learn about the island's native Chumash people, as well as about Catalina Island's owner and creative developer William Wrigley Jr., his baseball team, his Hollywood celebrity friends, and his love for big band music. The exterior of the Catalina Island Museum is a beautiful Spanish Mission style with art deco enhancements.

The sprawling Disney California Adventure, adjacent to Disneyland, pays tribute to the Golden State with multiple theme areas. Admire the art-deco design shops and dining venues along Buena Vista Street and learn about movie magic at Hollywood Land.

Avengers Campus is home for a new generation of superheroes, focusing on the characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ride on Web-Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, where guests of all ages can help wrangle Spider-Bots while wearing 3D glasses and accumulate points. Screams can be heard around the park from the free-falling Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT! See your favorite characters from several hit Pixar films when crossing over Pixar Pier. Ride the superfast Incredicoaster, and collect points playing along the interactive Toy Story Midway Mania ride. Stop to win a prize playing games at the carnival area in Pixar Pier.

The 12-acre Cars Land features Radiator Springs Racers, a thrilling trip in six-passenger speedsters through scenes featured in the blockbuster hit. The Single Rider Lane saves time in line. At night the park takes on neon hues as glowing signs light up Route 66 in Cars Land and Pixar Pal-A-Round, a giant Ferris wheel.

Cocktails, craft beers, and premium wines from California are available in the reimagined San Fransokyo Square. Inspired from the movie Big Hero 6, where East meet West offers new dining venues. Be sure to stay for the World of Color–One, a light-and-sound show celebrating Walt Disney's storytelling.

This municipal pier stretches 1,856 feet out to sea, and is a prime vantage point to watch the dozens of surfers in the water below. At the end of the pier you'll find a popular seafood restaurant, Broad Street Oyster Company, serving fresh oysters, fried seafood, lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and ice-cold beers. Along the pier one can purchase fishing rods, tackle, and bait to fish off the pier.

This botanical garden and library specializes in the history of the Pacific Southwest. You can wander among cactus gardens, rose gardens, a cool fern garden, and a tropical conservatory. There's a garden gift shop, and a restaurant named 698 Dahlia that serves lunch on Wednesday through Sunday.

Newport's best beaches are on a 3-mile stretch called Balboa Peninsula. The picturesque Newport Harbor is on one side, and sandy, broad beaches on the other. It's one of the most intense surfing and bodysurfing spots in Orange County, at the Wedge, at the south end of the peninsula.  Rip currents and punishing waves mean it's strictly for the pros—but it sure is fun to watch an experienced local ride it.

The crystal clear waters of the Casino Point Dive Park are home to protected marine life. This is where moray eels, bat rays, spiny lobsters, harbor seals, and brilliant orange garibaldi (California's state marine fish) cruise around kelp forests and along the sandy bottom. It's a terrific site for scuba diving, with some shallow areas suitable for snorkeling. Equipment can be rented on-site next to the world-famous Catalina Casino. Water temperature ranges in the mid-60s to low 70s during the summer, with September to mid-October being the warmest.

Walk 2 miles south of the bay up to Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, home to many plants native only to Southern California and the Channel Islands. Today there are five different sections where you can see Catalina ironwood, wild tomato, and rare Catalina mahogany. The Wrigley family commissioned the garden as well as the monument, which has a grand staircase and a Spanish-style mausoleum inlaid with colorful Catalina tile. You'll find great views at the top.

Sea lions, zebra sharks, and penguins—oh my! This aquarium focuses on creatures of the Pacific Ocean and is home to more than 12,000 animals. The main exhibits include large tanks of sharks, stingrays, and ethereal sea dragons, which the aquarium has successfully bred in captivity. The museum's Pacific Visions area features a 29,000-square-foot multisensory experience in which attendees can immerse themselves in humankind's relationship with the natural world through video projections, soundscapes, tactile exhibits, a touchscreen wall, interactive game tables, rumbling theater seats, and more. The aquarium focuses on its local environment in its refreshed Southern California Gallery, where you'll explore kelp forests, learn about local species, and learn about the aquarium's conservation efforts. For a nonaquatic experience, head to Lorikeet Forest, a walk-in aviary full of the friendliest parrots from Australia. Buy a cup of nectar and smile as you become a human bird perch. If you're a true animal lover, book an up-close-and-personal Animal Encounters Tour (extra fee) to learn about and assist in the care and feeding of sharks, penguins, and other aquarium residents. Kids go wild for overnight camp experiences in the aquarium. Wildlife shows and special events for kids, teens, and adults abound; if you're interested in offsetting your travels with some local eco efforts, the whole family can join in local wetlands habitat restoration efforts held by the aquarium. Whale-watching trips on Harbor Breeze Cruises depart from the dock adjacent to the aquarium; summer sightings of blue whales are an unforgettable thrill.

In the middle of Newport Harbor is a charming community filled with quaint streets and multimillion-dollar cottages and homes with personal docks in their backyard. The island doesn't have a hotel, just vacation rentals available on VRBO and Airbnb. Stroll along Marine Avenue lined with picturesque cafés and apparel, decor, and souvenir stores. There are bicycle and walking paths encircling much of the island for an easy and scenic visit. 

To get here, you can either park your car on the mainland side of the PCH in Newport Beach and walk or bike over the bridge onto Marine Avenue, or take the Balboa Island Ferry.

This half-mile beach is actually made up of two beaches, Little Corona and Big Corona, separated by a cliff and rocky jetty. Both have soft, golden-hue sand to set up chairs and towels for the day. You can find a parking spot on the street on weekdays. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

Midway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park, a favorite of local beachgoers and wilderness trekkers. It encompasses a 3.2-mile stretch of unspoiled beach and has some of the best tide-pooling in Southern California. Here you can see starfish, crabs, and sea anemones near the rocks. The park's 2,400 acres of backcountry are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, but stay on the trails to preserve the beauty. The Moro Campground offers campsites with picnic tables, including spots designated for RVs and trailers.

Visit imaginative lands, from Bayou Country to a galaxy far, far away in the Star Wars land. Try to spot Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Ride the Storybook Land Canal Boats, passing miniature replicas of animated Disney scenes from classics from Alice in Wonderland to Frozen. Beloved Disney characters appear for hugs, autographs, and photos throughout the day; times and places are posted on the Disneyland mobile app. Live shows, parades, strolling musicians, fireworks (on weekends and during the summer and holidays), and endless creative snack choices add to the magical atmosphere. You can also meet some of Disney's beloved characters during meals at the three Disney hotels (open to the public, but reservations are needed). Strollers, wheelchairs, and Electric Conveyance Vehicles are available to rent at the entrance gate. The park's popularity means there are crowds, especially during the holidays and summer months, so take advantage of the Disney's Lightning Lane and Single Ride line to spend less time waiting. Also be sure to make dining reservations at least three weeks before your visit to secure a table without a long wait. The park is expertly run, with perfectly maintained grounds and a helpful staff ("cast members").

The exciting Downtown Disney District is a walking promenade filled with international dining, shopping, and entertainment that connects the resort's hotels and theme parks. More than a dozen establishments include the popular Asian restaurant Din Tai Fung, specializing in Taiwanese soup dumplings, and Parkside Market with four new food and drink venues including Seoul Sister, Sip & Sonder, and GG's Chicken Shop. Go upstairs to Vista Parkside Market for cocktails and elevated bites overlooking Downtown Disney's entertainment stage. Michelin star chef Carlos Gaytán opened three Mexican-inspired eateries: the open-air Centrico patio dining and bar; the upscale multisensory Paseo; and Mexican street food Tiendita. Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill. Be sure to try their signature seasonal beignets that can be dipped, drizzled, and sprinkled. Enjoy a cold beer at Ballast Point Brewery and a gourmet burger at Black Tap Craft Burgers. Save room for sweet treats at Salt and Straw for gourmet ice cream flavors such as honey lavender and oat milk and cookies, and Sprinkles for decadent frosted cupcakes.

Disney merchandise, souvenirs, and artwork are showcased at the brightly lit World of Disney store and new D Lander shop. Avengers Reserve is for Marvel fans, and The Wonderful World of Sweets is a kaleidoscope of colors, smells and tasty treats. At the LEGO Store there are bigger-than-life LEGO creations, hands-on demonstrations, and space to play with the latest LEGO creations.

Entering is complimentary, however all visitors must pass through a security checkpoint and metal detectors before entering.

The Pacific Surfliner trains stop at the 1894 depot at the entrance of the oldest residential street in Southern California. Some of the houses date back to the 1790s. Train fans can stay overnight in the historic Los Rios Cottages. Located near Mission San Juan Capistrano, this was the first Californian mission to allow workers to live outside the mission grounds. On the street you'll find quaint shops, the Ramos House Cafe, and a beautiful Tea House in a flower garden.

Located near multiple dining venues, art galleries, and shops, Main Beach Park is the epicenter of Laguna Beach. Walk along this soft-sand beach to Bird Rock and explore nearby tide pools or just sit on one of the benches and watch people bodysurfing, playing beach volleyball, or shooting hoops around two half-basketball courts. The beach also has a children's play area with climbing equipment. Most of Laguna's hotels are within a short (but hilly) walk. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise, sunset; swimming.

Founded in 1776 by Father Junípero Serra, Mission San Juan Capistrano was one of two Roman Catholic outposts between Los Angeles and San Diego. The Great Stone Church, built in 1797, is the largest structure created by the Spanish in California. After extensive retrofitting, the golden-hued interiors are open to visitors who may feel they are touring among ruins in Italy rather than the O.C. Many of the mission's adobe buildings have been restored to illustrate mission life, with exhibits of an olive millstone, tallow ovens, tanning vats, metalworking furnaces, and the padres' living quarters. The beautiful gardens are lovely to wander around. The bougainvillea-covered Serra Chapel is believed to be the oldest church still standing in California and is the only building remaining in which St. Serra actually led Mass.

Sheltering nearly 9,000 small boats, Newport Harbor may seduce even those who don't own a yacht. Spend an afternoon exploring the Newport Beach theme shops and restaurants along the boat slips. Several grassy areas on the primarily residential Lido Isle have views of the water. To truly experience the harbor, rent a kayak or an electric Duffy boat for a pleasant picnic cruise or try stand-up paddleboarding to explore the sheltered waters.

This beautifully preserved art deco–style ocean liner, the Queen Mary, was launched in 1936 and made 1,001 transatlantic crossings before finally berthing in Long Beach in 1967. Today, she is a unique and historic hotel, one of Long Beach's top tour attractions, and an impressive example of 20th-century cruise ship opulence.

Take one of several daily themed tours such as the informative Glory Days historical walk, a traipse into the boiler rooms on the Steam and Steel Tour, or the downright spooky Haunted Encounters tour. There's even paranormal investigation tours for enthusiasts. (Spirits have reportedly been spotted in the pool and engine room.) For the full monty, try the three-hour VIP tour. You can add on a Winston Churchill exhibit and other holiday and special events, from a haunted Halloween experience to an annual Scottish festival. The 57 Ghosts theatrical event has extremely limited seating, so book ahead. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at one of the ship's restaurants, then listen to live jazz or order a cocktail in the Observation Bar (the sumptuous original first-class lounge). Even better, plan to spend the night in one of the 347 wood-paneled cabins. The ship's neighbor, a geodesic dome originally built to house Howard Hughes's Spruce Goose aircraft, now serves as a terminal for Carnival Cruise Lines, making the Queen Mary the perfect pit stop before or after a cruise.

On the west end in Dana Cove Park overlooking Dana Point Harbor, Baby Beach is very popular with families. It's close to a large parking lot, it has picnic shelters, and the water is quite shallow with no wave action. Water quality can be an issue, however. This is a popular SUP area and it's near the Ocean Institute. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.

For those seeking a more rough-hewn alternative or counterpoint to the genteel Queen Mary, the battleship USS Iowa in nearby San Pedro lets visitors of all ages clamber through hatches, peer through portholes, and climb into the seat of an antiaircraft gun, envisioning the past. The Iowa, the only such tourable battleship on the West Coast, was commissioned in 1943 as the lead of its class and served in World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. Volunteer "crew members," many of whom once served on the ship, happily offer their personal stories to kids and adults alike.  You're bound to be hungry after such an intrepid expedition. While many people might return to Long Beach or L.A., the nearby pedestrian-friendly, old-timey Downtown San Pedro strip, which centers on 6th and 7th streets, boasts some outstanding dining options, from a British pub to killer Mediterranean and Italian options.

One of the largest salt water marshes in the state, wildlife lovers and bird-watchers flock to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. More than 1,300 acres, it's home to 200 different bird species—including great blue herons, snowy and great egrets, and brown pelicans. Throughout the reserve are easy-to-walk trails for bird-watching along a 1½-mile loop. There are two entrances off the Pacific Coast Highway: one close to the Interpretive Center and a second a mile south on Warner Avenue. Each parking lot connects to 4 miles of walking and hiking trails with scenic overlooks. Parking is free, but limited.

In the northern section of the city, Bolsa Chica State Beach is usually less crowded than its southern neighbors. The Huntington Beach bike and walking trail runs along the edge of the sand for 8 miles north to the south of Huntington Beach. The path is wide and in some areas there are separate walking and biking lanes. There are also a sprinkling of different types of eateries open during the summer along the pathway. Some offer live music. In the evening the firepits attract beachgoers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

This is the best spot to board a whale watching or fishing boat for a tour of the harbor and beyond. Catalina Express leaves from this harbor on boat ferry rides to Catalina Island. The marina docks private boats and yachts, and has a variety of shops, restaurants, water sports, and bike rentals. Annual family friendly events include the Tall Ships Festival, Holiday Boat Parade, and the Festival of Whales.

The city has a 1-mile stretch of beach dedicated to dogs. It's free and dogs can run, fetch a ball, and play with other dogs off leash. Twice a year the city hosts Corgi Beach Day, one of the largest corgi celebrations, in which up to 1,000 dogs of all different breeds and owners join in the fun.

This beach is one of Southern California's top surfing destinations, especially for beginners. There's a lot to do within the 5-acre grass area with volleyball courts, tide pools, picnic areas, and an interpretive center devoted to the wildlife of the Doheny Marine Refuge. Campgrounds are located at the southern end of the beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.

Head to the Green Pleasure Pier for a good vantage point of Avalon Harbor. On the pier you can find a visitor information office, fish-and-chip snack stands, a bait shop, a dive shop, and a tour boat ticket stand. This is also a gathering spot where tourists rent small motorboats and paddleboards.

Located on a walking path along the cliff all the way to Laguna's Main Beach, Heisler Park is one of the most picturesque parks in Laguna Beach. Visitors come early in the summer to secure a picnic table overlooking palm trees and panoramic ocean views. Take the stairs down to Diver's Cove for snorkeling, scuba diving, and tide-pool exploring. This is also a popular area for plein air artists to set up an easel and chair and paint for hours.

Stretching for 3½ miles from Bolsa Chica State Beach to Huntington State Beach, Huntington City Beach is most crowded around the pier where amateur and professional surfers brave the waves daily. There are 100 fire rings, numerous concession stands, bike paths, and well-raked white sand. Surfboard rental shops make this a popular beach year-round. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

This peaceful state beach offers 121 sandy acres and 200 firepits, so it's popular during the day and evening. There are changing rooms, and two new concession stands---the Huntington Beach House and Sahara Sandbar. There are year-round surf lessons, lifeguards, Wi-Fi access, and ample parking. An 8½-mile bike path connects Huntington to Bolsa Chica State Beach. Picnic areas can be reserved in advance for a fee depending on location; otherwise it's first come, first served. On hot days, expect crowds at this broad, soft-sand beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Just up Main Street from Huntington Pier, in an iconic art deco building, the International Surfing Museum pays tribute to the sport's greats with an impressive collection of surfboards and related memorabilia. Exhibits are designed to encourage families to learn about the history of surfing. Highlights include Duke Kahanamoku's surfboard and the "World's Largest Surfboard" measuring 42 feet long, 11 feet wide, 16 inches thick, and weighing 1,300 pounds.