8 Activities
Explore the Best of Orange County
Starts from
Los Angeles
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
11 hours
Length
24 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Los Angeles
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
24 mi
Elisa Parhad
Travel Expert
- Visit a beloved tofu factory.
- Watch surfers shred waves in Surf City USA.
- Explore the joys of Balboa Island, including a delicious Balboa Bar.
- Visit the largest and most exclusive shopping mall of America's West Coast.
- Try out California's healthy fast-casual food obsession.
Orange County is a short drive from Los Angeles, California, but the mindset and landscape is a world away. Get out of the city and into the sun on this day trip south.
This route hits up an ethnic enclave in Westminster, California, a high-end mall, a fun zone in Newport Beach, California, and then heads back to the city via Surf City USA, also known as Huntington Beach, California. You'll get to try an OC classic—frozen bananas and Balboa bars, tofu treats at a beloved institution, as well as dinner at a delicious fast - casual chain that defines SoCal's obsession with healthy, fresh food.
Bring along your beach wear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and the laid-back attitude that defines Orange County's beach towns. This is a fun, easy day on one of the most iconic shores in the states.
This route hits up an ethnic enclave in Westminster, California, a high-end mall, a fun zone in Newport Beach, California, and then heads back to the city via Surf City USA, also known as Huntington Beach, California. You'll get to try an OC classic—frozen bananas and Balboa bars, tofu treats at a beloved institution, as well as dinner at a delicious fast - casual chain that defines SoCal's obsession with healthy, fresh food.
Bring along your beach wear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and the laid-back attitude that defines Orange County's beach towns. This is a fun, easy day on one of the most iconic shores in the states.
Orange County is a short drive from Los Angeles, California, but the mindset and landscape is a world away. Get out of the city and into the sun on this day trip south.
This route hits up an ethnic enclave in Westminster, California, a high-end mall, a fun zone in Newport Beach, California, and then heads back to the city via Surf City USA, also known as Huntington Beach, California. You'll get to try an OC classic—frozen bananas and Balboa bars, tofu treats at a beloved institution, as well as dinner at a delicious fast - casual chain that defines SoCal's obsession with healthy, fresh food.
Bring along your beach wear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and the laid-back attitude that defines Orange County's beach towns. This is a fun, easy day on one of the most iconic shores in the states.
This route hits up an ethnic enclave in Westminster, California, a high-end mall, a fun zone in Newport Beach, California, and then heads back to the city via Surf City USA, also known as Huntington Beach, California. You'll get to try an OC classic—frozen bananas and Balboa bars, tofu treats at a beloved institution, as well as dinner at a delicious fast - casual chain that defines SoCal's obsession with healthy, fresh food.
Bring along your beach wear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and the laid-back attitude that defines Orange County's beach towns. This is a fun, easy day on one of the most iconic shores in the states.
Elisa Parhad
Travel Expert
- Visit a beloved tofu factory.
- Watch surfers shred waves in Surf City USA.
- Explore the joys of Balboa Island, including a delicious Balboa Bar.
- Visit the largest and most exclusive shopping mall of America's West Coast.
- Try out California's healthy fast-casual food obsession.
Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
24 mi2 mi
Life Is a Beach in Orange County
This route hits up the charms and icons of Orange County, based in the towns of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach in California. This itinerary reflects the great diversity within the county, making it a fascinating place to explore. Ethnic enclaves, beach lifestyles, wealthy consumerism, and good old-fashioned fun are all on the docket of the day. Enjoy!
Bring your suit and towel, sunglasses, and hat down south to explore the joys of Orange County.
Bring your suit and towel, sunglasses, and hat down south to explore the joys of Orange County.
10:0030 min
Đông Phương Tofu
Vietnamese Restaurant
Open Details
Little Saigon is a Vietnamese community in the City of Westminster, California. Orange County has the highest concentration of Vietnamese individuals outside of Vietnam, so this is a great place to experience some of the country's culture. Swing by Dong Phuong Tofu, where all sorts of Vietnamese-style tofu products are made on-site. Try the different varieties of friend tofu and the tofu pudding—both are unique and delicious.
9 mi
20 min
11:001 hr 30 min
South Coast Plaza
Shopping Mall
Open Details
It isn't surprising that the largest and highest-grossing mall is in Orange County, Southern California? Here, shopping is a national sport! Stop in to this exclusive mall, where concierges can shop for you, the top global luxury brands all have a store, and yearly spending is nearly $1.5 billion. Just hold on tight to your credit card!
7.4 mi
20 min
13:001 hr
Sugar 'n Spice
Ice Cream Shop
Open Details
Balboa Island is all about fun—the old-fashioned kind. This man-made island (technically there are two!) is a wonderful slice of Orange County. Explore the 2.6-mile loop on foot or bicycle. First, get yourself a Balboa Bar (or frozen banana—both iconic) at Sugar ‘N’ Spice. (Then try the competitor, Dad's, to solve the epic battle about whose bar is better.) The snack stand has been around since 1945 and was recently a key player in the TV comedy, Arrested Development.
Next, you'll walk to the ferry landing to take the ferry to the Balboa Fun Zone beachfront boardwalk. You can also take a car ferry to the Balboa Peninsula and continue your journey by car from there.
Next, you'll walk to the ferry landing to take the ferry to the Balboa Fun Zone beachfront boardwalk. You can also take a car ferry to the Balboa Peninsula and continue your journey by car from there.
0.7 mi
15 min
14:1515 min
Balboa Island Ferry
Ferry Station
Open Details
Every five minutes the Balboa Ferry travels less than 1,000 feet across the bay from Balboa Island to the Balboa Peninsula, going less than 5 miles per hour (that's the speed limit!). Walk on board—tickets can be purchased upon arrival at a small window next to the ferry.
0.3 mi
15 min
14:452 hrs 30 min
Balboa Fun Zone
Theme Park
Open Details
In the Balboa Fun Zone, old-time thrills thrive. Coastal amusement parks were once very common along the West and East Coasts of America, and this is one of the few still left. Try the waterfront ferris wheel for great views, visit the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, or try some games at the arcade. Good luck and have fun!
To get back to your car, hop back on the ferry and meander back through Balboa Island along the water or among the cute beach cottages.
To get back to your car, hop back on the ferry and meander back through Balboa Island along the water or among the cute beach cottages.
7.4 mi
20 min
18:155 min
Parking Lot
Parking
Open Details
Park your car and walk two blocks to the beach. This lot charges a small fee, but the convenience is worth it. Free parking exists on residential streets and everywhere on Sundays, but these spots tend to be far from the beach.
0.4 mi
10 min
18:3045 min
Huntington Beach
Beach
Open Details
Welcome to Surf City USA. It's a 3.5-mile beach with crystal clear waters and amazing views. This popular destination boasts of the world-famous municipal pier, making it a surfer's paradise and a must-visit spot for all beach lovers.
Stroll the beach, set up your spot, or take a dip in the water. However you want to spend your beach time, this is a great spot to soak up the California lifestyle, and try it on for size.
Stroll the beach, set up your spot, or take a dip in the water. However you want to spend your beach time, this is a great spot to soak up the California lifestyle, and try it on for size.
0.4 mi
10 min
19:301 hr 30 min
Lemonade
Cafeteria
Open Details
Nowhere exemplifies California's obsession with healthy fast-casual food better than Lemonade. You'll love the wide range of salads, sides and mains at this chic cafeteria-style eatery. If you find a dish you love, they sell a wildly popular cookbook you can pick up with recipes to satisfy any food preference. Don't forget to order their signature strawberry lemonade!