Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Orange County
Where to look for an Airbnb in Orange County
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is known for its harbors, luxury homes, and miles of golden sand. Vacation rentals in Orange County in this area often include beachfront access, stylish interiors, and close proximity to Balboa Island. Guests can enjoy boating, upscale dining, and coastal walks throughout the neighborhood. This destination caters to those seeking a refined beach experience.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach offers art galleries, tide pools, and dramatic cliffs along the Pacific. Airbnbs in Orange County in this town provide scenic ocean views and walking distance to local boutiques and cafes. The area hosts art festivals and provides access to hiking trails in the surrounding hills. Travelers who enjoy creativity, nature, and seaside beauty will feel right at home.
Anaheim
Anaheim is the gateway to Disneyland Resort and a hub for family-friendly attractions and entertainment. Vacation rentals in Orange County in this city range from charming bungalows to large homes perfect for groups. Guests can explore theme parks by day and dine in the lively Packing District by night. This neighborhood is ideal for visitors planning a magical and convenient stay.
Huntington Beach
Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach boasts a long pier, surf museums, and a relaxed vibe. Airbnbs in Orange County in this area include coastal apartments and houses near Main Street and the beach. Visitors can enjoy biking along the boardwalk, watching surf competitions, and enjoying open-air music events. The scene is casual, fun, and perfect for ocean lovers.
Irvine
Irvine is a planned community known for its safety, parks, and proximity to business hubs and the University of California, Irvine. Vacation rentals in Orange County in this area often offer sleek condos and spacious homes ideal for business or academic travelers. The neighborhood features shopping centers, bike paths, and cultural venues. Visitors seeking modern amenities and peaceful surroundings will find this location convenient.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Orange County
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is the original Disney theme park and a top destination for families and Disney fans alike. Guests can explore Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure with rides, parades, and character meet-and-greets. The resort also includes Downtown Disney, filled with shops and dining. Visitors of all ages find joy and nostalgia here.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park offers beaches, coastal bluffs, and hiking trails along one of the most scenic parts of the Pacific Coast. Guests can explore tide pools, walk historic beach cottages, or hike inland canyons. The park provides both recreation and solitude within reach of busy towns. Nature enthusiasts and photographers will love the landscape.
Balboa Island
Balboa Island is a charming waterfront community accessed by bridge or ferry from Newport Beach. Visitors can stroll the boardwalk, enjoy frozen bananas, and browse boutique shops. The area includes sandy beaches and a harbor for paddleboarding and kayaking. This spot adds a quaint and leisurely charm to any Orange County trip.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Founded in 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of California’s most historic and picturesque landmarks. Guests can tour the preserved ruins, gardens, and museum to learn about the Spanish colonial era. The site hosts cultural events, music performances, and seasonal festivals. History lovers will appreciate its architectural beauty and legacy.
Huntington Beach Pier
The Huntington Beach Pier stretches 1,850 feet into the ocean and serves as a hub for fishing, sunset watching, and people-watching. Guests can dine at Ruby’s Diner at the pier’s end or watch surfers below. The nearby plaza features shops and live entertainment throughout the year. This is a must-visit for anyone staying along the coast.
Irvine Spectrum Center
Irvine Spectrum Center is a shopping and entertainment complex with a giant Ferris wheel, cinema, and trendy restaurants. Visitors can shop for fashion, dine outdoors, or attend seasonal events like holiday light shows. The center offers both family-friendly and nightlife options. It brings an urban edge to the suburban core.
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is a launch point for whale watching tours, paddleboard rentals, and waterfront dining. Guests can enjoy walking the marina, exploring boutique shops, or setting out for a day on the water. The harbor is scenic and full of marine life throughout the year. This destination connects adventure with coastal relaxation.
Bowers Museum
Located in Santa Ana, the Bowers Museum presents world-class exhibits on global cultures and California history. Visitors can explore artifacts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas in elegant, light-filled galleries. The museum also hosts lectures, film screenings, and family events. Art and history enthusiasts will enjoy the depth and quality of this institution.
Where to find a vacation rental near Orange County, California
Los Angeles, California
Located just north of Orange County, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis known for its entertainment industry, cultural institutions, and iconic attractions. Visitors can tour Hollywood, relax on Santa Monica Beach, or explore the Getty Center. Enjoy skyline views and walkable culture in an apartment in Los Angeles near major sights. LA’s buzz and diversity make it a bold urban contrast to the more suburban beach vibe of Orange County.
San Diego, California
Roughly 90 minutes south, San Diego offers year-round sunshine, stunning coastline, and family-friendly attractions. Highlights include Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Cove. Get comfortable near the ocean in a vacation rental in San Diego that blends convenience and coastal charm. San Diego’s laid-back charm and beachside elegance make it a seamless extension to an Orange County vacation.
Palm Springs, California
About two hours east, Palm Springs is a desert oasis known for its mid-century modern design, hot springs, and mountain views. Visitors can enjoy the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, shop along Palm Canyon Drive, or lounge by the pool in a stylish Airbnb. Spend a relaxing evening at a house in Palm Springs with private outdoor space and desert views. Palm Springs’ resort-style ambiance and art scene add a unique inland flavor to coastal Orange County.
Laguna Beach, California
Within Orange County itself, Laguna Beach is a must-visit destination known for its art galleries, coves, and marine reserves. Guests can browse local artwork at the Festival of Arts, snorkel at Shaw’s Cove, or hike the cliffs of Heisler Park. Choose to stay close to the beach in an apartment in Laguna Beach for sunset strolls and gallery visits. Laguna Beach offers a blend of nature, creativity, and relaxation within the heart of the county.
Long Beach, California
Just north of Orange County, Long Beach offers a thriving waterfront, cultural attractions, and easy beach access. Visitors can tour the Aquarium of the Pacific, stroll Shoreline Village, or explore the historic Queen Mary. Experience ocean breezes and marina views from a vacation rental in Long Beach within walking distance of coastal landmarks. Long Beach’s mix of portside energy and oceanfront appeal makes it an exciting neighbor to Orange County.
Venture into shopping hubs and pristine coastal zones in North America
Orange County offers a vibrant shopping scene, with its luxury boutiques and expansive malls providing a gratifying retail experience. For those eager to continue this retail journey, consider exploring the dynamic options in Canada. Discover vacation rentals Surrey where the Central City Shopping Centre awaits, or seek out an airbnb in Brossard and visit the bustling Quartier DIX30. The charm extends further with vacation rentals San Francisco, home to Union Square's renowned shops, and airbnb in Toronto, where the Eaton Centre offers a shopping extravaganza.
Adored for its stunning Pacific coastline, the region also tempts beach lovers with its sun-drenched shores. Should you wish to broaden your beach experiences, consider airbnb in Newport Beach with its iconic piers and surfing culture. Alternatively, relax by securing holiday homes in Vero Beach, where the Sunshine State's natural beauty flourishes. Venture north for a unique retreat with Michigan City vacation rentals, showcasing Indiana Dunes National Park's picturesque landscape, or select Lauderdale-by-the-Sea holiday stays to relish in the charming small-town atmosphere along Florida's pristine shores.