25 Best Hidden Gems In Orange County (2024)
Want to find the best hidden gems in Orange County? We’ve got you covered with the best ones that you must visit at least once!
Orange County is home to some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
But maybe you’ve done it all and you’re looking for something a little more low key.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of hidden gems in Orange County too.
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21 Best Hidden Gems In Orange County
Below are our favorite hidden gems in Orange County.
1. Blackstar Canyon Trail
Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Road, Silverado, California 92676
This trail is 7.1 miles out and back and takes about 4-5 hours to complete on average.
However, you don’t have to complete the whole trail and can make your hike shorter if you prefer.
Parking is free and no permits are required to hike this trail.
Dogs are allowed if they remain on a leash.
Long pants and long sleeves are recommended on this hike because you may encounter poison oak.
Also be sure to check the weather and other park conditions before you head out on your hike.
2. Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, California 92823
This park is open daily at 7 am and there is a fee for parking.
During the week it is $3 and on weekends it is $5.
Carbon Canyon’s claim to fame is having the southern most Redwood Grove in California.
There is a 1.1 mile nature trail that leads to this grove.
It can be busy on weekends because photographers love to use this spot for family photo sessions.
3. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
Address: 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, California 92672
Casa Romantica is open every day at 10 am, except for Mondays.
This cultural center is part of a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival registered historic landmark.
You can take a self guided audio tour of the property or arrange a group tour.
There is even a scavenger hunt for children.
4. Five Crowns
Address: 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, California 92625
Five Crowns is a replica of an old English Inn and is part of Lawry’s, Inc.
So not only is it a great place for prime rib, it’s a great place for weddings and events!
We were married here in 2020 and continue to visit at least a couple times a year, making this one of my favorite hidden gems in Orange County.
5. Irvine Great Park Balloon
Address: 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
The Irvine Great Park is a 450+ acre park right in the middle of Irvine with all kinds of attractions and amenities.
The park is free to visit and parking is free as well.
The Great Park Balloon is the park icon.
During Halloween you’ll see that they turn the balloon into a jack-o-lantern, which can be seen throughout much of Orange County.
The balloon is free and can go up to 400 feet in the air.
On a clear day, you can see up to 40 miles!
Currently, the balloon is closed Monday through Wednesday.
On Thursdays and Fridays the balloon operates from 10 am to 3 pm and again from 7 pm to 10 pm.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the balloon operates from 9 am to 3 pm and again from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Rides are first come first served.
Parking lot #3 is the closest to the balloon.
You can check in for each flight 30 minutes in advance to sign the waiver before boarding.
Additionally, the balloon can only operate when weather permits.
There are no age or height requirements and wheelchairs and ECVs are allowed.
6. Great Park Farm + Food Lab
Address: 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
The Farm + Food Lab is an interactive outdoor classroom for everyone.
There are themed areas such as the Pizza and Spaghetti Garden, Butterfly Garden, a worm compost bin, vertical gardening, chicken coop, and more.
You can also take classes on pickling and canning.
The Farm + Food Lab is closed on Mondays, but is open 10 am – 3 pm on all other days.
This is another attraction that may close due to inclement weather.
But it’s free to visit when it is open!
7. The LAB (Anti-Mall)
Address: 2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The “LAB” actually stands for “Little American Business”.
So this is a shopping and dining center made up of small businesses.
There are currently 10 stores and 10 cafes and restaurants.
Each place may have their own separate hours, but generally The LAB is open 10 am to 9 pm every day.
On Fridays and Saturdays they stay open until 10 pm.
8. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Address: 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Mission San Juan Capistrano is considered the birthplace of Orange County.
It is the 7th of 21 missions throughout California’s Mission Trail and was built over 200 years ago.
San Juan Capistrano is known as the “Jewel of the California Missions” and is famous for the annual return of the swallows.
Throughout the year there are always fun special events such as the summer concert series and Christmas celebrations.
Currently, you can visit the museum and gardens on a self-guided tour on Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for children 5+ years old and students with school IDs.
There is also a special admission package of households of 4 for $45.
Fourth graders also have a special admission package for $15.47 that includes a passport explorer and mission resource book.
9. Noguchi Garden
Address: 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
California Scenario is a famous sculpture garden that is the most publicly accessible outdoor sculpture oasis in Southern California.
The design of the sculpture garden is meant to represent the variety of geographies represented in California, while also including indigenous aspects.
There are 6 areas to explore – Forest Walk, Land Use, Desert Land, Water Source, Water Use, and Energy Fountain.
10. Oak Canyon Nature Center
Address: 6700 E Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92807
Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 58 acre park in the Anaheim Hills with 4 miles of hiking trails.
The trails are open sunrise to sunset every day.
There is also an interpretive center open on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Parking and admission is free, though a $5 donation is recommended.
There is parking in the dirt lot on site or you can park out on the street on Walnut Canyon Road.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted here unless they are a service animal.
11. Old World Village
Address: 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Old World Village is not talked about enough!
It is home to one of the only remaining German restaurants in all of Orange County.
The village has a variety of shops and restaurants that are all individually owned.
It’s great to visit year round, but it’s really one of the best hidden gems in Orange County in the Fall.
During Oktoberfest season in the Fall they always have the best festival in Orange County.
They also host dachshund and wiener dog races, art exhibits, boutique vendors, car shows, and nativity plays.
There are a surprising number of skincare, beauty, and wellness shops in here, so it’s a great place to treat yourself!
Then be sure to get chocolate and strudel from the gourmet shops and some coffee or tea from one of the cafes.
There are also German delis, markets, and restaurants to get your brats and sauerkraut and pretzel fix!
12. Pamela’s Tea Room
Address: 7561 Center Ave, Unit 19, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
A new place I recommend here also is Pamela’s Tea Room.
They have a traditional Afternoon Tea with tea sandwiches, soup, salad, scones, and more.
We went after King Charles III’s coronation to celebrate and had the best time.
There’s also a small grocery section with imported treats popular in the UK.
13. Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach
Address: 2700 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Pirate Tower can only be accessed during low tide, which makes it even more of a hidden gem.
Though it’s called Pirate Tower, it really doesn’t have much affiliation with pirates.
It was built into the cliffside in 1926 to be an enclosed staircase down to the beach.
The pirate story only came about in the 1940s when a later owner of the property would host pirate themed parties for kids to tell stories and play games.
14. Pirate’s Cove Beach
Address: Heliotrope Ave and Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92625
Pirate’s Cove Beach is in a smaller corner of Corona Del Mar State Beach, just below Lookout Point Park, one of the best sunset views in Orange County!
There is limited street parking available here and a set of stairs that will lead down to Pirate’s Cove.
Pirate’s Cove gets it’s name because of the cave alcoves below the cliffs.
It’s a popular area for kids to play.
Leashed dogs are allowed here before 10 am and after 4:30 pm.
15. Sherman Library and Gardens
Address: 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Sherman Library and Gardens dates back to the 1950s and is made up of a conservatory, botanical garden, gift shop, cafe, and library.
The gardens are open daily from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
During the Summer, on Thursdays and Sundays, the gardens stay open until 7 pm.
The library is only open Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission is $5, but for members it is free.
Children 3 and under are also free.
With the Blue Star Families deal, admission is free from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day for the military ID holder + 5 family members.
With the Museums for All deal, admission is free for those receiving SNAP benefits, allowing up to 4 people per EBT card.
The 608 Dahlia Restaurant on property is a great place for a garden to table lunch.
It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm.
16. 1000 Steps Beach
Address: 31951 S Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651
The steps down to 1000 Steps Beach is located north of 9th street.
Metered street parking is available all along S Coast Highway.
The steep steps down to the beach (and back up) are rough, but worth it to enjoy this small cove.
The beach is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day.
Dogs are permitted from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer and from 6 am to 10 pm the rest of the year.
But they must remain on a leash.
Just south of this beach is also a sea cave you can explore if it’s low tide.
17. Treasure Island Beach
Address: Treasure Island, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
What’s neat about this beach is that it is partially managed by the Montage Resort, so it is pristine!
It’s a great area of the coastline for swimming.
Tide pools are also popular when the tide is low.
There is a parking garage on Wesley Drive for easy access to the beach.
There is also paid metered parking near the Montage Resort.
The beach is open year round from 6 am to 10 pm.
Dogs are permitted from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer and from 6 am to 10 pm the rest of the year.
But they must remain on a leash.
18. The CAMP
Address: 2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The CAMP is a boutique shopping center across the street from The LAB Anti-Mall.
Many shops and restaurants promote sustainability and healthy alternatives.
There is a wine bar called The Wine Lab featuring sustainable wines from around California, a second hand clothing store, and the popular Old Vine Kitchen.
19. Kip Barry’s Magical Cabaret
Address: 321 W Katella Ave, Unit 141, Anaheim, CA 92802 (GardenWalk)
Kip Barry’s Magical Cabaret is a non-profit variety and magic show at Anaheim’s GardenWalk, just across the street from Disneyland.
Proceeds from tickets go to the Barry Grateful Performing Arts Center.
Your experience begins in the parlor room, which is also a magic shop if you want to take any tricks or pranks home with you.
You’ll be treated to parlor style magic tricks before being escorted into the main theater through a secret entrance.
If you want, you’re able to add on dinner with your show, which we did, for the full experience.
The menu may change occasionally, but you can pretty much always expect something similar to this.
We had BBQ ribs, chicken skewers, rice, veggies, baked potatoes, croissants, and salad.
For dessert we had chocolate chip cookies.
There is also beer and wine available for those 21+ to enjoy before, during, and after the show.
About half the time, Kip Barry is here and is the main performer.
When he has other engagements, there are guest performers that come and do a show.
You can always check in advance who will be performing, but you’ll have a great show either way.
It’s kid friendly and really customized to the audience, so you’ll have a different experience each time you go.
There’s also a segment with a fire eater!
20. Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum
Address: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Presidential libraries are always such a fun experience.
Most of the modern presidents have one either in their hometown or in a place of significance in their lives.
Southern California is home to two presidential libraries – the Nixon Library in Orange County and the Reagan Library up in Simi Valley.
21. Rockhounding in Crystal Cove State Park
Address: El Moro Canyon Trail, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
With its rolling surf, sandy beaches, and sun-soaked cliffs, Crystal Cove is the perfect spot for those who love to mix their rockhounding with a bit of ocean-side leisure.
Crystal Cove’s geologic record spans millions of years, capturing a time when Southern California was submerged under ancient seas.
Evidence of this marine past is visible in the park’s sedimentary rocks, filled with the fossilized remains of marine critters.
Dig around, and you’ll find shells, shark teeth, and, if luck is on your side, even the occasional whale bone!
One thing to note though, as tempting as it is to pick up every sparkling stone or fossil you find, keep in mind that collecting is not allowed within the park.
A visit to Crystal Cove is a fantastic opportunity to observe and learn about these natural wonders where they lie, offering a fascinating glimpse into California’s prehistoric past.
22. Roger’s Gardens
Address: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Roger’s Gardens is a plant nursery in Newport Beach.
You’ve probably seen The Farmhouse restaurant here featured on The Real Housewives of Orange County over the years.
But what’s unique about this plant nursery is that every Halloween season, they transform a portion of their gift shop into a Halloween boo-tique with a different theme each year.
They also go all out for Christmas too!
23. Downtown Fullerton Restaurants & Antique Shops
Address: N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832
Downtown Fullerton is a historic district with so many phenomenal restaurants of every cuisine and for every budget.
It’s also home to a ton of antique and thrift shops that always have cool finds.
I’ve picked up a vintage Mickey telephone, old VHS tapes, and lots of clothes over the years.
24. Old Towne Orange Restaurants & Antique Shops
Address: Chapman Ave & Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866
Old Towne Orange is another historic district in Orange County known for it’s restaurants and antique shopping.
Some of the antique shops here are huge and seem to go on forever.
They have a lot of vintage Disney and Disneyland stuff here from locals!
25. Downtown Anaheim Restaurants + The Packing District
Address: Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
When I first moved here for the Disneyland College Program, I lived on the main street going through Downtown Anaheim and absolutely loved it.
There are so many quick service restaurants with all kinds of foods and I especially enjoyed the cheap tacos on Taco Tuesday from Pour Vida.
Down the street is also the Packing District, which is a food hall with restaurants, dessert shops, breweries, and some retail shops.
What Is Orange County Famous For?
Orange County is known for a variety of things.
For one, it’s home to Disneyland, the original Disney theme park.
Knott’s Berry Farm is another Orange County theme park that was actually America’s first theme park!
Additionally, Orange County is known for it’s wealth.
You’ve got tv shows like The Real Housewives of Orange County and The OC portray a certain lifestyle.
South Coast Plaza is one of the shopping centers in Orange County and it is consistently generates more revenue than just about any other shopping center in America.
Orange County is also known for it’s laid back beach lifestyle along the coastal cities like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA.
Orange County also has historical significance with Mission San Juan Capistrano, built in 1776, and considered the first permanent settlement in Orange County.
Free Things To Do In Orange County
While many of the hidden gems on this list are also free, these other activities that are popular in Orange County are also free!
➡️ Go For a Hike
There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails throughout Orange County.
Many of them don’t charge for any sort of permit or admission and offer free parking.
A few hiking spots were mentioned above, but you can also check out Hiking Guy for a complete guide on this topic.
➡️ Watch the Disneyland Fireworks
You don’t have to be in the park to watch the fireworks!
One of the best places to watch the fireworks is the Disneyland esplanade, which is the area between the entrances of Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park.
You can park at Downtown Disney which is paid, or across the street at Gardenwalk, which is also paid.
If you’re staying in the area, you can always catch a shuttle or a rideshare up to Disneyland so you don’t have to pay for parking.
Another great area to watch the fireworks from is rooftop bars like The FIFTH.
It’s Anaheim’s original rooftop bar and offers the best view.
With so many neighboring hotels nearby, there are plenty of other places to get a rooftop or balcony view of the fireworks as well.
➡️ Soak Up The Sun At The Beach
Many beaches are free to visit.
The trick is finding areas with free or cheap parking.
State beaches will generally cost more, with prices like $15-$20 to park with no in and out privileges.
But if you visit a beach where there is street parking, you can visit the beach for several hours for $5 or less.
Several of Orange Counties best beaches are listed above.
If you’re looking for a great sunset view from the beach, there are some iconic ones throughout Orange County.
More Fun Things To Do in Orange County
These are some great sites and activities to add to your itinerary while you’re exploring hidden gems in Orange County.
👉 Best Night Views in Orange County
While you’re out exploring Orange County, check out these great spots for catching the sunset.
👉 Unforgettable Weekend Getaways in Orange County
Stay a little longer and make a whole weekend getaway out of your visit to Orange County!
Cool Places To Eat In Orange County
Orange County has every type of cuisine possible and there are so many restaurants you could live here, go out to eat every day of your life, and still never visit every place.
Here are our favorites.
✔ Best Birthday Restaurants In Orange County
Orange County is a great place to celebrate birthdays whether it’s a big group of friends or family or an intimate dinner with a significant other.
✔ Best Romantic Restaurants In Orange County
From romantic ocean side dining to classic steakhouses, Orange County has some of the best date night restaurants.
These are great places to celebrate anniversaries, big milestones, or just an excuse to get out of the house.
✔ Best Restaurants In Orange County With A View
Orange County not only has great ocean views, but many mountain views as well.
There’s even a restaurant where you can see downtown LA!
✔ Best Italian Restaurants In Orange County
If you’re a pasta lover like us, Orange County is the place for us.
There are so many world class restaurants from fine dining to local mom and pop places.
✔ Best Mexican Restaurants In Orange County
You can find pretty much every type of Mexican restaurant in Orange County.
From food stands on the sidewalk to Michelin starred restaurants, there are Mexican restaurants for every budget.
✔ Best Steakhouses in Orange County
Orange County has more world-class, award-winning steakhouses than pretty much anywhere I’ve ever been.
Many are high-end, fine dining type of places, but a few are a little more laid back.
Conclusion: Best Hidden Gems In Orange County
Now that you know the best hidden gems in Orange County, which one will you visit first?
Many of them are close together or in the same city, so you can even hit up a few of these in the same day.
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