Looking for the best summer activities in Orange County, CA? This stretch of Southern California delivers big: sunny beaches, theme parks, wildlife encounters, and approachable outdoor fun, all within a short drive. Whether you’re planning an active family getaway or a laid-back beach escape, these are some of the top things to do in Orange County in the summer.

1. Paddle Newport’s Calm Waters

Head to the Newport Aquatic Center to rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Newport Beach’s peaceful Back Bay. It’s a slower-paced way to experience the coast, and easy to understand why locals consider it one of the most relaxing summer activities in California.

2. Go Whale Watching

Few experiences rival whale watching in Newport Beach and nearby Dana Point, highly regarded as two of the best areas for spotting whales in all of SoCal. Book a cruise out of Dana Point Harbor, where sightings of blue whales and dolphins are common in summer (gray whales migrate through here in the winter).

3. Enjoy a Classic Beach Day

From Huntington State Beach’s wide-open stretches of sand and volleyball courts to the scenic coves of Laguna Beach, beach days are essential summer activities in Orange County. For a quieter vibe, Salt Creek Beach between Laguna and Dana Point offers soft sand, clear sapphire blue water, and great amenities. Traveling with little ones? Mother’s Beach inside Huntington Harbour and Newport Dunes feature calm bay waters perfect for younger swimmers.

4. Let Kids Burn Off Energy at Playgrounds

Beachside parks like Marina Park and Peninsula Park, both in Newport Beach, pair ocean views with creatively themed play structures. For something different (and cooler), Laguna Hills’ Dinosaur Park adds shade, water play, and a fossil dig area.

5. Go Tidepooling

At Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna’s Moss Point, low tide reveals a fascinating, colorful world of sea stars, anemones, and crabs. Check local tide charts before you go—you want to go at the beginning of low tide.

6. Visit the OC Zoo

Located inside the massive Irvine Regional Park, the OC Zoo showcases animals native to the Southwest. It’s a super affordable, family-friendly outing (check out that $2 admission fee!) that’s easy to pair with a picnic.

7. Catch a Baseball Game

Nothing says summer quite like a good old-fashioned baseball game. Head to Angel Stadium in Anaheim to cheer on the Los Angeles Angels.

8. Explore Nature Without Leaving the City

Walk the paths at Huntington’s Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for birdwatching, coastal wetlands, and occasional nesting sea turtles, or venture inland to Chino Hills State Park. Nearby Carbon Canyon Regional Park even has a small coastal redwood grove.

9. Cool Off at Museums

For a break from the sun, or on the rare rainy day, head indoors for a taste of local culture. Explore the (free!) Orange County Museum of Art or the International Surfing Museum in Surf City USA, AKA Huntington Beach. Kids will love the hands-on science fun at Discovery Cube Orange County.

10. Orange County Theme Parks

No list of summer activities in California is complete without Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland®. And at Camelot Inn & Suites, a Disneyland® Resort Good Neighbor Hotel just steps from the park entrance, it’s easy to mix beach days, local adventures, and a little Disney® magic into one seamless summer trip.