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Orange County Attractions
Fun things to do while visiting or living in Orange County

Fun & Leisure Activities
Educational Historical Sites
Zoos - Petting Zoos
- Other Attractions & Things to Do -
Catalina Island Museums
Theme Parks Tours
Whale Watching
Limousine Service
 

 

Fun & Leisure

Air Combat USA®
3815 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton

Imagine yourself scanning the skies in a real military aircraft in search of the enemy airplane. You spot the bogey, and the fight's on. Pulling g's, making quick decisions you out maneuver your opponent and line 'em up in your gunsight, squeeze the trigger and Guns...Guns.... Guns! The bogey erupts in smoke and you roll up and away, Victorious! This is not a simulator, this is the real deal. You are at the controls of a military fighter, while your military trained instructor coaches you to victory.

Click above to check it out or call 714.525.7590 Fullerton Municipal Airport. Gift Certificates Available. Groups are Welcome!

BODIES.The Exhibition
Premier Exhibition Center
7711 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA

BODIES. The Exhibition is a fascinating & educational experience that brings guests face to face with the miraculous machine we call the human body. The Exhibition showcases real, full-body specimens and organs that provide a detailed, three-dimensional vision of the human form rarely seen outside of an anatomy lab.

See two exhibits! Combination tickets for 'Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition' are available.

Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-488-2828

Captain Dave's specially designed Sailing Catamaran can get you UP CLOSE to wild dolphins and magnificent whales all year round. BE one of the pod and feel what's it's like to swim with dolphins without getting wet in our Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods! Hear the animals with our underwater hydrophone, while an experienced marine naturalist shares our collection of marine mammal artifacts and explains how the animals live. Mrs. Captain Dave's yummy Triple Fudge Brownies are served complimentary on every safari. Our high-speed, high-tech, catamaran is never crowded. Your dolphin & whale watching trip is broadcast live on our website! An award winning filmmaker, author, and whale disentangler, Capt. Dave is a leader in ocean wildlife education and conservation. 2 and 1/2 hours daily. Reservations recommended.

Cruise Newport Beach
Sunset Cruise Newport Beach -
Live Latin Music Two Cruises To Choose From Nightly

Choose from our Fiesta Newport Beach Cruise with live Latin music complimentary chips and salsa, and a unlimited drink special of only $15 (icey legendary Newport Beach margarita is highly recommended) ! Or our Newport Beach Sunset Cruise with beautiful sunsets, live Spanish music, complimentary chips and fresh salsa, and of course the unlimited drink special of $15! Both cruises are 1 ½ hours and tour Newport Bay as well as the famous Newport Beach coastline. Upstairs sundeck, indoor salon, and many other comforts will leave you wanting more. Cruise price only $25

Dana Wharf Sportfishing
Orange County Wine Cruise

90-minute evening cruise aboard a luxury catamaran. In the spring and summer enjoy a evening of sunshine, cool ocean breezes and romantic views. In winter, take in stunning views of the beautifully lighted Dana Point Harbor. This cruise will feature a sampling of wines from The Organic Cellar which promotes organically grown and pesticide-free wines as well as a sample platter of cheese, crackers, fruits and nuts that compliment the wines.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. This cruise runs Fridays and Sunday nights.

Davey's Locker
Whale & Dolphin Cruises
in Newport Beach

Davey's Locker in the Historic Balboa Pavilion (famous Orange County landmark) next to the Balboa Funzone has over 40 years of history providing whale watching cruises. Endorsed by the Orange County Cetacean Society, Davey's Locker provides year round whale watching cruises daily. During the winter and spring months witness the grey whale migration and during the summer and fall months the giant blue whales. With the nutrient rich waters just outside Newport Bay providing ideal habitat for several species of whales and dolphin, Davey's Locker has one of the highest number of sightings in California. Davey's Locker takes great pride in their 96% success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin. Sightings are so good, that they guarantee sightings on each whale watching cruise. A specifically built for whale watching ship provides viewing opportunities from any point on the ship.

ExplorOcean
600 East Bay Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92661
949-675-8915

ExplorOcean is proud to introduce the nation's premiere ocean literacy center. Our Center has been designed to educate our visitors to the essential principles of ocean literacy through exciting hands-on activities.

From mapping the ocean floor to manning an ROV, in the Ocean Literacy Center no one keeps their hands to themselves! So roll up your sleeves and dive in- an ocean of wonders awaits!

FLIGHTDECK Air Combat Center
1650 S. Sinclair St.
Anaheim, CA

Voted one of the top attractions in Anaheim and Orange County, Flightdeck provides an exciting alternative to the neighboring amusement park by giving civilians the opportunity to pilot fighter jets in actual cockpit simulators and a Boeing 737 flight simulator. Experience the challenge of aerial maneuvers at 500 knots, aircraft take-offs and landings and the excitement of air-to-air combat. Up to ten people can fly at the same time, each in their own authentic F-16 flight simulator! There is also the "Officer's Club", an observation area where guests can view and listen to all of the action on large LCD monitors.

Flightdeck offers 45 minute air combat flights and 30, 60 & 90 minute Boeing 737 flights. Advanced reservations are required.

Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869

Irvine Park Railroad is a one-third scale train that takes both children and adults on a scenic, 12-minute ride through beautiful and scenic Irvine Regional Park. The train ride is narrated by the engineer. Other activities inside of the park include Irvine Park Rentals' paddle boats and Wheel Fun Rentals® bikes (single surrey bikes, double surrey bikes, deuce coupes, choppers, beach cruises and more), the Orange County Zoo and pony rides. Annual events include an Easter Eggstravaganza, Anniversary Celebration, Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Train. Located in the foothills of Orange, Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM.

Jetpack America
Located in Newport Harbor

Fly the world's first recreational jetpack!

Learn to fly a water jetpack with Jetpack America! Within minutes, our Certified Flight Instructors will have you flying using our state-of-the-art training process, which utilizes walkie-talkie helmets for ongoing communication throughout your flight and remote control throttle capability to assist pilots with the learning process. Kids as young as 5 can now strap in with an instructor with our new Tandem Jetpack to turn their superhero dreams into reality! Flight Experience Sessions consist of safety video, equipment overview, and 10-60 minutes of flight time (depending on package), with the majority of first-time pilots up and flying within the first 5 minutes. High-Definition video packages, returning pilot discounts and monthly membership programs also available. Jetpacks are now a reality, so Stop Dreaming and Start Flying!

Old World Village
7561 Center Ave
Huntington Beach, CA

Old World Village is a very unique shopping, dining, beauty, arts and entertainment center, located on 8 acres in Huntington Beach. You're invited you to take a stroll through the cobble stone streets and shop at the many specialty stores and services in this charming replica of a German Bavarian town. In addition to the many shops, Old World Village is home to many fine dining options as well as entertainment and events including the 9 week celebration Oktoberfest from September to the end of October.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure
World's Most Interactive Dinner Show

Marvel at an astonishing display of special-effects wizardry, aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay and dynamic duels, while dining on fine grub and grog, at Pirate's Dinner Adventure. Sail the high seas with Captain Sebastian the Black and his crew; in this classic tale of good vs. evil which offers the perfect blend of action, comedy and romance, along with the opportunity for you to interact with the story.

7600 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
714-690-1497

Rockin’ Jump Orange County
The Ultimate Trampoline Park

We’re people like you who want to exercise, but also like to have fun. So instead of stairclimbers and weight machines, we decided to create a place where you can soar in open jump arenas, flip into our stunt bag, play trampoline dodgeball, and maneuver through our laser maze. Come enjoy a day to remember at Rockin’ Jump Orange County, your Party Headquarters!

Titanic The Experience
Premier Exhibition Center
7711 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA

Titanic The Experience is an unprecedented opportunity to travel back in time and experience the wonder and tragedy of the world's most famous ocean-liner, Titanic. Visitors interact with trained actors in period costume that will portray Titanic notables such as Captain Smith and Margaret Brown. The Exhibition also features over 250 authentic artifacts that have been recovered from the wreck site of Titanic, 2.5 miles beneath the ocean surface. These amazing objects, once thought to be lost forever, along with authentic recreations of some of the most famous rooms on board Titanic, will offer visitors an educational, emotional and poignant look at this iconic Ship and its passengers.

See two exhibits! Combination tickets for 'BODIES. The Exhibition' are available.

Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869

Come visit Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park... with many fun cycle and paddle boat options from which to choose, we offer the ultimate in fun and recreation for the entire family to enjoy. From toddlers to grandparents, all visitors are sure to enjoy the outdoors at the Irvine Regional Park. Wheel Fun Rentals is the premier provider of fun and unique outdoor recreational vehicles. Our fleet of cycles -- which are ideal for sightseeing, people watching, exercising or simply enjoying the park -- include the surrey, double surrey, deuce coupe, quad sport and chopper. Other bikes available for rent include tandem bikes, cruiser bikes and kids bikes. We also feature paddle boats (aqua cycles) available to rent; visitors can ride the paddle boats on the beautiful lake located inside of the park.

Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park is located adjacent to the historic boathouse next to the lake and opens daily at 10 am

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Educational Attractions

Ocean Institute
Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point

The public can join their scientists aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for an in-depth study of whales, dolphins and sea lions using customized state-of-the-art equipment including plankton nets, grab samplers, video microscopes and the dolphin-cam! Free Marine Mammal Lecture Series 2002 will run January through March.

Discovery Cube
2500 Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Imaginations run wild with over 120 hands-on exhibits at Discovery Cube, Orange County's leading destination for hands-on science entertainment. Take the Eco Challenge and become a green superhero, feel the power of a real rocket engine launch and explore the inner workings of a two-story tall dinosaur! Plus, with seasonal traveling exhibits and signature events throughout the year, there's always something new to experience.

Pretend City Children's Museum
Located in Irvine

This interconnected city allows children to "pretend" to be the adults. Children can experience a variety of features every city has to offer. With over 15,000 sq. feet of interactive exhibits and activities, Pretend City brings to life every profession, necessity and daily occurrences of a real city. They can do anything and everything from grocery shopping to banking to visiting the doctor to collecting their pay from the local ATM as well as visit the fire station, police station, the café and all of the many other exhibits.

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Historical Sites

Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente

Overlooking San Clemente pier, this 1928 estate was the home of the city's founder, Ole Hanson. The renovated 2.4-acre site features historic exhibitions, literary symposia, musical attractions, special events, and diverse educational and cultural opportunities that encourage visitors to explore the Romance and Reality of the Southern California experience.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
Ortega Hwy and El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago. Today it is a monument to California' multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage.

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace opened its doors on July 19, 1990 with celebration, fanfare and more than 50,000 friends and well wishers including Presidents Nixon, Bush, Reagan and Ford and their First Ladies. It is a privately supported, non-profit institution dedicated to educating the public about the life and times of the 37th President and encouraging interest in history, government and public affairs.

Ronald Reagan Federal Building
411 W Fourth Street
Santa Ana, CA

This federal courthouse was nominated for the Presidential Design Awards 2000 and for the Presidential Millennium Award for Design Excellence. This building, which incorporates technology and tradition, since opening, has become a catalyst in the revitalization of downtown Santa Ana.

The Pilgrim
Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point

Docked at the Ocean Institute, the Pilgrim is a full size replica of the hide brig immortalized by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. in his American seafaring classic novel 'Two Years Before the Mast'. Dana said of the Pilgrim, "The vessel I am going on is small, but strong and a remarkably fast sailer having been built for the smuggling trade."

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Tours

Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
Dana Point Harbor

Captain Dave's specially designed Sailing Catamaran can get you UP CLOSE to wild dolphins and magnificent whales all year round. BE one of the pod and feel what's it's like to swim with dolphins without getting wet in our Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods! Hear the animals with our underwater hydrophone, while an experienced marine naturalist shares our collection of marine mammal artifacts and explains how the animals live. Mrs. Captain Dave's yummy Triple Fudge Brownies are served complimentary on every safari. Our high-speed, high-tech, catamaran is never crowded. Your dolphin & whale watching trip is broadcast live on our website! An award winning filmmaker, author, and whale disentangler, Capt. Dave is a leader in ocean wildlife education and conservation. 2 and 1/2 hours daily. Reservations recommended.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whalewatching
Dana Point Harbor

Dana Wharf has been bringing the highest quality fishing and whale watching experiences to residents and anglers of the Dana Point and surrounding areas since 1958. Dana Wharf is proud to offer the best whale watching deals on the west coast - trips as low as $16! Dana Wharf showcases several top of the line vessels and all of the boats ensure total passenger comfort and enhance the fishing and whale watching experience. Dana Wharf's experienced, family-oriented crew is there to make your fishing and whale watching experiences as enjoyable and educational as possible - every skill and experience level is welcome! Dana Wharf guarantees our whale watching cruises! If you don't see a GOOD showing of whales or dolphin, you'll get your ticket back to come out with us again any time in the future for FREE!

Use coupon code OCNET for a 30% off your fishing or whale watching excursion.

Davey's Locker - Newport Beach
Whale & Dolphin Cruises

Davey's Locker in the Historic Balboa Pavilion (famous Orange County landmark) next to the Balboa Funzone has over 40 years of history providing whale watching cruises. Endorsed by the Orange County Cetacean Society, Davey's Locker provides year round whale watching cruises daily. During the winter and spring months witness the grey whale migration and during the summer and fall months the giant blue whales. With the nutrient rich waters just outside Newport Bay providing ideal habitat for several species of whales and dolphin, Davey's Locker has one of the highest number of sightings in California. Davey's Locker takes great pride in their 96% success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin. Sightings are so good, that they guarantee sightings on each whale watching cruise. A specifically built for whale watching ship provides viewing opportunities from any point on the ship.

Mention Orangecounty.net And Get $15 Whale Watching Cruise Rate!

Newport Landing Whale Watching-Newport Beach/Newport Harbor
309 Palm - Suite A
Balboa CA

Newport Landing offers multiple whale watching cruises daily year round. View giant blue whales to over 100 feet in length during the summer and fall months and grey whales on their annual migration during the winter and spring months. Huge pods of several varieties of dolphin, finback whales, minke whales, humpback whales, killer whales, and sea lions are viewed as well. A 96% success rate in viewing whales and/or dolphin means almost every trip has viewing opportunities. Our whale watching ship was built just for whale watching with seating and viewing options from almost any part of the ship. 65 feet in length the stability and comforts are great for those concerned with being on the ocean. Sightings are Guaranteed: You will get a free trip if we do not see whales or dolphin!

Mention Orangecounty.net And Get $15 Whale Watching Cruise Rate!

 

Zoos in Orange County

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92862

The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park. The park is located within the city limits of the City of Orange. The zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park. The zoo specializes in the animals and plants from the southwestern United States.
Located within Irvine Regional Park

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Today the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a public zoological garden occupying a unique urban site in the heart of Orange County. Situated on approximately 20 acres, it hosts more than 270,000 people annually.

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