Summary
Orange County, commonly referred to as “The OC,” is situated between San Diego and Los Angeles in Southern California. This renowned county boasts beautiful beaches, affluent neighborhoods, museums, shopping centers, and two prominent theme parks: Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. The area’s appeal as a tourist destination is significantly influenced by its frequent representation in the film and entertainment industry.
Orange County draws culture enthusiasts and beachgoers from around the globe. There is an extensive array of activities available to ensure a memorable visit. Beyond the attractions within Orange County, numerous destinations await exploration. Below is a comprehensive compilation of the 15 premier day trip options from Orange County.
1. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is located approximately 31 miles from Orange County, nestled in a broad basin of Southern California. Known as the “City of Angels,” it is the most populous city in California.
Surrounded by expansive mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and desert landscapes, Los Angeles serves as a vital hub for culture and tourism. Its attraction stems largely from the Hollywood film and television industry, with numerous major film studios situated here.
Renowned for its celebrity-driven culture, Los Angeles offers star maps to visitors, showcasing the locations of famous residents’ homes.
2. Riverside CA
Situated approximately 32 miles east of Orange County, Riverside is located in Southern California and extends into the California Desert. The area features a dry, somewhat arid climate, with August being the hottest month and December being the coldest. The wettest seasons occur in winter and spring.
Outdoor activities abound in Riverside, including seven ATV trails, such as Hidden Valley Trail, Indian Cove Campground, and Black Eagle Mine Road. Visitors can engage in horseback riding and biking.
Riverside is home to a diverse population and boasts a rich historical background. This city, with an intriguing past and a promising future, merits a visit.
3. Tijuana, Mexico
Before embarking on this trip, ensure to bring your passport. The journey from Orange County to Tijuana spans 105 miles. Founded on July 11, 1889, Tijuana lies just across the border from San Diego, California, on the Gold Coast of Baja California in Northwestern Mexico. This city has transitioned from a small border town into a dynamic modern urban center, featuring numerous districts filled with restaurants, attractions, historical sites, and nightclubs.
Tijuana’s close proximity to the U.S. enhances its appeal as a popular tourist destination. One must-see area is Avenida Revolucion in Zona Centro, which traces the city’s contemporary history back to the Spanish explorers’ arrival in the 16th century.
4. San Bernardino
Located 42 miles from Orange County, this city in the Inland Empire has become the largest in the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area, covering 81 square miles in the San Bernardino Valley.
The city’s climate is arid, with limited moisture, and the warmest times of the year are summer and fall.
Key attractions in San Bernardino include the San Bernardino Mountains, Coussoulis Arena, ASU Fox Theatre, McDonald’s Museum, and the San Manuel Amphitheater, which holds the title of the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S.
5. San Diego
Positioned 81 miles from Orange County and adjacent to the Mexican border, San Diego is a coastal city along the Pacific Ocean, characterized by diverse districts, each with its own unique charm.
The city is celebrated for its ethnic diversity, vibrant nightlife, rich history, pleasant beaches, relaxed atmosphere, ideal climate, and significant maritime and military heritage. San Diego’s natural scenery ranges from picturesque seaside cliffs to canyons and desert hills.
Those seeking a tranquil atmosphere should consider this trip from Orange County, as San Diego offers a soothing respite from the typical hustle and bustle of urban life.
6. Chula Vista
Chula Vista translates to “beautiful view” in Spanish, aptly reflecting its location between San Diego Bay and the coastal foothills of the mountains. The city is situated at the heart of one of the most culturally diverse regions in the United States, enhancing its appeal to tourists.
Located 88 miles from Orange County and just 7.5 miles from downtown San Diego, Chula Vista stands as the seventh-largest city in Southern California.
While in Chula Vista, be sure to visit the Chula Vista Marina and the Living Discovery Center for a fulfilling day trip experience.
7. West Covina
West Covina is located 19 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles within the San Gabriel Valley.
The city gained prominence in 2015 following the release of the television series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” which was both set in and filmed in this location. The show even features a song celebrating West Covina.
There are numerous activities available in this vibrant city, with the Glendora Society Historical Museum being a notable attraction just 15 minutes from the city center.
8. Bell Gardens
Located near the former San Antonio Township, dissolved in 1960, Bell Gardens sits along the banks of the Los Angeles River.
This relatively young city was established in 1961 and encompasses 2.4 square miles. Notably, Bell permits casino gambling, making it a lively destination for those interested in gaming, as it is populated with casinos.
With a rich Native American history and an influx of Japanese immigrants drawn by the fertile soil and plentiful land, Bell Gardens offers a fascinating glimpse into California’s early history.
9. Torrance
Torrance is situated in the southwestern region of Los Angeles County and was incorporated in 1921.
This city enjoys a mild climate year-round, characterized by numerous sunny days and low humidity. The pleasant weather enhances the appeal of the 1.5-mile-long beaches along the Pacific Ocean.
Significant attractions in Torrance include Universal Studios and Griffith Observatory, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s impressive landscape and vibrant spirit.
10. Ontario
Ontario is located in Southern California, within the southwestern region of San Bernardino County. It is 56 km east of Los Angeles County and is part of the Greater Los Angeles area.
This city is within the Inland Empire region’s western section and ranks as California’s fourth most populous city.
Ontario features a large shopping mall, Ontario International Airport, and serves as a hub for the Los Angeles International Airport, catering to the Inland Empire region.
11. Glendale
Glendale is approximately 36 miles distant from Orange County, situated in the southern section of the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. It lies between Downtown Los Angeles and Burbank.
The city is accessible through Bob Hop Airport, which is the nearest airport, along with multiple train and bus routes connecting Glendale to Orange County.
Visitors to Glendale should not miss attractions such as Forest Lawn Memorial Park, the Museum of Neon Art, and the Brand Library & Art Center.
12. Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley, located in Riverside County, California, is part of the Greater Los Angeles area as well as the San Bernardino-Riverside Metropolitan Area.
This relatively new city has experienced significant growth over recent decades, with major development beginning in the 1980s. Moreno Valley features an array of attractions that make it worthwhile for a brief visit.
Highlighted attractions in Moreno Valley include the Veteran’s Memorial, the March Field Air Museum, and the Western Science Center, alongside stunning natural scenery, lakes, and mountains, as well as various biking and hiking trails.
13. Anza Borrego Desert State Park
As California’s largest state park within the Colorado Desert, Anza Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) is located two hours east of San Diego and extends into both Imperial and Riverside counties.
The park is named after Juan B. de Anza, an 18th-century Spanish explorer, with “Borrego” translating to “sheep” in Spanish. It boasts 500 miles of trails and dirt roads, alongside breathtaking views, wildflowers, and diverse cacti.
Animal enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the diverse wildlife present in ABDSP.
14. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a picturesque city located along Santa Monica Bay, bordered by Los Angeles to the north, Brentwood to the northeast, West L.A to the east, and Venice to the south.
With its favorable climate, Santa Monica has established itself as an attractive resort destination. The city has experienced significant growth in tourism since the late 1980s. Key attractions include Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, and the Santa Monica Stairs.
The surge in tourism is also attributed to its proximity to major landmarks such as Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and Malibu.
15. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Located in Huntington Beach, California, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve translates to “little bag” in Spanish. Established to protect the coastal wetland, the reserve is home to numerous threatened and endangered species.
Huntington Beach itself was incorporated on February 17, 1909.
Renowned for its mild climate, Huntington Beach stretches 8.5 miles and is famous for surfing, influenced by the ocean swells diffracted by Catalina Island.
