Sample 3-Day Itinerary

The Happiest Day on Earth

Start your Orange County adventure at the Disneyland Resort®, home of Disney's original theme park, Disneyland®. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Disneyland is filled with thrilling rides, exciting parades and themed lands.

Be sure to hit the main attractions at Disneyland. The Sleeping Beauty Castle is, of course, quintessential Disney and is right in the middle of it all. Classic attractions include Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Tamer adventures for the littler ones include It's a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Alice in Wonderland.

Cross the promenade to the Resort's second park, Disney's California Adventure™, celebrating the fun and adventure of the Golden State - Disney style.  Soarin' Over California sends visitors on a virtual flight to see the beauty and feel the sensations of the California landscape.  The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ and California Screamin' are not for the faint of heart and experiences you won't forget.

Complete your day of Disney fun in Downtown Disney® District, a vibrant esplanade featuring shopping, entertainment and themed dining for the whole family.

Hit the Beach

The minute you arrive in the OC, the coastal breeze will have you yearning for a day at the beach.  With 42 miles of gorgeous coastline, you're in luck!  The Pacific Coast Highway (known to locals as 'the PCH') charts your route along the coast through Orange County's distinctive beach cities.

Begin your morning at Dana Point Harbor, where you can walk along the dramatic, rocky beach, explore wildlife aboard a whale-watching cruise (seasonal event) or head out on the open seas for some great fishing.

Continue north to Laguna Beach, and be sure to see the view from Heisler Park, located on a bluff that looks out over the beach and the cliffside town. Have a margarita at Las Brisas or stroll through the galleries and shops of this seaside, artists colony.

Next on your trek, stop at Little Corona del Mar beach - a great spot to see starfish, sea cucumbers and anemones in the beach's tide pools. Also, don't miss the historic Crystal Cove Shake Shack. Located on the coastal side of PCH, this famous shack is known for its delicious Date Shakes.

As you head further up the coast, you'll reach Newport Beach, the city depicted in FOX's hit television show, The OC. Walk out on the piers, bike along the boardwalk and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on the beach.  After playing in the Fun Zone, be sure to take the auto ferry across to Balboa Island, a cozy, village-like community with quaint streets and shopping.

You can't hit the beaches without experiencing Huntington Beach, dubbed Surf City USA™. Catch sight of world-class wave riders in the water and along the Surfing Walk of Fame. Main Street is lined with restaurants, bars and the best surfwear shops in the country.

End your day with a spectacular sunset at the the slightly more secluded and charming town of Seal Beach at the northern end of your coastal route.  Still haven't had enough? Check out the cool nightlife at the coast's hottest cities!

Indulge in the SoCal Lifestyle

Now that you've had a chance to get your feet wet in the local culture and soak up some of the laid-back Southern California energy, you might be tempted to have a day of indulgence in the OC.

Start with some fresh fruit and baked goods from one of the county's celebrated farmers' markets, found year-round throughout the area.  Then head out for some retail therapy at one of the area's premier shopping centers, from open-air promenades to the Ultimate Shopping Resort™.

If a day out on the links sounds more like your version of fun, you'll be pleased to discover that Orange County is known as the California's Golf Coast. Stunning, lush golf courses are around every corner.

Next, reward yourself with a spa treatment unique to the area, like a California Dreamin' Facial or an Orange Frappe Body Wrap. Orange County's spas have perfected the art of pampering and offer hot stone therapies, massages and more.

End the day with a mouthwatering taste of California cuisine, made from fresh local ingredients by award-winning chefs.