Best Downtowns in Orange County, CA (2024)

Many of Orange County’s downtown areas can be found in North OC since it is the older part of the county.

What exactly is a downtown?

Downtown areas are city hubs that combine residential, commercial, and civic buildings.

1. Old Town Orange

Old Town Orange is one of the few downtown areas in Orange County that has retained that downtown feel from an earlier time. There are several antique stores and you can often see antique cars driving around the central roundabout known as “The Circle”.

Vintage car parked in front of a historic building

We list things to do in Downtown Orange here: Things to Do in Orange, CA: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

2. Downtown Fullerton

Affectionately referred to by the younger crowd as DTF, Downtown Fullerton is known for its vintage clothing stores and nightlife. On Thursday-Sunday nights, venues are packed with the college crowd (Downtown Fullerton is walking distance from Fullerton College and just a few-minute drive from Cal State Fullerton).

Visiting Downtown Fullerton? Make sure to read: Things to Do in Fullerton, CA: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

3. Downtown Santa Ana (DTSA)

Downtown Santa Ana is one of our favorite downtown areas in Orange County. Many small businesses are located here including jewelry stores, hair salons, apparel stores, and of course, bars/restaurants.

Right in the heart of DTSA is 4th Street Market, a dynamic food hall with a variety of food/drink vendors.

DTSA recently underwent construction to accommodate the OC Streetcar project.

If you’re planning to visit Downtown Santa Ana, check out our guide: Things to Do in Santa Ana, CA: The Ultimate Guide (2024)