Top 7 Things to Do in Orange, CA (2024)

Dec 6

Orange At-A-Glance

    Population
    137,263
  
    Area
    25.81 mi²
  
    Best known for
    Old town Orange, the last slice of Americana in OC
  
    Character
    Suburban with lots of craftsman-style homes

Population	137,263
Area	25.81 mi²
Best known for	Old town Orange, the last slice of Americana in OC
Character	Suburban with lots of craftsman-style homes

The city of Orange is a charming part of Orange County, California, known best for its historic district, Old Towne Orange. This downtown area features trendy restaurants, bars, antique shops, and craftsman-style homes. At the center of Old Towne Orange is the Orange Circle neighborhood, which contains Plaza Park (fountain pictured below).

Top 7 Things to Do in Orange

1. Shop for antiques at the Orange Circle

2. Stroll through Chapman University

3. Visit The Hilbert Museum of California Art

4. Marvel at mid-century modern homes

5. Go shopping at The Outlets at Orange

6. Dine at one of Orange’s most popular restaurants

7. Visit Irvine Regional Park

1. Shop for antiques at the Orange Circle

There are several antique stores along Glassell St as well as the Orange Circle Antique Mall—a two-story mall with everything from antique lamps to vinyl records and retro t-shirts.

2. Stroll through Chapman University

Just a short walk away from the Orange Circle is Chapman University, a small private college with plenty of beautiful outdoor space for studying, eating, and relaxing in the sun.

The Chapman campus has a chunk of the Berlin Wall on display. (The Berlin Wall served as a physical barrier between East and West Germany during the Cold War.)

3. Visit The Hilbert Museum of California Art

4. Marvel at mid-century modern homes

The city of Orange is home to some spectacular mid-century modern homes.

This cluster of 140 residential homes is known as the Fairhaven neighborhood, constructed in the 1960s by renown mid-century real estate developer, Joseph Eichler. To get here, enter “S. Woodland Dr.” in your GPS.

You might also like: Googie Architecture in Orange County, CA: What’s Left in 2024?

5. Go shopping at The Outlets at Orange

Back in the day, The Outlets at Orange used to be called “The Block”. Here, you can shop for your favorite brands like Nike and Saks Fifth Avenue at a discount. There’s also a movie theater and several restaurants.

You might also like: The Best Shopping Malls in Orange County, CA (2024)

6. Dine at one of Orange’s most popular restaurants

Orange Hill Restaurant

This steakhouse located on a hillside has some of the best views in Orange County. Dress nice (a coat is recommended for colder months if you plan on sitting by one of their outdoor firepits) and bring some cash to tip your valet.

Green Cheek Beer

This popular Orange County brewery serves award-winning IPAs. There’s also a location in Costa Mesa.

The Filling Station

A former gas station that has transformed into a brunch hotspot. Expect a bit of a wait on the weekends.

El Pulgarcito Pupuseria

Some of the best Salvadorian food in Orange County located in an unassuming corner of a strip mall. If you’ve never tried pupusas before, this is the place to start.