Day Trip Ideas From Orange County

There are so many perks to living in Orange County! Our proximity to many world-class destinations means that we can easily get away for a day trip when an overnight journey isn’t possible. Here are some excellent options that you can take advantage of this fall! 

Fullerton Arboretum
Located on the campus of Cal State Fullerton, the Fullerton Arboretum is a lovely place to spend the day! It’s a great place to learn more about wildlife conservation while taking in various plant collections and natural habitats. In addition, visitors can walk around the gardens, observe the wildlife, and dabble in amateur photography. You can also sponsor a tree at the Fullerton Arboretum, and your tax-free donation will go toward the care of a specific garden tree for a year.

Old Town Orange
One of the best places for antiquing in all of Orange County is just a short drive away in Old Town Orange. The traffic circle, which is affectionately referred to as “The Circle,” is lined with mainly restaurants, but the streets that branch off of the circle are filled with collectibles dealers, specialty shops, antique stores, art galleries, and more. Chapman University is also nearby, so make some time to tour the campus. Watson’s Soda Fountain & Café is located right on The Circle and was established way back in 1899; it’s California’s original soda fountain! 

Getty Center
The Getty Center and Getty Villa Museum are mainstays in Los Angeles. While you probably won’t want to visit both on the same day (one is off the 405 in Brentwood and the other in coastal Pacific Palisades), no matter which one you choose, you will be in for a day filled with unique treasures! The Getty Center houses art from the Middle Ages to the present day in a modern architectural setting and gardens, while the Getty Villa Museum houses Greek and Roman antiquities in a re-created Roman country home. Perhaps best of all, admission is free to both museums (although you do need to make a timed reservation right now). 

Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is kind of like the little sister to nearby Big Bear Lake. It’s a shorter drive up Highway 18 and has just as much to do! Of course, there are plenty of on-lake activities in the warmer months, but many people visit Lake Arrowhead for the other attractions too. Like, Heaps Peak Arboretum, Skypark at Santa’s Village, Wildhaven Ranch, and the Mountain History Museum. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy on a day trip too! Lake Arrowhead Village is home to more than 50 shops and restaurants on the water. 

Carlsbad
Just a quick journey south toward San Diego, Carlsbad is one of those not-to-miss, quintessential beach towns. There are seven miles of pristine coastline, and dotted throughout the town are nine of Southern California’s best craft breweries. You could make a day simply out of visiting and sampling unique beers at Pure Project Carlsbad, Carlsbad Brewing Company, Papa Marce’s, Arcana Brewing Company, Barrell Republic, Burgeon Beer Company, Culver Beer, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, and Pizza Port! Other attractions that keep people coming back include The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, or golfing at either Aviara Golf Club or Omni La Costa Golf Course.

Melody Smith & Associates is a longtime leading broker associate in South Orange County, known for super service, and is in the top 1% of 1% of agents in the country. Please contact us for all of your real estate needs.