Best Activities You Wouldn't Think to Do in OC
Orange County. From surfing and relaxing along its 42 miles of coastline, to shopping at some of the world's most impressive centers and stores, to magical thrills at famous amusement parks, and fine dining, Orange County practically defines the SoCal scene. But in spite of its obvious lures and attractions, hidden beneath Orange County's vibe are a variety of unique encounters you wouldn't expect you could do in the OC. Check out these unique attractions you wouldn't think you could do in Orange County.
Solve a Mystery
The Dinner Detective
400 N State College Blvd.
Orange County, CA 92868
(866) 496-0535
www.thedinnerdetective.com
The country's largest interactive murder mystery dinner comedy show, The Dinner Detective, is featured weekly in the city of Orange. In addition to a coursed out prix-fixe dinner, guests will enjoy as professional actors, who blend seamlessly into the audience, improvise their roles as a murder unfolds for guests to decipher. The intriguing show features a challenging mystery for guests to solve while enjoying their fun evening together. Private parties and group rates are available, just perfect for a corporate event or celebration.
Engage In Air Combat
Air Combat USA
3815 West Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92833
(714) 525-7590
www.aircombat.com
Sure, you can engage in some realistic flight simulators in OC, but why fake it when you can actually hit the skies in a military aircraft to search for and "destroy" an enemy airplane. At Air Combat USA, you will control an actual military fighter, with the help of your trained instructor coach in the cockpit with you, as you enjoy the nation's first and original civilian dog fighting school. Over 48,000 pilots have flown with this school where you can enjoy an authentic experience, with little training required. Their motto, "Everything is real...except the bullets!" will astound you!
Dana Wharf Sportfishing
Dana Wharf Sportfishing
34675 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
www.danawharf.com
Although OC boasts a variety of whale watching and leisure cruises that take passengers through the bays and coastal regions of the county, you can also take a chartered sportfishing boat to snag your own catch. Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers year-round sportfishing for anglers of all levels and abilities. Types of fish available to catch varies by season but includes Halibut, Barracuda, Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Bonito, and even Tuna. If you don't have your own fishing gear, you can rent rods and reels directly from the boat. Full day, half-day, 3/4 day and twilight fishing trips are available.
Hike to Waterfalls
Hiking Trails
Although waterfalls might not be the body of water you normally think of when pondering Orange County, there are actually two great hikes you can take in OC to get to waterfalls. Holy Jim Falls, perfect for families, is located in Trabuco Canyon in the Cleveland National Forest. Depending on rain levels, you might have to cross small streams, so plan accordingly. Black Star Canyon Falls, a much more substantial trail at 13.2 miles, will reward you with the OC's most amazing waterfall, a significant size increase from Holy Jim Falls.
Look up at the Redwoods
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
4442 Carbon Canyon Rd.
Brea, CA 92823
(714) 973-3160
The Redwood National and State Parks, located in Northern California, boast the tallest trees on Earth, and while Orange County can't quite top those statistics, it is home to a grove of 100-foot-tall Redwoods that don't require a 10 hour drive up north. Located inside Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea, a 1.1 mile trail takes inquisitive visitors to 10 acres of majestic Coastal Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). A trail guide is available for self-guided walks or plan to take a naturalist-guided tour to learn more about the grove that was planted in 1975.
Revisit the Founding Fathers
Independence Hall
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com/independence-hall
Although Orange County is officially 2,759 miles from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, you can still see this piece of American history right here in the OC. Located in front of Knott's Berry Farm, Independence Hall is a complete and exact, brick-by-brick replica of the original building in Philadelphia, without the crowds of people or cross-country price tag. Families hoping to learn about the experience can watch an audio drama of the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Don't miss the full size recreation of the Liberty Bell!
See the Red Rocks
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
26701 Portola Pkwy.
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
www.ocparks.com
Red Rocks may get their fame in states like Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, but Orange County's mountains actually boast a substantial amount of red rock, you just have to get to them. The Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, which consists of 2500 acres of land, features a variety of terrains to explore, including their scenic red rock formations in Red Rock Canyon. The 3.6 mile roundtrip hike to the red rocks has a gentle grade and is well marked, but the guided naturalist tours to the area provide a much deeper sense of understanding.
Go Wine Tasting
Hamilton Oaks Vineyard & Winery
31111 Hamilton Trail
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
www.hamiltonoaksvineyard.com
Northern California, and even nearby Temecula, certainly gets the most nods for wine tasting, after all, strolling through the hills of wine country while sipping the fruit of the vine is pretty amazing. But save yourself the drive to Sonoma and visit a beautiful, relaxing vineyard closer to home! Hamilton Oaks Vineyard and Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery grow, press, and bottle their own varietals right here in OC! Take a tour of the vineyards and enjoy the literal fruits of their labor. Don't need the relaxed vineyard vibe? Check out wine destinations such as the newly opened Colony Wine Merchant which offers guests hand-selected wines from small, artisan vineyards that utilize sustainable farming techniques in a retail setting. Looking for more wine tasting? Check out the Best Wine Tasting in OC. Note: Advanced, group reservations are required at Newport Beach Vineyards, but drop ins are allowed at Hamilton Oaks Vineyard Tuesday-Sunday.
