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Best Places To Go With Your Family For The Weekend In Orange County

cove-beach-crystal-cove 610 header
(credit: Crystal Cove State Beach)

No matter your budget or favorite pastimes, these Orange County family getaways will fill your weekend with adventure, fun and laughter. Suitable for nature lovers, shopping enthusiasts, foodies and adventure seekers, these escapades have it all.

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(credit: WPPilot/Wikipedia)

Crystal Cove State Park
8471 N. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3539
www.crystalcovestatepark.com

Take advantage of Orange County's picturesque coastline and spend the weekend outdoors. There are plenty of activities to engage in throughout the weekend such as hiking, horseback riding, swimming and surfing. The area also boasts an underwater park of tide pools, sea life and sandy coves that is perfect for scuba divers. Additionally, visitors can stay overnight in serene cottages nestled along the beach. You are sure to rest peacefully hearing the waves crashing on the sand. You can learn more about reserving private cottages on site including Shell Shack, Sand Castle, South Beach Suite, South Sea Shanty, Crew's Quarters, Soda Shack, Fisherman's Perch, Painter's Cottage and Dive Shack at the website.

Bolsa Chica via Sharlene Earnshaw
(credit: Sharlene Earnshaw)

Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 846-3460
www.parks.ca.gov

Camping is usually a fun activity for the entire family, but camping at the beach is arguably more fun. Grab your fishing pools, surfboards, camping gear, volleyball net and sunscreen for an active beach weekend. With about 50 camping sites, electrical outlets, restrooms and showers, Bolsa Chica State Beach is well equipped for all of your camping needs and enables you to experience the outdoors without "roughing it." Additionally, fire pits can be reserved throughout the week, so don't forget to bring the s'mores and hot dogs. For vehicle rates, please see the website.

Related: Weekend Getaways Near Orange County

disneyland
(credit: Disneyland)

Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-7277
www.disneyland.disney.go.com

Escape to one of the nation's most popular amusement parks with the family for a weekend of thrilling rides, captivating entertainment, shopping, dining and meeting your favorite Disney characters. Don't forget to dress your little ones in their favorite Disney gear. You are sure to see a lot of cuties dressed as Mickey, Minnie and Cinderella - just to name a few. In the evenings, you can stay at the happiest place on earth at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. And if the adults need an evening out, check out the House of Blues stage. Get your theme park tickets here.

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(credit: Balboa Fun Zone)

Balboa Island
Marine Ave.
Balboa Island, CA 92662
(949) 478-1675
www.balboaisland.com

Plan a family trip to Balboa Island where you can go whale watching, fishing, shopping and dining in style. Known as a luxurious place in Orange County, this area illustrates one of the many reasons why Orange County is a great place to live. You can hop on the ferry from Newport Beach and ride across the ocean to this island getaway in minutes.

knott's berry farm
(credit: RSZ)

Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com

With an array of amusement park rides to excite all ages, live shows, an arcade, shopping and dining, the entire family is sure to be entertained. As one of California's oldest amusement parks, Knott's offers a wide array of activities ranging from roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, water rides, and much more. You can also get a special pass to make your time more enjoyable. It allows you to skip some of the lines, so make sure to look into the "Fast Lane Passes" offered. Learn more about the benefits here. After a day of fun, you can stay at the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel. Reserve your room on the website.

Related: Hidden Gems For Kids In Orange County

Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, dancer, marketer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, volunteering, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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