Best Walking Tours In Orange County
Combine education, creativity, food and an active lifestyle with these exciting walking tours in Orange County. Discover a new restaurant, learn to shoot stunning photos or learn about historical sites as you enjoy the wonderful So Cal spring weather. Getting a group of friends together adds to the fun, and in some cases, gets you a discount. Get to stepping as you expand your mind and your palate.
Photo Walking Tours
422 Carnation Ave.
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(888) 974-6869
www.ralphvelasco.com
For small groups of six to 10 or a "tour for two," there is no better way to develop a photographer's eye than with a photo walking tour. This educational and eco-friendly outing will change your perspective as you learn creative methods and skills to enhance your photography. The small group format also allows for more personalized attention and networking with other photographers. This is a walking tour, so consider the weather as you prepare your clothing, and bring water along, since there may not be time to stop along the way.
Orange County Ghosts and Legends Tours
24992 Muirlands Blvd.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 702-2072
www.orangecountyeventsandtours.com
Creep on down to San Juan Capistrano to take part in a paranormal public investigation of Los Rios Street - one of the oldest and reportedly most haunted streets in California. Are shadowy figures lurking in the cemetery? Are there ghosts talking and moving around in the old houses? You can help solve the mystery on this two- to three-hour tour. Invite three or more friends for a discounted large party price.
Laguna Beach Art Walk
570 S. Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-9088
www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com
For a cultural and cardiovascular experience, nothing beats the beauty of the Laguna Beach Art Walk. The city itself provides plenty of shops, eateries and ocean views along Pacific Coast Highway, but add dozens of art galleries and shuttle service from various parts of the city and you come up with an irresistibly artistic escapade. The art walk takes place on the first Thursday of each month and highlights the many different modes and styles of art that make up Laguna Beach's creative talent.
Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours
960 N. Tustin Street, Suite 163
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 404-1661
www.oldtownorangewalkingfoodtours.com
With three delicious food tours to choose from, Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours tempts you to bite off more than you can chew. In the mood for pizza, soup and gelato? Then don't miss the three-hour Orange Sampler Tour where you'll taste foods from an international palate. For throwback American dining and a crash course in Orange County history and architecture, register for the Vintage Orange Food Tour. If art and food are your forte, then visit Old Towne Orange's antique shops, historic buildings and local art galleries while you sample from nearby eateries on the ArtWalk Food Tour.
Santa Ana Landmark Architectural Tour
Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum
120 W. Civic Center Dr.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 547-9645
www.santaanahistory.com
History, art and exercise all come together in the Santa Ana Landmark Architectural Tour. Downtown Santa Ana is home to some of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in Orange County, including the Old Orange County Courthouse, the Spurgeon Building and the Howe-Waffle House, where the tours begin. Small group tours view only the exteriors of the buildings while providing a rich historical account of each one. For a full day of history and art, sign up for a Landmark Architectural Tour on the first Saturday of the month and then visit the Artist Village in the evening to view the latest works by local artists.
Related: OC's Best Museum Exhibits In 2013
David McDonald is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
