Watch CBS News

Most Unique Tours in Orange County

kwanzaa_header
(credit: ocwildlifebeachtour.com)

Orange County, with its picturesque coastal communities and luxury shopping, is a premier travel destination and offers much in the way of diverse experiences. If you'd rather step off the beaten path, check out some of the most unique tours available in the OC.

kwanza300
(credit: orangecountybirdtours.com)

Orange County Bird Tours
(714) 968-2480
www.orangecountybirdtours.com

Are you a nature lover? Interested in learning all about the resident bird population in Orange County? Why not take a bird tour in one of four Orange County habitats which include Bolsa Chica, Upper Newport Bay, San Joaquin Marsh, and Central Park. Orange County Bird Tours provides bird tours for families, groups and clubs who want to learn about the different species of birds native to the region, while basking in the OC's beautiful weather and scenery. Weekend tours are available and charged by the hour.

kwanza300
(credit: tanakafarms.com)

Tanaka Farms
5380 University Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 653-2100
www.tanakafarms.com

Get an inside look at how a real farm works through Tanaka Farms' seasonal tours. This 30 acre organic working farm, which is owned and operated by Farmer Tanaka, his wife, and son, produces over 60 fruits and vegetables, including their popular and incredibly delicious strawberries. Beginning in early Spring, families can enjoy a cookout on the farm. This family-friendly venture begins with a walking tour, where guests harvest selected vegetables, then prepare and cook them in the farm's barbeque pit. The tour ends on a sweet note with fresh picked strawberries.

Popular among children, the farm's Strawberry Tours run early Spring through the Summer and include a guided wagon ride around the farm. Children will learn how fruits and vegetables grow, taste those that are in season, and pick and eat a 1 pound basket of strawberries. This tour is by reservation only. Additionally, families can take a guided Watermelon Tour which is similar to the Strawberry Tour, but concludes with the opportunity to pick your own watermelon (in place of strawberries).

Whale Watching Season Underway In Sydney
(credit: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)

Newport Landing Whale Watching
400 Main St
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 675 -0551
www.newportwhales.com

Unbeknownst to many, the Southern California Coastline sees its share of migrating whales, particularly prominent during winter and early spring. Newport Landing, located in Newport Beach, is an ideal viewing location and it's possible to see hundreds of Grey Whales on the coastline within a few minutes of the Harbor. December through April comprise the Grey Whale's migration period through the OC coast while those looking to view blue whales, finback whales, dolphin seals, killer whales, and sharks should consider taking a tour from May through November.

kwanza300
(credit: dishelicopter.com)

Helicopter Tours
DLS Helicopter Tours
27961 Cabot Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(866) 357-8726
www.dlshelicopter.com

Enjoy a spectacular "bird's eye" view of Orange County, in all it's coastal beauty on a 30 minute helicopter tour of the county's coast line. Helicopter tours begin at John Wayne Airport and proceed to Newport Harbor, Corona Del Mar, Newport Coast, Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach, South Laguna, Dana Point, and San Clemente.

kwanza300
(credit: oldtownorangewalkingfoodtours.com)

Old Towne Orange Food Tasting Walking Tours
North Glassell Street
Orange, CA, 92866
www.oldtownorangewalkingfoodtours.com

With a passion for food, tradition, and cooking, Italian sisters Deanna and Renee started their widely popular culinary walking tours. Their tours incorporate Orange County's history and landmarks as they approach food from a local point of view. The tour introduces Orange's food culture on a neighborhood level and helps reveal the unique culinary outlook of each restaurant. From ethnic eats to contemporary fine dining, the tour meets in the heart of Old Towne Orange where you'll get a brief history of this charming area while stopping at restaurants to enjoy food tastings from a diverse array of cuisines ranging from Cuban to Italian. The tour is approximately 3 hours and covers about 1-1/4 miles. Tours often sell out so book yours sooner rather than later!

kwanza300
(credit: anothersideoforangecountytours.com)

Another Side of Orange County Tours
300 G Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(310) 289-8687
www.anothersideoforangecountytours.com

Looking to explore the OC in luxury? Ready for a once-in-lifetime experience? Want to discover something new? Check out the unique tours offered by one of the most premiere touring companies in Southern California. Travel the OC by Segway, Kayak, ATV and more when you visit Another Side of Orange County Tours. Another Side Of Orange County takes their guests beyond the typical tourist experience by offering luxurious once and a lifetime experiences that will take your breath away. From adventure tours, helicopter tours, attraction tours, shopping tours and everything in between, the company provides an experience you'll never forget.

Caryn Bailey blogs at Rockin' Mama.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.