Vacation Rentals in Orange County

With 42 miles of sparkling shoreline, Orange County coast has often been likened to the French Riviera. For a classic beach jaunt complete with sandcastles, and golden sunsets by the pier, try Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City. Little Corona Del Mar Beach is an absolute gem for tide pooling - you’ll find plenty of star fish, sea urchins and anemones here. Crystal Cove is a photographer’s dream with its pretty bluffs and coves. Snorkel in its translucent waters and grab a fish sandwich at Shake Shack. Local favorite, the laidback Seal Beach is recommended for its windsurfing and kite surfing opportunities.

Leading the way is the thin crust California-style pizza, best washed down with sparkling white wine - try the shrimp, seafood and asparagus toppings for a break from chicken and cheese! Next are the iconic Mission Burritos usually stuffed with sour cream, baked beans, rice, and guacamole. You can’t go wrong with the French dip sandwich: finely sliced roast beef (pork/lamb/turkey) set inside a baguette moistened with gravy, and at times a slice of blue cheese thrown in. When in Orange County, it’s only befitting that you try the Agent Orange cocktail – orange juice, vodka and triple sec/Cointreau to get those taste buds tingling.

The OC’s biggest draw is Disneyland Park where children will go absolutely crazy exploring the themed lands: Mickey’s Toontown, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge among others. Adventure City, also in Anaheim, is quieter and just as much fun. Next is to take the kids on a Duffy electric boat ride around the Newport Beach Harbor. These charming canopy-covered boats let guests bring along their own food, drinks, and music too! At Laguna Beach’s Ocean Institute, the entire family can go wild getting showered in salty sea spray and checking out the ocean's wonders. La Vida Laguna is a safe spot for children to try their hand at kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and surfing.

The county boasts a compelling list of museums such as the Orange County Museum of Art in Santa Ana that holds an excess of 4500 art pieces spanning paintings, sculpture, photography and more. Fans of Pre Columbian art, and First American history will enjoy Bowers Museum. There are tons of African and Asian exhibits here too. The International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach, and the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center (SHACC) in San Clemente are worth checking out for their intriguing surfing memorabilia and surf-themed films.

Known as the Birthplace of Orange County, this world-famous Spanish mission established in 1776 is an eye-opener in history, religion and spirituality. Historic Los Rios Street in Downtown San Juan is chock full of surprises – saloons, museums, dance halls, and gourmet coffee stores.

Nicknamed the "Whale Watching Capital of the World", a whale-watching cruise at Dana Point will fetch you close encounters with giant blue whales, humpbacks and the playful wild dolphins. Bring your binoculars along, and try coinciding your trip with the Whale Festival in March.

Costa Mesa in Orange County is home to the world’s largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam. The area has hundreds of eateries serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. A burst of sights, sounds and colors awaits – incense, tropical fruit, chopsticks, hanging barbecues ducks, and more!

Get off the main strip for an escape to rustic San Catalina. Sun, sand and surf aside, the island is a magnet for adrenaline junkies. Take to the air with a zip line eco tour or the Catalina Aerial Adventure. The Falconry Experience is as riveting as the orange garibaldis you’ll spot on the Undersea Sub Expedition.

Dating to 1936, this historic Ferris wheel has served as a cinematic backdrop to Newport's Harbor particularly after dusk. A photo against this Orange County icon makes for an memorable keepsake.