Orange County is a destination hotspot in Southern California. It has the food, the attractions and the fun all rolled into one, with gorgeous weather to top off the perfect vacay spot. But because there’s so much to do, we’ve partnered with Orange County local, Pattie Cordova of LivingMiVidaLoca.com, for an insider look at this slice of California heaven.

Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering this beautiful Southern California spot from the mountains to the ocean. I love the ability to start my day off with a hike in the mountains, and end with a swim at the beach (or vice versa). But because traffic can often cut our trips short, I’ve found that my favorite spots in SoCal are in Central Orange County. A 10-20 mile radius that includes Anaheim, Buena Park and Irvine. There’s enough for us to do here that a bonfire at the beach or a quick snowtubing lesson is quickly forgotten among trendy food places and family-friendly theme parks.

Knott’s Berry Farm theme park | photo by Pattie Cordova

Things to Do in Anaheim

Anaheim is known primarily for housing Disneyland Resort, but that’s a whole other article so we’re going to tell you other fun stuff to do here. First off is the Anaheim Packing District. This glorious building built back in 1919 holds a food hall full of foodie-approved treats like boba tea topped with cotton candy and sprinkled with Tajin, as well as gourmet grilled cheese and artisan crepes. Stop by in the evenings when you can listen to live music while enjoying your dinner.

Packing House in Anaheim | Photo by Pattie Cordova

Mini Snow Monster at Packing House | Photo by Pattie Cordova

For fun and entertainment, book concert tickets at the Honda Center and baseball tickets at the Angels Stadium. Near both of these venues, you’ll also see family-friendly breweries (Yup! They exist) serving craft beers. Think LA-worthy entertainment at a fraction of the cost and more intimate venues.

Catching a game at the Angels Stadium | Photo by Pattie Cordova

Honda Center | photo by Pattie Cordova

If you spent the day with the Mouse and are looking for something to do near the park, head across the street to the Anaheim GardenWalk. Here you’ll find Instagram-worthy murals, a fun indoor play place for kids and unique eating experiences like Grasslands Meat Market offering tender and flavorful meats through the use of techniques that originate from different countries across the world.

Mural at Anaheim GardenWalk | photo by Pattie Cordova

Choose your ingredients and watch it cooked right before your eyes at FiRE + iCE. Their champagne brunch is a local favorite. (Maybe it’s the whole create-your-own-pancakes and omelets thing?) Whatever the case, you won’t find yourself leaving this spot with an empty stomach.

FiRE + iCE at Anaheim GardenWalk | photo by Pattie Cordova

Things to Do in Buena Park

If you’re in Anaheim, you’re only a 10-minute drive from Buena Park. Take I-5 to Hwy 91 and get off on Beach Blvd. Everything you want to do is on this street. Your first stop is Porto’s, voted America’s #1 bakery on Yelp. Order a cortadito (an espresso-based coffee drink) with some croquetas for a traditional Cuban snack, or any of their sandwiches on the best bread you’ve ever had. Now is not the time to watch your calorie intake either. The dozens of pastry offerings will get you the sugar rush you need.

Cortadito at Porto’s Bakery | photo by Pattie Cordova

Vegetarian Cuban sandwich at Porto’s Bakery | photo by Pattie Cordova

Head farther down Beach Blvd to enjoy a dinner and a show at Medieval Times with a fun joust and menu inspired by the Middle Ages, or watch pirates battle it out as you sit comfortably around the makeshift boat enjoying a prix fixe meal.

Medieval Times, Buena Park | Photo by Pattie Cordova

Across the street is Knott’s Berry Farm, America’s first theme park. Knott’s Berry Farm is a local favorite with some of the best history in Orange County. It’s a mix of the old and the new.

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park | photo by Pattie Cordova

Not only will this budget-friendly theme park appease the thrill seekers with the first dive coaster on the west coast (Hang Time if you’re adding it to your bucket list), but it also offers plenty of history in Ghost Town and edible delights including the creation of the boysenberry right at Knott’s Berry Farm! Somewhere between going down the log ride and enjoying their popular funnel cakes, you can take a stroll down the streets and interact with the characters who keep the spirit of Ghost Town alive.

Ghost Town | photo by Pattie Cordova

New Hang Time ride at Knott’s Berry Farm | photo by Pattie Cordova

Chiclets with Ghost Town Alive! characters | photo by Pattie Cordova

There is always something fun going on at Knott’s. Whether you’re visiting in winter for Knott’s Merry Farm, or during the summer for Ghost Town Alive! (and the opening of water park Knott’s Soak City right across the street), there is always something to celebrate thanks to their Seasons of Fun.

Hanging out with Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm | photo by Pattie Cordova

Knott’s Soak City, open daily in the summer | photo by Pattie Cordova

Lazy river at Knott’s Soak City | photo by Pattie Cordova

I’m a season pass holder at Knott’s Berry Farm and I can attest to its many benefits, but even if you’re visiting for just one (or two) days, you can take advantage of their many special discounts. For example, they offer an all-day dining pass where you can try out their famous barbecue on the Boardwalk or try their tostada salad at Fiesta Village. Off the dining plan, you can treat yourself to a boysenberry latte—something you’ll only find at Knott’s.

Wine tasting at Boysenberry Festival | photo by Pattie Cordova

My favorites are the seasonal treats and boysenberry beer mixed with boysenberry cider. To tell you the truth, everything boysenberry is my favorite and if you’re looking for a cool experience, then visit during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival where you can sink your teeth into more than 100 different boysenberry items. After all, every boysenberry can be traced back to Knott’s.

Charlie Brown brownie | photo by Pattie Cordova

Things to Do in Irvine

Irvine is located south of Anaheim and Buena Park, and houses family-friendly attractions like Pretend City Children’s Museum for infants and toddlers, and the Orange County Great Park for older kids. Pretend City is literally what it sounds like—a little city full of pretend play. Little guests can pretend work at the grocery store inside, visit the pretend restaurant and even play in the pretend beach. With different art projects and themes happening throughout the month, any time you visit is the best time.

Farmers Market at Orange County Great Park | Photo by Pattie Cordova

For families with older kids, you’ll enjoy visiting the Orange County Great Park located at the old Marine Corps Air Station. It’s 1,300 acres wide and known as an arts and sports recreational hub. There is plenty of open space for a game of soccer, a farmers market on Sundays and even a ride on a carousel. The big attraction, however, is getting to go on the Great Park Balloon. Soaring at about 400 feet, this tethered helium balloon allows up to 30 passengers to take in a view of Orange County. On a clear day, you can see about 40 miles around. This attraction is great for families because there is no age and height restrictions.

Orange County Great Park in Irvine | Photo by Pattie Cordova

Finally, if you’re looking to shop, head over to the Irvine Spectrum where you’ll find a ton of retail plus Instagram-friendly walls and a brand-new playground. You can also take a break and enjoy a meal at any of their restaurants or catch an IMAX movie at the theater. Kids can also cool off during the summer days by the splash pad near the Target, and those looking for a fun treat can visit the Hello Kitty cafe and other trendy places. Schedule some time for a ride on the big Ferris wheel—kids go crazy for it!

Central Orange County is full of cool and fun places for families to visit. There is always something going on, so it feels like every time you visit you get a new experience. And all the new shops and eateries opening nearby don’t hurt its reputation either. We’re known for having an abundance of things to do and see and hope you’ll visit soon! And please, if you’re looking for specific tips and tricks to getting the most out of your visit, please leave them in the comments below. See y’all soon!!!

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Pattie Cordova

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