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10 Best Spring Activities In Orange County

As springtime approaches in Orange County, it’s the perfect time to embrace the amazing weather and refreshing air. This season offers the ideal opportunity to explore all the fantastic activities the area has to offer. From vibrant, blooming flower fields to thrilling fun at Knott’s Berry Farm, and from discovering local restaurants to enjoying the beauty of Huntington Beach, here are 10 of the best spring activities for endless fun—making the most of this wonderful time of year in Orange County!

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Floral Wonderland at the Flower Fields, Carlsbad

The great thing about living in Orange County is that places like the Floral Wonderland in Carlsbad are just a short trip away! If you have the opportunity, the Flower Fields in Carlsbad are a sight to behold for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of 55 acres of colorful ranunculus flowers. It’s a great place to enjoy with the entire family and also a fantastic spot for photos! You can stay there until the Flower Fields close. It takes 2 full hours to walk through the fields. So make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Oh, they have a few picnic areas, so you can pack a picnic if you plan to stay for a few hours!

Disneyland in Bloom

Springtime is one of my favorite times of year to enjoy local theme parks! Our favorite place to go is Disneyland Park. During this time of year, Disneyland is adorned with vibrant flowers, topiaries, and seasonal decor. Did you know that Disneyland Park even has its own rose? Their rose is in full display this time of year! It’s the perfect time to enjoy the rides, eat some great food (churros or corn dogs on Main St.), and soak in the beautiful California sun! Seriously, you can’t beat a day in the sun at one of my favorite Orange County theme parks!

Dana Point Whale Watching

The awesome thing about Orange County is that Spring brings the migration of gray whales along the California coast. We definitely recommend making your way to Dana Point for a whale-watching excursion to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The summer is a great time to see all the dolphins and blue whales swimming near Dana Point Harbor. It’s really cool to see these powerful animals pass through! Definitely one of the best spring break activities Orange County offers!

Art Walks in Laguna Beach

Head down to Laguna Beach and explore the artistic side of Orange County by strolling through the galleries and art studios in Laguna Beach. Established in 1998, many places host regular art walks, providing the perfect opportunity to discover new talents, buy local artisan’s works, or even get involved in art projects. Free Trolleys run throughout the evening, and it’s a great way to take advantage of the spring and ocean in Orange County! You also can’t beat free parking!

Hiking in Crystal Cove State Park

Head over to the Newport Coast in Orange County and enjoy the blooming wildflowers and coastal views by taking a hike in Crystal Cove State Park. It’s one of my favorite places to hike in Southern California. The hiking trail is 9.4 miles and it has 3.2 miles of beach. It also has a few tidepools near by. With a variety of walking trails suitable for different fitness levels, it’s an excellent way to connect with nature and take advantage of the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean!

Need additional hiking recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here’s the 5 Best Hiking Trails in Orange County.

Spring Festivals

It’s festival season! All across the OC, you’ll find amazing spring events packed with live music, craft beer, carnival rides, games, mouthwatering food, and nonstop entertainment. Whether you’re into art, culture, or food or are just looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone. From the creative vibes of the Sawdust Art Festival to the cultural flair of the OC Japan Fair, the foodie heaven at the OC Night Market, or the upscale bites and sips at the OC Food & Wine Festival—the hardest part is choosing which one to hit first! Oh, and we can’t forget to mention the farmers markets serving delicious food, showcasing local artists, and all the fun activities! Nothing beats an amazing certified farmers market this time of year!

Balboa Island Ferry Ride

Make your way to Newport Beach and take a scenic ferry ride to Balboa Island, and enjoy the charming atmosphere. Walk along Marine Avenue, explore the boutiques, and indulge in the famous Balboa Bars for a sweet treat. It’s a great place to spend the day with the whole family! If you happen to go I recommend trying out Wilma’s Patio Restaurant. The sourdough burger and the fish & chips are great! And then for dessert, head over to Sugar’n Spice for the frozen banana or the hand-dipped Balboa bars. Seriously, the best treat!

Museums In Orange County

There are so many great museums in Orange County! Luckily, throughout the Spring and Summer, the museums hold weekly events for the kiddos and the entire family. The Heritage Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Nikkei Heritage Museum, and the Lyon Air Museum all hold cool activities. Looking for more information on local museums? Check out the 5 Best Museums in Orange County! My personal favorite is the Marconi Automotive Museum! I recently went, and it was well worth the trip!

OC Beach Day

Spring is the perfect time to hit the sandy shores and amazing strands of Orange County’s beautiful beaches. Whether it’s surfing, sunbathing, or beach volleyball, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy the coastal lifestyle. Make sure to pack plenty of suntan lotion, blankets, sweaters (it gets chilly at night), and firewood (if you get to reserve a pit). The tide pools are also a great place to spend the day and look at the amazing sea life we have in Orange County!

Butterfly Pavilion at the Fullerton Arboretum

Visit the Fullerton Arboretum and explore their Butterfly Pavilion. It’s truly breathtaking to see the enchanting dance of colorful butterflies in a serene garden setting, providing a unique and magical experience. You can also take advantage of the beautiful landscape and garden around the Arboretum! It’s free admission, but parking costs $4. The arboretum is 26 acres so make sure you dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes! Definitely one of my most favorite spring activities in Orange County!

Orange County bursts into life during the Spring season, offering a plethora of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures at Newport Beach or Huntington Beach, trips to local parks like Buena Park or the Carbon Canyon Regional Park, gardening, cultural experiences, or simply basking in the coastal sun, Orange County has something special for everyone during this time of year!

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Aarin Chung

Hi, there! I'm Aarin, the co-founder of Your Orange County - A strong tribe of Orange County residents who get weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping, activities, and real estate in and around Orange County, California. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more! Click below to follow us.

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