Orange County, California, is a bustling metropolis best known for its family-friendly theme parks and resorts. Once little more than endless groves of orange trees, it is now a top tourist destination and beckons new residents longing for plentiful sunshine and a mild climate. Visitors and locals alike looking for activities beyond roller coasters have plenty of choices every weekend, with a variety of regular events taking place every Saturday and Sunday that appeal to all ages.
Sunday brunch is a favorite pastime and Orange County boasts several well-known establishments catering to couples and families. The Orange County Mining Co. in Orange features a restaurant with panoramic hillside views and a mix of traditional breakfast dishes and meat and seafood specialties. The Phoenix Club in Anaheim emphasizes German cuisine.
California is revered for its wines -- the perfect way to experience different varietals is through weekend wine-tasting jaunts. Try OC Custom Wine in Anaheim or Versai The Wine Bar in Yorba Linda.
Lace up your skates and head to Huntington Beach every Saturday for the Saturday Fun Roll, a 16-mile, round-trip group excursion that meets at the Huntington Beach Pier. Immerse yourself in nature by taking a free wetlands tour at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy in Huntington Beach the second Saturday of every month. Want to give back to the community? Participate in a Beach Cleanup the third Saturday of every month at Seal Beach.
Bring a chair or blanket and find a comfortable spot in Newport Beach for free Movies On The Beach every Saturday evening from May through September. For a seafaring adventure, book passage on the Dana Pride for a Live Music Cruise departing from Dana Point every Saturday evening from June through September. Take a stroll through downtown Santa Ana the first Saturday of every month for the Santa Ana Art Walk, with free admission to studios and galleries.
Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon offers educational workshops, history lessons and nature retreats that appeal to kids and families alike. The Irvine Park Railroad in Orange offers train rides through Irvine National Park on a one-third-scale replica locomotive, and features a host of fun activities including paddle boats and pony rides. The Orange County Zoo is conveniently located within the park. Enjoy a family sporting event by taking the kids to see an Angels or Ducks game in Anaheim, or the Galaxy soccer team in Carson.
