Orange County is a highly populated area of Southern California, recognized for its major attractions such as professional sports teams and large theme parks. Fortunately, it also contains plenty of fun activities that don't charge a cent. You can experience an enjoyable time out for little more than the price of a car ride.
Orange County offers some of the best-known beach destinations in the entire country. As such, every beach offers a slightly different atmosphere, from the flat community of Newport to the hills of Laguna. Parking usually costs money for lots directly adjacent to the sand, but many areas offer unmetered spots on the street. In most cases, free parking requires a short five-minute walk from the road to the sand. Most beaches have a lot of space to work with, allowing you to play football, frisbee and other games. Beaches like Huntington and Newport offer fire pits for use by groups of friends at night. Those who wish to challenge the cold waters of the Pacific can try swimming, surfing and rock diving, while the beaches at Laguna contain a renowned series of tide pools.
The California coastal region contains a series of hills where the sand meets the soil. In Orange County, that translates into a variety of hiking options. Dana Point and Laguna both offer a series of trails that go into the hills on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway. These are especially pleasant on a warm summer evening because they overlook the sunset on the ocean. Further inland, areas such as San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente have even steeper paths for those seeking a challenge.
On most weeknights, Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe in Fullerton offers free live entertainment. Jazz groups will play anywhere from two to four hours, with frequent breaks in between. Reservations can be made by phone if desired but they are more suited for guests who plan on ordering food and drinks. The club promotes a relaxed mood, so walking in unannounced rarely becomes an issue. Many local students come in to study to the sounds on stage. Intermissions also provide guests plenty of time to walk around the lighted streets of downtown Fullerton. Crowds increase on weekends, when traveling acts arrive that charge admission at the door.
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800
steamersjazz.com
For those just looking to get out at night and watch people pass by, Downtown Disney makes an excellent place to visit. Shops and restaurants line the walkways that lead up to the nearby Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks. A variety of street performers set up every day and night, with acts ranging from the avant-garde to full jazz ensembles. The ESPN Zone is free to enter if you need a sports score update. The closing hours usually translate into a relaxed atmosphere and a good time walk around. Disney doesn't charge for the first three hours of parking in the adjacent lot.
Downtown Disney District
1313 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
714-781-4565
disneyland.disney.go.com/downtown-disney
The Fullerton Arboretum is Orange County's largest botanical garden, located just off the 57 freeway and situated next to Cal State Fullerton. The area displays over 4,000 species of plants separated into four categories: Mediterranean, Woodland, Desert and Cultivated. On-site learning centers help educate the public on the displays and the environment as a whole. It provides a peaceful setting in the middle of a busy area where many go just to take a relaxing walk. The arboretum costs nothing to park and enter on days with no special events. You can make a donation near the park entrance if you wish.
Fullerton Arboretum
1900 Associated Road
Fullerton, CA 92831
657-278-3407
fullertonarboretum.org
