25 Cool Things to Do in Orange County With Friends

Planning a visit from a friend who knows every Los Angeles restaurant, gallery, and rooftop bar? Orange County has plenty of surprises of its own. Think imaginative art spaces, independent coffee shops, beautifully designed coastal hotels, harbor excursions, and restaurants that make an ordinary afternoon feel like an occasion.

From Laguna Beach and Newport Beach to Costa Mesa, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano, these 25 places reveal the creative, culinary, and coastal experiences that make Orange County worth exploring. Use this guide to plan a day with friends, build a weekend itinerary, or get to know a different side of Southern California.

Coastal Hotels, Waterfront Dining + Newport Beach Experiences

1. Hotel Joaquin | Laguna Beach

For a coastal stay that feels personal rather than predictable, consider Hotel Joaquin. This intimate boutique hotel pairs relaxed California style with thoughtfully layered interiors and a setting close to some of Laguna Beach’s most beautiful shoreline. Natural textures, vintage-inspired furnishings, and inviting outdoor spaces encourage guests to settle into a slower rhythm. Spend the morning at the beach, explore nearby galleries, and return for an evening by the coast.

Location: 985 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

2. Lido House + Topside Roof Deck | Newport Beach

Lido House brings an East Coast-inspired architectural aesthetic to the heart of Newport Beach. Its coastal interiors and walkable location make it a natural home base for a weekend away. Even if you are not staying overnight, the hotel’s Topside Roof Deck is an inviting place to enjoy a drink and take in the surrounding harbor neighborhood. Pair a rooftop visit with a stroll through nearby Lido Marina Village.

Location: 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92663

3. Paséa Hotel & Spa | Huntington Beach

A few steps from the energy of Huntington Beach, Paséa Hotel & Spa offers an ocean-oriented getaway with contemporary design and a laid-back resort atmosphere. Make a day of it with a treatment at Aarna Spa, time by the water, or drinks at the hotel’s rooftop lounge. The nearby pier and Pacific City shopping and dining destination make it easy to extend the outing.

Location: 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

4. VEA Newport Beach | Newport Beach

Across from Fashion Island®, VEA Newport Beach offers a polished resort setting for a coastal staycation or weekend visit. Its poolside spaces, spa, and dining experiences make it easy to spend an unhurried afternoon in one place. For visitors interested in both relaxation and shopping, its location also puts the boutiques and restaurants of Newport Center within easy reach.

Location: 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

5. Lido Marina Village | Newport Beach

Waterfront shopping feels especially inviting at Lido Marina Village. Walk along the harbor, browse thoughtfully curated boutiques, and settle in for a meal with views of the boats. The village brings together shopping, design, dining, and Newport’s distinctive boating culture in a setting that rewards wandering. For a more memorable afternoon, consider pairing your visit with a harbor cruise or Duffy boat outing.

Location: 3434 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663

6. Balboa Island Ferry | Newport Beach

Sometimes the simplest experiences leave the strongest impression. The Balboa Island Ferry offers a short trip across Newport Harbor between the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island. Watch sailboats and waterfront homes pass by before exploring the island’s boutiques, charming streets, and famous frozen-banana treats. It is an easy addition to a relaxed Newport Beach afternoon.

Location: 410 South Bayfront, Newport Beach, CA 92662

7. Crystal Cove Shake Shack | Newport Coast

Perched above Pacific Coast Highway, the Crystal Cove Shake Shack combines classic roadside food with one of the area’s most memorable oceanfront settings. Order a burger or shake, find an outdoor seat, and enjoy the Pacific views. The stop pairs naturally with a walk along the bluffs at nearby Crystal Cove, where coastal trails and beaches provide another reason to linger.

Location: 7703 East Coast Highway, Newport Coast, CA 92657

8. Javier’s at Crystal Cove | Newport Coast

For a dinner that makes the setting part of the experience, visit Javier’s at Crystal Cove Promenade. The restaurant’s coastal location, stylish interiors, and Mexican-inspired menu make it a popular option for a celebratory meal or evening out. Arrive with time to enjoy the surrounding Newport Coast scenery before dinner.

Location: 7832 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92657

Art, Independent Culture + Creative Things to Do in Orange County

9. Museum of Make Believe | Laguna Beach

Step into an imaginative world at the Museum of Make Believe, an immersive fine-art experience in Laguna Beach. Intricate miniature scenes, fantastical details, and storytelling-inspired installations invite visitors to look closely and let their imaginations wander. The intimate setting makes this a particularly engaging stop for friends who enjoy unusual museums and discovering the work of local creatives.

Location: 1590 South Coast Highway, Suite 5, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

10. UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art | Costa Mesa

Architecture and contemporary art share the spotlight at the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. Located within the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus in Costa Mesa, the museum features exhibitions that encourage visitors to engage with art and contemporary ideas. Its striking building is worth taking time to appreciate, while the surrounding arts district makes it easy to continue the day with a performance or dinner.

Location: 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

11. First Thursdays Art Walk | Laguna Beach

Discover Laguna Beach’s gallery community during First Thursdays Art Walk. On the first Thursday evening of the month, participating galleries welcome visitors to browse exhibitions and meet the creative community. Make your way through town at an easy pace, stop for dinner, and experience the art-colony atmosphere that gives Laguna Beach its enduring appeal. Check the organizer’s current schedule for participating galleries and transportation information.

Location: Various galleries throughout Laguna Beach, CA

12. Laguna Art Museum | Laguna Beach

Just steps from the coast, the Laguna Art Museum offers a focused look at California’s artistic history and contemporary creative voices. Its exhibitions connect the state’s landscapes, people, and cultural movements through art. Visit before or after a walk through nearby Heisler Park for an afternoon that combines Laguna Beach’s gallery heritage with its natural beauty.

Location: 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

13. The Frida Cinema | Santa Ana

Film lovers can find a different kind of movie night at The Frida Cinema in downtown Santa Ana. This nonprofit independent theater presents a varied calendar of independent films, international cinema, documentaries, repertory screenings, and special events. Choose a screening that sparks conversation, then explore the surrounding restaurants and bars in Santa Ana’s downtown arts district.

Location: 305 East Fourth Street, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92701

14. Hilbert Museum of California Art | Orange

The Hilbert Museum of California Art celebrates the Golden State through paintings, illustrations, animation art, and other works that tell California stories. Located near the Orange train station, the museum makes an excellent pairing with a walk through historic Old Towne Orange. Admission is free, although reservations are recommended. Check the museum’s website for current gallery access and exhibition information before visiting.

Location: 167 North Atchison Street, Orange, CA 92866

15. Softland Studio | Irvine

For friends who would rather make something than simply browse, Softland Studio offers hands-on creative workshops in Irvine. Its activities include rug tufting and other crafts, with instruction designed to help participants develop a finished piece. Book your preferred workshop in advance, especially if rug making is the main event, and turn an ordinary afternoon into a shared creative experience.

Location: 27 Mauchly, Suite 204, Irvine, CA 92618

16. The LAB Anti-Mall | Costa Mesa

Independent style has a home at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. Its open-air setting blends shops, cafés, restaurants, and eclectic design, making it an appealing destination for visitors who prefer discovery over a conventional shopping trip. Wander the walkways, stop for coffee, and browse whichever retailers catch your eye. The experience reflects Costa Mesa’s broader connection to design, fashion, and the arts.

Location: 2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Distinctive Coffee Shops, Wine Bars + Restaurants

17. Coffee Dose | Costa Mesa + Other Orange County Locations

For a coffee date with personality, Coffee Dose brings playful branding, colorful interiors, and inventive drinks to the café experience. Its Costa Mesa locations make convenient stops before shopping, gallery hopping, or a day by the coast. The brand also has locations in Laguna Hills and Irvine, so friends can choose the café that best fits their itinerary.

Featured location: 2675 Irvine Avenue, Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

18. Semi Tropic Wines | Costa Mesa

Semi Tropic Wines offers a relaxed setting for discovering natural wines and spending an evening with friends. Its understated interiors and outdoor patio create a welcoming atmosphere, while live jazz on select evenings adds another reason to visit. Located on Costa Mesa’s Westside, it is a natural choice for an unhurried night out. This is a 21-and-over venue; check the current calendar before planning around live music.

Location: 816 West 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

19. Little Ox Coffee | Fullerton

Start a North Orange County outing with a visit to Little Ox Coffee in Fullerton. The café’s contemporary interiors and thoughtfully prepared coffee offer an inviting setting for a long-overdue catch-up. Afterward, explore the surrounding neighborhood or continue into downtown Fullerton for more independent shops and dining options.

Location: 217 North Euclid Street, Fullerton, CA 92832

20. Kei Coffee House | Westminster

In Westminster’s Little Saigon area, Kei Coffee House offers a vibrant café experience influenced by Vietnamese flavors. Creative coffee and matcha drinks, playful presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere make it an appealing place to meet friends. Build a longer outing around the stop by exploring the area’s restaurants, bakeries, and specialty markets.

Location: 15691 Brookhurst Street, Westminster, CA 92683

21. Le Hut Dinette | Santa Ana

Housed in a distinctive Quonset hut in Santa Ana’s French Park neighborhood, Le Hut Dinette gives the classic diner a creative California interpretation. The restaurant comes from the Heritage Barbecue team, with chef Ryan Garlitos bringing his own culinary perspective to the menu. It is a memorable option for friends who enjoy restaurants with a strong sense of place and food that offers something beyond the expected brunch routine.

Location: 730 North Poinsettia Street, Unit A, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Unexpected Orange County Adventures + Neighborhoods to Explore

22. Great Park Balloon | Irvine

See Orange County from a new perspective aboard the iconic orange balloon at the Great Park in Irvine. The tethered balloon offers an elevated view of the surrounding landscape when weather and operating conditions permit. Back on the ground, the park’s open spaces, attractions, and event programming provide plenty of ways to extend the visit. Check the city’s current balloon schedule, weather notices, and ticket information before you go.

Location: 8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine, CA 92618

23. The Ecology Center | San Juan Capistrano

Slow down and reconnect with the land at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano. This working farm and education center brings food, agriculture, and community together through its farm stand, seasonal experiences, and Campesino Café. Browse fresh produce, enjoy a meal inspired by the harvest, or check the calendar for workshops and tours. It is a distinctive way to experience South Orange County beyond the beach.

Location: 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

24. Old Towne Orange | Orange

For vintage finds and historic charm, spend an afternoon in Old Towne Orange. The walkable district centers on Plaza Square, where historic architecture frames antique stores, independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Browsing is part of the experience: follow an interesting storefront, discover a record shop, or take a break at a sidewalk table. Pair the outing with the nearby Hilbert Museum for a full day of local history and art.

Location: Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866

25. Tanaka Farms | Irvine

Trade city streets for an agricultural outing at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. The working farm offers seasonal activities that may include produce-focused tours, harvest experiences, and opportunities to learn about local agriculture. It is a welcoming option for friends or families looking for an outdoor activity with a different pace. Check the current calendar and reserve any ticketed tours before arriving.

Location: 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

25 Cool Things to Do in Orange County: At a Glance

Discover the Orange County Lifestyle Beyond the Itinerary

The places you return to say something about the lifestyle you love. For some, that means morning coffee and creative energy in Costa Mesa. For others, it is easy access to the harbor in Newport Beach, gallery evenings in Laguna Beach, or outdoor experiences in Irvine.

Exploring Orange County with friends is also a way to discover neighborhoods you might not have considered before. Spend time in the places that appeal to you, notice what makes each community distinct, and imagine what it would be like to have your favorite destinations close to home.

Planning note: Restaurant menus, business hours, event schedules, ticket prices, and admission requirements may change. Confirm details directly with each destination before visiting.