Positioned in a mountainous California region, Orange is on the edge of multiple nature and wildlife reserves, along with lakes and rivers. The city revolves around the central Orange Plaza and its boutiques and upscale restaurants but also features a range of outlet malls, family-friendly museums and art galleries.
Things to do in Orange
If you’re visiting Orange with the kids in tow, treat them to a day at Discovery Cube Orange County, which features over 100 hands-on exhibits covering hockey, dinosaurs, space, Earth, and rockets. They can also get up close to native Southwestern animals and plants at Orange County Zoo, including black bears, cougars, bald eagles, porcupines and coyotes. There’s even a barnyard where kids can feed and pet goats, pigs and sheep.
Those interested in the local art scene should visit Bowers Museum, which boasts Revival-style decor and artwork from around the world. Time your visit for one of the regular lectures on art styles. You can also visit the Hilbert Museum of California Art to see a wealth of contemporary paintings by regional artists.
Have you always wanted to fly? You can get close at the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Centre, where you jump into a cockpit and test your pilot skills on a realistic flying simulator. More fun can be found at Camelot Golfland, a medieval-themed mini-golf course, or during a visit to Irvine Park, where you can rent paddle boats, ride ponies and bike around the tranquil gardens.
Outdoor adventurers will love hiking or biking around Santiago Oaks Regional Park, which also has horseback riding trails and mountain vistas. Alternatively, head to the vast Peters Canyon and get lost in stunning California wilderness while hiking or trail running.
Getting around Orange
Orange is serviced by the nearby John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. The best way to get around is by using your own vehicle or catching public buses, but there are trains for travelling further afield.