Explore OC

Explore Orange County

Discover What Makes Orange County Special

Orange County is more than beaches and theme parks. It’s a collection of coastal towns, historic communities, creative neighborhoods and local gathering places — each with its own personality.

Explore OC helps you discover the cities, food, experiences, events and locally owned businesses that make Orange County worth exploring.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to eat tonight, live music this weekend, a new local shop, a day by the coast or something completely different to do, start exploring here.

THINK LOCAL FIRST.


Explore Orange County by City

Every OC Community Has Its Own Story

One of the best ways to experience Orange County is city by city.

Explore local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, shopping, happy hours, live music, things to do, events and locally owned businesses throughout Orange County.

Dana Point

Harbor Life · Beaches · Whale Watching · Coastal Dining

Explore one of Orange County’s great coastal communities — from Dana Point Harbor and the coastline to local restaurants, live music, outdoor adventures and locally owned businesses.

Explore Dana Point →

Laguna Beach

Art · Beaches · Coastal Culture · Local Dining

Discover Laguna Beach’s famous coastline, galleries, restaurants, independent shops, arts scene and unmistakable coastal character.

Explore Laguna Beach →

San Juan Capistrano

History · Heritage · Dining · Local Culture

Experience historic San Juan Capistrano, from the Mission and Los Rios Historic District to local restaurants, shops, events and community traditions.

Explore San Juan Capistrano →

San Clemente

Surf · Beaches · Downtown · Coastal Living

Explore San Clemente’s surf culture, beaches, downtown restaurants, local shops, outdoor activities and laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Explore San Clemente →

Laguna Niguel

Community · Dining · Outdoors · Local Favorites

Discover restaurants, neighborhood favorites, parks, trails, shopping, events and locally owned businesses throughout Laguna Niguel.

Explore Laguna Niguel →

Mission Viejo

Community · Recreation · Dining · Local Life

Explore the restaurants, recreation, community events, shopping and local businesses that make Mission Viejo one of South Orange County’s signature communities.

Explore Mission Viejo →

Huntington Beach

Surf City · Beaches · Dining · Entertainment

Experience Surf City USA through its beaches, downtown, restaurants, nightlife, events, outdoor activities and local businesses.

Explore Huntington Beach →

Orange

Old Towne · History · Food · Local Shopping

Discover historic Old Towne Orange and the restaurants, antique shops, independent businesses, events and neighborhoods surrounding it.

Explore Orange →


Discover the Orange County Lifestyle

Orange County isn’t one experience. Go a few miles in almost any direction and you’ll find something different.

Coastal Life

Explore Orange County’s beaches, harbors, surf communities, coastal trails, waterfront dining and ocean adventures.

Explore Coastal OC →

Food & Drink

Find locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bakeries, bars and neighborhood favorites across Orange County.

Explore Food & Drink →

Arts & Culture

Discover galleries, local artists, theaters, music, cultural attractions and creative communities throughout OC.

Explore Arts & Culture →

History & Heritage

From historic districts and missions to landmarks and community traditions, discover the stories behind Orange County’s cities.

Explore Historic OC →

Outdoor OC

Find beaches, hiking trails, parks, cycling, surfing, whale watching and other ways to experience Orange County outdoors.

Explore Outdoor OC →

Shop Local

Discover independent retailers, boutiques, makers and locally owned shops throughout Orange County.

Explore Local Shopping →

Family & Community

Find family-friendly activities, community events, parks, attractions and local experiences for all ages.

Explore Family-Friendly OC →


What’s Happening Around Orange County?

Don’t Just Explore OC. Experience It.

Orange County is constantly changing. There’s always another concert, community event, festival, market, happy hour or local experience happening somewhere nearby.

Things to Do This Weekend

Looking for something to do? Discover local events, activities, entertainment and experiences happening around Orange County this weekend.

Find Things to Do This Weekend →

Events Around Orange County

Discover festivals, community events, markets, celebrations, special events and other happenings throughout OC.

Explore OC Events →

Live Music

Find live music at local restaurants, breweries, bars, venues and community events throughout Orange County.

Find Live Music →

Happy Hours

Discover local happy hours, food specials and places to meet up throughout Orange County.

Find Happy Hours →


Find Something Local

Sometimes You Already Know What You’re Looking For

Explore Orange County by what you want to eat, drink, see or do.

Restaurants · Coffee Shops · Breweries · Happy Hours · Live Music · Things to Do · Shopping · Home Services · Family Activities · Outdoor Activities · Events · Deals & Specials

Or choose a city and discover what’s happening locally.


Discover Locally Owned Orange County

The places that give Orange County its character aren’t always the biggest or the most advertised.

They’re the neighborhood restaurant where the owner knows the regulars. The independent coffee shop. The local brewery. The family-owned service business. The boutique you didn’t know existed. The businesses supporting local schools, charities, chambers and community events.

Thrive Local OC was created to make those businesses easier to discover.

When you have a choice, THINK LOCAL FIRST.


Explore More. Stay Local.

Whether you’ve lived in Orange County for decades, just moved here or you’re visiting for the weekend, there’s always something local you haven’t discovered yet.

Pick a city. Find something to do. Try somewhere new. Support the people and businesses that make Orange County unique.

Explore Orange County. Discover Local. THINK LOCAL FIRST.