Low-key attractions that can make for a high-quality day out!
Looking to explore some of Orange County’s lesser known attractions?
Want to plan a day out that goes off the beaten track?
Searching for cool and unique OC destinations that most of your family and friends have never heard of?
We got you!
Unusual things to do in Orange County
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key than the well-known (and always crowded) destinations of Orange County, such as Disneyland and Fashion Island, don’t worry!
There are plenty of unique and hidden attractions waiting to be explored that will amaze your family and friends – whether they’re there with you in your group or catching the details from your Instagram Reels.
Here are our top picks for lesser-known Orange County destinations that are worth a visit.
Black Star Canyon Falls Trail
A view from the trail.
Would you love to spend a day finding a way through rocky roads and skiddy terrain to reach a beautiful waterfall?
Then head for this trail in Black Star Canyon in Silverado on your next day out.
This 7.1-mile (out-and-back) trail takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete.
Don’t feel like you have to complete the entire trail – feel free to make it shorter if that suits your preferences better.
Parking is free, no permits are required, and dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash.
Check weather conditions before you finalize your plans.
And we recommend long sleeves and pants – you might brush up against the odd poison oak during your hike.
Ready to put your hiking skills to the test at this hidden Orange County destination?
Pro tip: The Canyon is said to be haunted. There’s no one in your group that jumps if you say “boo”, is there?
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Intrepid Escape Rooms
That’s our lobby.
Ever sat through a movie, thinking, “it would be awesome if I could be part of the action instead of just watching”?
Well, here’s your chance to take part in an adventure where YOU drive the action.
You and your group will be led into a themed indoor adventure space, where your mission will unfold.
Working as a team, you’ll have to solve puzzles, crack codes, figure out how to open special locks, and spot clues to find the way forward.
With the clock ticking down, can you keep your wits about yourself and get to the bottom of things before you’re out of time?
Our adventures
Right now, we have 2 on-site escape adventures based on entirely different themes:
- The Terminal: You’re a group of urban explorers exploring an abandoned terminal deep inside NYC’s subway system.
- The Stolen Relic: You’re a team of investigators sent to Malaysia to uncover the mystery behind a vanished relic and a missing anthropologist.
For further information, please visit our escape adventures page.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit the contact page
Email: info@intrepidescaperooms.com
Phone: (949) 885-0111
Little Corona Beach
Escape the crowds and discover the peaceful beauty of Little Corona Beach, one of Orange County’s top off-the-beaten-track destinations.
It can be a bit tricky to find – you’ll have to exit the Pacific Coast Highway onto Poppy/Ocean Street and follow the walkway down to the beach – but it’s worth the effort.
As one of the least frequented beaches in Southern California, Little Corona Beach is a great place to observe sea life and enjoy some peaceful, family-friendly fun.
Ready for a day of sun, sand, and solitude at this tucked-away beach in Orange County?
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Little Corona is a short drive away from Thousand Steps Beach, which is one of the best weekend activities in Orange County.
The Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
The image is taken from The Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens’ website.
Have you heard of Ole Hanson? He was a mayor of Seattle over a hundred years ago…and afterward, he founded San Clemente as a coastal resort town.
His mansion houses The Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens – an Orange County gem undiscovered by many.
Open every day at 10 am except for Mondays, the Center is part of a historic landmark.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the San Clemente Pier and Pacific Ocean from the beautiful gardens on the property.
A self-guided audio tour is available, or you can arrange a group tour.
They have many different kids’ events, including scavenger hunts.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Email: info@casaromantica.org
Phone: (949) 498-2139
San Clemente
A view of the San Clemente beach.
Located halfway between busy San Diego and bustling Los Angeles, San Clemente may seem a surprising addition to our list of low-key Orange County destinations to explore.
However, this charming coastal resort town boasts beautiful beaches, exciting trekking opportunities, and stunning exhibits of Spanish colonial architecture.
Nestled on a hill, San Clemente offers breathtaking views of the ocean and is the southernmost town in both Orange County and the LA metropolitan area.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Contact details: Visit the contact page
California Citrus State Historic Park
The image is taken from the Victorville Daily Press website.
Want to revisit the times when the citrus industry was a major part of Orange County’s economy?
Head for the California Citrus State Historic Park.
You’ll have a gratifying experience walking through the citrus groves in the Park, breathing in the zesty fragrance of fresh fruit.
Follow any of the trails that crisscross the park, and then sit down at a picnic table when you’re tired.
They also have a visitor center, a museum, and a collection of farm equipment you may like to check out.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Contact details: Visit the contact page
Phone: (951) 780-6222
Sherman Library & Gardens
The image is taken from the Visit Newport Beach website.
Located in the heart of Corona del Mar, this beautiful garden features a stunning collection of botanical gardens and a research library filled with horticultural and botanical literature.
Visitors can wander through the tranquil gardens and marvel at the variety of plants and flowers, the cactus garden, the koi pond, and much more.
The library is also a treasure trove for horticulture enthusiasts, with a wide range of books and other resources available for research and browsing.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature, the Sherman Library & Gardens is sure to please you.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit the contact page
Phone: (949) 673-2261
Arroyo Bird Park
It began as a local community project but has become a fascinating place in Orange County, well worth a look!
Part art installation and part birdwatching destination, this venue is home to over a hundred hand-crafted birdhouses, artificial trees, and everything else ranging from gnomes to small Buddha statues.
Plus, there’s a free library where you can browse through a collection of interesting books.
And if you get in the mood to create something of your own to add to the Park, there’s an art supply station where you can get what you need.
This quaint little place is located at the intersection of Calle Arroyo and Via Sonora near San Juan Creek.
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Fullerton Arboretum
The image is taken from Fullerton Arboretum’s website.
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and relax and unwind at the Fullerton Arboretum, the largest botanical garden in Orange County.
Boasting a rich collection of over 4,000 plants from around the world, the arboretum is a haven for nature lovers.
In addition to the beautiful gardens, you can also visit the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum onsite, which offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history.
Take a break from your busy schedule and reconnect with nature at Fullerton Arboretum.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Email: farboretum@fullerton.edu
Phone: (657) 278-3407
Noguchi Garden
The image is taken from the South Coast Plaza website.
The Noguchi Garden is an art lover’s paradise located in Orange County.
This unique outdoor destination is designed to represent the diverse geography of California, incorporating indigenous plants and materials.
Visitors can explore six different areas: the Forest Walk, Land Use, Desert Land, Water Source, Water Use, and Energy Fountain.
The standout feature of the garden is The Spirit of the Lima Bean, a dramatic sculpture made up of 15 rust-colored granite rocks expertly cut to fit together.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Bonus: 5 curious OC attractions you should check out
Having revealed the top 10 hidden gems you should explore in Orange County, here are 5 specific OC attractions for you to check out.
Bunnyhenge in Newport Beach
When Newport Beach renovated their Civic Center in 2013, one of their strangest additions was a collection of fourteen large concrete bunnies in a circle, “staring” at one another.
There are two more bunnies, each over 8 feet tall, nearby.
While they were supposed to be a children’s attraction, they sparked interest among everyone – kids and adults alike.
Some find them creepy, and others enthusiastically dress them up for St. Patrick’s Day and take pictures for social media.
What do you think?
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
The Stephen Hillenburg Memorial
Who hasn’t heard of Spongebob Squarepants?
Fitting then, isn’t it, that in 2020 a Spongebob-colored bench came up in Anaheim as a memorial to Spongebob’s creator – Stephen Hillenburg?
It was the outcome of the efforts of several Spongebob fans, including YouTuber Griffin Hansen, writer John Oseid, and Stephen’s wife Karen Hillenburg.
They placed it at Savanna High School (his old school).
Are you planning on visiting the bench…and perhaps taking a seat?
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
The Petrified Tree at Disneyland
Easily Disneyland’s most venerable attraction, the petrified tree is reported to be between 50 to 70 million years old.
It was bought by Walt Disney himself in 1956 as an anniversary gift for his wife Lillian.
The latter, it’s rumored, was not all that impressed and would donate it to Disneyland.
What do you think – could you muster up a smile for a photo?
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Peter the Anteater at the University of California, Irvine
In 1965 the student body at UCI voted on a new university mascot.
And the anteater from the famous comic strip B.C. won.
And ever since then, Peter the Anteater’s statues have graced UCI’s campus – the only university in the United States to have an anteater for a mascot.
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Modjeska Shakespeare in Silverado
Have you ever seen a statue that changes to fit the season?
That’s precisely what artists Pamela and Thomas Wishart do with a 75-year-old sculpture of The Great Bard.
They remodel it according to a different theme every holiday.
Will you be there to take photos of it?
Tucked-away attractions in Orange County that you should explore – a final word
Overall, Orange County is home to an abundance of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
From peaceful beaches to charming colonial architecture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor seeking out lesser-known destinations, these 10 hidden gems are a must-see.
So why wait?
Start exploring and discover all that Orange County has to offer.
