Our most recommended things to do in Orange County

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

1. Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a whale-watching adventure off Newport Beach, CA and look out for a variety of whales, including humpback whales and blue whales. Observe marine life in the wild and admire the Newport-Laguna coastline. On these year-round cruises off Newport Beach, many whale varieties are regularly seen including the giant blue whale (summer and fall), finback whale, grey whale (winter and spring), minke whale, and humpback whale. Several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life are typically spotted on the excursions as well. The cruises depart from Newport Harbor, located in the heart of Orange County, which is just a short drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. Each cruise is a unique experience as you may never know what you might encounter. A recent cruise encountered a pod of more than 30 killer whales, including adults and their young, making for a whale watching adventure of a lifetime. The cruises enjoy a 96 percent success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin.

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2. Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Set sail on a 50-foot catamaran yacht in search of wild marine wildlife on this cruise from Newport Beach. Enjoy the 360 degree walk-around deck that ensures that you never miss a moment with the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for giant blue whales, humpback whales, and pods of dolphins. Board the ship and set sail from the landing. Get up close to different whales and discover facinating details about these creatures from your naturalist guides that are eager to share their knowledge with you. Let your captain take you to places where the whales are more active to increase your viewing chances. Head to the front of the ship and look for bow riding dolphins which will glide just below your feet on one of the dual bows. Feel the excitement of watching these playful creatures frolic in their natural environment. End your tour at the meeting point where it began.

Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

3. Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

Book a one-way or roundtrip ferry service from Newport Beach to Catalina Island's Avalon. The ferry ride from one place to the other takes about an hour and fifteen minutes one way. For a round-trip service, simply book 2 separate one-way trips. All of the vessels have multiple decks. Snacks and beverages, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are available for purchase onboard, we accept cash/credit and contactless payments. We travel in the open ocean and can experience rough waters at any time. Catalina and Newport Beach both have many activities - great dining, water excursions, golf cart tours, and much more.

Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

4. Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

Head out on a whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Newport Beach. The waters surrounding Newport Harbor offer deep nutrient-rich waters that attract all types of marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every trip has the opportunity to see whales or dolphins. Look out for giant blue whales (during the summer and fall months), finback whales, gray whales (winter and spring months), minke whales, humpback whales, several types of dolphin (including giant rizzo dolphin over 14 feet in length), seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Most whale-watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are incredibly calm. The captain and crew have backgrounds in marine biology and can provide details about the marine creatures, environment, and ecosystems.

Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

5. Newport Beach: Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure

Take a 2-hour dolphin and whale watching tour from Newport Beach. Cruise in an open boat that offers 360-degree views from anywhere onboard, allowing everyone a to have close encounter with nature. Admire the stunning coastal landscape and look out for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.   Board a custom-built RIB, perfect for whale watching. The boat has a maximum capacity of 15 people, giving each passenger a piece of the action. See dolphins come almost close enough to touch. The boat can travel at speed and cruises up to 14 miles from port to ensure the highest success rate of animal sightings.

Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions

6. Los Angeles: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions

The Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass by Go City gets you into over 40 top attractions in the city for one low price. Save up to 50%* on admission compared to buying individual tickets and pay nothing at the gate. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, Dolby Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and many more of the best things to do in L.A., Hollywood, and beyond. In addition, when you buy a 3-, 5- or 7-day pass, you also get a ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood. You can take up to 2 weeks from when you first use the pass to use the remaining calendar days on your pass. The free digital guide helps you decide what to do, where to go, how to get there and how to make reservations in advance when required. Simply show your pass straight from your phone (or printed) at the gate or ticket office to get in. Activities, attractions, and tours included with the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass: Theme Parks • Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket (3+ day passes only) • Knott's Berry Farm • LEGOLAND California (choice between San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND) • Knott's Soak City Water Park Outdoor Activities • Hollywood Sign Tour • Celebrity Bike Tour by Bikes & Hikes LA (choice between self-guided or guided tour) • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour - Beautiful Newport Beach • Huntington Beach: 2-hr SUP board or kayak rental • Huntington Beach: Yoga on the beach • Long Beach Waterfront and Downtown Walking Tour • Santa Monica 3-Hours Bike Rental • Los Angeles 2-Hour Fishing Tour • 2-Hour Beach Bike & Skate Rentals • Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour Tours • Big Bus Discover Hop-on Hop-off Tour • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood • Big Bus Celebrity Lifestyle and Homes Tour • Dolby Theater Guided Tour • Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour • Glass Bottom Boat Eco Tour • SoFi Stadium Tour • Getty to Griffith Bus Tour • Long Beach Waterfront and Downtown Walking Tour Family-Friendly • Madame Tussauds Hollywood • Aquarium of the Pacific • TCL Chinese Theater - Tour or Movie and a drink (choice between TCL Chinese Theater or Hollywood Museum) • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium • Los Angeles Zoo • California Science Center IMAX Movie • San Diego Zoo (choice between San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND) Museums and Entertainment • Hollywood Museum (choice between TCL Chinese Theater or Hollywood Museum) • GRAMMY Museum • Battleship IOWA Museum • Natural History Museum • Autry Museum of the American West • Museum of Latin American Art • Cabrillo Maritime Museum • Richard Nixon Library • South Coast Shop & Dine Package • Holocaust Museum LA *Savings based on itineraries on Go City website.

Los Angeles: Weekend Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach

7. Los Angeles: Weekend Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach

Come aboard for a romantic evening away. Unforgettable views while listening to music, and a plated dinner all make this is a can’t-miss getaway for visitors and local residents alike. Newport Beach is classic California, filled with wide beaches and expansive oceanfront mansions. The community boasts a well-known small-boat harbor as well as popular destinations such as the Balboa Peninsula, Fashion Island and bustling Mariner's Mile. See the area while enjoying a luxurious evening out. Sample Dinner Menu: Assorted bread and butter (V) and your choice of a starter of beet and baby arugula salad with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette (G)(V), or signature seafood chowder with clams, flounder, potatoes, and cream (G). Enjoy your choice of main course with options like root vegetable fricassee with butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini, grape tomatoes, gremolata, and coconut cream sauce (G)(VG)(V), or broiled salmon fillet with roasted tomato vinaigrette with lemon orzo, and farm-fresh seasonal vegetables. Choose from rosemary and thyme oven-roasted chicken breast with roasted new red potato and scallion salad, haricot verts, and creamy mushroom sauce, or braised beef short ribs with Fresno pepper glace, garlic mashed potatoes, baby carrots, and Broccoli (G). Finally, end on a sweet note with your choice of signature chocolate cake with crème Anglaise, raspberry coulis, and candied pecans (V), or mixed fruit with strawberries Madagascar vanilla and orange cream(G)(VG)(V), or New York Cheesecake with lemon mascarpone cream, blueberry and compote (V).

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

8. Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Enjoy a five-star, eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching experience with award-winning customer service. Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®! This unforgettable cruise is fun and educational for all ages. Empty your bucket list and get up close and personal with whales year-round, including blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, gray whales, and more, plus several kinds of dolphins that can number up to 10,000 strong, sea lions, sharks, pelagic birds, and so much more. You might encounter rare animals such as orcas (killer whales), sperm whales, pilot whales, and more! During live narration our expert marine naturalists or biologists will take you on a deeper dive into the lives of these gentle giants; what they do, where they go, and the threats, both natural and man-made, that they face. Relax and connect with nature on a one-of-a-kind catamaran sailboat with the world’s only Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods. In the underwater pod, you will have the extraordinary experience of feeling what it's like to swim with dolphins and whales, underwater, without getting wet! On deck, three Eye-Spy Dolphin & Whale Tram Nets put wildlife inches below your feet. You'll have plenty of elbow room and comfortable seating on our uncrowded catamaran. At the conclusion of your dolphin and whale watching experience, we hope you'll enjoy not only a greater understanding of whales and other sea life but also one of our legendary Triple Fudge Brownies, served complimentary as a special treat.

Airport Transfer

9. Airport Transfer

Rosie Taxi Cab provides Airport Transportation solutions to meet and excel our customers’ demands. We strive to provide top notch customer service all the time. Rosie Taxi Cab Open 24/7 uses a booking engine platform to connect riders/ drivers. We service all over California and main Airport : Los Angeles International Airport, Burbank Airport, Santa Barbara Airport, John Wayne Airport, Long Beach Airport and many more. - Airport Transportation -Local Rides -Long Distance Rides -Open 24/7 - Reservations only - We Service All Over California

Temecula: All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

10. Temecula: All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a memorable day exploring California's famous wine culture in the beautiful Temecula Valley. Discover wineries of all sizes that serve up award winning wines, hospitality, wine knowledge, and stunning vineyard views. Depart your Temecula area hotel in the morning on a deluxe touring vehicle. Visit 4 fantastic wineries where you get to sample award-winning wines and enjoy the best that Temecula Wine Country has to offer. Relax as your guide liaisons with all four of the wineries, stow your purchases, and keeps you informed and entertained throughout the day. Sit down to an artisan-inspired lunch and dessert catered by an onsite deli and hosted in the barrel room. Explore the Temecula Valley Wine Country which offers more than 45 wineries on this flexible day trip which takes into account your preferences in wine and scenery, as well as any special events or offerings at the wineries. Get access to great discounts on wines through the tour. When booking, please select a food option from the list below and write in your selections in the notes during the booking process: • #1 Chicken Caesar Salad  • #2 Mediterranean Chicken Salad  • #3 Eggplant Caprese Sandwich • #4 Turkey Club Sandwich • #5 Classic Italian Sandwich • #6 Artisan Cheese & Deli Plate  • #7 Roast Beef Sandwich  • #8 Viva Chicken Wrap All lunches are served with a chewy Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie and bottled water. Spinach wraps are available as an alternative for ciabatta bread. Side house salads are served with Italian vinaigrette (on the side).

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What people are saying about Orange County

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 831 reviews

Love the Go City pass, super easy to use and very worth it for the price and actives that we have access too! and the app as well as the website was very easy to operate to purchase the tickets. One last thing, i would like to give a shoutout to the individual i spoke to over the phone to assure me of how the tickets and passes worked.

It is absolutely value for money.You should visit many places in the day otherwise if you go only to once every day , don't buy it.

We seen a bunch of dolphins and sea lions one super late whale but it was an experience. I will never forget. Scholarship

Really great, even though we couldn’t see the Wales they offered us a discount for our next booking

definitely worth buying this tour. Even if you will not see any whales.