##2. Explore the Orange County Beer SceneThe craft beer scene is sweeping the nation, and Orange County is one of the movement’s shiniest West Coast stars. They have the hardware to back this up – several Orange County breweries boast medals from Denver’s prestigious annual Great American Beer Festival.While several dozen indie breweries dot the OC, the majority are found in Anaheim; the same city Disneyland calls home. None of the Anaheim breweries are within walking distance of the park, but most are easily accessible with a transport service.##3. Take a Knott’s Berry Farm AdventureOrange County has another amusement park, and it’s been around longer. Located in Buena Park roughly seven miles north of Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm has been entertaining visitors of all ages since 1940, when founder Walter Knott constructed a replica of an Old West ghost town near the site of his original berry stand.The ghost town still stands, but the park’s bevy of roller coasters are the main attraction for thrill-seekers. Knott’s is also home to Camp Snoopy, a section devoted to kid-friendly rides and activities. In the summer, visitors can grab their swim trunks and play at Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, located across the street.##4. Explore Orange County MuseumsOrange County is home to an abundant museum scene, covering enough subjects to delight visitors of all stripes. Here is a list of the top venues that can inject a little culture into your Orange County getaway.– Richard M. Nixon Library and Birthplace – Museum devoted to the life and times of the 37th President.– Mission San Juan Capistrano – 18th-century Spanish mission containing the oldest functional building in California.– Bower’s Museum – Art museum containing a wealth of ancient Native American and Mesoamerican artifacts.– Lyon Air Museum – Military museum displaying aircraft, vehicles, and memorabilia, with an emphasis on World War II.– MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center – Museum dedicated to exhibits promoting history, art, and cultural heritage.
##5. South Coast Plaza ShoppingSometimes, you need to put some retail therapy into your vacation. In Orange County, there is no better place to engage in this essential activity than by dropping by South Coast Plaza. Built in 1967, the sprawling indoor shopping center is far too chic to be called a mall, especially when you consider the luxury stores contained within. High-end brands like Hermes, Balenciaga, Prada, and Christian Louboutin all have a presence here.While the notion of South Coast Plaza shopping typically ties to the upscale stores that draw an international audience, the center does have several shopping options for budget-conscious visitors. Plus, it never costs a penny to window shop. ##6. Visit Orange County Art GalleriesThe affluent coastal city of Laguna Beach was founded as a sleepy artist commune back in the 1920s. Nearly 100 years later, its artistic spirit is still going strong. You’ll find dozens of small independent art galleries within the city’s quaint downtown, ranging from spaces devoted to well-known contemporary artists to indie galleries promoting local works and plein air paintings – a Laguna Beach specialty.If you want to check out something a bit larger, you can walk a block west of downtown and arrive at the Laguna Art Museum. Originally established in 1918, this cliffside building contains over 3,500 works of California art, ranging from the early nineteenth century to present day.##7. Explore Orange County Hiking TrailsA vast network of hiking trails cuts through Orange County’s abundant, if not underrated, natural splendor. These pathways offer something for casual hikers and hardcore outdoor enthusiasts alike, from easygoing walks along untamed coastline to challenging double-digit mile hikes through foothills and canyons.OC’s more rugged trails are indeed strenuous. However, those that successfully tackle these paths are rewarded with some of the most breathtaking panoramic views the county has to offer. Some of these hiking trails weave past seasonal waterfalls, while others lead to abandoned cabins and mining equipment – artifacts that hearken back to a time when OC’s foothills were mined for silver.##How Do I Visit These Places?Orange County is in Southern California, so public transportation is poor. After you have [booked a cheap flight into Orange County](https://www.skyscanner.com/), you will also need [to rent a car](https://www.skyscanner.com/car-rental/?pick_up_date=2018-04&drop_off_date=2018-04). These destinations are spread all throughout the county, so be prepared to do a fair deal of driving. You still may want to consider [booking a hotel near Disneyland](https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/hotels-near-disneyland). The park’s Anaheim location is relatively centralized in Orange County and offers easy freeway access. If you avoid Southern California’s notorious rush hour traffic, you will be able to get to most of these destinations within 30 to 40 minutes. Of course, you’ll also be close to Disneyland should you decide to spend a day at the park.Ready to go? [Learn how to find extremely cheap last minute deals](https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/last-minute-flights-how-to-find-extremely-cheap-last-minute-flight-deals) with Skyscanner. [](https://skyscanner.onelink.me/2179536732?pid=skyscanner&c=us-travel-newspages&af_channel=internal&af_ad_type=download_button&af_ad=download)
